742 products
Chaillot 2020 750ml
Expert Review
Jeb Dunnuck | The 2020 Cornas Chaillot comes from a mix of lieux-dits (it's mostly Chaillot) as well as some younger vines. It's an incredible wine in its own right and certainly doesn't give much in terms quality to its big brother. Awesome aromatics of crème de cassis, violets, crushed stone, and bouquet garni-like notes all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, concentrated mid-palate, and ultra-fine tannins. It's a touch more finesse-driven and elegant compared to the Reynard and should round into form with just 5-7 years of bottle age. This is legit awesome Cornas that will have 20-25 years of ultimate longevity. (2020).
Cornas Reynard 2020 750ml
Expert Review
Jeb Dunnuck | The 2020 Cornas Reynard will most likely merit a perfect rating in a decade, and it's a legendary Cornas in the making. Saturated purple-hued, with incredible aromatics of cassis, liquid violets, new leather, and bloody, iron, meaty nuances, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, building tannins, and flawless overall balance. It has an inward, massive, backward style (it reminds me slightly of the 2010) and tastes like the blood of Cornas. It will need 7-8 years (a decade will be better) to hit the early stages of its prime drinking wine and will absolutely blow you away over the following two decades. (2020).
Domaine Armand Rousseau Ruchottes Chambertin Clos De Ruchottes Monopole Grand Cru 2020 750ml
Tim Atkin 96 Points | This Ruchottes feels a bit more rugged than usual. The firm – though smooth – tannins feel further emphasized by the crackling acidity. However, the aromatic array is as dazzling as ever. Black cherries, rose petals, woodsy spice and crushed flint glide from bouquet to palate to solid finish. Bristling with youthful vigor, this needs several years to sort out in bottle. 2025-40.
Jasper Morris 94-96 Points | Clear bright purple, with a suave, sensual and detailed nose, plump ripe raspberry but sufficiently nuanced and avoiding the black fruit notes of the over-ripe wines. The Clos des Ruchottes is nonetheless slightly higher octane than expected (14.5%) but can hold it. Powerful and long.
Burghound 93-96 Points | Note: 1.06 ha; 20% new wood. Once again, the nose of ripe red and dark pinot fruit, earth, spice and a whiff of truffle is exuberantly fresh. The almost painfully intense middle weight flavors exude an almost aggressive minerality on the focused, chiseled and youthfully austere finale that exhibits superb length. This is a combination of finesse and flavor authority that is quite firmly structured and should age effortlessly. Wonderful.*Burghound Don't Miss!*
John Gilman 95 Points | The 2020 Clos des Ruchottes was simply singing at the time of my visit, offering up a stunning and sappy aromatic constellation of black raspberries, black plums, chocolate, a gorgeous base of chalky soil tones, spit-roasted pigeon, woodsmoke, new oak and a beautifully pungent topnote of rose petals. On the palate the wine is pure, plush and utterly refined, with a full-bodied format, stunning depth at the core, gorgeous mineral drive and grip and a long, fine-grained and tangy finish. This is a stunning young Clos des Ruchottes! (Drink between 2033-2090)
The Wine Advocate 93-95 Points | The 2020 Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru Clos des Ruchottes is beautiful, soaring from the glass with scents of sweet raspberries, rose petals, raw cocoa, warm spices and orange rind. Medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated, it's lively and tensile, with a fleshy core of fruit and a bright spine of acidity, concluding with a long, saline finish. The 2020 harvest chez Rousseau began on August 24th, with below-average yields, as was so often the case in Pinot Noir up and down the Côte. Cyrielle Rousseau admires the wines' unexpected freshness and attractive natural balance, an admiration I share. Unusually saturated in hue and undeniably concentrated, though not at the expense of the suave Rousseau house style, readers with the necessary connections and disposable income shouldn't hesitate to acquire these wines. Given their structure and vibrant acids, it wouldn't surprise me if these shut down after bottling, even if I don't think they will ever seem actively austere, so plan on exercising a bit of patience.(WK)
Domaine Armand Rousseau Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Lavaux Saint Jacques 2020 750ml
Winemaker Description
Aromas of red berries dominated by luscious cherries. Elegance, freshness and minerality are the main characteristics of this excellent Premier Cru.
