2010 - Present Wine

Winemaker Description

The 2019 Bernardot is dark and austere with wonderful nuances of ripe red fruit. Tannins are very silky and delicate in this 2019, showing a lot of finesse, typical from the Barbaresco area. It’s an elegant and very expressive Barbaresco. One of the favorite vineyards of winemaker Alessandro Ceretto.

Expert Reviews

Wine Advocate Monica Larner 95 Points writes | The organic Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco Bernadot shows a broader character and a more open-knit personality compared to the Asili. There is a lot of dark fruit, spice, truffle and earth to frame the medium-build of this elegant wine.  (2019).

Wine Spectator 94 Points | A bright red, delivering a core of cherry and raspberry fruit supported by earth, mineral and wild herbs. Intense, complex and dense, this is solidly built and persists with an aftertaste of dark fruit, mineral and spice. Best from 2025. (2019).

Winemaker Description 

A superb and age-worthy Barolo by Giacomo Conterno, from the Francia vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba. 100% Nebbiolo. Fermented with native yeasts and aged in large oak casks. Red fruits, roses, tar, licorice and spices notes. Powerful and complex. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018 

Expert Reviews 97 Points Wine Advocate | Of the three Barolo samples I tasted from barrel (including Arione and Cerretta, which are also from Serralunga d'Alba), the Giacomo Conterno 2018 Barolo Francia was the furthest behind and the hardest to pin down at this stage in its infancy. I have opened my range of scores accordingly to compensate for the magical unknowns that are likely to occur as the wine moves toward greater harmony and integration before its commercial release. The wine is linear and pointedly focused, lacking the width and volume it will gain when given more time to flesh out and relax. The aromas are also quite primary and simple at this point, with dark cherry and even a hint of ripe strawberry ceding gradually to grilled herb, blue flower and baked brick. This vintage of Barolo Francia will require patience. (2018).

95 Points Wine Spectator | Delivers depth and power, with menthol and wild herbs shading cherry and plum flavors. The balance tips toward the tannins in the end, yet this doesn't feel overly astringent, just more structured than many '18s. Picks up a mineral element as this lingers on the finish. Be patient. (2018).

95+ Points Vinous | The 2018 Barolo Francia is powerful, deep and also a touch austere. It shows the edginess of all the 2018s, but also has a feeling of textural creaminess that adds tons of character. Spice, menthol, leather and a whole range of balsamic overtones build into the deep, imposing finish. Roberto Conterno decided to forego his Barolo Monfortino in 2018, opting instead to blend all the casks into his Francia bottling. When that happens, Francia often surprises down the road. That could very well turn out to be the case here. (2018).

Monica Larner writes:  The Giacomo Conterno 2018 Barolo Francia has opened beautifully since I last tasted this wine at the winery two years ago. It was closed back then (no surprise since I tasted it as an unfinished sample), but with the distance of time, the wine has blossomed to show blackcurrant, cassis, aniseed, blue flower and pencil shaving. The Francia is known for its magical combination of power and nuance, both delivered with seamless intensity. This vintage offers a savory component with hints of toasted spice or spent ember. The tannins are fine and polished.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 95

Winemaker Description

The 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet is our interpretation of a quintessentially classic style. The color is deep garnet and the nose yields aromas of dark chocolate, pomegranate, cedar shavings, blackberry, and leather. The palate exhibits flavors of blueberry compote, black cherry, espresso, and cigar box with bright and juicy fruit forward sensations. The texture is rich and bold with well-structured tannins that make it approachable now and will yield great results in the cellar for decades. 

Expert Review

91 Points Jeb Dunnuck | A wine that’s been made since 1967, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is a beautifully textured, medium-bodied, sweetly fruited charmer that has lots of cassis and redcurrant fruit, some spicy oak, ripe tannins, and the balance to evolve and drink nicely for a decade. I think it’s outstanding. (2019).

Winemaker Description 

The delicate and complex olfactory expression opens on aromas which remind of white flower, exotic fruits. There is a very beautiful complexity for a vintage where the end-of-season’s sun brought a lot to the aromas. Excellent complexity that translates into great and elegant richness. Nice attack, straight and bright, it takes place with elegance on fruity notes associated with a dense structure and a beautiful acidity which brings a great length in the end of the mouth. There are aromas of exotic fruits (litchi, mango).

