90+ Points | Critical Acclaim | Wine & Sparkling Wine

Winemaker Description

Pale and delicate pink with violet hues, obtained from short contact with Pinot Noir skins. Lively, elegant and persistent perlage. Fruity nose of golden apple, white peach and small berries, intermingled with floral notes of spring flowers. Exuberant, lively and fragrant on the palate. Refreshing acidity well balanced with fruitiness to create full, enveloping and almost creamy sensations. A modern trendy aperitif for discerning palates and a versatile companion to a variety of foods.

Zardetto Prosecco DOC Rosé is the ideal companion of every joyful cheers with friends. At the same time, it is perfect with avocado and shrimp’s salad, cream cheese tarts and raw shellfish. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Notes

Bright and deep red color with purple tones. Aromas of black fruit reminiscent of fresh plum mixed with blueberries and a hint of flowers. On the palate the wine is balanced, medium-bodied with a good fresh acidity.

Winemaker Description 

The 2023 DAOU Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful, complex and layered wine with heady aromas of black plum, Zante currant, frankincense and sage. Trailing scents of blackberry, cardamom and espresso bean reveal accents of vanilla, saddle leather and cinnamon toast. On the palate, fine-grained tannins provide structure and support for rich flavors of black cherry, raspberry and mulberry, while secondary layers offer black olive, sandalwood and dark chocolate. A velvety texture finishes with lingering impressions of chocolate-covered cherry, dried herbs and toasty oak.

Wine Enthusiast 91 Points: Clean lines of cherry, toasted wood, red flower and a pinch of thyme make for a satisfying nose on this widely available bottling. The palate pairs familiar blackberry flavors with mocha spice.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

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  James Suckling | July 2025 93 Points
“Aromas of flint, wet stones, Meyer lemons and lime zest with subtle white flowers. The palate is focused and textural, with loads of minerals and citrus oil in the finish.”
• The Somm Journal | July 2025 94 Points, Best Aromatic Whites
“Intense up front flavors with white-peppered lemon drop, sleek and lively. Crisp acidity brightens notes of elderflower, McIntosh apple, and hazelnut. The mineral tone is crystal clean and clear on the finish.”
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  Winemaker Description 
  
• The 2023 Jordan Russian River Chardonnay captures the region’s signature vibrancy with bright acidity, layered fruit and notes of white peach, citrus zest and subtle minerality. A cool, steady growing season allowed for extended hang time, resulting in a beautifully balanced wine that reflects both finesse and complexity.
• 
  Aromas of white peach, subtle acidity and delicate floral blossom immediately captivate the senses. On the palate, zesty lime, orange peel and crisp red Bosc pear mingle seamlessly, all elevated by refreshing acidity. A hint of French oak enhances the fruit’s elegance while preserving its brightness.
  
• Due to its crispness and citrus elements, Jordan Chardonnay can be enjoyed as an aperitif and is also a versatile food pairing wine. Unlike many fuller-bodied Chardonnays, Jordan Chardonnay will not overpower salads or raw bar favorites, and it also creates a nice contrast of flavors with richer seafood, such as salmon or ahi tuna.
•  The wine’s acidity and oak nuances can complement grilled chicken or roasted vegetable dishes and creamy pastas.
  

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Winemaker Description

As their house cuvee, Lemelson's Thea's Selection is a blend from their five organic, estate vineyards that span three different Willamette Valley AVAs. As such, it is a wonderful representation of the vintage across all their sites. The nose is inviting and earthy with black cherry, black currant and plum fruit that is nuanced by subtle notes of black tea, chocolate, mushroom, and lavender. This wine is rich and supple with silky tannins and a juicy core which transitions into a long finish that leaves the taste of brambly fruit on the palate. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | The 2020 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is ripe with raspberry candy, crushed rose petal, and turned earth. The tannins in the 2020 are a touch more present and emerge on the finish, and it also has more warmth. Drink this over the next 10 years." Audrey Frick, Jebdunnuck.com, August 2022

James Sucklimg 93 Points | Aromas of spiced cherry, plum and fresh mint. Medium-to full-bodied with silky tannins. An interesting, well-balanced mix of fresh red and black fruit and savory spice. Good concentration." James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, April 2022

