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.

A blend of Tempranillo & Cabernet Sauvignon that's expressive with red fruit, toffee, liquorice and notes of oak.

A Red wine from Bordeaux Superieur, Bordeaux, France. Made from Merlot 50%,Cabernet Sauvignon 50%

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 second label of First growth Chateau Latour is just as impressive as its big brother, and at 12 years old, if there is more than one bottle in the cellar, time to see how it's evolving. Not an epic vintage, but well made, nonetheless. The tannins are fresh, there is good weight in the mouth and the typical flavours of cassis, cedar and graphite are here in this iconic Pauillac.

The history of Chateau Duhart-Milon is not as well known as it should be. In the 18th century the wines of Milon became the "second" wine for Chateau Lafite. The 1855 classification awarded Duhart-Milon the only 4th growth in Pauillac, recognizing it for the quality of its soil. Sometime between 1830-1840 35 acres was left to the Casteja family who subsequently possessed a 99 acre vinyard name Duhart-Milon. Over the years the property changed hands many times and suffered a decline in the quality of the wines. The property was acquired in 1962 by the Rothschild family who totally overhauled the vineyards and brought back the quality of the wine as a 4th growth. This 2011 is a red blend from Pauillac in Bordeaux that is composed of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot, this is a medium bodied wine with finesse and purity showing ripe berries, tobacco, spice and leather with an excellent freshness on the palate. This wine is ready to drink now, and should age for a few more years yet.

"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

96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: Medium to deep garnet colored, the nose slowly, measuredly emerges with notions of preserved Morello cherries, baked blackcurrants and blackberry compote, giving way to nuances of pencil shavings, unsmoked cigars, Chinese five spice and sandalwood plus ever so subtle hints of cardamom and eucalyptus. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating black and red fruit preserves with a firm, grainy-textured frame and fantastic freshness, finishing with a veritable firework display of lingering spices and minerals. This is a more restrained, relatively elegant vintage of Latour that may not have that "iron fist in a velvet glove" power of the greatest vintages but nonetheless struts its superior terroir and behind-the-scenes savoir faire with impressive panache. It is drinking nicely now with suitably rounded-off, approachable tannins, and the tertiary characters are just beginning to bring some more cerebral elements into the compote of temptingly primary black fruits. But, if you're looking to drink it in full, flamboyant swing, give it another 5-10 years in bottle and drink it over the next 20-25 years+. (LPB) 96+ (3/2020)

97 points - Decanter

Decoy Limited Cabernet Sauvignon is a premium, fuller-bodied red wine from the acclaimed Duckhorn Portfolio. It highlights robust dark fruit flavors—like blackberry and black cherry—complemented by hints of dark chocolate, violet, and toasted French oak.

Orin Swift "8 Years in the Desert" is a bold, full-bodied California red blend (Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache) created by Dave Phinney after an 8-year, non-compete exile from Zinfandel production. Known for15.6% ABV, it features intense aromas of raspberry and blackberry with opulent, brambly fruit flavors, dark chocolate notes, and structured, ripe tannins.

Georgian Valleys Alazani Valley Red is a popular, affordable semi-sweet red wine from Georgia's Kakheti region, typically blending Saperavi and Rkatsiteli grapes. It features a ruby color, medium-bodied palate, and notes of ripe red berries, plums, and blackberries, with a gentle, smooth finish. It is commonly served slightly chilled and pairs well with desserts, fruit, and spicy cuisine.

Santa Cristina Le Maestrelle is a popular, modern Tuscan red wine (IGT) produced by Santa Cristina (Antinori). It is a smooth, medium-bodied blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Syrah, characterized by intense ruby red color, soft tannins, and notes of red berries, plum, and spice. It is known for being balanced and versatile.

The Masi Costasera Amarone Lunar New Year Horse (2020/2026 edition) is a limited-edition Italian red wine celebrating the Year of the Horse. Featuring a stylized golden horse label on a red background, this \(15\%\) ABV Amarone (\(70\%\) Corvina, \(25\%\) Rondinella, \(5\%\) Molinara) offers a rich, velvety profile of stewed fruit, plum, cherry, coffee, and cocoa, with over 30 years of aging potential. 

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 Château Haut-Simard 2014 is a well-structured Saint-Émilion Grand Cru known for its elegant balance of ripe dark fruits (black cherry, plum, blackberry) with notes of spice (cinnamon, cloves), earth, and subtle oak, offering a smooth, medium-bodied palate with supple tannins and a fresh finish, reflecting classic Right Bank Bordeaux character. Primarily Merlot with some Cabernet Franc, it's considered an attractive, harmonious wine that's enjoyable now but has mid-term aging potential.

