Red Wine

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2017

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | The 2017 Brunello Di Montalcino is surprising in its freshness, considering the warmth of the vintage, and speaks to the cooler, northern-facing exposition of the estate. It is refined with ripe red cherry, raspberry, anise, and incense and is fresh with cherry fruit, warming spices, macchia, and herbes de Provence. It is ripe though it maintains a medium frame, with well-managed tannins and balanced acidity. It is a lovely and charming wine and is rather approachable now. Drink 2024-2040.

Monica Lerner of The Wine Advocate writes 96 Points | A delicately sweet note of fresh summer cherry is a precursor to budding complexity and a very articulate bouquet that opens quickly in the glass. Immediately pleasing fruit is a characteristic of the 2017 growing season that had above average temperatures and drought throughout the summer. The resistant 2017 Brunello di Montalcino takes on these challenges without missing a beat. The wine's celebrated acidity and its small berry nuances remain intact. The tannins are silky and the wine's flavors fade slowly even after you have taken your last sip.

James Suckling 96 Points | Sweet berry, orange peel, cedar, bark and forest flower aromas follow through to a medium to full body, with linear and fine tannins and a crunchy undertone. It’s very subtle and fresh for a 2017. Crisp and vivid. It’s refined and acid-driven. Needs three to four years more to soften. Try after 2026.

Producer Description 

The red grape varieties Garnatxa and Samso from Els Guillamets vineyards are the base for the Siana Terrer 2022.

On the nose it presents an intense and elegant aroma of ripe red fruit and jam, with hints of anise, delicate touches of new oak and mineral notes. Palate: In the mouth is well-rounded, pleasant, lingering and powerful. Long finish which brings out its special spicy character.

Gastronomy: Recommended with any white or red meats (fowl, wild game, stews, roast lamb, beef...),with stewed legumes and cured and blue cheeses.

GOLD MEDAL – INTERNATIONAL WINE AWARDS 2024
90 POINTS – TIM ATKIN MASTER OF WINE 2024

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.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

Zekun Shuai writes:  Profound and intense nose with some tapenade, black beans and cocoa powder that gives depth to the already deep blackberries. Hints of dark spices and cigar box, too. Plenty of palpable tannins evenly melt into full-bodied palate with juicy dark fruit. Brooding and long finish. Cabernet sauvignon, syrah, merlot and petit verdot. Drink or hold.  - James Suckling 94

Luis Gutierrez writes:  The 2019 Selección Especial, cropped from a warm and dry year, is composed of 64% Tempranillo, 15% Cabernet sauvignon, 14% Syrah, 6% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot and has 14.5% alcohol, coming through as riper than the 2020 I tasted next to it. It's also darker, round and powerful, with plenty of tannins, wide and concentrated. This is from a warm year, with lower yields, and it's a very powerful wine, balsamic with notes of aromatic herbs, a little more Mediterranean.  Drinking 2023 to 2028.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 92

Joaquin Hidalgo writes:  The 2019 Selección Especial is a blend of 69% Tempranillo, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Syrah, 4% Merlot, 2% Graciano and 1% Petit Verdot from Abadía Retuerta in Castilla y León and was aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels. Garnet-red with a purple sheen. Cedar complements plum, camphor and spice aromas on the nose. Dry and fairly fruity, the finely-grained tannins support a mild, polished mouthfeel. The 2019 is a cosmopolitan red.  Drinking 2023 to 2036.  - Vinous 92

Alison Napjus writes:  A rich range of ripe black and red currant, toast, ground coffee, licorice and vanilla notes are well-meshed with lively acidity and supple tannins in this red, which has a dusty feel. A balanced version, showing generosity and accessibility. Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Garnacha. Drink now through 2029.   - Wine Spectator 90

Producer Description 

This Malbec Superior is the very essence of Paraje Altamira wines. With a bright, energetic acidity and delicate minerality, it offers notes of black berries, subtle spicy accents typical of contact with oak and a silky and expressive finish.

Producer Description 

Emblematic of the style of the estate, the Château Peyrassol vintage was created
20 years ago. It comes from a selection of old vines at least 45 years old. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah find here, at altitude and on the clay-limestone soils of the estate, a development of great distinction.