Expert Reviews
Jasper Morris 95 Points | A fine fresh purple, the nose is a bit stricter, maybe a hair more concentrated and a little darker in fruit than the village wines. This kicks on very well at the back, liquid dark raspberry, slightly firmer tannins, still very promising.
Barrel Sample: 93-95. (2020).
Robert Parker 93 Points | Mingling aromas of sweet berry fruit and cherries with hints of forest floor, black truffle, burning embers and warm spices, Rousseau's 2020 Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru Lavaux Saint-Jacques is medium to full-bodied, lively and concentrated, with an especially intense, tightly wound profile for a cuvée that's often rather delicate. Concluding with a long, penetrating finish, it shows considerable potential. Barrel Sample: 91-93. (2020).
Vinous 92 Points | The 2020 Gevrey-Chambertin Lavaux Saint-Jacques 1er Cru has a mineral-driven bouquet with dark berry fruit, sous-bois and just a touch of dessicated orange peel. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and fine acidity. Is it the most complex Lavaux? Maybe not, though it has an attractive juiciness mixed with sapidity that keeps you coming back for more. Barrel Sample: 90-92. (2022).
Domaine Armand Rousseau Chambertin Grand Cru 2020 750ml
Winemaker Description
Chambertin is the wine of Kings. Masculine, powerful and well built. Vigorous and firm, well-structured and very dense. With great persistence in the mouth and aromas of chocolate, licorice and red berries.
Expert Reviews
Jasper Morris 100 Points | An imperial robe as we have come to expect. The bouquet is very backward, no problem there either, all about the fruit, the new wood is irrelevant. Starts slowly then builds immaculately, still too early really to see the detail. As always it is about grace style intensity and length rather than overt muscle, all the finesse one can want. Long and lovely
Robert Parker 97 Points Wine Advocate | Rousseau's 2020 Chambertin Grand Cru is brilliant, unwinding in the glass with aromas of wild berries, orange rind, plums, exotic spices, Egyptian musk, woodsmoke and rose petals. Full-bodied, velvety and concentrated, it's deep and tightly wound, with striking intensity and energy. Still very primary, even after a year's élevage, it will require patience, but it's a magical Chambertin in the making.
Domaine Armand Rousseau Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2020 750ml
Expert Reviews
Vinous 93-95 Points | The 2020 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru has a quintessential nose for this vineyard, quite flamboyant yet still with that Rousseau sense of control and elegance, a melange of red and black fruit, touches of wet stone and undergrowth. The palate is medium-bodied with a supple entry, fine weight and density, veering more towards the red fruit profile with a dash of black pepper on the finish. This was once the weak card in Rousseau's pack. That is the case no longer. Drink 2026-50. Neil Martin.
Wine Advocate 92-94 Points | The 2020 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru wafts from the glass with aromas of sweet red berries, rose petals, raw coca, warm spices and orange rind. Medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated, it's taut and vibrant, with a more tightly wound, reserved profile than the Mazy-Chambertin and Charmes-Chambertin. William Kelley.
El Pino Club HIGH HAVEN Pinot Noir Anderson Valley 2021 750ml
Points Wine Enthusiast |Find bright aromas and flavors of cranberry, raspberry and strawberry along with earthy notes of river-rock minerality, roses, violets, hints of fennel and tarragon and just a touch of wood. Elevated fruit concentration yields pleasantly plush tannic texture along with an energetic acidity that points to a long, lingering finish.