Purchased by the Comte Lafond, an ancestor of the current owner, Baron Patrick de Ladoucette, Château du Nozet and its surrounding vineyards have a reputation for producing the finest Pouilly-Fumé. The vineyards are in Pouilly-Fumé Contrôlée, which includes Pouilly-sur-Loire, Saint-Andelain and Tracy-sur-Loire at the eastern end of the Loire Valley (including the vineyard of the Château du Nozet estate).

Both clay and limestone influence the delicate characteristics in Ladoucette Baron de L Pouilly-Fumé. This Grande Cuvée of Pouilly Fumé is produced exclusively in the best years and from the first pressing of the estate’s grapes. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling: 94 Points, The fresh and floral nature of this wine is more than evident, with black cherry and orange undertones. The palate is medium-bodied and refined, with silky tannins and mineral highlights. Tangy and crisp at the end.

Wine Spectator: 91 Points Cherry, raspberry, leather, earth and tobacco flavors converge in this broad, savory red. Tightens up, with the sinewy tannins leaving their mark on the finish. The fruit returns, so give this a little time. Sangiovese and Merlot.

Vinous: 91 Points The 2022 Chianti Classico Ama opens with a burst of dark red cherry/plum fruit. Vibrant and generous, with bright acids, the Ama is an absolute delight. Its forward personality and impeccable balance make it a fine choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. 

Winemaker Notes

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | Gently iodine-inflected and lively, the 2024 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc from Clos du Mont Olivet reveals aromas of white fruits, flowers and confit citrus. Medium- to full-bodied, satiny and layered, it is elegantly framed, with a concentrated mid-palate enlivened by delicate acidity—remarkable for a wine from this appellation. Primarily composed of Clairette and Roussanne, this is a stunning effort.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Based on 40% Clairette, 30% Roussanne, 14% Bourboulenc, and smaller amounts of other permitted white varieties, the 2024 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc was partially vinified and aged seven months in 20% new French oak, with the balance in stainless steel and clay jars. It offers very classy and classic aromas of pure stone fruits, white flowers, crushed stone, and some sappy, minty garrigue nuances. Medium-bodied and balanced, it shows integrated acidity and outstanding length on the finish.

Crafted from a 20-hour maceration of Pinot Noir grapes, each parcel is vinified separately in stainless steel and epoxy-lined tanks. The wine is bottled according to the lunar calendar and undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, preserving the unique characteristics of each terroir.

This meticulous approach highlights the natural expression of the Meunier grape, resulting in a fresh, vibrant rosé with nuanced red fruit, subtle spice, and floral notes. The wine balances elegance with intensity, offering a complex, layered palate and a delicate, persistent mousse.

Perfect for festive occasions, it pairs beautifully with seafood, charcuterie, or light poultry dishes, making it a standout choice for holiday celebrations or special gatherings.

Grape: 100% Pinot Noir (Saignée method)
Country: France – Champagne

Has a pale yellow colour with pale green hues. Its rich nose reveals aromas of honey, acacia and almond. 

Backed by fine acidity, this wine leaves a slightly saline finish that will leave your taste buds salivating.

Pairing Notes:  Aperitif, charcuterie, shellfish and fish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

The Wine Spectator 91 Points | A crowd-pleaser, with boysenberry and acai berry fruit flavors streaming through, while a silky but persistent structure carries this through the chocolate-framed finish. Caressing in feel, with a subtle savory echo at the very end. Drink now through 2033. 141,348 cases made.

Winemaker Description 

A blend of 70% Pinot Noir from 1974 plantings and 30% Gamay from vines dating back to 1953. The vineyard sits just outside Volnay, and it shows—there’s a refined, earthy edge that echoes the structure and elegance of that more famous neighbor.

