90+ Points | Critical Acclaim | Wines & Spirits

Critic Notes

James Molesworth writes: Ripe, fresh and polished, this delivers unencumbered red and black cherry fruit notes laced with a tickle of tobacco, all backed by a just firm enough finish to keep this balanced and engaging. Drink now through 2025.  - Wine Spectator

Winemaker Notes

The 2021 Joel Gott Blend No. 815 Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of raspberries, blackberries, plum, and mocha with notes of cinnamon and cedar. The wine opens with red fruit flavors, followed by velvety tannins on the mid palate and notes of black pepper on the long, textured finish.

Winemaker Description

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label is the signature champagne of the House. Dominated by Pinot Noir, it offers the perfect balance of structure and finesse. Golden-yellow in color, with a foaming necklace of tiny bubbles. It is pleasing to the nose; initially reminiscent of yellow and white fruits, then of vanilla and later brioche. Note the fine balance between the fruity aromas coming from the grape varieties and the toasty notes, the result of the three years of bottle aging. The first sip delivers all the freshness and strength so typical of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label with a symphony of fruit following (pear, lemon). It is a true member of the Brut family, well-structured, admirably vinous. 

Expert Reviews 

92 Points James Suckling | This has aromas of grapefruit, citrus peel, quince, toast and almonds. It’s medium-bodied with creamy, fine tannins. Silky texture. Nutty complexity at the end.

91 Points Decanter Magazine | Noticeable fruit intensity and fresh notes of red fruits, fresh blueberries and a small amount of quince. Interesting and quite demanding. Blend : 55% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay

90 Points Wine Spectator | A crisp and lacy Champagne, with a hint of smoke underscoring flavors of poached apricot, pastry cream and pickled ginger. An overtone of Mandarin orange peel ties it all together.

Winemaker Notes

This vintage is of a beautiful presence, both in its rather sustained red color, as in its aromatic expression of red fruits and undergrowth with nuances of caramel and spices. On the palate, we find very ripe fruit with a nice freshness, the palate is charming. Round and warm, it benefits from good wood support and ends with a long and suave finish. Balanced, Château Loirac has a marked personalit

Critic Notes

James Suckling writes 90 Points | The blueberry and orange-peel aromas are all here. Medium body, fresh acidity and an attractive aftertaste. A little lean, but should soften by 2021. A blend of 60 per cent cabernet sauvignon and 40 per cent merlot.  - 

Neal Martin of Vinous writes |   The 2016 Loirac has a simple but pleasurable bouquet with wild strawberry and briary aromas. It just lacks a little complexity. The palate is medium-bodied with just a touch of greenness on the entry, classic and slightly leafy in style. Pleasant but probably early drinking only. Tasted at the Cru Bourgeois tasting in London.  Vinous

Julia Harding of Jancis Robinson writes 15.5/20 Points |  Deep crimson. Vanilla coating over the blackcurrant fruit. Dry-textured and slightly lacking in flesh but the tannins and freshness are good and this should be fine with a good dose of protein. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot.  Drinking 2020 - 2025.

Winemaker Description

The wine owes much of its complexity to its varied upbringing, unifying grapes from California's most notable winegrowing regions. Meiomi Pinot Noir brings you structure and depth seldom seen in a Pinot Noir wine, thanks to its unique and meticulous aging process. Aged for six months in French oak barrels, this California red wine's juicy strawberry flavor and notes of dark berries and toasted mocha add complexity and depth on the palate.

Expert Rating (2021 Rating)

Tasting Panel 90 Points | Following dusky aromas of briar, cinnamon mocha, and dark cherry notes of tobacco and chocolate licorice coat the earthy palate Dense and syrupy blackberry jam mingles with cedar

Winemaker Description

Made in the heart of the Prosecco DOCG zone, Nino Franco’s Rustico Prosecco Superiore is unquestionably the world’s finest value in a high-quality sparkling wine. Made from 100% Glera (traditionally called Prosecco), the non-vintage, light-bodied Rustico offers gorgeously elegant notes of pear, citrus and honeysuckle. The texture is creamy, soft and delicate with persistent effervescence.  

