"While this wine has density and richness, the structure gives it an ageworthy shape. Its power is tamed and given sophistication, while acidity and black-plum flavors give freshness. The wine will be impressive. Drink from 2024. Roger Voss" - 96/100, Wine Enthusiast

"This perfumed wine shines with black fruits. Against this, the wine's tannins are solid and firm, promising long-term aging. The wine's structure—black fruits against tannins—is a classic for this estate. Drink from 2024. Roger Voss" - 96/100, Wine Enthusiast

Kicks off with a pretty violet note, followed quickly by warmed plum puree and blackberry compote. The finish is laced up with toasted vanilla and dark tea accents. Aragonez, Touriga Nacional and Jaén.

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 Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from thoughtfully cultivated small vineyards in Napa Valley, primarily in Oakville, Yountville and Coombsville. Low yields and great clonal pedigree, combined with meticulous farming within a variety of cooler appellations, are essential to producing our Cabernet Sauvignon. We believe it is this blend of concentrated ripe fruit that results in our wine’s unique character, complexity, depth and balance.

Amazing aromas here with tobacco, crushed stone, cigar box, currants, tar, and lead pencil, as well as spices, iron, and dried ginger. Medium- to full-bodied, with a density and tightness. Very compact and complex. Racy. Delicacy with strength. Orange peel undertones. A wine to contemplate. You must understand it to understand the great Lafites of the past and those of the future. Only 12.8% alcohol. 92% cabernet sauvignon, 7% merlot and 1% petit verdot.

The 2020 Angélus has turned out superbly and underlines this estate's continuing shift to a more elegant, integrated style that offers a purer expression of its terroir. A blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc, it unwinds in the glass with aromas of cherries, wild berries, rose petals, mint and subtle hints of licorice, followed by a medium to full-bodied, beautifully layered and vibrant palate that's deep, precise and penetrating, concluding with a mouthwateringly chalky finish. Some 120 hectoliters of Cabernet Franc, amounting to around 20% of the blend, were matured in foudre this year, which no doubt helps to account for the significantly reduced oak impact in the 2020. 2027 - 2060

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.

Cigar box, smoke, herbs, cassis, espresso and blackberries with a savoury edge open the wine aromatically. The palate offers freshness, layers of ripe, spicy currants and peppery blackberries with chewy tannins that hang with you, providing length, vibrancy and refinement in the finish. This is going to age and evolve for decades.

Winemaking
After a pre-fermentative cold maceration, the fermentation of the must with the skins takes place at a controlled temperature for 12 days, followed by malolactic fermentation. Then the wine is aged for 6 months in tonneaux and 6 months in stainless steel tanks and 4 months in a bottle.

Tasting Notes
The wine takes on a pale ruby colour. Intense aromas are jampacked with blackberry, raspberry, blueberry and a slight peppery note. On the palate, it is dry, medium-bodied, has well-ripened soft tannins, elegant with plenty of acidity and a touch of spice.

This wine originates from vineyards with mostly clay soil. The grapes are carefully hand-harvested and then undergo fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Afterward, it matures for one year in Chesnut barrels before spending another year in stainless steel tanks before being bottled. On the nose, the wine offers an intense and alluring aroma, featuring plum, black cherry, dried figs, walnut husks, and unpeeled almonds, complemented by subtle hints of dried flowers. In the mouth, the wine presents a dry and soft character with a pronounced freshness. The moderate acidity is balanced by firm and velvety tannins, creating a harmonious and enjoyable experience. This wine is made exclusively from 100% Gaglioppo grapes, showcasing the unique and distinctive qualities of this variety.

A mild and very wet winter led to an early and even budbreak. The damp weather lasted all the way through Spring accompanied by some very cool temperatures. Miraculously, full flowering took place between the 7th and the 11th of June which was a 5-day period of lovely weather and relatively hot temperatures. These conditions encouraged a quick and uniform flowering followed by a good return of fruit. The midpoint of the colour change of the berries happened around the 10th of August, with excellent uniformity across all the grape varieties. Despite these unpredictable swings of Nature; the heat and the absence of rain, the vines could maintain a healthy foliage right up to the beginning of the harvest thanks both to the water reserves and to the ploughing of the plots. Harvesting started 8 days late. Light showers at the beginning of September and a lovely Indian summer during the picking meant that all the grape varieties achieved perfect ripeness and a healthy condition placing the 2016 vintage among the great vintages.

