$50 - $75 Wine

Winemaker Description

Raphaël and Vincent Bérêche have been farming with their father, Jean-Pierre, since 2004 at their nine hectare estate in Champagne. Most of the estate's vineyards are on the left bank of the Vallée de la Marne, in Ludes, Craon de Ludes, Ormes in the Petite Montagne and the area around Mareuil-le-Port. They also have a small parcel in Trépail in the eastern Montagne de Reims. The vineyards — planted to roughly equal amounts of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier — all utilize cover crops and have been converted to biodynamics since 2007. 

In 2012, they acquired their first Grand Cru vineyard, a .4-hectare plot called "Les Chalois" within the Grand Cru appellation of Mailly-Champagne on northern end of Montagne de Reims — vines are an average age of 60+ years. The Bereche wines are vinified mostly with natural yeasts, with about 75% of the wines fermented in barrel. There is no malolactic fermentation in any of the wines, and an increasing portion of the secondary fermentation is done under cork. Bérêche's wines are firm in strucutre with ample body and firm, mineral-driven acidity. They are amongst the most sought-after and coveted growers, rightfully considered to be one of the elite producers in Champagne.

Bérêche's Brut Reserve is a clear expression of the entire Bérêche domaine; a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier sourced from their home village of Ludes on the chalky Montagne de Reims, the sandy soil of Ormes in the Petite Montagne de Reims and from the clay-limestone soil of Mareuil le Port in the western Vallée de la Marne. The Brut Reserve, with 35% reserve wine, soars from the glass with aromas of citrus oil, green apple and a touch of brioche. The palate is medium-bodied with a great combination of savory notes and fresh fruit with a vibrant, mineral finish. 

Antonio Galloni writes: The 2019 Chardonnay Myrna shows just how compelling the vintage is for white wines. Lemon oil, white flowers, chalk and mint give the 2019 a brilliant upper register that almost comes as a surprise once the wine shows its superb depth and persistence. This highly expressive, nuanced Chardonnay has a lot going on and plenty to offer. - Vinous 94

James Suckling writes: A polished, minerally chardonnay with sliced apple, lemon rind and some stone and flint. Laurel and other herbs, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with a creamy texture and balance. Phenolic texture. Lively and stony. From mountain vineyards in Sonoma and Mount Veeder. Nice debut wine. Drink or hold. - James Suckling 94

Jeb Dunnuck writes: Ripe melon, honeyed stone fruits, and spicy oak notes emerge from the 2019 Chardonnay Sonoma Valley, a classic, medium to full-bodied, layered, rounded Chardonnay that stays pure, balanced, and lenghthy. Another impressive wine from this estate, it should evolve for 3-5 years, probably longer. - Jeb Dunnuck 94

Jancis Robinson writes: Deep straw colour. Zesty, mandarin fruit with some pear-juice sweetness. Finishes a little suddenly. Well made but arguably it could do with a little more grunt and character. But I am probably being far too picky. Jancis Robinson 16

Full bottle all of 1,450 g. Fruit from two sources: Bald Mountain vineyard high on Mayacamas planted in 1972 and Thornton vineyard west of the town of Sonoma. Fermented and aged in barrel (18% new) with 30% going through malo and prolonged lees contact.

Year’s Best US Chardonnay - Wine & Spirits Magazine

James Suckling 94 Points | Grilled pineapple, apricot, hawthorn, burnt lime and flint on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with bright acidity and a sleek, creamy texture. Balanced, fresh and long. Beautiful expression. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink now or hold. 

The 2019 'Dundee Hills Chardonnay' is a regional blend showcasing the best of the Dundee Hills AVA. Refined aromas of nectarines, honeysuckle, and bee pollen ascend from the glass, coalescing with notes of citrus peel. Layers upon layers of richness extend across the palate and crescendo to a seamless, persistent finish with lingering notes of lemon drop candy. 