Los Haroldos Estate Malbec is a full-bodied Argentine red known for its vibrant, fruity profile with intense aromas of ripe red/black fruits (plum, blackberry, cherry) alongside oak notes of chocolate, vanilla, and spice, balanced by sweet tannins, medium acidity, and a long, elegant finish, pairing well with grilled meats, cheeses, and stews.

Rtvelisi Napareuli is a Georgian PDO red dry wine, 100% Saperavi, offering a medium ruby color with aromas of strawberry, spice, and vanilla oak, leading to a smooth, fruity palate with licorice notes, subtle oak, and a seamless finish, best paired with roasted meats and served around 16-18°C.

Château Ksara Cabernet Sauvignon from Lebanon's Bekaa Valley is a full-bodied red known for its deep color, rich dark fruit (raspberry, blackcurrant, plum) and spicy aromas, often with notes of vanilla, cedar, and leather, featuring firm tannins and a long, balanced finish, reflecting its traditional winemaking in ancient cellars and a blend of power and elegance.

Guigal Hermitage Rouge is a prestigious, full-bodied red wine from the Northern Rhône Valley in France, crafted exclusively from Syrah grapes. A benchmark for Hermitage wines, it is known for its intense color, robust tannins, and ability to age for decades.

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 75%, Merlot 20%, Cabernet Franc 4%, Petit Verdot 1%
Drinking Window: 2003-2030

A Pauillac Grand Cru Classé that has matured to perfection. This distinguished vintage reveals remarkable depth and complexity, with layers of dark fruit, earth, and subtle spice, complemented by a refined, silky texture and long finish. A prized choice for collectors and wine enthusiasts, it embodies the artistry and heritage of one of Bordeaux’s most respected estates.

88 Points - Wine Advocate
“A solidly made effort, the 1982 Pontet Canet reveals some pink at the edge, but it remains a medium-bodied wine offering hints of menthol and red as well as black currants. Although it lacks concentration, the sensuality and suppleness provided by the vintage character are still appealing.”

Blend: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Merlot
Drinking Window: 1992-2030

Discover the timeless elegance of Château Lagrange 1982, a rare and celebrated Saint-Julien Grand Cru Classé. This iconic vintage has matured gracefully over decades, revealing layers of dark fruit, cedar, and subtle spice, with a silky texture and remarkable depth. Perfect for collectors and connoisseurs alike, it embodies the pinnacle of Bordeaux craftsmanship and is a prized addition to any wine cellar or special occasion.

94 Points - Wine Spectator.
“One of the sleepers of the vintage. Traditional and rich. Dark ruby-colored, with a slight garnet rim. Masses of berry, chocolate and raspberry character. Full-bodied and very tannic, packed with fruit. Lengthy finish. A youthful and concentrated wine; a relatively good value.”

Blend: 83.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10.5% Cabernet Franc and 6% Merlot
Drinking Window: 2032 - 2066

100 Points - Wine Advocate
“The 2022 Léoville Las Cases is just as remarkable in bottle as it was from barrel. Wafting from the glass with aromas of beautifully pure cassis fruit mingled with notions of violets, burning embers and subtle cigar box, it has already almost entirely integrated its new oak. Full-bodied, dense and layered, it's deep and resonant, with striking concentration, precision and harmony, concluding with a long, palate-staining finish. This striking Saint-Julien really is one of the wines of the vintage, and the best young Léoville Las Cases I've ever tasted. 2035 - 2065"

Blend: 56% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
Drinking Window: 2028 - 2060

95 Points - James Suckling
“A very structured red for Phelan Segur with incredibly powerful tannins that are long and linear. At the same time, there's deep, dark fruit underneath. Blackcurrants and blackberries. Medium-bodied with lots of grape phenolics and a palate full of dried spices. It's very muscular yet toned and balanced. 56% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon, 2% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. A Phelan for the long term. Old-school in a modern way. Best after 2029.”

Masi Mezzanella Amandorlato Recioto is a complex, ruby-red Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG wine from a single vineyard in Italy, characterized by its unique bitter-sweet almond aftertaste and notes of prunes, dried fruits, cinnamon, and dark chocolate. Made using the appassimento technique of drying grapes, it is a velvety, full-bodied, sweet wine that balances richness with acidity, offering a multifaceted experience. It is best served at 15–18°C (59–64°F) and pairs well with rich meats, aged cheeses, and dark chocolate desserts.

The Caymus Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 50th Anniversary Gift Box typically includes a bottle of Caymus Vineyards' 50th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon, often presented in a custom wooden box. The wine itself is known for its rich, full-bodied flavor profile with notes of dark fruit, vanilla, and espresso. The 50th Anniversary edition celebrates Caymus's five decades of Cabernet production in Napa Valley. The gift box may also include accessories like engraved wine glasses and a wine opener.