Erin Brooks of the Wine Advocate 90 Points | The 2020 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is scented of wild berry jam, blueberries, juniper and underbrush. The medium-bodied palate has a firm, slightly rustic texture, understated fruits and rounded freshness." Erin Brooks, The Wine Advocate, July 2022

Winemaker Description

Our 2020 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir reflects the nature of its coastal growing area. Cool evening fog wafts in from the ocean during the early evening and recedes gradually by noon, leaving behind cool, refreshed vines ready to bask in the sun. This wine, a blend of grapes from multiple vineyards, is a true representation of the marine-influenced region, where the environment allows us to leave the grapes on the vine long enough to develop abundant aromas and deep flavors.

The inviting nose offers up scents of Santa Rosa red plums, cassis, dried sweet figs and pomegranate backed by sandalwood and hints of tea rose. Bright and exciting on the palate, the entry begins with firm tannins and complex layers of red raspberries, bergamot tea, dried herbs and rose petal notes. Refreshing acidity carries the wine throughout the finish.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Kristen Bieler of the Wine Spectator writes 92 Points | This offers real aromatic beauty, with incense, violets and red currant flavors melded with a layer of finely crushed graphite. Chalk-fine tannins guide the medium-length finish, adding nice chewiness. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2032. 

Stuart Pigott of JamesSuckling.com writes 93 Points | This generous and well-structured 2021 Chateauneuf has excellent raspberry and strawberry aromas for the challenging vintage, plus notes of floral aromas. Surprisingly fine tannins, too. Still very youthful and in need of a bit of time in bottle to reach ideal harmony, but the freshness at the finish is already delightful. A cuvee 75% grenache, 10% syrah, 10% mourvedre and 5% cinsault that were co-fermented, then matured in foudre. Drinkable now, but best from 2024. 

Jeb Dunnuck writes 92 Points |  The 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape is a solid effort in the vintage. A normal blend of mostly Grenache with 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, with a splash of Cinsault, it has a beautiful perfume of ripe cherries, fresh strawberries, sappy green flowers, and peppery garrigue. This carries to a medium-bodied, layered, elegant Châteauneuf with fine tannins, a beautiful overall sense of balance, and outstanding length. It shows the fresh, pretty, nuanced style of the vintage and is a beautiful wine to enjoy over the coming decade. It's in the same ballpark as the 2008.  Drinking 2023 to 2033.

Nicolas Greinacher of Vinous writes 91 Points | Checking in at 14.83% alcohol, the 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a refined and predominately red-fruited beauty. Licorice and herbaceous components add more dimension. Framed by gentle tannins and more medium- than full-bodied, the 2021 ends with a bright finish.  Drinking 2025 to 2036.

Matt Walls of Decanter writes 93 Points | A smoky style that’s a touch herbal and meaty. Towards full-bodied, with good weight and texture. Quite a saline expression, ending on crisp raspberry acidity and quite strict tannins. Will always be a lean style, but should make interesting old bones.  Drinking 2025 to 2034.  -

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Spectator by Tim Fish writes 92 Points | An old-school Zin that's loaded with zest and briar patch, plus raspberry, savory anise and white pepper flavors that end with snappy tannins. 

Winemaker Description 

This Zinfandel captivates with a complex fusion of blackberry, black currant, plum, cherry, and baking spice aromas. Its lively palate showcases succulent fruit interwoven with supple tannins, persisting from mid-palate to a gratifying finish.

Its intricate depth perfectly complements indulgent dishes like hearty short ribs, velvety pork belly, or luxurious gnocchi gorgonzola, enhancing the dining experience with robust yet nuanced harmony. 

Definitely a green streak to the colour. The nose is full of energy, with a touch of verbena. Fine steely intensity, very Chablis, barely a feel of the vintage except around the edges. This has an exciting future. Drink from 2026-2029. Tasted Jun 2024.

Star rating: 89-92

Julien Brocard Chablis "Vigne de la Boissonneuse" Organic Biodynamic 2023 is a luminous, mineral-driven Chardonnay from a single biodynamic vineyard, offering aromas of citrus, white fruit, and a hint of salinity. This full-bodied wine features a lively acidity, a creamy texture from lees contact, and a long finish, making it an excellent aperitif or pairing for shellfish and white meats. It is known for its purity, elegance, and expression of the Kimmeridgian terroir.