This wine has the energy and drive to drink young or over the next decade. This wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered showing our commitment to minimal intervention winemaking. Winemaker Description. 

Our Professional Review

July 27, 2024 -  Dinner tonight was at a friend's house out of the City.  We had Salad, great dressing (Salt, Pepper, Sugar, Olive Oil, lemon, Sherry Vinegar), which amazed us because everyone was tempted to drink it 😀, sirloin steak, and creamy roasted small potatoes.  The first sips of the Malartic were just wonderful.  Fresh fruit flavors enveloped our mouths, pure and delicious.  This is a wine so well made it felt uncomplicated because of the impact of pure fruit, of course that is the art, complicated made to taste uncomplicated.  Over dinner the Malartic developed into a richly complex and layered wine; flavors began to appear: herbs, spices, and background oak and tobacco, yet always fruit driven.  If you want to have something really special we recommend this with 10 glasses! 

-Dorothy & Bernie, Follow the Drinker®

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | The 2019 Château Malartic-Lagravière showed brilliantly, with an elegant, pure, flawlessly balanced style. Giving up ripe black cherry, currants, tobacco leaf, and spicy oak, with textbook Graves scorched earth, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a beautiful layered, seamless mouthfeel, great tannins, and one heck of a great finish. It's not a blockbuster, but it excels on its elegance, balance, and complexity. Readers will love to have this in the cellar, and it will keep for 20+ years.  Drinking 2022 - 2044.

Robert Parker William Kelley 92+ Points | Aromas of raspberries, blackcurrants, charcoal and forest floor preface the 2019 Malartic Lagravière, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and charming wine that's lively and elegant, built around bright acids and fine, powdery tannins. This has turned out nicely in bottle and shows good potential for improvement in the cellar.  Drinking 2025 - 2045 .

Decanter Georgina Hindle 94 Points | Lovely vivid bright red pink in the glass. Pronounced nose, rich and vibrant. On the palate, this is crunchy with density and chew, a nice combination of texture and bright fruit. Lively with blackcurrant, strawberry and red cherry flavours alongside soft hints of dark chocolate and perfume. Delicate but also layered with flavour. I like this a lot. Bright energy with a density that is bold yet refined and sculpted. The texture and overall balance is excellent and this will provide great drinking for the long term. Such a long length. Purity and power. Elegant with finesse, purity and power.  Classic and well made.  Drinking 2024 - 2039 

James Suckling 96 Points | Very complex aromas of dark berries, mushrooms, earth, flowers and incense. Crushed stone, too. Full-bodied with very fine, refined tannins that are caressing and beautiful. It’s very, very long and persistent in the finish with subtle and complex flavors. This will deliver beauty with age. Drink after 2025. 

Jane Anson writes:  A successful and accomplished vintage at Malartic Lagravière, this is concentrated and upfront in its dark berry fruits, great control from the tannins, and tons of Pessac character and finesse. An estate that has become a serious heavyweight in the appellation, showing here gourmet, saline, precise character.  Drinking 2026 - 2042  - Decanter 95

James Lawther MW writes:  Darkest crimson. Inviting, somehow warm aroma of ripe cassis and black plum with a light stone-dust mineral quality to lift it above just fruit. Richly fruited, the tannins slightly thick, but generous and full in the mouth and then fresh on the finish.  - Jancis Robinson 16

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Description

Bright red in color, this wine represents the vintage well. Aromatically driven by cherry, strawberry, and Herbes de Provence with light green spice. On the palate, this wine is fruit-forward and balanced with acidity and structure. Cardamom and nutmeg spice on the finish. This wine, though youthful, shows great structure; a wet spring and warm harvest created delicate flavors and a powerful lasting finish.

Expert Review

Winemaker Description

This is a quintessential Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with pronounced aromas of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla that welcome you into the glass. Flavors of black plums, nutmeg, dark chocolate, and a touch of espresso enhance the wine's complex and full-bodied structure, with a core of elegant acidity from start to finish.