Mission Hill Reserve Syrah is a full-bodied, inky-colored red wine with aromas of dark fruits, violets, and peppercorn. It offers flavors of Bing cherries, rosemary, anise, brambleberry, and cedar. The wine is aged in oak barrels for 14 months, contributing to a long finish. It's known for its intense and complex palate, with nuances of violet, spice, and black cherry. The Reserve Syrah is crafted from fruit sourced from Mission Hill's estate vineyards in the Okanagan Valley, specifically Oliver and Osoyoos.

The Luce Brunello di Montalcino 2019 is a highly-regarded Brunello, praised for its elegance, concentration, and aging potential. It's described as a medium-plus-bodied wine with fragrant aromas of black cherry, blueberry, and toasted nuts, complemented by floral and lavender notes. The palate features fine, textured tannins and a long, mouthwatering finish. Some experts say it's already enjoyable but will benefit from further aging. 3 bottles, in an elegant black wooden display case.

Robert Mondavi Private Selection Pinot Noir is a medium-bodied red wine known for its ripe, red cherry and violet aromas, with subtle hints of Asian spice, sweet tobacco, and Madagascar vanilla bean on the finish. It offers flavors of sweet cherries and strawberries, framed by soft tannins. The wine is versatile and pairs well with a range of foods, from roasted meats and poultry to cheese and seafood

Blend: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
Drinking Window: 2029-2055

98 Points - James Suckling
"Really impressive depth, concentration and perfume this year, with fine tannins. Lots of violets, red flowers, black cherries and currants. Full-bodied and seriously structured, with impeccable freshness and a very long finish. Dense and powerful for the vintage, with tension, vibrations, good concentration and a tannin framework."

Crafted with elegance and power, Orma Toscana Igt 2017 offers a structured palate with notes of cassis, spice, and cedar —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

The 2014 Château Branaire-Ducru is a highly regarded Saint-Julien Fourth Growth, praised for its elegant, fresh, and balanced style. It offers a fragrant nose of violet, cassis, and spice, with a structured yet silky palate featuring notes of plum, blackcurrant, and graphite, making it ideal for drinking from 2021 onwards.

Reflecting centuries of winemaking mastery, Chateau Beychevelle 2020 offers a structured palate with notes of cassis, spice, and cedar —an exceptional wine that captures the soul of its vineyard with every sip.

Not always a first growth, Chateau Mouton, owned Baron Philippe Rothschild was originally a 2nd growth in the original 1855 classification, but after a 20 year battle was elevated to a first growth in 1973, now in the elite five first growths. In 1988, Baron Philippe's daughter took over the Chateau. During her time as CEO, she brilliantly enhanced and modernized Chateau Mouton. Her three children now are co-owners and united in the same ambition to carry on the work of their mother and grandfather. The Chateau spans 90ha in the Pauillac appellation on the left bank of Bordeaux. A red blend made with 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot which offers an intense, expressive wine with aromas of blackberry, cassis, pencil shavings, cedar and mint. The palate has fine tannins with a rich, medium to full bodied wine. The finish is extremely lengthy. Always scoring very high, put this away for a few years. Best from 2025-2040.

Blend: 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2027-2050

97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
"Based on 33% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc, and 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2024 Château Figeac reveals a classic Figeac nose of ripe blue fruits, sappy tobacco, flowers, and graphite. Medium to full-bodied, it has a fabulous, seamless mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, beautiful balance, and a great finish. To have this level of quality in a vintage like 2024 is mind-blowing, and this is one of the top handful of wines in the vintage."

Blend: 60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2036 - 2058

98 Points - James Suckling
“Very classy, the transparency of this Angelus giving brilliance to the pure fruit in such a difficult growing season. Medium-bodied, it has a compacted palate and creamy, polished tannins. Very melted and harmonized. Dark cherries, raspberries and orange peel come through beautifully with some stones. 60% merlot and 40% cabernet franc.”

Blend: 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2026–2045

A bold and expressive Saint-Émilion, the 2024 Château Larcis Ducasse delivers impressive structure and depth. Rich layers of dark fruit, spice, and florals unfold with power and finesse. This is a wine that showcases remarkable balance and ageing potential.

97 Points – Vinous
“The 2024 Larcis Ducasse is dense, powerful and imposing—almost surprisingly so. All of the mid-palate. Black cherry, plum, mocha, lavender, chocolate and cinnamon meld together in the glass, but it is the wine's mind-blowing balance that stands out most. This is another stellar showing from Larcis Ducasse. There's real potential here.”

Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc
Drinking Window: 2032–2050

A true classic in the making, Montrose 2024 is firm, precise, and deeply layered, highlighting its record-setting proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. Vivid cassis, cigar wrapper, and mineral notes meet refined tannins and remarkable length.

97 Points - James Suckling
"This shows finesse and elegance as well as plenty of subtle red currant and blackcurrant character. Medium-bodied with refinement and length. Tender, vivid and pure. Extremely well done in a difficult year."