Points Wine & Spirits | Clean, fresh, bright and tangy, this pinot is touched by notes of orange and vanilla, lasting on a cherry-leaf scent. It’s fruit-forward with tannins that melt into the background, leaving the cool feel of Anderson Valley pinot.
Wine Spectator | Alluring, with a nice swath of mulled raspberry and blood orange inlaid with pine forest and savory hints. Caressing finish.
Giacomo Conterno Nebbiolo d'Alba Arione 2020 750ml
Expert Reviews
94 Points Vinous | The 2020 Nebbiolo d'Alba Arione is bright, focused and tightly wound. There is a feeling of classic austerity (in a good way) that really drive the balance here. Bright red toned fruit, blood orange, chalk, mint, dried herbs and white pepper all race across the palate. This is Barolo in all but name. Time in the glass brings out the wine's inner sweetness and perfume. What a knock out. The Nebbiolo d'Alba is made from a small piece of Arione that lists just outside the Barolo production zone. Drink 2027-2040. (2020).
93 Points James Suckling | Juicy and sweet fruit with some flowers and peaches to plums and cherries. Medium body. Bright and flavorful. Yet refined. Drink now. (2020).
Audrey Frick writes: The first vintage of the Nebbiolo D'Alba Arione was produced in 2019 and comes from a single vineyard of Anione outside the delimited region. Another barrel sample, the 2020 is fresh with wild strawberry and a gentle, red-fruited tone. Vibrant through the palate, with wild red berries, pomegranate, orange peel, and red flowers, this elegant and approachable wine delivers fine tannins, a long mineral/stony texture, and a tinge of iron-rich minerals on the finish. - Jeb Dunnuck 93
Jeb Dunnuck 91-93 Points | The first vintage of the 2020 Nebbiolo D'Alba one was produced in 2019 and comes from a single vineyard of Anione outside the delimited region. Another barrel sample, the 2020 is fresh with wild strawberry and a gentle, red-fruited tone. Vibrant through the palate, with wild red berries, pomegranate, orange peel, and red flowers, this elegant and approachable wine delivers fine tannins, a long mineral/stony texture, and a tinge of iron-rich minerals on the finish. (2020).
Giuseppe e Figlio Mascarello Barolo "Monprivato" 2019 750ml
Wine Spectator | This pure and stylish Barolo features rose, strawberry, cherry, mineral and underbrush aromas and flavors. Though silky in texture, this is well-structured, with integrated tannins and harmony. This is all about finesse and texture, with excellent length and a mineral aftertaste.
Martinelli LOLITA RANCH Syrah 2012 750ml
Expert Review - Vintage 2012
International Wine Cellar 92 Points | Bright red. Intense red fruit and blood orange scents are underscored by dusty mineral and spice notes. On the palate, taut redcurrant, strawberry and raspberry favors gain sweetness and flesh with aeration. Sexy oak spices build on the finish, which features silky tannins and an echo of fresh red berries. There's 70% new oak here and it expresses itself by spiciness, not vanilla or mocha.
Domaine Chandon De Briailles Savigny Les Beaune 1er Cru Les Lavieres Organic Biodynamic 2021 750ml
Expert Review - Vintage 2021
Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 91 Points | There is a touch of post-bottling reduction, but the underlying fruit seems to be ripe. On the palate there is excellent freshness and verve to the utterly delicious medium-bodied flavors that also exude a more prominent minerality on the beautifully textured, long and well-balanced finish that is shaped by notably fine-grained tannins. This is also lovely and a wine that should be approachable in its youth yet repay up to a decade of keeping, perhaps even slightly more.
Domaine Chandon de Briailles Pernand Vergelesses Rouge 1er Cru Ile Des Vergelesses Organic Biodynamic 2021 750ml
Expert Review
92 Points Burghound | A slightly more deeply pitched nose is comprised by decidedly cool notes of plum, dark currant, forest floor and floral top notes, especially violet. Much like the Lavières, there is a positively gorgeous, even silky, texture to the lighter-bodied flavors thanks to the ultra-fine tannins shaping the overtly stony, dusty and youthfully austere finale. This is textbook Ile de Vergelesses.