On the nose, the wine leads with bright red cherry and plum, joined by subtle notes of underbrush, leather, and a touch of spice. The fruit is vivid but not glossy—on the palate, juicy red berries give way to hints of forest floor and dried herbs. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | Lush and intense, with mouthwatering notes of Key lime, tangerine and lemon cream. Hints of matcha, freshly grated ginger and white pepper add complexity and aromatics through the intense finish, where the flavors gain torque, power and freshness. 

Each year, Wine Spectator editors survey the wines reviewed over the previous 12 months and select our Top 100 based on quality, value, availability and excitement.

This annual list honors successful wineries, regions and vintages around the world.

20 of 2025 - Top 100 Wines. The Wine Spectator

The Wine Advocate 93 Points | The 2024 Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc leads with a gentle mix of cassis and vanilla pod, juniper, green apple and fresh linen, jasmine tea and petrichor. In the mouth, the acidity is bright, making for a crunchy, intensely flavorsome wine that has admirable restraint and finesse.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Decanter 94 Points | Ripe, round, and juicy with rich orchard fruit flavours, balanced saline-earthy notes and a slightly oaky character. 

Winemaker Description 

The wine has been crafted from grapes cultivated at La Planta estate, owned by Arzuaga Navarro’s family in Quintanilla de Onésimo, the heart of Ribera del Duero. The soil is clay-calcareous and the subsoil is pure limestone at one meter under the surface. The vineyard altitude is 911 meters above sea level. These specific conditions provide distinct features of the wine.

The wine boasts a deep violet red color. Clean and bright with a range of red fruits (raspberry and cherry) that dominate with a high aromatic intensity, joined by balsamic, cacao, coffee, and roasted tones. Fresh, elegant, easy, and balanced in the mouth with a lightly sweet, toasted, and pleasant aftertaste.

Winemaker Description 

History: George Elworthy trained as a winemaker at Lincoln University, and worked several vintages in Marlborough and overseas. When Jules Taylor started her own wine label in 2008, trained winemaker and hubby George Elworthy became general manager (or “general dogsbody”). Not wanting to let wife Jules have all the fun, George launched his own label in 2011. With his tongue firmly in his cheek, he called it “The Better Half” Style: Delicious, fruit-driven wines that are meant to be enjoyed right now. Not left to gather dust in your wine rack.

Winemaking: Wines are fermented using minimal intervention and modern winemaking techniques.

Vineyards: Grapes are sourced from a selection of grower and estate vineyards in sunny Marlborough, all of which are 100% certified by the Sustainable Winegrowers NZ Scheme.

2024 Vintage:

The 2024 Marlborough season was warm, dry and windy. Vine growth began late, and it quickly became obvious that the harvest would be much smaller than previous years.

With fewer berries on the vine, the warm temperatures through summer caused one
of the shortest ripening periods on record. Cool evenings helped retain acidity during ripening and balanced the concentrated, ripe fruit flavors.

Grapes were harvested from various Marlborough sites throughout March 2024, with a high proportion coming from the slower ripening, more aromatic Awatere subregion. The wine was fermented in stainless steel at cool temperatures and bottled under screwcap for maximum freshness.

Food Match:

Enjoy al fresco with fresh shellfish with a squeeze of lime, or any kind of salad. For
something more substantial, pair it with Thai- or Vietnamese-flavored dishes.

Winemaker’s Notes:

Color: Pale yellow.

Nose: Punchy citrus aromas of lime and grapefruit leap from the glass, along with notes of guava and fresh cut grass.

Palate: Dry, juicy and intensely flavored on the palate, with bright citrus notes and a pop of guava. The finish is long, carried by vibrant, refreshing acidity and a dash of salinity.