Expert Review

James Sucking 93 Points | The most widely available Frank Family cab is firm and structured in this drought vintage, wrapping moderate to full tannins around a mix of bright red cherries, black cherries, mint and cassis accents. (2021). 

Winemaker Description

James Suckling 94 Points | Savory berries and dried blackberries on the nose, together with oranges, dark chocolate and dry earth. Full-bodied and fine-grained palate, with a tight structure and fantastic balance, which indicates good aging potential. Long and savory, yet reserved. A textbook Amarone with freshness, savoriness and concentration. Drinkable now, but better to give it some time. Try in 2024 or later.

Winemaker Description

The warm weather in the last part of the 2021 vintage gave Barbera a potent, powerful frame on which hang the aromas and flavors of blackberries, blueberries, spice and earth notes. The vibrant acidity keeps the wine light on its feet, dancing on the palate, where the flavors of black stone fruits and black raspberries envelop the taste buds. There are notes of tannins from the tonneaux, which give a bit of structure but are in no way dominant. The finish has notes of wood, minerals and a long fade that lingers in the mouth. Vibrant, fresh, crackling with the energy of ripe black fruits.

Expert Review

James Suckling 91 Points | This is very attractive with fresh dark and blue fruit together with hints of violets, dried citrus peel and cocoa, following through a medium-bodied, textured and sleek palate with crunchy acidity and vibrant juiciness to the fruit. (2021). 

Winemaker Description

Full-bodied, fruity, fine and well-balanced with aromas of red fruit – raspberries and black cherries – and notes of black pepper, leading to more complex scents of licorice and herbs de Provence. The tannins are ripe, the wine fills the mouth with warm, generous flavors yet with an underlying structure that bodes well for future potential. A fruit-forward and accessible wine. 

Expert Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck writes:  While no 2021 was presented, the 2020 Gigondas is stunningly good and is loaded with notions of red cherries, framboise, sappy flowers, and pepper. These all carry to a medium to full-bodied, flawlessly balanced Gigondas offering ripe, perfectly integrated tannins, a layered, balanced mouthfeel, and a great finish. If I saw this on a wine shelf, I'd buy it. Drink bottles any time over the coming 15 years or so.  Drinking 2023 - 2038.  - Jeb Dunnuck 91-93

Josh Raynolds writes:  Brilliant ruby-red. An exotically perfumed bouquet evokes fresh red and blue fruits, potpourri and botanical herbs that are complemented by an exotic spice note building in the glass. Stains the palate with intense raspberry, cherry and lavender pastille flavors that steadily deepen with air. Delivers a suave blend of power and finesse and finishes impressively long and floral, with fine-grained tannins adding a discreet grip.  - Vinous 93-95

James Lawther MW writes:  Attractive red-berry aroma and flavour, the fruit smooth and plush on the palate, the tannins ripe and well integrated. Plenty of length on the finish. Just a slight glow of alcohol at the end.  Drinking 2025 -2032.  - Jancis Robinson 16.5+

Joe Czerwiński writes:  Tasted from foudre one, the 2022 Gigondas (keep in mind there is just one cuvée at this estate) is rich and ripe, with delicate floral notes accenting deep black raspberry and black cherry fruit. This concentrated, medium to full-bodied effort is zesty and long on the finish.  Drinking 2024 - 2038.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 92-94

Winemaker Description

Lush, layered and complex, this enticing Pinot Noir draws you in with aromas of ripe raspberry and black cherry, as well as notions of pennyroyal, clove and sweet baking spices. On the palate supple tannins and elegantly balanced acidity frame juicy flavors of blackberry and Bing cherry, with savory hints of nutmeg, leather and breakfast tea emerging on the long, robust finish.

Expert Review

92 Points Wine Spectator | Juicy and inviting, with tasty raspberry and mulberry notes infused with pine forest, red tea and wet earth accents. Keeps the fleshy, juicy feel through the lightly toasted finish. Drink now through 2028.