Revue des Vins de France 92 / 100 Points | Recognizes the wine's purity and complexity, reflecting the focus on Biodynamic farming.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023 

Decanter 95 Points | Compelling smoky mineral and sultry lemon characters ebb and flow across the nose and palate with a gorgeous crunch of acidity and texture. Very long and delicious.

Winemaker Description 

Divided over the appellations of Menetou Salon, Pouilly Fume and Sancerre always attracting plaudits and winning medals, the family are rightly very proud of their success .

Marked by its charming hilltop village in the easternmost territory of the Loire, Sancerre is famous for its racy, vivacious, citrus-dominant Sauvignon blanc. Its enormous popularity in 1970s French bistros led to its success as the go-to restaurant white around the globe in the 1980s. While the region claims a continental climate, noted for short, hot summers and long, cold winters, variations in topography—rolling hills and steep slopes from about 600 to 1,300 feet in elevation—with great soil variations, contribute the variations in character in Sancerre Sauvignon blancs. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Winemaker Description 

In 1927, the inaugural Riserva Ducale vintage was crafted as a homage to the wine-loving Duke of Aosta. Two decades later, in 1947, Ruffino commemorated the exceptional vintage by introducing the inaugural Riserva Ducale Oro, heralding the concept of Gran Selezione ahead of its time. Its potential for decades of aging is matched only by its historical significance. 

One out of every three bottles of Chianti Classico Gran Selezione opened in the world is Riserva Ducale Oro.

Tasting Notes: Ruby red with garnet hues. The wine expresses a distinctive Tuscan bouquet of violet, cherry, and plum, with aromas of chocolate and spice. Intense aromas of violet, blackberry, cherry, and ripe plum with intriguing notes of cinnamon and clove. Classic elegance and structure in which the fruit, tannins, and spices form a tightly woven balance, with a lingering finish of chocolate and coffee.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021 

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | There's intensity to this red, which showcases cherry, boysenberry and blood orange flavors. Iron, underbrush and tobacco notes peek through as this builds to the lingering aftertaste. Verges on racy courtesy of the bracing acidity. Excellent length. Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

James Suckling 92 Points | An attractive and layered nose of walnuts, ground spices, grilled thyme, red cherries and red plums with a touch of meatiness. The medium-bodied palate is sleek and polished, with juicy acidity and a fine texture. Balanced, with good tension and length.

Winemaker Description 

With the desire to bring the best quality the Tuscan territory has to offer to wine lovers all over the world, Ruffino has contributed significantly to the creation of the fine image which Italian winemaking holds on the international wine scene today.

Intense powerful aromas of cherry, plum and violet opens the bouquet and fades gracefully into enticing aromas of tobacco, chocolate, cinnamon and spicy hints of black pepper. Great complexity that expresses authentic Sangiovese and Chianti Classico aromas. Full-bodied, very powerful in the mouth with elegant tannins perfectly supported with good acidity. The finish is characterized by pleasant sensations of sweet tobacco. The aftertaste is particularly long and shows powerful notes of plums and lighter aromas of clove.

Winemaker Description

This bright, zesty Sauvignon Blanc delivers great aromatic complexity by opening with aromas of fresh lime, lemon verbena and gooseberry. On the palate are flavors of lime, tangy star fruit and a hint of green mango. The long chiseled finish exhibits a wonderful slate minerality followed by juicy fresh citrus notes.

Expert Review- Vintage 2022

Bodegas Cepa 21 Ribera del Duero Tempranillo 2021 750ml Shifting gears to the famous Spanish DO of Ribera del Duero, Bodegas Cepa 21 is celebrated worldwide for crafting wines true to the Ribera del Duero terroir and its most famous grape varietal, Tempranillo, locally known as Tinta del País or Tinto Fino. Winemaker José Moro stamps his wines with knowledge that comes from generations of winemaking history in the region. Fresh and enticing red fruit aromas burst from the glass: wild strawberries and raspberries combine with earthy undertones, leading to a medium-bodied drinking experience that reveals notes of baking spices—cinnamon and cloves. Crisp, lively, and with superb “drink me now” quality, this Tempranillo is a must-buy bottle. 