To say that the 2021 vintage was a long, quiet river would be a joke! However, Peyrassol went through the ordeals without suffering from adversity. At the end of April, a historic frost coming from the northwest (-9°) hit the region. The vines, late, have not really budded. The loss turns out to be minimal. Not a drop of rain all summer! Deeply rooted, the Peyrassol vineyard has held up rather well. In mid-August, a fire of rare violence broke out in the Luc plain, sowing desolation in its path. The mistral is merciful to Peyrassol and pushes the fire in the opposite direction. At the beginning of September, a hailstormP destroyed the entire harvest in the village of Pignan located just a few kilometers from the estate. Our hills blocked this cloud! Finally, floods devastate all the surrounding towns... but stop at the gates of Flassans! And on arrival, the ultimate reward with exceptional quality of musts and wines.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Wine Specatator 94 Points | Polished and handsomely structured, with expressive raspberry and tart cherry flavors that take on forest floor, dusky spice and orange peel accents as this builds complexity and richness toward refined tannins.

Wine Enthusiast 94 Points | f this is how they grow Pinot Noir down on the farm, then farm living is the life for me. I love this wine’s bright, fresh raspberry popsicle, lilac and watermelon aromas. The juicy and medium-bodied palate shows off darker raspberry fruit mixed with black-tea and roasted pork-shoulder flavors—just don’t tell the pig on the label.

Critic Notes

Charles Curtis MW writes:  hint of exotic Asian spice. The palate has a deft balance between density, moderately firm tannins, and a lively freshness that leads to a pleasantly lingering finish—lovely wine. The grapes come from the domaine holding of just under a half-hectare located under Clos de la Roche; they are partially destemmed and carefully fermented before ageing in mainly used casks. Age five years before opening.  Drinking 2028 to 2055.  - Decanter 95

Neal Martin writes:  The 2022 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Millandes 1er Cru has one-third whole bunches. Brambly red fruit, sous-bois and light chalky scents on the nose that feels quite strict at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins. There’s mainly black fruit here, plus cedar and graphite, rather "serious" towards the finish. Fine, but it will require bottle age.  Drinking 2026 to 2042.  - Vinous 90-92

Allen Meadows writes:  A discreet application of wood sets off the softly spicy and earthy aromas of violet, lavender plum and red currant. The powerful and markedly more concentrated broad-shouldered flavors exude a subtle minerality on the succulent yet very firmly structured finale that exhibits excellent length. Patience will be necessary but it should be well-rewarded in time as this is packed with development potential.  Drink 2024+  - Burghound 93

Critic Notes

Charles Curtis MW of Decanter writes 96 Points | The Clos de la Roche from Arlaud is from the lieu-dit Mochamps; the parcel runs from the road up to Domaine Ponsot. 20% of the grapes are fermented as whole clusters, and the wine is ageing now in cask, 20% new. The wine is charmingly aromatic, with a ripe, peony-scented cherry fruit and earthy notes. The texture is silky, round, and velvety; there is more aromatic expression but less depth than the Charmes-Chambertin. The wine should start to open in five years and will continue to improve for a further twenty.

Vinous 95-97 Points | The 2022 Clos-de-la-Roche Grand Cru has all the tropes you expect from this vineyard, with exuberant wild strawberry, raspberry confit and blood orange scents bursting from the glass. The oak is very well-integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and darker fruit than the Charmes-Chambertin, with impressive precision on the finish. This is extremely promising.

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 93-96 Points | Note: from a .43 ha parcel in Mochamps; 75% from 25+ year old vines and the remainder are from 40+ year old vines. A discreet application of wood sets off the herbal tea and markedly floral-inflected red currant-scanted nose where a background touch of freshly turned earth lurks. I like the sense of energy and volume to the bigger-bodied and more powerful flavors that manage to be both denser and super-sleek, all wrapped in a moderately austere and very tightly wound finale that delivers simply superb length. This is flat out terrific and a wine that should amply reward extended cellaring, indeed I would suggest not even thinking of opening a bottle before 10 years have passed."
*Burghound Don't Miss!*

Decanter 95 Points | Charles Curtis MW writes: Dense and structured, this Morey-Saint-Denis premier cru boasts a lovely concentrated blackberry fruit aroma with hints of earth, smoke, and savoury game notes. The texture is robust, and the length is impressive. It seems very 'Morey' in its slightly rustic nature, yet it is right on the border with Chambolle, below the Clos de Tart (and Bonnes Mares, which borders it) on iron-bearing oolitic limestone. The domaine farms nearly three-quarters of a hectare here; the grapes are partially destemmed, gently fermented, and aged before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.  Drinking 2028 to 2055

Vinous 93-95 Points | Neil Martin writes: The 2022 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Ruchots 1er Cru has a classic Morey-Saint-Denis bouquet with mineral-driven black fruit and touches of melted tar and tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, well-balanced and grippy, with perhaps the most saline finish amongst Arlaud's Morey Premier Crus. This will need more time than the Aux Chesaux, but it will be worth the wait.  Drinking 2027 to 2048.