Expert Reviews

94 Points Wine Enthusiast | The second wine of Chateau Montrose is a major star in its own right. With dense tannins and concentrated black fruits, it has power and richness. The wine’s potential, impressive for a second wine, is very evident in the structure. Drink from 2026.

94 Points James Suckling | Very pretty blackcurrants and blueberries with floral undertones, following through to a full body with layers of ripe, polished tannins and a rich, flavorful finish. Needs time to come around and show itself. Try after 2025.

92 Points Robert Parker | The 2018 La Dame de Montrose is a blend of 52% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it springs from the glass with vivacious notions of redcurrant jelly, mulberries, juicy blackberries and stewed plums, giving way to suggestions of underbrush, wild sage and fertile loam. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with bright, expressive black and red berry layers, supported by plush tannin's and tons of freshness, finishing long with a spicy kick.

92+ Points Jeb Dunnuck | Looking first at the second wine of this incredible Saint-Estèphe Château, the 2018 La Dame De Montrose is a blend of 52% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all brought up in 30% new French oak. Lots of blue fruits, sappy herbs, tobacco, violets, and graphite notes all emerge from the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a round, concentrated, textured mouthfeel, and enough tannin's to warrant 3-4 years of bottle. A beautiful second wine with lots of Saint-Estèphe character, it will have 15-20 years of longevity. 

Winemaker Description

2018 marks an important step in the conversion of our vineyard to organic viticulture. The weather conditions resulted in strong pressure from parasites, requiring extreme vigilance. Vineyard management was complex, therefore, but the direction of our environmental approach was firmly maintained. The fine weather and heat at the end of summer, comparable to 2009, made the vintage, which expressed incredible potential in the cellar.The first tastings show the signs of a very great vintage, a subtle combination of the fruity aromatic profile of the 2009 and the precision of the 2016. 

Winemaker Description

Coming from a classic, Bolgheri vintage, Promis shows a bright, ruby-red color. The nose has hints of spice such as cinnamon and star anise along with pronounced red fruits like strawberry and black cherry. 

The tannins are juicy and persistent all culminating in a salinity that is a classic hallmark of good vintages in Bolgheri. 

Coming from a classic, Bolgheri vintage, Promis shows a bright, ruby-red color. The nose has hints of spice such as cinnamon and star anise along with pronounced red fruits like strawberry and black cherry. The tannins are juicy and persistent all culminating in a salinity that is a classic hallmark of good vintages in Bolgheri. 

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 93 Points | Very attractive hibiscus with sliced strawberries and orange peel aromas that follow through to a medium body with very fine tannins and a fresh and clean wine. Tangy and succulent fruit. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold. Screw cap. (2021). 

Jancis Robinson 16.5/20 Points |  Earthy and interesting on the nose. Already open and sweet but with good structure. Great for current drinking, with real interest and freshness. At the moment I prefer this to Block 3. (2021). 

Vinous 91 Points |  The 2021 Pinot Noir Bannockburn offers fine tension and sinew. I rather like it for being understated and having a corset of acidity and tannic tension around it. Sour red cherry, damson, wild herbs, a twist of nutmeg and it's all rather pleasing. Long, scented and excellent value with praiseworthy tannin quality. (2021). 

Decanter 92 Points | A hint of smokiness and toast appears first, still with the echo of slight reduction. The fine web of tannins on the palate holds oak as well as surprisingly dark fruit. Very juicy, fruity and bold, this is Felton Road's estate Pinot Noir, with just 25% new oak. Drinking 2022 - 2032  (2021). 

