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

Rich and dramatic, the 2019 Valandraud bursts with aromas of berry fruit, plums and licorice, framed by a lavish but far from exaggerated application of creamy new oak. Full-bodied, fleshy and sensual, it's broad and enveloping, its lavish core of fruit framed by ripe, polished tannins and succulent balancing acids.

The nose is delicate, mingling rhubarb and peach fragrances with delicious notes of white flowers. A fresh attack with notes of rhubarb gives way to an alluring, delicious and pure mouthfeel. Persistent and smooth, the finish reveals buttery and subtle aromas of Muscadelle.

In 1720, Maison Champy became the oldest wine company in Burgundy. By the arly 1900's, Champy has established itself as a premier wine company and had acquired more land in the Beaune, specifically in Savigny and Clos Vougeot. Pale yellow color with golden reflections. With a good intensity, the rich bouquet opens on ripe fruits (peach, apricot), on floral notes, and on notes of bread and freshly baked croissants. An elegant nose on a subtly woody base. On the palate, a good richness and smoothness with a long finish, opulent and round.

Contention as one of the top vintages produced here, the wine is strong on its floral characteristics. Once past the opening bouquet of white flowers and dried roses, you find plums, black cherries, black raspberries, mint and cigar wrapper nuances. The palate provides a lush, opulent, vibrant, energetic backdrop for its wealth of deep red fruits and oceanic influences. The finish has a touch of salty chalk that adds complexity to its wealth of silky, ripe, red fruits.

Picture walking into a flower show with a basket of fresh berries and a lit Cuban cigar, and while that is not quite PC, it is the aromatic profile here. The wine is fresh, bright, vibrant, lifted, and floral on the palate. The wine is elevated, refined, soft, and silky, with a refreshing, silky edge to the fruits in the finish. The wine is pure elegance. There is nothing between you and the fruits. There is intensity, length, and a striking sense of purity. The wine lingers seamlessly for 60 seconds or longer..

The 2020 Pichon-Longueville Baron is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and 24% Merlot aging for an estimated 18 months in French oak barrels, 70% new. The production of the grand vin represents 48% of the harvest this year. Opaque purple-black in colour, it comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notions of blackberry pie, preserved plums and crème de cassis, plus suggestions of Chinese five spice, chocolate mint, graphite and cedar chest with a touch of violets. The medium-bodied palate is built like a brick house, featuring firm, ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness to support the taut, muscular black fruits, finishing long and spicy.

Blackberries and black currants define the nose, palate, and character of this classy Pauillac. The wine offers vibrancy, chewy textures, and nuances of mint, tobacco leaf, cedar, peppery spices, and tobacco wrapper. Classic, classy, refined, and with ample layers of sweet, lush, dark fruits with the tannins to age, this will drink well early, yet it will also evolve quite well.

Chocolate shavings and smoked coffee bean on the nose, it's a vintage where you can't get away from the tannins, but here they have sinew and juice, like the best translation of the tannins in the year. This has a real purity of fruit (very low SO2 addition at Palmer) and the gourmet touch you want in Alter Ego. 45% of overall production. 3.73pH. Survived mildew better than in 2018 because of my experience in dealing with the conditions. August 15 to 29 for the harvest.

This Brut made as a Crémant highlights the typical freshness and fruity aromas of the varietal. Fresh, refreshing and fun. The vineyards lie in one of the sunniest spots resulting in a delicate salmon color with aromas of rose petals, cranberries with a twist of hazelnuts. Flavours of crushed strawberry, raspberry and apples.

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.

Philippe and Valerie Bassereau (4th generation) have been managing the Chateau de la Graves estate since 1990 in one of the more unknown appellations of Bordeaux: Cotes de Bourg (on the right bank opposite of Margaux). Here they specialize in the ancient Colombard grape, blended with Semillon for the white wines, and Merlot dominated reds. This gorgeous white wine is a blend of 60% Semillon and 40% Colombard that blends acacia flowers, nutmeg spice and lemony citrus that pairs well with many seafood dishes, both grilled and raw!

On the nose, it has aromas of dark fruit, vanilla, and spice, while on the palate, it is full-bodied with flavors of black cherry, plum, and tobacco. The tannins are firm and well-structured, providing a long and elegant finish. This wine is a perfect pairing for hearty meat dishes, such as grilled steak or roasted lamb.