Bodegas El Nido CLIO Jumilla 2023 750ml
Expert Review - Vintage 2023
Vinous 93 Points by Joaquín Hidalgo writes 93 Points | The 2023 Clio is composed of 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from Jumilla. It was aged for 23 months in French and American oak barrels. Recently bottled, the oak is at the forefront but will integrate. The wine opens with plum, soft herbal notes and blackberry. Intense with fruit complexity, the palate is creamy, flavorful and delicate in tannins, finishing with a touch of oak that will meld with time.
Winemaker Description
The wine exhibits a glass-coating opaque purple color. The nose is expressive with pain grille, underbrush, brier, minerality, blueberry and blackberry fruit. On the palate is a plush, opulent wine with great density, savory flavors, and a lengthy finish.
The Bodegas El Nido winery is located in the Valle de La Aragona, inside the Murcia district of Jumilla. The vineyards are 76.8 acres of very old Monastrell vines (also known as Matar or Mourvdre) all vaso trained and oriented northeast, and 28.8 acres of 30-year old Cabernet Sauvignon vines on north facing hills. The vineyards have a foot deep layer of chalky stones over substrata of sandy soil. The Bodegas El Nido is a collaboration of the Gil Family and winemaker Chris Ringland, one of the best Australian enologists.
A blend of 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Aged 24 months French & American oak.
Memo Summary Notes
The Bodegas El Nido "Clio" 2023 is a powerhouse red from the Jumilla region of Spain. Created through a collaboration between the Gil family and legendary Australian winemaker Chris Ringland, it is famous for its "maximalist" style—intense, high-alcohol, and deeply oaked.
This wine will overwhelm delicate dishes. Pair it with heavy-hitters like venison, pepper-crusted ribeye, or wild boar stew.
Domaine de Villaine Rully Rouge 1er Cru Champs Cloux Biodynamic 2020 750ml
Expert Review
Allan Meadows of Burghound writes 91 Points | Bright red and dark berry fruit aromas are nuanced by notes of spice, earth and plenty of floral nuances, especially violet. The rich, concentrated and palate coating medium weight flavors possess plenty of sappy dry extract that buffers the firm tannins supporting the elegant yet powerful finish. At least some patience is strongly recommended. I would note that this example showed markedly better than one from last year, in fact so much so that I have no explanation.
Siduri Pinot Noir Santa Barbara 2023 750ml
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023
James Suckling 93 Points | Seamed with saline minerality and fleshed out with mixed cherries and thyme, this silky pinot shows just how detailed appellation-labeled wines from Santa Barbara can be. The finish lingers with brambleberries embraced by tealike tannins, ending on a savory note.
Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points |Medium ruby-hued, the 2023 Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County reveals exotic red and darker berry fruits intermixed with flowers, spice, and forest underbrush notes. Based on a 50/50 split of two vineyards and aged 10 months in 25% new French oak, it's medium-bodied and has a pure, balanced, elegant mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and outstanding length. This brilliant value in California Pinot Noir.
Memo Summary Notes
The 2023 Siduri Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County is a standout regional blend from one of California’s most dedicated Pinot Noir specialists. Siduri is famous for its "minimal intervention" approach—bottling their Pinot Noir unfined and unfiltered to preserve the authentic character of the vineyard.
Because this Pinot Noir balances fruit-forward energy with savory spice, it is exceptionally versatile:
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Casual: Herb-crusted chicken or a selection of mild, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert.
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Vegetarian: Roasted root vegetables with thyme or a lentil-based ragu.
Mains: Mushroom risotto, grilled salmon with herbs, or roasted duck breast.