- Oscar Garcia Moncada, 67 Wine Buyer

Winemaker Description 

A red that leaves its mark. Our Cepa 21 wine represents the maximum expression of the area's terroir. This wine combines the modernity and innovation of the winery itself but without forgetting the roots and legacy of a three-generation family that is a guarantee of quality in all its wines.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Mike DeSimone of the Wine Enthusiast writes 93 Points | This deep ruby-colored wine has a nose of raspberry jam, cocoa butter, and herbs de Provence. It is bright at first sip, with raspberry, red currant, toffee, milk chocolate, and aniseed flavors. Vivid acidity and luxurious tannins stroll hand in hand to a satisfying finish. 

Expert Review 

92 Points James Suckling | A complex and fascinating young Rioja with aromas of wet earth, dried meaat, tea leaf and dark fruit that follow through to a medium-bodied palate with firm, silky tannins and a flavorful finish. A blend of tempranillo, graciano and mazuelo. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Kerin Okeefe 95 Points | Elegantly structured and loaded with finesse, the 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva from Antinori pushes all the right buttons, starting with its enticing aromas of ripe black-skinned fruit, violet, exotic dark spice and a whiff of Mediterranean scrub. On the delicious palate, notes of licorice vanilla and crushed mint accent a ripe black cherry core while velvety tannins provide seamless support and plenty of finesse. It’s well balanced, with fresh acidity. Drink through 2030..." 05/25 

Winemaker Description 

Villa Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2022 is ruby red in color. The nose opens with fresh notes of pomegranates, cherries and orange peels accompanied by light spicy hints of ginger. Floral undertones complete the bouquet with accents of lavender, rose petals and delicate balsamic notes of white musk. A vertical entry on the palate leads to a savory and flavorful structure while supple tannins accompany an intense and expansive finish with warm notes of cocoa.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Roger Voss of the Wine Enthusiast writes 91 Points : Soft and velvety in texture, this wine is full of ripe fruit. Cushioned by the texture, the tannins are dense enough to promise aging to this wine with potential. Drink from 2024.

James Suckling writes 91 Points :  Aromas of berries and mushrooms with some fresh herbs. Some currants, too. Medium body, fine tannins and a fresh finish. 75% merlot, 23% cabernet franc and 2% malbec. Very drinkable now, but will age beautifully. Best after 2023.  

Neal Martin of Vinous writes:  The 2019 Château de Pitray has an old school bouquet with blackberry and light marine scents, a touch of Japanese nori. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, soft tannins. The acidity is nicely judged and whilst not complex, it is a Pitray that has charm and drinkability.  

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

James Suckling 93 Points |  Perfumed aromas of dried roses, red berry fruit and licorice pull you in. Darker mocha notes, too. Medium-bodied yet deep, with dark minerals and spices accompanying the fresh berry fruit. Fine and tight tannins. From biodynamically grown grapes with Respekt certification. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Notes

The Blaufränkisch grapes come from vineyards characterised by limestone and slate in and around Jois am Leithagebirge. The grapes were harvested from mid to late September. After manual harvesting and sorting, the Blaufränkisch was fermented spontaneously in wooden fermentation racks and, after slow pressing in a basket press, aged in used Tonneaux.

On the palate, the wine appears juicy with lots of fresh cherry and pomegranate juice, with plums and lightly roasted herbs. At the same time, this is a Blaufränkisch with a mineral fresh and cool side, a lively acidity and a remarkable inner tension. Here, too, you find the slightly earthy and tart with a fine tannin. This is intense, transparent, clear and fresh wine that quickly builds up drinkability. 

Winemaker Description

Violets and toasted baking spice open on the nose of this 2022 Faust Napa Valley, with savory layers of slate and cedar joining in the background. Concentrated, perfectly ripe black cherry is spiced with the wine's signature star anise and framed by fine, chalky tannins that unfold into richness on the palate. Mouthwatering freshness sustains the dance of fruit and minerality through a lingering finish.