The enchanting Montepulciano d'Abruzzo casts its spell with a timeless blend of crushed rocks, violets, lavender, delicate hints of blood orange, and nuanced strawberry notes. Its textured, ripe wild berry flavors embrace the palate, leading to a delightful mineral essence that adds a satisfying crunch towards the finish. The wine maintains its elegance throughout, concluding with a lightly structured yet concentrated profile, accompanied by captivating floral aromas that linger astonishingly long. This is unquestionably a stunning and impeccably balanced Montepulciano. For optimal enjoyment

Exhibiting pure elegance, Potazzine Rosso di Montalcino unfurls gradually, initially presenting notes of red plum and dusty rose. With some gentle coaxing, it reveals violet florals, cedar, and crushed stone aromas that come to the forefront. The palate is captivated by a dynamic blend of succulent wild berries and contrasting saline mineral undertones, all complemented by a refreshing acidity. A lingering interplay of citrus and cranberry adds a delightful tension, leaving a pleasant pinch on the cheeks and enticing the taste buds for more, while gentle fine tannins slowly emerge, providing a delicate coating. This wine is truly stunning, but it is advisable to decant it or cellar it for the next five to eight years to fully appreciate its beauty.

Bordering with British Columbia at the northwestern tip of the United States, Washington State is gradually stepping out of the shadows of its neighbours with expressive and well-defined cuvées. Wrapped around flavours of blueberry jam, this Syrah adds accents of vanilla, chocolate and black fruits to its already exuberant and very ripe profile.

Casa Raia has 4.5ha of vineyards, ranging from 44 years old to new. Certified organic, the phases of the moon are followed to the letter to create biodiversity. All harvesting is done by hand and clusters are inspected carefully before destemmed. The Bevilo is a blend of mostly Sangiovese with small percentages of Canaiolo, Cabernet Franc and Merlot all co-fermented. Beautifully balanced with red cherry, raspberry, and hints of earth and savoury balsamic, it's smooth tannins finish easy and long. A rare find.

Like many South African estates, they are owned by Italians, and Morgenster is no exception! Purchased in 1992 by Giulio Bertrand, this founder fell in love with this 300 year old estate. Today it is run by mother and daughter team of Federica and Vittoria. The Reserve is the crown jewel of blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It has classic aromas of dark berries, black plums and cassis. Pure harmony as these classic Bordeaux varieties come together to create this beautiful, well-structured wine.

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.

The Boscaini family of MASI fame rediscovered the rare Oseleta grape, grown in the area of Valpolicella as a perfect grape to blend with the other Amarone grapes. With its extra pip and high skin to juice ratio, it provides a tannic edge to the blend. Unique as a monovarietal, MASI is the only winery to have a 100% Oseleta. The Osar is deep red in colour, clean and complex with hints of blueberries, blackberries and
fresh-cut greenery. The extreme tannins are well balanced with the acidity and alcohol.

The Vignobles Dubard Estate, founded in 1977 by two brothers and their sister, now brings together four dynamic family-owned wineries located on the right bank of the river Dordogne in the South West of France: Chateau Laulerie, Chateau Les Farcies du Pech, Chateau La Croix Romane, and Chateau Bel-Air/ Vieux Barrail. This is malbec as it's meant to be: distinctive aromas of spice and herbs, elegantly structured, memorable.

Passopisciaro is a small area (the name of a town) on Mt.Etna's north face on the property of the late Andrea Franchetti. Soils from this active volcano provides resulting wine with a vein of minerality that speaks of the terroir of this prestigious region. Rampante sits at 1000m asl and produces one of the finest, most aromatic of the volcano wines due to the sandy content in the soil. Dried flowers, smoke, sour cherries, and exotic spices dominate. It is the winery's most rarified and ethereal expression of Nerello Mascalese. Stunning.

Mazzolino Pinot Noir Oltrepo Pavese DOC  is a medium-bodied red wine with a ruby red color and an elegant bouquet of red fruits, cherries, and spices. On the palate, it is smooth and balanced with a long finish. The grapes are carefully selected and harvested by hand before being fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged in oak barrels for 12 months before being bottled. This Pinot Noir pairs well with roasted meats, game, and aged cheeses.

Colpetrone's Sacer Montefalco Sagrantino is a rich and intense wine that embodies the unique character of Sagrantino grapes grown in the Montefalco area of Umbria, Italy. It has a deep ruby color and aromas of dark fruit, blackberry, and plum, complemented by hints of leather, tobacco, and spices. On the palate, it is full-bodied with firm tannins and a long, persistent finish. This wine can be enjoyed now or aged for several years to further develop its complexity and depth.

We don’t often think about Nebbiolo outside of Barolo or Barbaresco, but the northern region of Gattinara is a quality region growing points-worthy Spanna, as it is known here. Elegant with aromas and flavours of dried roses, raspberry jam and hints of toasted nuts and vanilla. If you’ve never tried Nebbiolo from Northern Piemonte, this is a good place to start. 