Burghound 91-94 Points | Allen Meadows writes:  Slightly riper aromas include those poached plum, dark cherry and newly turned earth. The delicious medium-bodied flavors possess a suave and caressing mid-palate texture that contrasts moderately with the tightly wound, powerful and sneaky long finale. Lovely but patience needed, in particular to develop more depth.  Drink 2034+.

Winemaker Description 

The 2021 CADE Estate Cabernet Sauvignon has beautiful aromas of cherry, raspberry, cranberry, cocoa nibs, baked red delicious apples, dark chocolate, and roasted coffee, followed by rhubarb pie, cinnamon, clove, red cherry, and boysenberry flavors on the palate. The wine has that classic Howell Mountain structure with great density and length. The 2021 vintage was warm and early but produced wines with great length, texture, bountiful fruit, and elegance.

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, and the rest Merlot. 

Producer Description 

The 2019 Vieux Maillet has a deep garnet-purple color and well-expressed notes of black cherries, fresh blackberries and black raspberries with suggestions of dried mediterranean herbs, dark chocolate, eucalyptus and cracked black pepper. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers vibrant black fruits with an approachable texture of ripe, rounded tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with a peppery lift.

Expert Reviews

Vinous 94 Points | The 2019 Vieux Maillet is aromatic, effusive and charming right out of the gate. Succulent dark cherry, plum, mocha, chocolate, espresso and licorice lend striking aromatic nuance. There's plenty of depth and fine balance to this decidedly extroverted Pomerol. (v.2019).

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Superripe Merlot gives a wine that is succulent, rich, and densely packed with balanced blackberry fruits and solid tannins. The wine's layers of ripeness promise great things. Drink from 2025. (v.2019).

James Suckling 92 Points | Grilled herbs, iron, damp earth and subtle sweet spices on top of the ripe plums, berries, potpourri and cooked grapefruit. Juicy and medium-bodied on the palate with round tannins and a fresh, composed finish of excellent length. Quite appealing for early drinking.(v.2019). 

Winemaker Notes

This wine is an assembly of wonderful diverse terroirs of the Château mixing grape varieties of Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc for a fruity wine mixing the roasting aromas.

Blend: 59% Merlot, 28% Malbec, 13% Cabernet Franc

Critic Notes

James Suckling 90 Points: This has aromas of blackcurrants, mulberries, tomato leaves, mushrooms and chili chocolate. It’s fresh and balanced, with chewy tannins and a medium body. 59% merlot, 28% malbec and 13% cabernet franc. Savory finish. From organically grown grapes.

Producer Description 

Robe: Beautiful and very intense ruby color. Nose: The nose releases lovely nuances of mint, red berry liqueur, and even star anise with the addition of spicy aromas (vanilla, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper).

Body: The attack is straightforward and strong on the palate, immediately suggesting the full potential of a great terroir.

Its intense fruitiness seems imposing, while the acidity traces the substance’s contours without being ostentatious, guaranteeing the aromatic identity of the flavors. The alcohol is enrobed and structures the substance in its verticality.

The finish transcends by its sharpness and richness.

Producer Description 

Misty Hills is produced from the winery’s best vineyard plot, ‘fossils’ plot. The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grapes sourced from this north-facing slope plot with Terra-Rosa soil.

Misty Hills is a complex, elegant wine with flavors of black fruit and elevated minerality.

The wine’s name is a tribute to the morning mists that often cover our vineyards. These mists form as warm air from the Mediterranean collides with cool air descending from the mountains. Planted in stony soils along the slopes of the Judean Hills, our vineyards are uniquely located to take advantage of this climatic phenomenon.

The illustration on the Misty Hills label portrays the epitome of Terroir: The symbiotic bond between Soil, Vine, and Human.

Expert Review

94 Points Falstaff by Peter Moser | Dark ruby, purple reflections, broad ochre rim. Delicate vanilla and oak, a hint of cinnamon and nougat, ripe cherry at the heart, liquorice and cassis in the background. Complex, juicy, dark cherry, supporting, firm tannins, salty-mineral finish, still young, will benefit from bottle ageing. (2022). 

Producer Description 

Priorat Martinet Bru Mas Martinet 2021 (750ML) captivates with its intensity and power, showcasing flavors of dark berries, spices, and hints of cocoa and vanilla. This blend reflects Mas Martinet's dedication to crafting bold and age-worthy wines from Priorat's prestigious vineyards.