A classic Felton Road nose of dark blossoms: rose and violet with a compote of dark fruits. The mid-palate is just screaming Felton Road. Black cherries and cream on the nose introduced cherry crumble on the palate with baked spices. Very harmonious for a wine so young, but a brooding undertow reveals the intrinsic power of the wine. Four Bannockburn vineyards seamlessly integrating to provide many layers and textures. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Reviews 

Alistair Cooper MW writes: Wonderful purity on the nose, crushed violets, fig and ripe red fruits. Very elegant nose, super-fine and delineated tannins. This shows real class and elegance, it's light on its feet but has great concentration behind it. Will drink young but also age extremely well. Drinking 2023 - 2032. - Jancis Robinson 17.5

Jeb Dunnuck writes: I was able to taste two releases from Julien Barrot. Looking first at his 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Julien Barrot, which is a blend of 60% Grenache, 19% Mourvedre, 13% Syrah, and a handful of other varieties, it sports a deeper purple hue to go with a fabulous bouquet of kirsch and blackberry fruits as well as licorice, crushed stone, licorice, and ground pepper. It shines for its balance and elegance on the palate, but still brings substantial fruit as well as structure. It's a thrilling wine that will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades in cold cellars. Drinking 2024 - 2046 - Jeb Dunnuck 94

Joe Czerwinski writes: Mixed cherries and berries, hints of roses and garrigue and a touch of dark chocolate may be found on the nose of the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Julien Barrot, a fine example of this estate's main bottling. Full-bodied and supple, it finishes long and softly dusty. Already approachable, it should continue to drink well for more than a decade. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. Drinking 2023 - 2035 - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 93

Stuart Pigott writes: Rich and fleshy, but with excellent tannin structure behind it, this is a very impressive modern style Chateauneuf. Plenty of preserved cherry and black raspberry fruit with notes of rosemary and thyme. Lovely silky texture until you reach the firm finish, which promises many more years of life. A cuvee of 60% grenache, 19% mourvedre, 13% syrah, 5% syrah and 3% other traditional grapes for the region. Drink or hold. - James Suckling 94

Nicolas Greinacher writes: Hinting at some reduction, the 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Julien Barrot shows slightly less well than the 2019. Pale ruby-colored, it displays aromas of ripe raspberry, forest strawberry, red plum, dried herbs and a pinch of white pepper. Full-bodied, rich and refined, it concludes with a sapid finish. Drinking 2024 - 2038 - Vinous 92

Expert Review

James Suckling 92 Points | Very pretty blackberry and orange-peel aromas with floral hints. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Chewy and linear. Needs two or three years to soften the extraction.

Winemaker Description

Plush, big, plummy fruit and dark cherry. Very elegant and well-integrated oak. Surprisingly fresh and cool on the palate with medium grippy tannins. Very classy and delicious. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

Expressive aromas of red cherry, plum and orange zest along with hints of sage, clove and white pepper. The wine has great mid-palate structure, smooth soft tannins, flavors of red cherry, bramble berries and a touch of warm spice on a refreshing lingering finish.

Winemaker Description

This fresh and vibrant Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is brimming with aromas of blackberry, mulberry, cassis, and violet. On the palate, bright flavors of cranberry, red plum, cherry, and lavender are intertwined with supple tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, smooth finish. 

Expert Reviews

Wine Enthusiast 94 Points | Seductive oak spices and a plush mouthfeel come with abundant red and black fruits in this full-bodied, appropriately tannic wine that needs time to reach its full potential. Pine and rosemary accents merge nicely with the blackberries and blueberries. Best from 2028–2038. (2021).

James Suckling 93 Points | Spiced and creamy character with ripe dark berries and a chocolate and bark undertone. Lots of cassis and floral notes. Medium- to full-bodied, polished and sleek with chalky texture and hints of graphite at the end. Lingering finish. (2021).

Wine Spectator 92 Points | There's a nice streak of warm earth and singed cedar running in lockstep with the core of cassis and gently mulled plum fruit, with savory and mineral accents checking in. Restrained in feel overall, with judicious toast that lets all the elements play out on the finish. Best from 2025 through 2036. (2021).