This wine shows an earthy but fresh nose which evolves into fruity glimpses on the palate. The flavors' weight, from light to medium, contribute to a beautiful balance and length, one of the best in its range.

Vinho Oscar Quevedolda's wine is a combination of two Portuguese grapes, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz. Its color is a vibrant cherry-ruby hue, exuding the liveliness of youth. The aroma is a delightful blend of ripe red fruits with subtle hints of coffee and chocolate. Its taste is a perfect balance of elegance and richness with integrated tannins, giving it a distinct flavor. Produced and bottled by Vinoquel, this wine is a creation of Quevedo, a family-owned business established in 1991 in the heart of the Douro valley. Spanning 247 acres of vineyards across six properties, their vineyards offer a variety of aromas and flavors that Quevedo uses to create unique wines from subregions like Cima Corgo and Douro Superior. Enjoy this wine to the fullest!

This Santenay Premier Cru from the Clos Faubard vineyard, on the top of the hillside, has a ruby colour with a pale pink rim. The nose displays a delightful bouquet featuring fresh notes of peony, along with aromas of kirsch and wild strawberry. On the palate, this Santenay Premier Cru is supple with slightly smoky and peppery notes in the finish.

Louis Latour's vineyards cover 50 ha and includes the largest collection of Grand Cru in Burgundy, not to mention a name synonymous with quality. En Chevret vineyard is located in the Volnay appellation; an eastern exposition located close to Mersault. It has a bright ruby color and aromas of red fruits, such as cherries and raspberries, as well as floral and spice notes. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and well-structured, with flavors of ripe fruit, earth, and subtle oak nuances. This is an elegant wine with supple tannins and a round, slightly woody finish.

Bright deep purple colour. On the nose, it develops powerful aromas of red berries, cherry, and raspberry, enhanced by toasted and spicy nuances. Well-balanced, it is powerful and full-bodied with concentrated aromas of fruit and liquorice. Ripe tannins give the wine a velvety texture.

The emotion of Les Corvées reveals itself in the beauty of desire and the anticipation of the absolute. Stretching south beyond Gevrey-Chambertin, Les Corvées is situated in an area that is relatively flat with rich soils. This gives a taste of the finesse of the premiers crus which border its southern extremity. A deep garnet appearance with mauve highlights, producing a dark veneer in the glass. Purple tones with ruby glints, reminiscent of glorious years.

Pairs well with: Duck

Jadot Savigny Les Beaune Dominode Premie is a red wine produced by Louis Jadot winery in the Burgundy region of France. It is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes that are carefully selected and handpicked from the winery's vineyards.

On the nose, Jadot Savigny Les Beaune Dominode Premie has a bouquet of red fruit aromas, including cherry and raspberry, with hints of earthy spices and subtle oak notes. On the palate, it is a medium-bodied wine with flavors of red fruit, dark chocolate, and a hint of vanilla. The wine has a smooth texture and a long, elegant finish.

Overall, Jadot Savigny Les Beaune Dominode Premie is a well-balanced and complex wine that showcases the unique characteristics of the Pinot Noir grape and the terroir of the Côte de Beaune. It pairs well with a variety of dishes, including roasted meats, grilled vegetables, and mild cheeses. It is best served at a temperature of around 16-18°C (60-64°F).

Appearance : Nice deep ruby robe, limpid and brilliant
Bouquet : Open and pleasant aromas on blackberry and other black berry fruits
so typical from the wines from Côte de Nuits, backed by nice touch of toasted
bread
In the mouth : Full of fruits, powerful and complex at the same time ! Flavours
of undergrowth and blueberry. Tannins are well integrated and the wine is very
elegant and long lasting

After a classic winter, spring settled down with warm températures, but fabulous weather in April slowed down the vines’ evolution. May was rainy and was followed by a warm summer with heat waves. However, a few thunderstorm épisodes brought enough rain to allow the maturation of the grapes to continue. The harvest started in early September with an excellent sanitary level of the grapes. Vinification: whole bunch fermentation for approximately two weeks; the wines are then aged in our XVth century cellar for a period between 14 and 18 months—moderate use of new oak.

Tasting: Dark ruby colour. Delicate floral fragrances (violet) mixed with red berries and plum aromas with a hint of vanilla. Well-balanced and complex. Dense and velvety texture. Well-integrated tannins. Long aftertaste. GUIDE BETTANE & DESSEAUVE 2020 : Score 16/20 - JANCIS ROBINSON : 16/20 - BURGHOUND : Score 88-91/100

Food pairing: Game (pheasant), poultry and all the classic cheeses (Epoisses, Langres).