Expert Review

Luis Gutiérrez of the Wine Advocate writes 94 Points | The 2021 Martinet Bru was also bottled and ready for tasting. 2021 is a year of very good potential in Priorat. There is great tension here, and the wine has freshness, complexity and depth, something special, but it was not easy, as they got a lot of rain in September. It's elegant and balanced, the tannins are very fine and the wine feels very relaxed (quite remarkable, as it was recently bottled). It has to be one of the finest vintages of Martinet Bru. I find great purity here. Sara Pérez told me the 2021s seem to dance... There are some 56,000 bottles. This is bottled over a period of time, and they started in July 2022. (v.2021).

Winemaker Description 

Sindicat La Figuera is the recovery of an illusion, a project of 6 farmers from La Figuera. A unique village in Montsant, with a very special characteristics: located in the highest point of the region - 550m-, their garnatxa vines –the only varietal– planted in goblet and ages between 30 and 80 years old stand out for their personality and particularity.

The freshness of the altitude gives its wines hints of citrus and flowers that are not found in other wines in the area. If we add their traditional way of making wine in underground concrete tanks, here is the result: a light and fresh wine.

Producer Description 

The 2020 Petite Sirah has lovely floral aromatic intensity showcasing notes of fresh violet, candied floral blossom and black raspberry. On the palate, these notes are echoed, with layers of creamy blueberry, ripe Bing cherry, raspberry gelato, and black cherry liquor.

There is a richness and opulence to this wine, with intriguing power and intensity while the tannins come across fresh and chewy adding structure, finesse, and complexity. Secondary notes of roasted coffee bean, dark chocolate, and cocoa-nibs harken to the well-integrated subtle oak character that leads to a lengthy mouthwatering finish.

This is a perfect example of classic Petite Sirah from Napa Valley, certain to age and provide enjoyment for many years to come.

Expert Review

James Suckling 94 Points | A very fine-tannined red with blackberry, chocolate, dried chili, ink pot, and oyster shell aromas and flavors. Full-bodied and very structured, with a flavorful and lightly austere finish. Top petite sirah. Drink or hold. (v.2020).

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | Oak char and black pepper aromas lead to drenching blackberry and blueberry flavors in this rich and intensely tannic wine. The color is black to a reddish rim, the texture is thick and a bit drying, and the body is full. This wine needs time and/or a good decanting to loosen up. Best from 2027.(v:2020). 

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | Aged entirely in American oak (19% new), the 2020 Petite Sirah pairs an interesting mix of garrigue-like notions with mocha and cigar box, plus notes of blueberries, licorice and dark chocolate. It's full-bodied and a bit chewy on the palate but ripe, juicy and long.

Expert Reviews

Allen Meadows of Burghoud writes 94-96 Points | As with several wines in the range, there is a subtle touch of wood evident on the ripe and ultra-pure floral-inflected nose of violet, lavender, rose petal, exotic tea and red cherry scents. There is impressive concentration to the middleweight plus flavors that brim with dry extract that imparts a seductive mouthfeel as well as buffers the borderline robust tannins shaping the hugely persistent and strikingly powerful finish. This is brilliant but it's also very much built-to-age so buy it and forget it.

Critic Notes

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 92-94 Points | Sweet Spot: A slightly more elegant nose combines notes of red cherry and raspberry with discreet touches of earth and discreet wood. The slightly finer and succulent middleweight flavors possess very good verve while exhibiting very fine depth and persistence on the first, dusty, youthfully austere and built-to-age finale. Once again, patience strongly suggested as this should make for a beautiful bottle in time. 

Winemaker Description

Brilliant appearance with a dark purple rim and concentrated depth of colour. The aroma is fine and subdued with only a hint of primary dark fruits and some spice. The true potential and style of this wine really comes together on the palate with wonderful integration of dark fruits with a grainy tannic structure, pairing volume with amazing balance and elegance and an impressive finish. In conclusion, the primary fruit on the palate is appealing at this stage, but it's the balanced tannic structure which indicates great ageing potential for the future. 

Winemaker Description 

Barons Edmond and Benjamin de Rothschild are proud to present their Haut-Medoc, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot (40%). From harvest to bottling, this wine was produced with the utmost commitment to quality. This wine was aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, according to the tradition established by the great wines of Bordeaux. The wine offers attractive spicy notes, with rich fruit flavors.