The word ‘Rustico’ dates back to an old winemaking tradition where Prosecco was made using a short second fermentation in the bottle and leaving the sediments in the wine. Although no longer the technique, the name ‘Rustico’ has remained as a reflection of quality and tradition.

Pair with charcuterie, risotto, vegetables, seafood and delicate pasta dishes.

"Rustico" opens with firm bubbles and crisp acidity. Light aromas of banana on the nose lead to fresh pear on the palate. It finishes clean and works well as an aperitif or matches with lighter hors-d'ouevres, salads, and light seafoods. Rustico is for everyday consumption and Primo encourages traditional Italian service in a wine glass (no flute) to get the most out of his wines.

Expert Reviews 

Eric Guido for Vinous writes 91 Points | The NV Prosecco Superiore Rustico wafts up with a remarkably fresh mix of sweet florals, melon and smoke. It washes across the palate with an elegant wave of ripe orchard fruits and sweet spices; a twang of sour citrus adds contrast. There's a slightly tropical feel to the finale, yet savory as well. The Rustico keeps the mouth watering, and hints of candied almonds slowly fade. Anyone looking to take their prosecco game to the next level without breaking the bank, look no further. 

Monica Larner for Robert Parker writes | Showing a light golden color, the NV Valdobiaddene Prosecco Superiore Rustico Brut is steely, dry and tonic with lots of tart lime, unripe peach and white flower. This perky bubbly makes good use of its Brut designation with tight, spicy beading and a very direct or immediate delivery. This is an ambitious and well-priced production…  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 

Ned Goodwine MW for James Suckling writes 91 Points |  A good style, gently turbid and highly textural. Alpine herb, almond meal and orchard fruit accents meander along a bead, more terse and direct than the norm, as if reaching for greener pastures somewhere higher up. The finish, dry and quinine bitter, evincing a touch of authority in the context of the style. Drink now.  - James Suckling 91

Alison Napjus writes:  Fresh and floral, this is softly sparkling and creamy, offering notes of peach skin, green melon, verbena and honeysuckle.   - Wine Spectator 

94 Points Wine Enthusiast | This lovely sparkler never disappoints. It's fragrant, with delicate scents of white spring flowers and white stone fruits while the dry, refreshing palate offers ripe pear, apple and white peach alongside a hint of fennel seed. An elegant perlage and fresh acidity provide the backdrop

Eric Guido writes:  The 2022 Grillo Timpa lifts from the glass with a minty freshness, blending sweet green melon with candied lime suggestions. It's soft and enveloping, with brisk acidity ushering in citrus-tinged orchard fruits and saline minerals that add a crunchy sensation. The 2022 finishes perfumed and wickedly fresh. The mouth is left watering as barely-ripe kiwi hints fade.  - Vinous 90

Monica Larner writes:  The organic Feudo Montoni 2021 Sicilia Grillo Timpa has a pretty bouquet that is woven tight with summer peach, pear and honey. This Grillo offers a slightly waxy or oily texture with subtle mineral tones and fresh acidity.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 90

Clive Pursehouse writes:  Timpa, meaning steep slope, and the vines are located on 60% slopes, with sandy soils mixed with stone grown organically near Agrigento in central Sicily. Aromas of almond skin, white flowers, and citrus peel lead to notes of savoury herb and stony minerality. The palate is classically Grillo—bright notes of grapefruit, wet slate, a dash of herbs and a zest acid-driven finish.  - Decanter 90

Alison Napjus writes:  A zesty white, with vibrant acidity buoying an exuberant range of tangerine, kiwi fruit, pink grapefruit granita and lime blossom notes. Sleek and well-knit, with spice and mineral accents on the finish. Drink now.  - Wine Spectator 90

Expert Rating

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points | This cru bourgeois estate has produced a generously rich wine. Dense tannins and balanced acidity come from a texture that offers dusty tannins and ripe blackberry fruits. Drink from 2021

Winemaker Description

Deep red berry aromas underscored by black pepper, crushed herbs, and licorice. Lean and elegant on the palate with lovely red currant flavors. Very fine tannins, but pleasingly chewy and some spice on the finish.