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Winemaker Description
Siduri explores two exceptional areas within Santa Barbara County that are exceptionally well - suited for growing Pinot Noir - Santa Maria Valley and the Sta. Rita Hills. Pinot Noirs from the Santa Maria Valley provide "crunchy" fresh fruits that are laden with spice notes, while Pinot Noirs from the Sta. Rita Hills provide opulent red and black fruits that jump from the glass with tremendous energy. The marriage of these two distinctive growing areas provides a portrait of a beautiful place to grow cool - climate Pinot Noir.
Pian dell'Orino Vigneti del Versante Brunello di Montalcino Biodynamic 2019 750ml
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019
Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck writes 100 Points | The 2019 Brunello Di Montalcino Vigneti Del Versante is also a jeweled ruby color and is aromatic of kirsch, fresh flowers, sweet herbs, and toasted rosemary. It's full-bodied on the palate, with a compact and concentrated feel, well-defined tannins, and an extraordinarily long finish. As it opens, it continuously evolves in the glass, with pristine notes of licorice shining through, and becomes even more focused and pristine over time. In my book, this wine flirts with perfection and is more than deserving of top marks. Drink over the coming 2-3 decades..." 01/25
Eric Guido of Vinous writes 97 Points | Nuances of dusty florals, rosemary, sage, clove and leather give way to dried strawberry aromas as the radiant 2019 Brunello di Montalcino Vigneti del Versante blossoms in the glass. It's silky-smooth and deep, displaying extraordinary elegance. Soothingly soft textures, ripe red and blue fruit notes and a kick of vibrant acidity provide fantastic energy. Sweet, crunchy tannins steadily build toward the violet-tinged finale, tapering off with hints of blood orange and spice. In a word, spellbinding… I've been tasting the 2019 Brunellos at Pian dell'Orino over the past two years as they've slowly evolved in bottle. Last year, I mused over the Vigneti di Versante's classy profile and potential, as well as the Bassolino di Sopra's flirtations with perfection. The former may find its way there in time. Collectors will want to snatch up both of these upon release in 2025.
Winemaker Description
The Pian dell Orino estate is adjacent to the Biondi Santi property. This area has a long history of being particularly suited for growing grapes for high quality wines. Husband and wife team Caroline and Jan's love for Tuscany and passion for viticulture binds them particularly to this land, their vines and the resulting wines.
The wines are produced from four different vineyards that have a total area of 6 hectares. From the beginning they studied the soil and the structure of each vineyard in order to fully understand its characteristics. Fossils, petrified shells and chalk sediment all testify to the earth’s evolutions and recount marine flooding and periods of drought in the area.
The wines are produced from four different vineyards that have a total area of 6 hectares. From the beginning they studied the soil and the structure of each vineyard in order to fully understand its characteristics. Fossils, petrified shells and chalk sediment all testify to the earth’s evolutions and recount marine flooding and periods of drought in the area.
Plumpjack Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 750ml
Expert Review - Vintage 2021
Vinous 95 Points | The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is rich, racy and super-expressive. Silky and deep, with notable resonance, the 2021 offers up dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol, new leather and licorice. Today, it is a very young wine in need of cellaring, but its potential is evident. Dollops of Petit Verdot and Malbec round out the blend. This should be positively stellar.
Winemaker Description
The nose of the 2021 PlumpJack Estate Cabernet Sauvignon leads with juicy fruits – black cherry, boysenberry, blackberry jam, and muddled mixed berries. The fruit is layered with fresh mint, sage, and iron filings. These aromas are complemented by warming spices, vanilla, and cocoa nib. The palate has a beautiful, velvety texture with plush tannin and an enduring finish with impressions of espresso and dark chocolate.
Comm. Burlotto G.B. Barolo Cannubi 2019 750ml
Ridge Vineyards Pagani Ranch Zinfandel Blend 2021 750ml
Winemaker Description
Ridge Pagani Ranch Zinfandel offers rich plum and pipe tobacco on the nose. Full-bodied on the palate with boysenberry, ripe black cherry, and pepper. Well-balanced with lively acidity and a long, layered finish.