Robert Parker 90 Points | Clos du Val's 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Malbec and 1% each Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Hints of thyme and sage accent cassis and cherries on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is on the fresher, leaner side of that spectrum, framed by fine-grained tannins and finishing with a strong note of mocha. It's a solid, all-around effort at what is a realistic price for Napa Valley. (2021). 

Winemaker Description

Expert Reviews 

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points | This is one of the great vintages for this cuvée and would be a wine for lovers of Bordeaux. The 2021 Le Serre Nuove Dell'Ornellaia sports a saturated red hue and opens to a great layered and harmonious nose, with aromas of kirsch, leather, fresh Mediterranean herbs, and crushed flowers that all resonate together with wonderful purity and depth. It’s open and generous on the palate, with refined, polished tannins, outstanding length, and refreshing acidity that’s seamlessly woven into the wine. Boy, is this hard to resist now and is a truly stunning wine from recently departed winemaker Olga Fusari. Bravo. Stash as much of this as you can away – it’s one for the ages. A great feather in the cap for Axel Heinz as well, it can only increase anticipation of the house’s top label for next year. Bravo tutti. (2021). 

Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | On the nose, hot, meaty, umami aromas hold court, but dark fruit and a sanguine, tangy metallic component prevent those notes of smoke, pepper and tar from becoming overpowering. Undertones of vanilla and chocolate lift the fruit on the palate, but unyielding tannins and energetic acid ensure the spicy earthiness endures. (2021).

James Suckling 94 Points | A firm and linear red with currant, berry, chocolate and cedar character. It’s medium- to full-bodied. Fine tannins that run the length of the wine. It’s tight and focused. Energetic and bright. 50% merlot and 28% cabernet sauvignon and the rest split equally between petit verdot and cabernet franc. Better after 2026. (2021).

Wine Spectator 93 Points | A polished red, complex and perfumed, featuring black currant, blackberry, plum, violet and iron aromas and flavors. Builds nicely, showing off its poise and releasing the dense tannins at the end. This should evolve well. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2025 through 2040. 3,252 cases imported. (2021). 

Robert Parker 93 Points | The 2021 Bolgheri Rosso Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia is a nicely extracted and rich blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This vintage is very generous, even opulent, with dark fruit that is framed by exotic spice, baking chocolate and softly toasted tones from French oak. The wine ends on a creamy note with vanilla and cinnamon. The oak needs a few more years to integrate. (2021). 

Critic Notes

Nicolas Greinacher writes:  The captivating Grenache-only 2022 Gigondas Le Gour is sexy and layered. Pronounced rose petal, crushed violet, orange blossom, quince and raspberry aromas rise up from the glass. The floral lift is just stunning. Despite its medium to full-body, this athletic 2022 red offers a seamless mouthfeel and is wonderfully light on its feet.  Drinking 2025 to 2032.  - Vinous 93-95

James Suckling writes:  A superb wine made exclusively from grenache from 80-year-old vines, silky and ethereal. The nose is seductive, with crushed wild strawberries, bitter oranges, roses and some peppercorns. Medium-bodied with finely grained tannins. Such finesse of texture, with a silky core of bright, transparent and succulent berries. There is tension and vibrancy with an infused character. Intense while being restrained and always in control. Long finish. Drink or hold.  - James Suckling 97

Winemaker Description

Luminous, quite intense yet moderately translucent blood-red color. There are aromas of dusty cherries, some licorice, a little bit of brambly raspberry, light plummy notes, a sweet hint of dark-toned primary fruit and a touch of boozy alcohol.

The wine feels juicy, youthful and quite primary on the palate with a moderately full body and vibrant flavors of tart lingonberries, some sweet black cherry tones, a little bit of savory spice, light sweet notes of overripe dark plums, a primary hint of candied fruit character and a touch of fresh bilberry.