Winemaker Notes

Pale gold in color with delicately toasty aromas alongside fruit and complexity. This wine is creamy and beautifully balanced with a dry, harmonious finish.

Critic Notes

93 Points Decanter:  Richly biscuity on the nose, with steamed rice, fresh pear and citrus blossom complexity. Creamy mousse dissolves into red apple peel, lemon and stone fruits, with a depth of honeyed biscuits. The Reserve NV from Pol Roger is a blend of base wines from at least three vintages. With 6 months of post-disgorgement ageing, the wine is ready to enjoy now.

James Suckling 92 Points:  Fresh Amalfi lemons, pear skins, apples, rhubarb and hints of anise on the nose. Excellent depth and flavor concentration here, with a medium body and creamy bubbles. Fruit and spice deliciously integrated.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 92 Points:  The current release of Pol Roger's NV Brut Réserve is quite dramatic, bursting with aromas of mandarin oil, honeycomb, elderflower, fresh bread and musky peach. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, it's generous and textural, with a rich core of fruit, lively acids and a pillowy mousse.

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points:  The nonvintage Champagne from this producer always has richness from the Pinot Noir in the blend. This bottling also has a touch of toast, showing some bottle aging. Put the two elements together and this satisfyingly ripe wine is ready to drink.

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points:   Equal parts Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier make up the NV Champagne Reserve Brut, with 8 grams per liter dosage. The nose is bright and fresh with green apple and lively lemon lime citrus as well as fresh pastry. The palate is dry though generous, with fruit upfront of ripe red berries and grapefruit. Well-suited as an aperitif, it is ready to drink now or over the next 10 years.

92 Points Wine Spectator | Intensely juicy, with wonderful purity to the pear, pineapple and tangerine flavors, notes of lemon blossoms and dashes of honey and spices. Shows mouthwatering acidity on the long, expressive finish, where a touch of minerality lingers.

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | Well-balanced and rather light on its feet, this elegant but full-bodied wine complements lemon and lime notes with richer vanilla and butter nuances on a smooth and slightly tangy texture.

With a medium golden color and alluring layers of persimmon, ripe Meyer lemon and rich brioche this is an elegant and alluring wine. Lush, textural and beautifully complex on the palate, its bright citrus flavors and cool-climate energy showcase the poise and purity of great Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. Winemaker Description.

Winemaker Description

Acrobat wines are sourced from a spectrum of Oregon vineyards, spanning the three classic Western AVA’s – Willamette Valley, Umpqua Valley and Rogue Valley. Grower relationships are what make Acrobat wines so deliciously consistent each vintage. We are honored to work with such marquee vineyard sites. Each vineyard and AVA have distinct characteristics and provide their own flavor. This diverse geographical selection was done by design, giving Acrobat wines a balanced flavor profile of the state of Oregon.

Acrobat Pinot Noir delivers notes of dark cherry, raspberry, rich plum and cinnamon on the nose. Bright acidity and elegant tannins shine on the palate, leading to a juicy but delicate finish. Enjoy a glass with a classic woodfired pizza.

Expert Ratings

Eric Guido writes:  The 2022 Pinot Noir opens with a mentholated freshness, mixing wild berries and hints of sage. This is juicy and round, with vividly ripe red and blue fruits swirling throughout. The 2022 leaves youthful tension with the mouth watering for more as hints of licorice fade.  Drinking 2024 - 2028   - Vinous 91

James Suckling writes:  A very good, medium-bodied wine with ample leafy, spicy, mulled cherry flavors, this wine is an affordable, everyday choice with a smoky, dusky undertone. Drink now.  - James Suckling 90

Expert Review 

Georgina Hindle writes:  Wonderfully aromatic and expressive on the nose - the aromas really just jump out the glass. So inviting. Juicy, red fruits - strawberries, raspberries and red cherries - quite bright and a nice change from the dark fruits. This is lively and fun, light with hints of spice underneath the fruit giving some structure and backbone. Hard not to like for its fruit-forwardness and easy drinking style. Though does have a spicy undertone which comes through on the finish?!   - Decanter 90