Expert Review - Vintage 2024 

The Wine Enthusiast 90 Points - Best Buy |  Appealing aromas of lime, white peach and kiwi fruit lead to a palate that’s shows lovely, delicate fruit woven neatly with bright acidity and padded by a softly pithy texture. It steersclear of the green, underripe pungency common to this style and is the better (half) for it.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Vinous 92 | The 2023 Chablis La Boissonneuse has another generous and well-defined bouquet with Clementine and peach skin, just a hint of candy floss and spice. Quite mercurial in the glass. The palate is taut and fresh with a fine bead of acidity. Sapid in the mouth with plenty of extract and umami sensation on the finish. This should be on your shopping list. Rated 90-92

Allen Meadows Burghound 90 Points |  In contrast to the Les Plantes, here the expressive nose is quite fresh with its notes of just sliced citrus, green apple and enough typicity to be convincing. There is excellent vibrancy to the sleek and well-defined flavors that display good length on the youthfully austere and highly refreshing finish. This isn't however especially complex so a few years of keeping are recommended. Rated: 87-90

Winemaker Description 

Beautiful ruby red color with an intense nose of fresh grapes and subtle black fruits aromas.

This is a complex wine that offers firm tannins and rich fruit. It has weight, density and a strong sense of ripeness. With balance and depth, it’s a wine with good aging potential.
Will pair nicely with all kind of meats (pork shank, roasted poultry), and perfumed cheeses (like crottins de Chavignolor other goat cheeses).

On the palate, the wine reveals a good structure and the evolution expresses some freshness that gives to the wine a very dynamic character and a contemporary style. Great with grilled meats and hard cheeses! 

Expert Review - Vintage 2016

The Wine Enthusiast by Roger Voss 89 Points | This 113-acre estate has been owned for three generations by the Pagès family. Rich tannins contrast with the spicy, toasty flavor that will soften into the ripe black-currant fruits. Drink this wine from 2022. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Jane Anson 96 Points | Inky, glass-staining in colour, this is richly textured and intense, easily rivaling the best ever vintages at the property. Filled with creamy damson and cassis fruit, with a sense of precision and restraint to the frame, held in by fine but plentiful tannins. 30% 1st wine, highest ever Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% new oak for ageing. An exceptional wine, marking 125 years since the founding of Suntory in Japan.

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | The 2019 Lagrange has turned out beautifully in bottle, wafting from the glass with aromas of cherries, blackberries and cassis mingled with hints of loamy soil, pencil shavings and bay leaf. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with an ample core of lively fruit, powdery tannins and succulent acids, it's suave and seamless, concluding with a long, expansive finish. The result of an extremely rigorous selection, and incorporating fully 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is the finest wine this château has produced in the modern era. Remarkably, it was released at the same price en primeur as the 2005! 

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points |  While I don't think the 2019 Château Lagrange matches the 2018, it's not far off, with a more elegant yet still concentrated style. Beautiful crème de cassis, spicy oak, tobacco, chocolate, and new saddle leather notes all emerge on the nose, and it stays tight, compact, and focused on the palate, with plenty of firm tannins. It opens up beautifully with time in the glass but merits 4-6 years of bottle age, and it should evolve for 20-25 years or more.

Expert Review

96 Points Decanter, Clive Pursehouse: This is quite the Chardonnay from Brianne Day and the renowned Eola Springs Vineyard in the best Chardonnay appellation in America. Winemaker Brianne Day chose three different blocks and three different cones: Hyde Wente, Mount Eden and Chardonnay 96 (a Dijon clone). She picked the Hyde Wente and Mount Eden early for structure and acid, and the Dijon 96 was picked later to flesh out the palate with riper fruits. Captivating lemon curd aromas and rich, honeyed apricots are followed by almond pastry cream - dollops of rich lemon cream, ripe peach fuzz, and rich apricot flesh.

Winemaker Notes

I have been wanting to work with another stellar Chardonnay site and was delighted to have the opportunity to purchase fruit from this gorgeous vineyard in the Eola Amity Hills. In an effort to get to know the vineyard well, I chose three different blocks and three different clones; Hyde Wente (California heritage clone), Mount Eden (another Cali heritage clone) and Chardonnay 96 (a Dijon clone). The Hyde Wente and Mount Eden were picked a little earlier for the structure and acid and the Dijon 96 a little later for some stone fruit and riper fruit. The wine is lively, lithe, and has a fairly solid mineral structure with a supple and glossy mid palate. Lemon curd, peaches, river stones, lime zest, sweet orange, honeysuckle and a hint of pastry all come to mind. - Winery

#1 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025

#8 James Suckling Top 100 Wines of the World 2025

Château Giscours, a Grand Cru Classé in 1855, is a wine with a big personality that expresses the expertise of our teams and the full wealth of our terroir in the Margaux appellation. Château Giscours is an elegant, well-structured wine with magnificently bright aromas. It is a wine that develops wonderfully over time, the enjoyment of which is passed down from generation to generation.