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2022 

James Suckling 92 Points | A bold, ripe and powerful red that’s also quite broad and smooth in texture. Aromas of rose petals, raspberries and red cherries, with deeper black cherries and blueberries on the mid-palate and finish.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Faust's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon features attractive aromas of dried herbs, pencil shavings, black cherries and cassis. It's medium to full-bodied and rather easy-drinking, not overly concentrated or rich but with enough texture to make it a steakhouse staple.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Bright and concentrated black cherries, rose petal and fresh aromatics create a lively nose. On the palate, fruit and earthy notes come into perfect balance with a bit of aeration. A great pairing for meaty dishes, offering exceptional value.

Winemaker Description 

Deep and dark red. On the nose intensely aromatic, with black fruits and spices. The palate is full, round and sexy. Round and smooth tannins present through the full bodied, ample wine. Overall a complete wine, with a long finish, with elegance and finesse accompanying the abundance of fruit and well-balanced tannins.

The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Bright and concentrated black cherries, rose petal and fresh aromatics create a lively nose. On the palate, fruit and earthy notes come into perfect balance with a bit of aeration. A great pairing for meaty dishes, offering exceptional value.

James Suckling 90 Points | A juicy, fruity red with aromas of dark cherries, red berries and mild spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Bright fruit character on the palate with a playful finish and a touch of spices. Drink now. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 95 Points | Lots of fresh flowers, limes, sliced apples and honeysuckle on the nose with candied lemon and heather notes. Full-bodied with a light phenolic tension, rich with lots of citrus peel and minerals in the finish. Concentration with freshness. Pinot bianco, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. Drink or hold.

Wine Enthusiast 94 Points | An Alto Adige staple, this wine consistently offers exceptional value in Italian whites. Aromas of jasmine and honeysuckle lead to hints of peeled pears and white peach. The palate is harmoniously voluminous, showcasing pristine fruits and a burst of candied lemon zest. The finish, lifted with a mineral edge, seals the experience. Enjoy from now until 2040.

Wine Spectator 92 Points | This fresh, minerally white offers both expression and restraint, with fine interplay between the well-cut acidity and flavors of yellow peach, glazed tangerine, pink grapefruit, green almond, jasmine and milled white pepper. Long and mouthwatering, with a salty tang cleaning the fragrant finish. Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Sauvignon. Drink now through 2033. 

Winemaker Notes

Green apple and white peach combine with fine nuances of lemon balm and mint to create the typical aromas of the classic Terlano. Pronounced notes of peach on the palate, lending the wine its lively character. The multifaceted, well structured flavor derives from an interplay of freshness and minerality and also has a wonderfully long, persistent finish. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

Decanter 93 Points | A wine of pure pleasure, From wine maker, Josh Phelps. Mixed berry, fruit and cherry compote lift out of the glass with hints of candied violets and brown baking spices. Medium bodied with all the same aromatics making appearances on the palate, framed by crisp tannins with velvet edges, finishing with cool graphite minerality and a hint of graham cracker and vanilla with crushed cocoa nibs nuances. Like I said, pure pleasure.

Winemaker Description

Black cherry and cassis framed by cocoa, cedar, and a streak of graphite. Supple fruit and steady tannins meet in balance—Cabernet that speaks with ease and quiet depth. 

Expert Review - Vintage 2014 

Jane Anson writes:  Intense, smoky, plenty of black fruit, who doesn't love this 2nd wine of Château Montrose? It's a vintage that is often overlooked, particularly after the run of great years Bordeaux has had recently, but it's at a great moment to open right now, and delivers a ton of St Estèphe and Left Bank typicity, with crayon and graphite. Harvest September 22 to October 16.  - Jane Anson 94

Antonio Galloni writes:  A gorgeous second wine, the 2014 La Dame de Montrose is soft, open-knit and very pretty. Bright floral notes add lift and a measure of elegance to the dark-fleshed fruit. Medium in body, with good depth and fine overall balance, the 2014 is just about as good as it gets for a second wine. I won't be surprised if it is still delicious at age 20, although I think its best drinking will take place earlier than that.  Drinking 2018 - 2029  - Vinous 92+

Jeb Dunnuck writes:  As to the 2014s, these are beautiful wines and certainly a match for the 2015s. The 2014 La Dame de Montrose offers a deep purple color and classic Cabernet Sauvignon notes as well as a touch of violets, spring flowers and leafy herbs. This medium-bodied, elegant, spicy, complex 2014 has loads of charm yet should keep nicely for 15+ years.  Drinking 2018 - 2038  - Jeb Dunnuck 90