This classic left-bank Bordeaux is complex, full-bodied, and earthy with lovely mouth-coating tannin. The palate features blueberry, plum, prune, leather, tobacco, cassis, ginger, and oak flavors that caress the palate.

Pair with a rack of lamb, chicken, and veal.

You will enjoy the round and velvety tannic structure that's characteristic of this great wine.

This is unoaked and comes in at 11% alcohol. The purity and the modest ripeness both allow the freshness to have a more prominent place. This is a lot of fun to drink.

Light in colour. Aroma of red fruits, some spice and a mineral undertone. Fresh, truly enticing and full of precision.

Winemaker Description 

Ruby red with garnet shades, beautiful clarity. The nose is delicate and complex: the essence of Nebbiolo. The underlying structure is vibrant, and elegant with soft tannins and harmonious acidity.

Winemaker Description 

The Barolo DOCG of Riva Del Bric signed by P. Conterno is a wine that fully expresses the distinctive character of the Langhe area. Produced with Nebbiolo grapes, ripened among the hilly vineyards of the region, this Barolo stands out for its complexity and elegance. On the nose it offers an intriguing bouquet of aromas of ripe berries, dried plum and a touch of dried rose, enriched by notes of sweet spices, licorice.

Critic Notes

Joaquin Hidalgo writes:  The 2021 Nicolò Brunetto is a blend of 80% Sangiovese co-fermented with equal portions of Syrah and Merlot from the Uco Valley. Aged for 12 months in French barrels (one-fifth new), it's garnet-red with a cherry sheen. The nose offers faint oaky notes, mushrooms and undergrowth against a sour cherry backdrop. Tart and dry in the mouth, it establishes a delicate tension between the reactive tannins and high acidity, resulting in a layered palate in which the oak plays a supporting role. This is a long-lasting red wine that pays homage to Tuscany.  Drinking 2023 to 2033.  Vinous 93

James Suckling writes:  A fragrant nose with wild berries, currants, dried herbs, potpourri and nutmeg. It’s medium-bodied with finely grained tannins. Poised and layered with bright acidity bringing a succulent, sour cherry character to the palate. Long and developing finish. Drink or hold.  - James Suckling 93

Aaron Romano writes:  Compact and built on structure and acidity, this could benefit from time to develop. Still, the potential is there, and there's a measure of elegance underneath the muscle. With subtle dried floral and mushroom tones to the tart cherry core, this offers baking spice details that dance in. Plenty of fresh thyme and mineral notes fill out the finish. Sangiovese, Syrah and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2038.  - Wine Spectator 92

Winemaker Description

Carignan with a small amount of Mataró. Sourced from 11 rows at one end of the Truquilemu vineyard, 75+ year old vines. Ancestral farming by hand and horse.

Granitic soils. Hand harvested. Fermented with indigenous yeast. Pressed whole cluster. Aged in old barrels over one winter— barrels fourth use or more.

Winemaker Description

Rich and sweet. A great traditional wine for Passover or for Shabbos. Serve with brisket or honeyed poultry. Kedem has done an excellent job with this. It is a Sweet Red wine from New York State. 

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins 67wine.com | With ten years of age, this robust and savory Aglianico Riserva is at its prime in drinking. Dark in color and deeply fruited with aromas of spiced plums, dried cherries, black pepper and roasted vanilla. A good touch of spicy oak frames the flavors and supple tannins add a lovely grip to the long finish. Perfect for hearty meat dishes, strong cheeses and savory vegetarian recipes.
Bart Hopkins

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins 67Wine.com | A rich, savory Brunello di Montalcino that is already drinking perfectly. Powerful yet elegant with maraschino cherry and ripe black fruit flavors accented with roasted herbs, wild rose petals, leather sandalwood and earthy spice. The tannins are ripe and supple , with good depth of flavor and a robust finish.
Bart Hopkins.

Expert Review

94 Points Wine Enthusiast | The nose is primarily savory, with aromas of coffee, herbs and soil, but also has the fresh gleam of wild cherries. On the palate, an emergent orange-peel element bolsters the cherry note, at least until a bitter finish of dark chocolate and espresso. Spice blazes behind dense, grippy tannins. (2018).

Winemaker Description 

Mevushal. Israel. It displays Producing a fine Pinot Noir requires an exact balance of warm days and cool nights. Barkan found this balance in their vineyard at Mitzpah Ramon in the high desert.

The wine is marked by soft, yet palpable tannin, with a fresh almost strawberry aroma with hints of black cherries and mint. Barkan Pinot Noir's medium body and crisp finish goes well with grilled salmon or veal, and is best served at a cool room temperature.