98 James Suckling: Stunning aromas of blackcurrants, dark mushrooms and black cherries with forest-floor notes. Full body that fills your mouth with fine, caressing tannins and dark, flavorful fruit. The tannins are very intense and structural, spreading across the palate in layers and giving intensity and energy. Plenty of energy and verve here. This has gravity, too. 64% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 3% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc. Best after 2029.

97 Jeb Dunnuck: The deeply colored and glass-staining 2022 Château Giscours is packed with cassis, black cherries, violets, and graphite-like aromatics. Medium to full-bodied, it’s concentrated and intense, with beautifully ripe tannins, a pure, graceful mouthfeel, and a long, structured finish. There’s serious depth here, and while it already shows remarkable balance. Rating: 97+

96 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: The 2022 Giscours has realized all the potential it showed en primeur, wafting from the glass with a deep bouquet of sweet berries, mint, rose petals and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, it's textural and enveloping, built around lively acids and sweet powdery tannins, concluding with a long, resonant finish. As I pondered two years ago, why is the 2022 so good? There are many reasons, but one is the high proportion of old vines—almost 60% of the blend derives from vines that are over 50 years old—in a vintage that favored vines with deep, well-established root systems.

96  Decanter: A seriously impressive and beguiling Giscous in 2022 and one of the most elegant. A remarkable wine with gorgeous clarity and purity and just the most gentle seduction, even more so because it really doesn't feel as if it's trying too hard yet still delivering depth and complexity. Fresh and lifted, fragrant and so juicy but with textured tannins that give both the weight, structure and density to the quite bright, tangy, vibrant fruit. Nicely composed, feels quite powerful yet restrained and finessed offering lots of immediate drinking appeal but with a serious backbone that suggests long ageing too. Elegant, fineseed, subtle confidence with such cool minerality that gives freshness all the way through. It's not the most dense, or fleshy, but so refined. A compelling wine. Possible upscore in bottle. 3% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. 3.70pH. A yield of 27hl/ha, the lowest ever. No Sirene de Giscours this year. 100% grand vin. Ageing 17 months, 50% new oak. 10-15% press wine. Tasted twice.
Barrel Sample: 96

95 Wine Spectator: Warmed cassis and plum notes form the core, while lilting lilac, violet and iris accents stream throughout. Offers a flash of black tea on the finish, along with a beguiling, cashmerelike mouthfeel. Judicious toast lets it all play out beautifully. A pitch-perfect example of the vintage profile. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.

Winemaker Description 

This Malbec shows an intense, deep ruby red color. In the nose are aromas of berries, cherries, followed with notes of black pepper and light touches of vanilla and chocolate. On the palate, notes of plums and spices stand out with an impeccable structure and juiciness.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | Owned by the Cuvelier family, proprietors of Léoville-Poyferré, this picturesque Saint-Estèphe estate has produced a fine 2019 Le Crock. Wafting from the glass with aromas of blackberries, currants, loamy soil and cigar wrapper, it's medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, with an ample core of succulent fruit underpinned by ripe, powdery tannins.

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Leads off with sweet bay leaf, tobacco and warm earth hints, which are quickly met by a core of steeped plum and black currant fruit. Shows subtle charcoal dusting and a note of cast iron that add fuel to the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2023 through 2035.

Vinous 92 Points | The 2019 Le Crock is a powerful, burly Saint-Estèphe. A rush of black cherry, scorched earth, licorice, tobacco and menthol makes a strong opening statement. Rich, virile and packed, the 2019 is big, hearty wine that shows the savory personality of Saint-Estèphe. The tannins are a bit coarse, but then again, that is to be expected. There is certainly a lot of wine here.