Steven Spurrier writes:  An even Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend: lots of spice, deep cassis fruit and incredible freshness. Will show soon and last well.  - Decanter 90

James Molesworth writes:  Offers a brisk, racy feel, with red currant, damson plum and Campari notes coursing through, carried by a bright iron spine through the savory-flecked finish. Very pure and firmly grounded in terroir. Best from 2018 through 2026. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.  - Wine Spectator 90

Neal Martin writes:  The 2014 La Dame de Montrose lagged a long way behind the superlative Grand Vin at primeur, but has since made up some ground. Now in bottle, it has a nicely poised bouquet with red cherries, bilberry and crushed violets. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, tightly wound and linear, a conservative La Dame de Montrose that I suspect will age better than I originally thought.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 

Test of Endurance: Bordeaux 2014 Ten Years On (Mar 2024)

Neal Martin writes:  The 2014 La Dame de Montrose is more precocious than Lafon-Rochet on the nose, with hints of dried cherries and black olive compote infusing the black fruit, touches of humidor and red brick. The palate is medium-bodied with dusky black fruit, fine tannins and a little austerity towards the finish, though at least it does exude Saint-Estèphe DNA. Give it a year in bottle. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.  - Vinous

Winemaker Description

The 2016 Peyrabon has a finely detailed bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, pressed flower and mineral aromas. This exudes class. The palate is well balanced with fine grain tannin, one of the more saline Cru Bourgeois with touches of oyster shell and spice towards the poised, edgy finish. Very fine. Tasted at the Cru Bourgeois tasting in London.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2016

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | With its high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has a good structure and ripe, generous black-currant flavors. Its fresh character gives juiciness that contrasts with the rich fruits. It's a wine with tannins and aging potential. Drink from 2023. (Best Buy).

91 Points Vinous | The 2016 Peyrabon has a finely detailed bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, pressed flower and mineral aromas. This exudes class. The palate is well balanced with fine grain tannin, one of the more saline Cru Bourgeois with touches of oyster shell and spice towards the poised, edgy finish. Very fine. Tasted at the Cru Bourgeois tasting in London Decanter 90 points Built on some serious Cabernet Sauvignon, this blend runs full throttle into rich, ripe black fruit motifs with plenty of structural support from grippy and energetic tannins that are well balanced by bright acidity, engaging textures, and a lingering finish. Drinking Window 2023 - 2038.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | A blend of 89% Sauvignon Blanc and 11% Sémillon, Groth's 2024 Estate Sauvignon Blanc was fermented in a mix of neutral oak barrels and second-fill acacia wood, with the Sémillon going into concrete egg. The result is a wine characterized by bold scents of honeyed fig and melon, with just a hint of pencil shavings. It's medium- to full-bodied, expansive, generous and even rich across the mid-palate, then tightens up nicely on the finish, ending clean and lemony.

James Suckling 90 Points | This has citrusy, slightly grassy character with apples, lemon rind, spicy herbs and crushed stones on the nose. Medium-bodied, textured and juicy, it finishes creamy and sleek. 

Winemaker Description 

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 92 Points | This is a wonderfully fresh and expressive dry riesling with a slew of citrus aromas, but also some spring flowers and meadows. The vivacity of the medium-bodied palate is as impressive as the depth in the long, crisp finish, where it bares its Alsace soul.

Winemaker Description

Famille Hugel signature wine. This dry Riesling stands out for its finesse and frankness and is the ideal partner to fish and seafood thanks to its wonderful balance and elegance.  It is Hugel's most demanding variety as it is also the latest ripening. Dry and elegant, it expresses itself best on our steepest slopes with the most complex minerality.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 93 Points | A stunning, entry-level dry riesling with an impressive depth of stone fruit and a touch of flint that gives it energy on the medium-bodied palate. Long, compact, salty finish. A cuvee of wines that are 40% from Ruppertsberg and 60% from Wachenheim, mostly from young vineyards. From biodynamically grown grapes. Vegan.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | The 2023 Riesling Trocken is still closed and reductive in its pretty spicy and phenolic, initially rather grassy nose that opens up in the glass to deliver ripe lemon aromas intertwined with notes of broken sandstones. Round and lush on the palate, this is a juicy, elegant and quite intense or even extract-rich Riesling with ripe acidity and good, phenolic grip. 12% stated alcohol. Screw-cap closure.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Spectator 89 Points | Round and ripe, with mulled cherry and steeped tea flavors edged in graphite, warm earth and singed alder. Grippy tannins hold firm, keeping the generous finish honest. Incense smoke blows from start to finish. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Syrah and Cinsault. 