Expert Ratings - Vintage 2021
Jeb Dunnuck | A blend of 90% Zinfandel and 5% each of Petite Sirah and Alicante Bouschet, the 2021 Zinfandel Pagani Ranch has textbook Zinfandel sweet red and black plum, sandalwood, cigar, candied orange-driven aromatics as well as a beautifully layered, textured style on the palate. I love its overall balance, it has ripe, polished tannins, and a just a pure, layered, complex style with so much to love. (2021).
Points Wine Spectator | Potent at the core, yet retains a sense of refinement, with multilayered flavors of black cherry, fruitcake spices and licorice that build richness and structure toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2031. 7,300 cases made. (2021).
Mastroberardino Taurasi Radici 2019 750ml
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019
Eric Guido of Vinous Media 95 Points | "The 2019 Taurasi Radici is impossible to ignore, mixing cloves with incense, crushed stones and dried black cherries. This is saturating and intense, with a silken textural wave that ushers in masses of tart wild berry fruits and spices, all carried by a stream of vibrant acidity. It finishes long and youthfully tense, with a mineral tinge that lingers along with notes of black licorice and a sour cranberry crunch. In 2019, the Taurasi Radici is back to form. The new releases from Mastroberardino demonstrate this storied estate's ability to adapt to modern-day vintages...In fact, instead of coming across as sun-kissed or in any way dried out, they are notably energetic, with a beautiful purity of fruit and tannins that promise further development. When asked about global warming, Piero Mastroberardino explains, “We can now achieve soft tannins in a big Taurasi; the world has changed." Whether or not this is a good thing for the long term remains to be seen. As for the 2019 Taurasi Radici, it’s a drop-dead classic, and I am very excited to see how the Riservas will show two years from now. It will easily continue to impress for the next two decades or more...Mastroberardino remains a reference point producer in the region, with its eyes firmly set on the future."
James Suckling 95 Points | "Vivid dark ruby color, with aromas of blueberry jelly, earth, black truffles, toasted pepper and chocolate. Velvety on the palate, with juicy acidity, a full body and very good fruit concentration. Great complexity and polish in the finish. Drink or hold..."
Producer Notes
Full, complex and intense, with notes of cherry, violet, wild berries, and a distinctive spicy aroma. This elegant wine has flavors of plum, black cherry, strawberry and intense spices. Aged for 24 months in French oak barriques and Slavonian casks, then a minimum 24 months refinement in bottle. aging potential of 50 years or more. Pair with mature cheeses, truffles, porcini mushrooms, Ragout and other dishes with long cooked sauces and roasted red meats.
Peter Michael l'Esprit des Pavots 2020 750ml
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020
Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points | Inky red with a purple tinge, the 2020 L'Esprit Des Pavots is brooding with spice, black cherry preserve, forest earth, and black licorice. It’s full-bodied, rounded, and gushing with boysenberry, with a balance of sweet fruit and savory Sonoma character in its notes of tea leaf, wildflowers, and lightly toasted spices. Long on the palate, with ripe tannins and a good finish, it’s attractive now and will drink well over the next 10 years.
James Suckling 93 Points | A fleshy and rich red with crushed berries, green pine needles, bark, orange peel and bark. Hints of walnuts, too. Full-bodied with round and polished tannins that are integrated and solid. Second wine. Drinkable now, but I would give it another two to three years of bottle age.