This fleshy medium bodied wine offers plentiful flavors of tropical fruit, baking spice, and zest, with an underlying subtle oak influence. Cambria Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard is harmoniously balanced with ample acidity and a buttery, creamy mouth coating finish.
- Debra, California Chardonnay Buyer 

Antonio Galloni writes: The 2021 Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard Signature Collection is bright and super-focused. Citrus peel, mint, white flowers and tangerine peel all grace this exquisite, intense wine. The 2021 was fermented in tank and aged in barrel, of which 50% new. The Katherine's Vineyard comes from own-rooted vines planted in the 1970s. Readers should plan on giving this a bit of time, as it is quite nervous today. - Vinous 95

Jeb Dunnuck writes: Beautiful orchard fruits, toasted bread, and some sappy flower notes all emerge from the 2021 Chardonnay Katherine's Vineyard, a medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, elegant wine that has nicely integrated acidity as well as a supple, up-front, delicious style. - Jeb Dunnuck 91

Alder Yarrow writes: Smells of lemon curd and butterscotch. Flavours of lemon curd and white flowers have a nice mineral undertone and lemon-pith chalkiness. Excellent acidity with just a whiff of vanilla in the finish. - Jancis Robinson 16.5

MaryAnn Worobiec writes: Remarkably balanced, with details of fresh, crisp apple, citrus and pear that mingle with salted butter pastry and touches of brown sugar on a supple, creamy frame. Reveals a touch of lemongrass on the finish. Drink now. - Wine Spectator 90

Expert Rating

James Suckling 90 Points |  Blackberry fruit, oyster shells, sage and roasted herbs on the nose. It’s savory with a medium to full body and tight tannins. Nice freshness. Drink now or in the next few years.  (2021). 

Jeb Dunnuck 89 Points |  Coming from multiple sites throughout the Central Coast, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon sports a deep ruby/purple hue as well as a juicy, medium-bodied, nicely balanced style in its ripe cherry and plum fruit as well as notes of ripe herbs and chocolate. It's a terrific value that brings plenty of classic Cabernet style. (2021). 

Erin Brooks writes:  The 2022 Fundamental Cabernet Sauvignon is scented of red and black cherries and nuances of allspice, milk chocolate, tobacco and cedar. The medium-bodied palate is approachable and easygoing, with an alluring combination of concentrated, spicy fruit and savory tones. It finishes with satisfying freshness.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Winemaker Notes

Expert Ratings

93 Robert Parker | The 2022 Pinot Noir Estate was vinified with 40% whole clusters and matured in used oak. The nose is bursting with cranberry, pomegranate, mushrooms, woodsmoke and underbrush. The medium-bodied palate has a core of earth and spice-laced fruit. It has a frame of chalky tannins and juicy acidity and a long, nuanced finish. (v. 2022)

93 Points Wine Enthusiast |  Baked cherry and boysenberry aromas meet with dark earth, star anise and eucalyptus leaf aromas on the nose of this appellation cuvée. There's a rich body to the palate, but the ripe cherry flavor stays vibrant and energized, bolstered by green sage and lemon-peel elements. (2022).

Winemaker Description

The aromatics instantly permeate the glass, ripe red plums, cloves, and orange zest. When tasting, the flavors of Bing Cherry, raspberry and blackberry race over the entire palate and are followed by black tea and tarragon. A harmonious backbone of silky tannins and energetic acidity give this wine real verve.

Expert Ratings

90 Points Vinous | The 2020 Merlot Grand Estates is darkly floral and earthy with hints of animal musk and crushed blackberries. This washes across the palate with juicy acids that enliven its tart wild berry fruits. It leaves a mark of minerality along with a chewy blueberry skin concentration and hints of mocha. This is an excellent entry to the "value category" of Washington State Merlot.

90 Points James Suckling | Blackberries, tobacco, mint chocolate and dark cherries here, with a kiss of vanilla. Medium- to full-bodied with soft, ripe tannins and a creamy finish. Drink now.

Winemaker Description

This Merlot has round juicy flavors of dark plum and herb, finishes bold and structured with notes of vanilla and raspberry.