James Suckling 92 Points | Lots of blackcurrants and spices with some dried flowers follow through to a medium body with firm, silky tannins and a bitter-citrus and dark-walnut aftertaste to the fruit. Needs time to soften. Try after 2024.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | Celebrating its 30th anniversary (1991-2021), the Castello di Montepò 2021 Sassoalloro is a selection of the special BBS-11 clone of Sangiovese from across the estate vineyards. The property measures 600 hectares and has 60 hectares of vines that have been carefully mapped and subdivided with help from the universities of Florence and Pisa. This wine offers a 360-degree view of the estate's winemaking philosophy with a fresh and accessible dinking style. There is plenty of cherry, wild berry, earthy mineral and dried spice over a medium texture.

James Suckling 91 Points | Expressive nose of balsamic, sour cherries, orange peel, dried roses and spice box. Hints of cardamom and hazelnut. Firm, chalky tannins that spread across the palate, with a medium to full body and creamy, delicious finish. 30th anniversary bottling. Drink from 2024.

Winemaker Description 

The Toscana Rosso 'Sassoalloro' by Tenuta Castello di Montepò, owned by Jacopo Biondi Santi, is a red wine of great charm that tells the entire vision of the winery since its first harvest. A Sangiovese that has been selected from the historic family estate where the famous Brunello di Montalcino is produced, and which has been planted in this wonderful corner of Tuscany, not far from Scansano.

Vinified in steel, it matures for just over a year in barrique before an additional aging in the bottle. Deep fruity and spicy aromas, with notes of cherry and raspberry, followed by balsamic and herbal notes. Soft and elegant, fresh with well-integrated tannins in a solid structure. An elegant red wine with a definite territorial adherence, suitable for any occasion.

It is a rare phenomenon that a wine can trace its origins to a single man. Brunello di Montalcino, however, owes its existence to the creative genius of Clemente Santi and his nephew Ferruccio Biondi Santi who in the eighteen hundreds started producing barrel-aged single-varietal wines in Montalcino, betting on the extraordinary quality potential of Sangiovese grosso. Since 1888, the first vintage of Brunello in history, Biondi-Santi has continued to produce wines renowned for their elegance and extraordinary longevity.

No compromise. Only a painstaking, yet simple attention to detail and an artisanal sense of excellence accompanies the production of the Brunello Biondi-Santi, that is produced exclusively with estate grown grapes, hand selected from our high-altitude vineyards. 

#85 James Suckling Top 100 Wines of the World 2025

Blend: 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot

Expert Reviews

100 Points  Jeb Dunnuck: A sensational Pauillac as well as the finest wine from this château since the 2009 (although the 2010 might have something to say about that), the 2022 Château Pontet-Canet sports a deep purple hue as well as a heavenly perfume of crème de cassis, smoke, incense, leafy tobacco, and chocolate. This beauty has sensational purity, a deep, layered, multi-dimensional mouthfeel, flawless balance, and incredible precision and detail in its aromas and flavors. Despite its opulence and power, it has a solid underlying structure, and its tannins are sweet and polished; it has remarkable depth and concentration, and it just does everything right. It should have 40, 50, if not 60 years of overall longevity. The 2022 is based on 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, brought up in 50% new barrels, 35% in amphora, and the rest in once-used oak.

99 Points by James Suckling: The concentration of dried herbs such as thyme, sage and mint with blackcurrants and Spanish cedar is mesmerizing. Full-bodied with a dense and intense palate, this has creamy, crunchy tannins and a long and flavorful finish that goes on for minutes. Punchy and rich with lots of power. The real identity of Pontet-Canet comes through despite the hot and dry growing year. 57% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes.

95 Points by Decanter Magazine: Vibrant, vivid purple colour in the glass, rich and deep. Smells bright, super fresh and expressive on the nose with freshly-picked blackcurrants and perfumed purple flowers - the Petit Verdot, really standing out. Clean and clear, creamy, powdery and softly chewy on the palate. The texture is lovely, you can tell they haven't over extracted but there’s still clear concentration with a gentle succulence provided by the acidity, cool freshness and appealing mineral touches alongside liquorice, clove, dried herbs and bitter chocolate. Enjoyable and well defined if still a little compact. 3.85pH. 4% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. 15% press wine used. Harvest 8 - 28 September, the earliest and longest ever. 20% lower yields than in 2021. The technical team used a clay sunscreen on the grapes to avoid burning. Tasted twice. Barrel Sample: 95

Winery Information

For over three centuries, Château Pontet-Canet has been owned by just three families, showcasing exceptional stability and uniqueness as a premier Bordeaux estate. Today, the winery is run by the Tesseron family, with Alfred Tesseron as owner and his daughter Justine Tesseron as CEO.