This 100% Timorasso is native to the Tortona area in Piemonte. The ancient name is Derthona and often seen on the labels. Before nearing extinction, this grape was brought back to life by Walter Massa, knowing there was great potential. The grape ages remarkably well and will resemble a dry Riesling with five years of age or more. While the Costa Del Vento will be rounder, the Sterpi will be more mineral and sinewier, although elegant. Decant for best tasting experience.

Caparzo Rosso di Montalcino is a red wine produced by Caparzo winery located in Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy. The wine is made using 100% Sangiovese grapes, which are grown in the vineyards surrounding the winery. The wine is aged for a short period in oak barrels to enhance its complexity and depth of flavor. On the nose, the wine exhibits aromas of red berries, violets, and hints of spice. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with a good balance of acidity and tannins, and flavors of cherry, blackberry, and earthy undertones. This wine is a great pairing with grilled meats, pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces, and mature cheeses.

The Colpetrone Antica Chiusina Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a full-bodied red wine that offers intense aromas of dark fruit, leather, and spice. On the palate, it is rich and complex with flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and plum, as well as notes of tobacco and oak. The tannins are firm yet well integrated, providing structure and balance to the wine. This is a wine that can be enjoyed now, but will also age beautifully over the next several years.

A fleshy cuirassier with notes of licorice, spices, and dark fruits. Cherry, currant, and blueberry blend harmoniously, creating a velvety and sweetly ripe taste with splendidly integrated tannins. San Rocco exudes great power and austerity, with an incredible aging potential. A pure complexity and strong character, this wine is monumental.

Tangs of struck flint and lime zest introduce this richly concentrated yet zesty Chardonnay sourced from vineyards adjacent to the Grand Cru of Le Montrachet. Flavors of lemon and tangerine are opulent and piercing, softened by hints of vanilla, cream and smoked wood. Moderately full bodied but bold in presence, the wine should improve through 2035.

Aromas of fresh almond, apple, biscuit notes and mineral flavours. Structure is solid and persistent.

Located in Savigny-les-Beaune, this climat of Les Serpentières is located under Roichottes with 1 ha on a south-facing exposure. It was formerly called "Les serpentines" after the name of a species of snake that could often be seen in the summer on the hot and stony Burgundy lands. Made with 100% Pinot Noir, the wine has a complex bouquet of dark fruit, including black cherry, blackberry, and plum, with hints of earth, spice, and leather. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and velvety, with rich flavors of black fruit with a backbone of firm tannins with a long, lingering finish.

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.

Luxury is not typically associated with white wine, but this top-rated wine made from Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco is without a doubt, one of Italy’s most iconic. The beautiful texture and minerality of this wine will help it age for decades.

Maison Louis Jadot has been producing exceptional Burgundy wines since its founding in 1859 by Louis Henry Denis Jadot. For the past 150 years, Louis Jadot has continued as one of Burgundy's great names and gained an international reputation for its superb red and white Burgundy wines. Louis Jadot is one of the largest producers of estate Burgundies of the Cote d'Or and one of the most celebrated exporters of premium Burgundies, owning close to 140 acres of vineyards from 24 of the most prestigious sites in Burgundy. Pairs well with: Duck

Château des Quarts was created in 2012 through a joint partnership between two old friends, Dominique Lafon and Olivier Merlin. For over a decade, Olivier had tasked himself with sourcing and making wine from the best sites within Pouilly-Fuissé and bottling them under his own label. After buying grapes from Clos des Quarts for several vintages, he was first approached with the news that it was for sale. Having been already convinced of the terroir's integrity he jumped on the opportunity. The vineyard is located in Chaintré, the southernmost village of Pouilly-Fuissé. At just over 2 hectares, the oldest vines are almost a century old and are planted on clay-limestone soils. Pairs well with: Grilled chicken, Summer salad and Turkey

The nose is spicier than that of Pommard, with notes of cloves and peppers that intertwine with nuances of wild berries. The fruit emerges gradually from aeration. The flavour corresponds to the aromas: the wine is nicely full-bodied, with a grain of crunchy tannin and a frank vitality, it is the energy of Volnay that speaks and the wine is both built and lifted: molto vivace, as the musicians - it will give the right tempo to the best roast poultry. Organic

Domaine Elodie Roy is a small, family-owned winery known for producing elegant and expressive Burgundy wines with a focus on sustainable practices in the vineyard and winery. Elodie is a rising star in Burgundy; the trend of young, female winemakers carving their way into the history books. The Santenay 1er Cru 'Les Gravières' 2020 is 100% Pinot Noir from the one of the most well-known premier cru in Santenay. Wine from here will have rich flavours and high acidity. Elodie's Pinot Noir has aromas of plum, cassis, chocolate and spice. The palate is fleshy and full-bodied with concentrated fruit, smooth tannins and a lengthy finish.