Pair this wine with blue cheese, duck, beef, veal and dark chocolate

Expert Ratings

Tasting Panel 96 Points: Since its founding in 1972, Jordan Vineyard & Winery has produced just one red wine in every single vintage: a Cabernet Sauvignon. Thanks to meticulous craftsmanship, the 2019 embodies the standard set for this world-class red. Its sleek mouth- feel is dotted with white-peppered black raspberry, balsamic, and Italian herbs as well as illustrious, glossy tannins.

Wine Enthusiast 93 points: Excellent concentration and a classic flavor profile of black cherries, black olives and toasted oak give good reasons to buy and enjoy this Sonoma County icon. Firmly structured with fine-grained tannis and equally generous in black fruits, the wine is well-balanced and trim in body.

Winemaker Notes:

The 2019 vintage hits all the right notes. The palate is inviting and well-balanced, exuding flavors of blueberries, cassis and blackberry, making this a vintage that will age for years to come. A fitting release to commemorate Maggie’s first vintage as head winemaker. Intense aromas of ripe black cherry, graphite and blackberry interlace with a lovely violet floral note. The palate is inviting and well-balanced, exuding flavors of blueberries, cassis and boysenberry that are all beautifully interwoven with silky tannins from the French oak barrels. The dark fruit flavors and delicate acidity evolve beautifully in the glass and linger on the palate.

The dark fruit flavors, silky palate and beautiful structure make it a decadent
wine for food pairing. This wine’s elegance, acidity and spice notes complement
grilled or roasted dishes, such as coq au vin, lamb ragu or roasted salmon with
miso. The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon’s earthiness even complements vegetarian
dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mushroom risotto and ratatouille.

Expert Ratings 

Lisa Perrotti-Brown writes:  This year's blend is 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 de Pez comes tumbling out of the glass with an astonishingly beautiful perfume of lilacs, black cherries and black raspberries over a core of stewed plums, clove oil, dark chocolate and Sichuan pepper. The medium-bodied palate is jam-packed with energetic black fruits, supported by a firm foundation of ripe, grainy tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and perfumed. I love where this once-malingering château is headed—bravo to winemaker Nicolas Glumineau from Pichon Lalande!  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 92-94

James Suckling writes:  Sweet berries with cedar and sandalwood, as well as flowers, such as lavender. Perfumed. Full-to medium-bodied with very polished and refined tannins that run the length of the wine. Very attractive and balanced. Drink after 2025.  - James Suckling 93

Jane Anson writes:  Owned by Pichon Comtesse, this is a lovely St Estèphe with polish and poise. Good depth to the berry fruits, with an appealing unfussy confidence. New cellars this year that allows for more precise reflection of the plots in 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend.  Drink 2024 - 2040.  -Decanter 93

Jeb Dunnuck writes:  Currants, plums, new leather, and cedar pencil notes all emerge from the 2019 Château De Pez, a nicely balanced, medium to full-bodied Saint-Estèphe that has plenty of classic character as well as class. With ripe, polished tannins and terrific purity, it can be drunk any time over the coming 20-25 years.  Drinking 2022 -2047.  - Jeb Dunnuck 93

James Molesworth writes:  Bright and fresh, featuring an upfront display of red and black currant preserve flavors, laced with black tea and backed by a nice iron twinge through the finish. Sneaky long, too. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2023 through 2035.  - Wine Spectator 93

95  Wine Enthusiast: Spicy and structured, this is a classic Saint-Estèphe. Big tannins are boldly paired with the potential of the ripe black currant fruits that are juicy and fresh. The two sides of this wine are not yet together but do promise considerable aging.  Barrel Sample: 93-95

Winemaker Description

The 2020 J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon is dense and dark at the core. Ripe fruit aromas of black cherry and currant are accented by notes of toasted pastry, hazelnut, and vanilla from our extensive barrel aging program. Big, juicy red-fruit flavors infuse the palate while softly textured tannins lead to a long, gratifying finish.

Expert Ratings

92 Tasting Panel:   Thanks to their certified sustainable properties in five of Paso Robles' 11 sub-AVAs, the folks at J. Lohr are able to produce a super high-quality Cab at this price point. With 9% Petite Sirah plus some Cab Franc and Petit Verdot, it has a deep purple hue that enhances the immediate rush of blueberry in a stream of silky tannins. Spiced black tea takes heather, fennel, hazelnut, and vanilla bean on a long ride toward the finish.