Château Pontet-Canet is the first major Bordeaux estate certified organic and a pioneer in biodynamic farming, cultivating grapes without chemical treatments. To further protect the vineyard soils, the estate uses Percheron workhorses instead of heavy tractors on half of its vineyard — a true blend of tradition and innovation.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | Based on 70% Clairette and 30% Roussanne and barrel fermented in demi-muid and foudre, the 2024 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc is gorgeous, pure, and layered. It offers honeyed white peach, white flowers, subtle croissant, and spice aromatics. Medium to full-bodied and incredibly layered, it has remarkable acidity and a great finish that shows sensational purity and length.

The Wine Advocate 94 Points | Ethereal, fresh and perfumed, the 2024 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc opens with aromas of white fruits, herbs, spices and confit citrus. Medium- to full-bodied, pure and seamless, it is layered and textured, leading to a long, penetrating finish of great finesse. All precision and delicacy, this blend of 70% Clairette and 30% Roussanne is a stunning wine. It matured for six months in a combination of barrels, foudres and amphorae.

Memo Summary Notes 

Isabel Ferrando’s reputation for outstanding wines has grown every vintage since her first release in 2003. As a woman owned business and winemaker, Isabel has built a tremendous reputation producing highly acclaimed wines. 

"Proprietress Isabel Ferrando has taken her Saint Prefert estate to France’s highest level, and she’s unquestionably making some of the most profound wines on earth today, including both reds and whites.”   —Wine Critic - Jeb Dunnuck

"Hard work. Subtle tweaks. Responsible farming. An uncompromising dedication to quality. Isabel Ferrando keeps doing things the right way, and her wines are dramatic proof.” —James Molesworth, Wine Spectator.

"one thing that remains constant is the incredible quality that continues to emerge from this talented winemaker.” Jeb Dunuck. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2024

Vinous 93 Points | The first of the two white wines, the 2024 Versante Nord is a blend of varieties sourced from six different vineyards at varying altitudes from the north side of the valley, which receives more sunlight during the day. This wine offers a wealth of power, with notes of salted pineapples, fresh sage, smoky earth, and saline. It’s bright with acidity, salinity, and a light wild side, though very well-managed. It had been bottled just three weeks earlier, so this tasting was a preview prior to its release. Drink over the coming 8-10 years.

Winemaker Description 

This wine offers a strikingly pure expression of Mt. Etna’s eastern slopes. Grown on volcanic soils at high elevation, this white blend is taut, mineral, and refreshingly saline, with notes of citrus zest, herbs, and crushed rock. A brilliant new bottling from one of Etna’s most exciting voices—available now on pre-sale in limited quantities.

Eric Guido also last year assigned 91 Points to this plot- and said as follows of the 2023 vintage - Crushed rocks, dried flowers, raw almonds and freshly sliced nectarines form a savory bouquet as the 2023 Carricante Versante Est opens in the glass. Nearly salty in character, it washes across the palate with ease, showing tart orchard fruits and hints of lemony custard. The 2023 finishes with medium length, leaving a pleasant chamomile air to linger.

Producer Description

100% Pinot Noir

• From Cumières 1er Cru, three plots all on the midslope
• A pure expression of Pinot Noir from Cumières
• No malo
• Fermented and aged in demi-muids and barrels
• Aged 66 months on the lees
• Dosage: 3g/L
• On the nose, a complex bouquet of aromas of red fruit, baked apple and hints of dried fruit. Airy, lively and nervous on the palate. With its balance of richness and freshness, this Champagne stands out. It has the depth and complexity to accompany a gourmet meal. A fine match for roast poultry or mature cheeses.