The wine is high in acidity with quite modest, gently grippy tannins. The sweet-n-sour finish is juicy sour with quite lengthy flavors of ripe bilberries, some tart lingonberries, a little bit of sour cherry bitterness, light spicy notes, a hint of gravelly minerality and a touch of alcohol warmth.

Winemaker Description

Vibrant acidity and refined tannins seep into the fabric of this round red, which is laced with cherry, raspberry and floral aromas and flavors. Mineral and underbrush accents add depth as this plays out on the long, dusty finish. Best from 2026 through 2043.

Expert Review

Vinous 94 Points | The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Ugolforte opens with a minty freshness as flint stone and dusty rose give way to crushed cherries. Silky and pliant, this possesses an elegance not often seen, with violet and lavender tones accentuating its polished red and blue fruits. This tapers off with sweet tannins balanced by an orange hint. A structured yet mouth-watering sensation lingers on. What a beauty this is.

Winemaker Description

The wine is a deep, garnet-hued red. The nose exudes intense black fruit aromas enhanced by notes of vanilla, pepper and mild spice. From a structured and sappy attack, the mid-palate reveals a creamy, satin-smooth body on the black fruit and chocolate flavors. Perfectly integrated, smooth and well-rounded tannins linger on a pleasant touch of fruit. Floral and licorice notes usher in a long and elegant finish. 

Expert Reviews

93-95 Points Wine Enthusiast | This rich and juicy wine is full of black fruits. The tannins are ripe and integrated into the black currant fruitiness. While the tannins currently pack a punch, they will integrate and allow the wine to age. (2019).

94 Points Wine Spectator | Features a racy, chalky minerality that runs amid a core of steeped plum and black currant fruit, with lively cedar, black tea and savory nuance all around. Sneaky long too, thanks to its mineral thread. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. (2019).

94 Points Jeb Dunnuck | Based on 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot, the 2019 Château D'Armailhac showed beautifully from barrel two years ago, and it doesn’t disappoint now from bottle. Despite the high Merlot content, it has a firmer, focused, youthful style that's going to benefit from short-term cellaring. Giving up plenty of ripe black cherry, mulberries, and cassis-like fruit as well as textbook Pauillac lead pencil, forest floor, and tobacco, it's medium to full-bodied, has good mid-palate density, subtle background oak, ripe yet building tannins, and a great finish. It shows the vintage's more elegant, classic style yet doesn't lack for concentration or length. It's going to benefit from just 3-4 years of bottle age and drink fabulously well for two decades. It's the finest d’Armailhac I've tasted. (2019). 

94 Points James Suckling | A solid, linear red with a beautiful core of fruit and firm tannins, showing blackcurrants and finesse. Full and compact. It’s very fresh and aromatic with violets and hints of spices. Clean and vivid at the end, 62% cabernet sauvignon, 27% merlot, 9% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. (2019). 

92-94 Points Vinous | The 2019 d'Armailhac was the last vintage made in the old winery that has since been demolished to make way for a new gravity-fed facility that will be equipped with 50 smaller vats tailored to the parcels in the vineyard. It will provide greater space that will permit longer élevage if desired. It is fascinating to juxtapose again its Clerc Milon stablemate. There is more amplitude on the nose, it is more forthright with blackberry, wild hedgerow, tobacco and a subtle leather aroma. It comes across less high-toned than previous vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and slightly more mid-palate depth/grip than the Clerc Milon. The crescendo here is wonderful, fanning out towards the finish with subtle black pepper, sage and mint notes. This is a delicious d'Armailhac in the making. 

93 Points Robert Parker | More classically proportioned than the exuberant 2018, the 2019 D'Armailhac wafts from the glass with aromas of violets, blackberries and cassis complemented by subtle hints of licorice, sweet soil tones and warm spices. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and perfumed, it's fleshy and enveloping, with an ample core of succulent fruit and beautifully polished, powdery tannins.