Vinous 91 Points | The 2020 L'Esprit des Pavots is mostly Knights Valley in this vintage. Bright and punchy, the 2020 offers lovely forward red-toned fruit followed by touches of mocha, dried flowers, mint, tobacco and cedar. This is a terrific second wine, especially considering the year. (AG)
Domaine Parent Pommard Les Chaponnieres 1er Cru Biodynamic 2021 750ml
Critics Notes
Burghound 91-93 Points | Here the wood treatment is no long subtle though neither does it dominate the pretty spice, floral and red berry aromas that display a mentholated top note. The sleek, delicious and appealingly vibrant medium-bodied flavors possess good delineation that carries over to the sappy, powerful finish that offers both very fine depth and persistence. This is a bit woody today but the oak should integrate with a few years of keeping. (Drink starting 2033)". (2021).
Vinous 91-93 Points | The 2021 Pommard Les Chaponnières 1er Cru, matured in 40% new oak, has a complex nose, quite tertiary to the extent that it deceives you into thinking there might be some stems. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chalky tannins, moderate depth, fresh and saline with a pliant, cassis and blueberry-tinged finish. Very fine. (Drink between 2025-2037)" 01/23. (2021).
Domaine Meo Camuzet Clos Vougeot Grand Cru 2021 750ml
Expert Review
Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2022 750ml
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021
James Suckling 94 Points: Blackcurrants, spiced cedar and dark spices with bark undertones. Full-bodied with very fine, velvety tannins. Textured and compact with a firm, lingering finish. Tight at the end. Needs time to open.
Wine Enthusiast 94 Points: This powerful, densely packed wine bursts with aromas of late-picked blackberries, blueberries and cassis that give way to bold black fruit and dark-chocolate flavors accented by cloves, black pepper and cedar. The tannins are full and firm, needing several years to mellow for best enjoyment.
The Wine Advocate 93 Points: There should be around 30,000 cases of the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon. Tasted as a final blend, taken from tank, it reveals plenty of cherries, plus a backdrop of darker, riper fruit flavors, like cassis and blueberry. There's the requisite cedar and vanilla, from aging in oak, but it's balanced. In the mouth, the wine is medium to full-bodied, silky-velvety smooth and easy to drink, plush without being creamy or overdone, with a long, mint-accented finish.
Wine Spectator 93 Points: A freshly plowed humus note pokes out first, with further coaxing in the glass revealing dense black currant, fig and blackberry paste flavors. On the back end, bittersweet cocoa and espresso crema notes give this a dark, slightly rugged persona, but should smooth out with some brief cellaring. For fans of the toasty style. Best from 2025 through 2040.
Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points: Coming mostly from the estate (70 acres), the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is based on 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Merlot. Bottled in March of this year, it has a deep ruby/purple hue to go with a pure, ripe, seamless, medium to full-bodied profile as well as ample cassis and darker raspberry-like fruits, classic tobacco, and spicy, chocolaty oak.
Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 750ml
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is another magical vintage for this cuvée. All Cabernet Sauvignon from hillside vineyards on the eastern side of Stags Leap, it offers a vivid purple hue as well as extraordinary notes of cassis, black raspberries, violets, camphor, and spring flowers, with perfectly integrated background oak. Full-bodied but not massive, it’s flawlessly balanced on the palate and has ultra-fine tannins, a seamless, elegant mouthfeel, and a great, great finish. It’s another 30- to 40-year wine from this incredible team that readers will absolutely love. (2019).
Robert Parker | Sourced from specific blocks of estate-grown fruit, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is another highly successful vintage. All Cabernet Sauvignon aged 32 months in 100% new French oak, it boasts intense aromas of pencil shavings, dark loam, cassis and plum on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied, super-ripe, rich, dense and concentrated—a truly impressive California vin de garde. Tannic but ripe, it finishes long and firm on the finish, adding a hint of mocha. To be released in September 2023, it's a strong showing and hopefully an indication that quality will remain high under the new ownership. (2019).
James Suckling | A beautiful nose of pitted cherries, redcurrants, fresh herbs and violets. Full-bodied with fine, structured tannins. More gravelly, mineral and dark than the nose lets on. Savory almost. Terrific depth and concentration that keeps the palate flavorful through the generous finish. Chocolate, sage, rosemary, bark and moss. Layered. Superb wine. Needs time to come together. Best after 2024 and onward. (2019).