Expert Reviews - VIntage 2023 

Decanter 92 Points | Jadot's white from its holdings at the top of the slope in Santenay is easy to love, with forward aromas of ripe apples, pears and a hint of white flowers. As technical director Frédéric Barnier explains: 'The whole task is to keep the freshness and balance. We blocked the malolactic conversion and won't go too far on the elevage.' His tactics seem to have worked. Although the wine is marked at present by the cask ageing (one-third new), this should be ready to drink at bottling.

James Suckling 91 Points | Attractive toasty and nutty aromas are married to generous candied citrus fruit on the silky, medium- to full-bodied palate. The bright, flinty acidity gives this excellent energy. Drink or hold.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Aromas of peach, pear, orange zest and toasted nuts introduce the 2023 Santenay Clos de Malte Blanc (Domaine Louis Jadot), a medium to full-bodied, satiny and seamless palate that's charming and expressive. It's another solid performance for this reliable bottling.

Winemaker Description 

This wine features a complex bouquet of raspberries, mulberries, and rose petals. The palate is supple, with a juicy core of red fruit that is bright and delicious. The silky texture completes the package for this gorgeous Juliénas.

Memo Pairing Suggestions

Food Pairings

    Classics: Roasted turkey, duck confit, or grilled pork sausages.

    Vegetarian: Mushroom-and-ham quiche or a savory mushroom risotto.

    Cheese: Creamy, soft cheeses like Camembert or slightly aged goat cheese.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

The Wine Spectator 95 Points | This is supple and complex, delivering cherry, strawberry, summer meadow, earth, leather and iron aromas and flavors. Firmly structured, this picks up a hint of licorice as it winds down on the lingering finish, with tannins that are solid yet civilized. Shows fine potential. Best from 2028 through 2046. 1,670 cases made, 540 cases imported.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | The medium red 2020 Barolo Cascina Nuova is spiced and fruity with notes of ripe grenadine, pink peppercorn, dried apricots, and polished leather. Open and approachable, it offers ripe, supple tannins, even acidity, and a clean finish with good length. It’s a very charming wine with a wide drinking window for enjoyment over the next 10 years.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

The Wine Enthusiast 94 Points | This is the flagship Chardonnay produced by Domaine Anderson. It is a glimpse into the winemaking style of the house, highlighting the cool climate, sunshine and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The nose conveys pithy apple, youthful nectarine and butterscotch candy. The palate intensifies these notes, along with high acidity, minerals, cinnamon and a mouthwatering finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Made from estate-grown, certified organic vineyards, including three single-vineyard designates (Navarro-Fairhills, Walraven, and Dach), the 2021 Chardonnay Estate is a light-bodied white that is tangy in acidity and fresh citrus notes, expertly showcasing both the cool-climate region and coolness of the vintage, one of the earliest harvests on record in the Anderson Valley. Meyer lemon and a twist of lime highlight the aromatic profile, with more lemon developing on the palate as a nice complement to the green and Golden Delicious apple flavors.

The Wine Spectator 91 Points | With sleek notes of lemon, pear and yuzu alongside racy acidity, this pops out of the glass, finding wonderful harmony with the grace notes of white pepper and vanilla custard, plus a hint of salted butter shortbread on the finish. Drink now. 1,000 cases made.

Winemaker Description 

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

Vinous 92 Points | The 2023 Etna Rosso Pietradolce is a dark and brooding effort with a whiff of flowery underbrush and ashen stone giving way to crushed black cherry. Silky smooth, it sweeps across the palate with ripe wild berry fruit and a collage of sweet spice, all guided by juicy acidity. The 2023 leaves a saturation of primary concentration and a tinge of tart blackberry while finishing with tension. This is far from an easy-drinking, simple Rosso. It should excel through medium-term cellaring.

This amber-colored wine is a bit cloudy. Guava, quince and jasmine aromas prepare the palate for Valencia orange, lime juice and yellow-currant flavors that remain energetic on the tongue from first sip to lingering finish.

Perfect to accompany grilled seabass or smoked fish.