91 Wine Enthusiast:   For about a million cases, this is a reliable stud of a wine. Deep, dark blackberry and light wood aromas on the nose lead into berry jam, wood spice and caramel flavors, with amplified tannins promising at least a few years of freshness.  Editors' Choice

Winemaker Description

Broad, ripe black fruit and spice aromas, with notes of pepper, toasty vanilla and Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, the wine has a robust, concentrated character, a firm structure, and small black fruit and licorice notes on the aftertaste.

“Piluna” translates into “pot of clay” or an ancient container used to store water or wine.
Terroir: This 100% Primitivo is grown from vineyards surrounding the ancient Castello Monaci estate. Soils are a blend of dry clay, volcanic gravel and limestone. Vines are forced deep in search of water, leading to low yields and rich, fragrant wines.

Vinification: Harvest is done by hand prior to dawn to preserve sugar levels and avoid the hot sunlight. The grapes are vinified in small stainless steel tanks prior to 6 months of aging in 75% stainless steel and 25% 2nd and 3rd use French oak. 300,000 bottles produced. 

Expert Rating

James Suckling 90 Points | A fruity and fresh red with chocolate, cherry and berry character. Some citrus undertones. Medium body, light tannins and a fruity finish. Drink now. 

Winemaker Description

Clean, bright, red cherry color ruby rim. On the nose, intense aromas, integrate fresh fruits, and sweet hints due to the barrel ageing. Structured and elegant on the palate. Medium ? long finish, with sweet barrel ageing notes. It matches with any kind of meat and mushrooms rice. Some tasty or oily fish such as tuna or cod. Medium-aged cheese such as emmental or gruyere.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling writes:  A transparent, aromatic red with blackberries, lavender with some violets. Medium to full body, very fine tannins and a beautiful finish with lovely fruit and firmness. It’s racy and fine. Drink or hold.  - James Suckling 92

Josh Raynolds writes:  Limpid ruby. Bright, spice-accented aromas of black raspberry, cherry and black pepper. Light-bodied and energetic on the palate, offering zesty red and dark berry flavors and a hint of licorice. Finishes clean and brisk, with no obvious tannins and a hint of jamminess.  Drinking 2021 - 2024.  - Vinous 

Gillian Sciaretta writes:  This red shows lots of freshness, with red berry, orange peel and savory spice notes that are enhanced with leather and leafy underpinnings. The tannins show some grip. Drink now through 2025.  - Wine Spectator

Winemaker Description

This wine's ripe, dark-skinned fruit, culinary spice and new leather scents lead the way, along with a menthol note. The firmly structured, chewy palate offers dried Morello cherry, raspberry jam, licorice and espresso flavors alongside fine-grained tannins. Pair with pasta and beans, risotto with porcini mushrooms, chicken chasseur. 

Expert Reviews 

James Suckling 90 Points |  This is dark-fruited with notes of chocolate and dark spices as well as bark and wet soil. Full and creamy with intense fruit character and soft, melted tannins. Fruity finish. Drink now. (2021).

Expert Reviews 

Winemaker Description

Showcasing the traditional winemaking techniques that are the hallmarks of Cristom's house style - whole-cluster fermentations by native yeast, extended aging in French oak barrels, and no filtration - Cristom's flagship Pinot Noir offers tremendous complexity of flavor, approachability in its youth, and unparalleled value

Expert Reviews

94 Points James Suckling | A lively, precise and well-composed pinot with notes of sour cherries, red currants, crushed roses and mild spices on the nose, followed through to a medium body with bright acidity. It’s crisp and spot-on, with succulent wild berries at the center and verve throughout. (2022).  

Winemaker Description

If no wine region on earth can rival the stylistic diversity on display in France’s Loire Valley, the appellation of Anjou offers the perfect microcosm of the region as a whole. Long a staple of the bistros of Paris, the area is home a to a mind-bogglingly vast array of expressions— from white to red, bone-dry lusciously sweet, still to sparkling— derived from a handful of different grapes, from Cabernet Franc and Gamay to Sauvignon Blanc and Charodnnay. But one grape variety could be called the most distinctive of all: Chenin Blanc.