Winemaker Description 

The Côtes-du-Rhône Reserve is more serious effort than the regular Côtes-du-Rhône bottling that showcases the estate’s ability to marry richness with finesse. Moderately tannic and endowed with a beautiful structure, this Côtes-du-Rhône develops greedy notes of fresh fruit (crushed strawberry, blackberry) on their crunchiness, supported by a hint of licorice.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

The Wine Specatator 92 Points | A sleek and vibrant red, offering medium-bodied flavors of cherry and cranberry that take on green tea and forest floor accents as this builds toward zesty tannins.

Winemaker Description 

Bright cherry and raspberry aromas complement notes of cinnamon and delicate violet, while the palate strikes a balance between juicy plum and boysenberry and complex, earthy cola and leather, finishing with chalky tannins and hints of crème brulée.

Vintage 2023 required experience and patience that was rewarded with essential hang-time and ripening. The growing season started cool, then May sunshine brought an average bloom in mid-June followed by a glorious summer. We enjoyed many classic 80-degree Willamette Valley days, with nighttime highs staying down in the 50s even in August, typically the warmest month here in Oregon. The only exception to these consistent diurnal swings was a single big heat spike in mid-August. We anticipated picking in early September. However, some fortuitous rain events allowed us to push back harvest and we were thankful for the additional hang time.

Harvest came early, but not too early. We brought in beautiful fruit and we were pleased to still be picking Pinot noir into early October. When you have fast accumulation of fruit sugars, cool weather can be a welcome respite with even small amounts of rain helping the grapevines regulate and slow ripening. One of the reasons why Oregon Pinot Noir is so prized is for its freshness of fruit, and you can only get that vibrancy when it’s under 50 degrees during picking.

2023 brought amazing fruit quality, but our production was down, especially on cool climate white wines like Pinot Gris. Being an estate grown winery, we must follow Mother Nature’s lead as we cannot buy fruit to increase production. Smaller yields do mean a smaller crop and less wine, but we embrace vintage variation. Another great benefit of being estate grown is that it’s our decision exactly when to pick. Rather than rushing to bring fruit into the cellar, in 2023 were able to play the odds and wait out the rain on blocks that needed additional hang time to get the flavor development we needed.
Vineyard

Our Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is made with 100% estate grown fruit from all six of our vineyard sites: The Winery Estate, Mount Richmond, Five Mountain, Clay Court, Goodrich and Windhill. These sites are comprised of both Pommard and Dijon plant material, with multiple clones represented.

Because we draw from vineyards representing all three of the major Willamette Valley soil types, we are able to pick and choose for different flavor components to make the best possible blend each year for our Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. Some people call this making wine “spice rack” style, we usually just call it delicious. Our goal is the perfect version of what we believe a Willamette Valley Pinot should be: a wine with freshness of fruit, well-integrated alcohol, and great concentration of flavor.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

The Tasting Panel 93 Points | This wine glistens with bright acidity accented by pink grapefruit and just-sliced pineapple. Candied green apple punctuates the midpalate with appealing salinity and crispness.

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | A distinctive white, with white pepper and lemongrass notes, plus a whiff of lemon mint that adds aromatic interest to the core of lemon-lime and apple on a smooth and juicy frame. Demonstrates elegance on the finish. Drink now. 35,000 cases imported.

Vinous 90 Points | This is not your average 2023 Sauvignon Blanc. It's aromatically intriguing, with different layers appearing with every sniff. Initially, there are notes of medicinal herbs, followed by blackcurrant, green capsicum, passion fruit and even lime. Perhaps the diversity of scents could be attributed to the combination of fermentations across tanks, oak barrels, concrete eggs and amphorae. The palate is focused on texture: there's reassuring padding on the mid-palate despite being light in body, while there's drive and punch on the dry, herbal finish.