Mineral yet textured. Solid buttery fruit with a white grapefruit touch note and faint mineral note. Lovely, classically-styled Meursault that shows a very fine balance between freshness and body. An east facing clay-limestone vineyard just below Genevrières.

Intense bouquet of fruit and flowers combined with a delicate mineral hint. Rich and subtil wine with good crisp, which makes it very balanced. Good ageing potential.

The Les Rugiens vineyard is one of the most prized vineyards in the Pommard appellation and considered worthy to be named a Grand Cru. The wines here are ageable and muscular due to the iron content in the soil. The aspect is southeast and receives ample sunshine during the day which results in the grapes coming to full phenolic ripeness. This 100% Pinot noir hasclassy black fruit aromas and a spicy, peppery background. Dense, fleshy, and harmonious, the tannins are rich, and the finish is lengthy. This will age for years, so put it away for a few years to mellow.

Attractive, sensual, balanced. A soft and persuasive Barbaresco. Velvety tannins and great body define this wine, that ends with a fruity finish and floral note.

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. Vosne-Romanee is more of an "elegant" appellation, where you'll find soft red fruit of cherry and strawberry and hints of mint and vanilla-chocolate.

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. The Premier cru of Les Suchots is 1.8ha with 70 years average age of the vines. This 100% Pinot Noir has a delicate nose with notes of cherry, violet and hints of pepper. The palate is full bodied, yet balanced with a touch of floral sweetness. Try in 5 years or keep for the next 5-15 years.

The 2008 vintage of Roberto Voerzio La Serra Barolo is known for its complex aroma, with scents of rose petals, dried cherries, leather, and spices. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and rich, with flavors of ripe red fruit, licorice, and tobacco, balanced by firm tannins and good acidity. The wine is typically aged for several years in oak barrels before release, which contributes to its structure and complexity.

Le Petit Mouton de Mouton Rothschild is a Second Wine from the famed First Growth, Château Mouton Rothschild, that offers an opportunity for oenophiles to experience its sensuous winemaking style at a great value. Château Mouton Rothschild was initially ranked as a Second Growth during the Official 1855 Classification, and in 1922, the estate was acquired by Baron Phillippe de Rothschild, a true renaissance man who added his name to the label. The Baron was a successful winegrower, a playwright, a screenwriter, a theatrical producer, a poet, and a Grand Prix racecar driver. He also referred to Château Mouton Rothschild’s Second Growth classification as a “monstrous injustice.” Pairs well with: Beef, Lamb and Venison

Second label of Chateau Latour. Critic tasting note: "There is a velvet touch to this smooth, rounded wine. With some dark tannins as well as blackberry fruits, it is rich with some concentration. At the same time, the acidity shoots through the wine to give a really fruity aftertaste." - 94/100, Wine Enthusiast

Mature plum, vanilla, toast and toasted oak sensations lead the nose. The palate opens with juicy black cherry and plum layered with coffee, dense chocolate and bitter espresso that slightly diminish the impact of its Nebbiolo pedigree and purity. It's already accessible but should also age well.- Wine Enthusiast

"Gorgeous aromas of mango, pineapple, lime and dusty stone follow through to a medium-bodied palate with a creamy, ultra-fine texture. Flavorful and beautiful. Wonderful length. Extremely racy and fine in the mouth. Drink after 2025." 94 Points, James Suckling

There is 52% Merlot in the blend and it shows in an enticing, opulent aroma of plum and blackberry. A little more backward than the other wines in the Haut-Brion stable so far, but all the ingredients are there to make a brilliant wine. There is a great depth of ripe fruit, impressively fine tannins, lovely balance and excellent length. It is superbly fresh and has exceptional potential for the future. (52% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot)

"The 2016 Durfort-Vivens is gorgeous. Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics and structure play off the natural intensity of the year beautifully. Blackberry, grilled herbs, licorice, leather and crème de cassis are all vividly sketched in this layered, expressive Margaux. (AG) " --- Vinous (1/2019) 96 points - James Suckling

"Subtle and profound aromas of blackberries, wet earth and sweet tobacco. Hints of spice, too. Full-bodied and so deep. It's incredibly vertical and long. Just like looking down a well. Firm and powerful tannins, yet polished and balanced. Goes on for minutes. One of the greatest ever. Try after 2025." ---James Suckling