Sourced from vineyards that fall exactly along the border of the two sub-regions of Anjou, this gorgeously subtle white from fourth-generation winemaker Pascal Biotteau comes from the village of Saint-Jean-de-Mauvrets, situated on the old Roman road from Angers to Poitiers. 

Professional Review

The 2020 Anjou Blanc from Pascal Biotteau is a lovely young example of chenin blanc. The bouquet is bright and nicely high-toned in personality out of the blocks, wafting from the glass in a mix of apple, sweet quince, chalky soil tones, a touch of bee pollen and a topnote of white lilies. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied, focused and rock solid at the core, with excellent transparency and cut, zesty acids and a lon2021-2g, complex and beautifully balanced finish. This is excellent Anjou Blanc! 92 points – John Gilman, View From The Cellar, May-June 2021 #93

Winemaker Description

This tried-and-true Cabernet has been a dinner table staple for more than 40 years. A rich ruby hue fills the glass along with aromas of fresh vanilla, lush red fruit and herbaceous nuances. On the palate, bright cherry notes mingle with warm cocoa and sweet oak. The finish is unbelievably smooth with soft, gorgeous tannins. Winemaker Description.

Expert Rating

90 Points Wine Enthusiast | Charred blackberry, violet and white peppercorn aromas make for a familiar and pleasing nose on this bottling. The palate is ripe with berry flavors that are cut by pinches of herb and more elegant spices. (2021).

Our Professional Review 

Debra of 67Wine.com | Generous flavors of ripe stone fruits, lemon and red apple mingle with a vibrant acidity shining thru. A medium-bodied wine with structure and depth displaying purity as well as some complex notes nuttiness, integrated oak, white tea and a mouthwatering finish. Debra, California Chardonnay Wine Buyer

Expert Reviews 

Alder Yarrow of Jancis Robinson 17.5/20 Points |  Pale gold. Smells of slightly resinous lemon peel and lemon curd. Bright lemon-peel and lemon-curd flavours mix with pink grapefruit and toasted bread. Wonderfully saline notes linger with lemon peel in the finish. Crystalline and gorgeous. 

Anna Lee C. Iijima of Decanter 95 Points |  Tasted at the beginning of 2023, a reductive quality was still obscuring bright, penetrating green apple and kiwi flavours with a smoky, earthen veil. Still, it's a gorgeously sleek, richly textured wine with a pulsating core of acidity and salty mineral intensity. 

James Suckling 94 Points | Lovely texture and density, showing dried apple, fresh ginger and pastry dough. Layered, with phenolic tension. Drink or hold. 

Antonio Galloni of Vinous 91 Points | The 2021 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is terrific. Citrus confit, white flowers, almond, chamomile and dried herbs all run through this super-expressive Chardonnay. There's a touch of phenolic intensity, along with a kiss of reduction, that add character. Almost all of this fruit is now estate. 

MaryAnn Worobiec of Wine Spectator 92 Points | Complex and seamless, there's plenty to admire in this white wine. Shows spiced, poached pear, dried apple, grilled lemon and fresh tangerine flavors that are juicy and generous, with details of sage, white pepper and toasted sesame seed on the finish. Drink now.

The wine has aromas of Meyer lemon peel and pith with hints of raw ginger, honey, and green apple all under a cloak of crushed white rock. The texture offers a restrained fleshiness on the mid-palate with a focused and bright saline finish. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

Pretty but concentrated aromas of rose petal, dark cherries, cocoa, anise and cardamom. Sweet cherry and plum entry with a zesty mid palate reminiscent of baking spices, leading into an elegant, lingering finish.

The richness of this wine pairs well with meats such as lamb, duck, and stewed curries, as well as artisanal cheeses and wild mushrooms.

Expert Ratings

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Juicy, tangy and savory in cedar, black tea and rhubarb, this is an expressive, exuberant red wine that is earthy and lightly spicy. Firm tannin's provide a structural foundation beneath light bodied ripeness and persistent acidity. (2021). 