Winemaker Description 

Pale straw with a hint of green and gold. Complex and elegant Sauvignon Blanc bouquet, with citrus blossom and wild flowers, surrounded by crushed ripe herbs and pineapple. Dense fruit core of juicy melon and peach complemented by hints of ripe herbs and florals. Beautifully rounded with layer upon layer of texture, this wine has a long, complex finish with plenty of minerality, citrus, ripe stone fruit and an umami quality.

A good match for oysters, seafood, spaghetti alle vongole and chicken. 

Expert Notes - Vintage 2022 

James Suckling writes:  Attractive notes of cherries, dried blood oranges, cocoa and hints of hibiscus and licorice. Bright and savory on the palate, with dusty tannins and lively acidity. Medium-bodied. It’s very pretty and refreshing, with savory nuances at the end. Drink now.  - James Suckling 91

Winemaker Description 

Is the result of the union between Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon (85% Sangiovese & 15% Cabernet Sauvignon): it gives the idea of a young red, significant but with easy drinkability and is linked to the characteristics of its native territory, with an unforgettable Casanova di Neri stamp.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

James Suckling 95 Points | The lead pencil and blackcurrant aromas are very impressive. Full-bodied and tannic, but very velvety with fine texture. Lots of pretty fruit. Typical for the appellation. Second wine of Domaine de Chevalier. Try after 2028.

Jeb Dunnuck 91 Points | The 2020 L'Esprit De Chevalier is more restrained aromatically, yet has outstanding purity in its red and black fruits as well as notes of dried herbs, tobacco, chocolate, and damp earth. It's a medium-bodied, elegant, balanced, and certainly delicious second wine that will benefit from just a year or two of bottle age and shine for a decade.

Vinous 91 Points | The 2020 Esprit de Chevalier has a very perfumed, floral bouquet with pressed iris and peony infusing the blackberry and blueberry fruit. Very controlled and classic in style. The palate is medium-bodied with quite concentrated black fruit laced with white pepper and a touch of Provençal herbs. Slight viscosity here, powerful with a generous finish, this is a superb Deuxième Vin that should give 12-15 years' drinking pleasure.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Fleshy and demonstrative, the 2020 L'Esprit de Chevalier bursts with aromas of sweet berries, plums and petals. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, with polished tannins and an expansive finish, it will drink well young.

Winemaker Description

Domaine de Chevalier is renowned for its ability to produce great wines even in unfashionable vintages thanks to its unique terroir and a draconian selection in the vineyard and the cellar. In fact, this philosophy at times requires vineyard workers to carry out five waves of picking in order to pick only the ripest possible grapes.

Furthermore, as of 1986, the planting of young vines led to the creation of both a red and white second wine called Esprit de Chevalier. This includes vats that do not have quite the structure and focus of the grand vin as well as wine made from young vines, Vats that go into red Esprit de Chevalier must nevertheless be complex, well-balanced, well-structured and, above all, elegant enough to be in keeping with Chevalier’s image. Esprit de Chevalier is a charming red wine with many of the same qualities as the grand vin and the added advantage that can be enjoyed earlier.

Our Professional Review

Oscar Garcia Moncada | 67 Wine: The Leflaive family name boasts a long and distinguished winemaking tradition in Burgundy, making it perfectly fitting for them to extend this tradition north to Champagne. In February, I had the pleasure of tasting through the Valentin Leflaive Champagne lineup and was thoroughly impressed by each cuvée. 

Winemaker Description 

An elegant, fresh Blanc de Blancs from Valentin Leflaive that offers notes of yellow apples, candied lemons, freshly-baked bread and a clean salinity that lingers in the finish.

Expert Reviews - CV/19/30

Winemaker Description

The McManis Family Vineyards Zinfandel is a dark purple wine, loaded with notes of ripe red currant, strawberry, caramelized sugar, and toasty oak. The savory red fruit on the palate leads to soft, supple tannins and a smooth finish.

Expert Rating - Vintage 2022 

90 Points Wine Enthusiast | This wine is fresh, zesty, with aromas of orange, cranberry, mulberries, red plums, mulled spices, allspice, clove on thinemaker Description