Vinous | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is one of the most elegant wines I have tasted at Shafer. Effusive aromatics and silky tannins are immediately captivating. Crushed red/purplish berry fruit, mint, spice, lavender and licorice are all finely knit. We will see, but the 2019 may very well represent a new direction for Hillside Select, one of Napa Valley's most iconic Cabernets. (2019).
Wine Enthusiast | This broad, rich and mouthfilling wine is Shafer’s most elite and collectible. Aged for 32 months in all-new French oak barrels, it boasts extra-ripe blackberries and blueberries, accents of mint, cedar and graphite, and a big structure of polished tannins. (2019).
Wine Spectator| A ripe, exuberant style, with generous plum cake, blackberry compote and açaí berry notes mixed with melted black licorice and a nicely polished, singed mesquite–accented finish. Hard to resist now (if you like the power style), but also has the energy to take some cellaring. (2019).
Dominio del Challao Angelita del Challao Rioja Alavesa La Bastida 2020 750ml
Expert Review - Vintage 2020
93 Points Robert Parker | The 2020 Angelita del Challao comes from a blend of different vineyards in the three valleys from Labastida, looking for a village wine; it was produced with 85% Tempranillo and the rest Garnacha, Mazuelo, Viura, Garnacha Blanca and other rare varieties from their own vineyards and purchased grapes. It fermented in concrete with indigenous yeasts, 40% full clusters that are foot trodden and the rest uncrushed grapes and matured in 225- and 500-liter barrels and 2,000-liter foudres—10 months with each plot separate—and then it was blended and let to settle in concrete for another 10 months. They look for a more approachable wine than Challao, with more floral aromas in a very elegant and harmonious way. The palate is medium-bodied with medium ripeness, 13.5% alcohol and very good freshness and acidity, balanced and harmonious, very tasty and with elegant, refined tannins. Really very good. 17,282 bottles and some larger magnums were filled in May 2022. (2020).
Domaine Jean Grivot Nuits St Georges 1er Cru LES RONCIERE 2021 750ml
Winemaker Description
Dense black plum and blackberry fruit, with the characteristic garrigue aroma of wild herbs. There is still a good impression of freshness on the palate and fairly grippy tannins. Well-balanced and typical of the village. The vines in this half-hectare parcel south of the village are more than 60 years of age.
Expert Reviews
93-95 points Jasper Morris | Bright red crimson colour with very juicy red berry fruit on the nose, this has abundant energy and makes one salivate. There is its habitual garrigue touch at the back then a second helping of sweet raspberry fruit, Impeccable structure, a really interesting complex and refreshing wine. Gourmand in the best sense. The fruit just keeps coming back behind. A stunning result from a lesser known 1er Cru. Drink from 2028-2036. (2021).
93 points Wine Spectator | Wild cherry, currant, sandalwood, smoke and earth notes are defined by lively acidity and refined tannins in this intense red. Accents of smoke and roasted game bird add to the complexity, while the texture is silky and the aftertaste long. Wait a decade at least on this. Best from 2027 through 2040. (2021).
91-93 points Burghound | A perfumed, spicy and restrained nose requires aggressive swirling to coax the aromas of pretty essence of red cherry and crushed fennel to reveal themselves. The delicious, refined and vibrant middleweight flavors flash a subtle bead of minerality on the focused, balanced and sneaky long finish. This is a Roncière of punch and finesse. *Burghound Outstanding! (2021).
90-92 points Vinous | The 2021 Nuits Saint-Georges Roncière 1er Cru has an open bouquet with red berry fruit, cedar and light graphite aromas. Fine definition. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, quite sapid in the mouth with a pleasant strictness allied with tension on the finish. Give this 3-4 years in bottle. (NM) Inner quote mark (1/2023). (2021).