James Suckling 92 Points | A fresh, medium-bodied pinot noir. Fruity and floral with notes of currants and fresh berries. Some dark wood. Mellow on the mouth with a clean finish. Firm and linear, too. Drink now. (2021). 

Wine Spectator 90 Points | Dried cherry and berry flavors dominate this fleshy version. Savory spice notes emerge midpalate, with a finish of dried meat and underbrush. (2021).

Tasting Panel 93 Points | Lots sourced from four vineyards (including Schug's estate property) were fermented separately and aged sur lie in small French oak bar rels. Bolstered by toasty cedar and keen acidity, this dynamic, creamy, and balanced white pres ents notes of orange peel, vanilla wafer, and white flowers.

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | Delicious pear and apple flavors are lightly accented by vanilla in this generous, well-balanced wine that was aged on the lees for eight months. A full body, smooth texture and well-concentrated fruit flavors make it a pleasure to sip.

James Suckling 90 Points | Aromas of sliced apples and white peaches with raw almond and nougat undertones. Medium- to full-bodied with toned acidity and quite a ripe fruit character with savory notes. More rich and mellow style with a flavorful finish.

This classic Carneros Chardonnay was grown primarily on the Schug Estate vineyard, with additional barrels from the Wildcat Vineyard and Thornton Ranch. It was fermented and aged on the lees ("sur-lie") in small French Oak barrels, with judicious new oak introduced. Malolactic fermentation was not induced, allowing the wine to retain its natural acidity and varietal focus. The result is a wine that is both rich and powerful, while refreshing and elegant on the finish. It has a ripe, spicy tropical bouquet with flavors that suggest citrus, pear, and spiced apples. Well-balanced acidity gives it a crisp, clean finish, making it an excellent wine with food. Try it with cream soups, rich seafood, fowl, veal, and pasta dishes. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

Classic McLaren Vale Shiraz. Crimson-purple in color. Aromas of dark plum, boysenberries, subtle black pepper and a touch of licorice. On the palate is where the wine becomes fascinating. Rich and opulent black plums, blackberries and boysenberries are intertwined with savory spices, mocha and a plush coat of red cherries. Tannins are ripe and velvety. Acidity, alcohol and oak are finely tuned, and their balance enhances length on the finish.

Expert Reviews

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | Savory notes of sage and bay leaf are as forward on the nose as the plum and cherry notes. There’s a lick of vanillin oak showing, too. The abundance of tangy fruit continues its journey in the mouth, lingering on the finish amidst a powerful, well-placed frame of tannins. (2021).

90 Points James Suckling | Good shiraz, strongly regional, aromatic and attractive. While I query the dryness of the tannins here, there is ample pleasure to be found behind a veneer of violets, purple pastilles, blue fruit, iodine and licorice. A little reduction creates tension without ever becoming too hard. (2021). 

Winemaker Description

This hand harvested, 100% Malbec wine is from multiple vineyards in the Uco Valley. The wine predominantly shows notes of coffee, blueberry, and chocolate with secondary notes of licorice, black cherry, cinnamon, baking spices, and sage. The complexity of the wine extends into the palate by being big and bold without being flabby, with smooth tannins and light acidity. The wine finishes extremely strong with plum, cassis, doughnut cake, and fine silky tannins. A wine that out delivers it’s price by tenfold! 

Expert Rating

James Suckling 90 points | A soft, creamy malbec that’s rather reserved and fine with dark fruit and a citrus undertone. Medium finish. Drink now. 

91 Points Robert Parker | Cantina Andriano (Kellerei Andrian) releases a varietally pure expression of a grape that ultimately gives more to the palate than it does to the bouquet. The 2022 Alto Adige Weissburgunder Pinot Bianco Finado is crisp and linear, with citrus, crushed stone, sweet spice and saffron. (2022). 

Cantina Andrian Alto Adige Finado Pinot Bianco is pale yellow with green reflections. A fruity bouquet of apples and pears. On the palate, soft and full with a long finish, elegant body, and balanced acidity. Winemaker Description.