93 Points Decanter | Thoroughly enjoyable Armailhac, with concentration immediately apparent on the nose, more so than in many vintages of this wine. There's a pleasing austerity to the tannins giving a confident but not overbearing structure with lovely juiciness on the finish. Of the three Pauillac estates in the Mouton stable, this has the youngest vines as an average age (although also some of the oldest vines in the whole of the Médoc, dating back to the 1890s) which sometimes holds it back from reaching full complexity of expression, but that is not something you'll be complaining about here. Instead you get a fresh core, silkily textured blackberry and cassis fruits with good balance. This is the last vintage made in the old facilities, as they are about to re-do the cellars. 

Clear, day-bright nectar with aromas of strawberry, pineapple, and a whisper of anise. Full-bodied, balanced, and fruity with a hint of honey. A silky, luscious texture and a long finish. Winemaker Description. 

Tempier's Blanc, with its delicate florals, subtle note of anise, and stony finish, tastes perfect alongside shellfish or grilled seafood. After a few years in your cellar, pair it with cheeses or serve it alone to appreciate the “honeyed and marine aromas” that develop with age. Winemaker Description. 

Connects the melody in a pleasing chorus that satisfies the whole audience. Leaves no one behind, sweeping the crowd into the cheer.

A harmonious blend of tropical fruit, toasty texture, and minerality. It seemlessly melds the different faces of northern and southern vineyards for a quaffable staple that will make you all warm inside.

"This red is all about finesse, delivering superb balance and complexity, with cherry, raspberry, earth and wild herb aromas and flavors. Succulent and charming, yet with a solid base of tannins and vivid acidity, this remains focused through the long aftertaste." Bruce Sanderson - Wine Spectator - 96 points

"The Caprili 2019 Brunello di Montalcino reveals a very pretty bouquet with a level of ripe fruit and pure cherry essence that does not come easily to a wine aged five years following the harvest. The primary fruit remains intact in this vintage. This village bottling shows velvety richness and concentration that stems directly from that exceptional fruit quality. There is rich texturing and fine chalky tannins to close. Some 55,000 bottles were made." Monica Larner - The Wine Advocate - 95 points

"The 2019 Brunello di Montalcino is remarkably pretty, wafting up with a blend of violets and lavender before giving way to steeped plum lifted by mint. This is racy and sleek, with cooling acidity and mineral tones that excite the palate. Juicy acidity enlivens tart wild berry fruits. The 2019 finds its center through the finish, as fine tannins emerge and a crunchy sensation lingers. Licorice and bitter blackberry notes taper off slowly. In a word, fantastic. The balance of complexity, structure and energy places the 2019 very high in my book." Vinous Media - 95 points

"A ruby/magenta color, the 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino offers more rounded floral aromas of preserved strawberry, baby powder, cocoa, and lavender. Medium-bodied, it brings forward excellent energy on the palate, with fresh acidity, good concentration, and a sustained and mouthwatering finish that’s pure and delicious. The structure feels more noble than the nose would suggest and perhaps just needs more time to come into its own, but this is a really delicious wine that I would love to have again and again. On the second tasting, it offers a more plush and velvety texture, and its chocolate notes last on the finish." Jeb Dunnuck - 94+ points

"Very pretty floral aromas with black cherry and orange peel. Medium body, firm tannins and a polished and silky-textured finish. Drink in two or three years and beyond. " James Suckling - 93 points

"Giacomo Bartolomei has been making the wine at his family’s property without an external consultant since 2016. He maintains an uber-pristine cellar, prepares a pied de cuve to aid spontaneous fermentations in stainless steel and has reduced time in wood to preserve freshness as the wine ages. From its deep ruby hue to its black cherry scents, the 2019 is youthful and primary. Accents of mocha, bitter orange and sage bestow complexity on the palate. Fairly robust and mouthfilling, this is buttressed by dry, grainy tannins. Could do with a bit more precision but there is potential here." Decanter Magazine - 92 points