Expert Ratings -Vintage 2019 

James Suckling writes:  Blueberry, blackcurrant, and black cherry in the nose with some sweet tobacco and moss. Full-bodied with chewy tannins that are polished and savory. Fruity yet reserved finish. Give this two or three years to open. Try after 2023.  - James Suckling 93

Jane Anson writes:  A Cru Bourgeois Superieur as of the 2018 vintage, giving a good display of understated Médoc charm with its 2019 vintage. Blackberry and black cherry fruits, firm tannins, well measured with an elegant frame. Violet edges to the colour also suggesting bright acidities, a little austere overall at this stage but great potential to develop over the next few years in bottle.  - Decanter 90

James Molesworth writes:  Direct, with a good mix of cassis, bitter plum, savory and tobacco notes. Fresh and focused through the finish, with a lingering hint of chalky minerality. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.  - Wine Spectator

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Description

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

Expert Reviews 

James Suckling writes:  This has aromas of grapefruit, pomegranates, and biscuits. It’s honeyed and sleek with a medium body and supple bubbles. Soft and creamy finish. Majority pinot noir, with chardonnay and meunier. Around 40% reserve wines.  - James Suckling 91

Julia Sheppard writes:  Tasted in magnum, the nose offers yeasty bready aromas topped with fresh citrus, hints of stone fruit and strawberry tart. A palate of fresh croissants, red berries, green apple and lively lemon citrus, with the larger format lending lovely creaminess to the bright finish. Veuve Clicquot's iconic Yellow Label is a blend of 30% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Meunier and 50% Pinot Noir, which provides the cuvée's signature structure. Up to 45% reserve wines in the blend ensure consistency.  Drinking 2024 to 2030.  - Decanter 91

Alison Napjus writes:  This harmonious Champagne boasts a bright streak of tangerine peel–infused acidity, with flavors of ripe green apple, pastry cream and biscuit, plus accents of crystallized honey and candied ginger, all set on the lacy mousse. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Drink now.  - Wine Spectator 90

Jeb Dunnuck writes:  Comprising 85% of production, the NV Champagne Yellow Label Brut is 40% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and the rest Meunier, with 35-40% reserve wine. Entirely fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, it spends three years on the lees, and the wine sees 9 grams per liter of dosage, but the house does not disclose the disgorgement date. A golden straw hue, it’s ripe with aromas of yeasty bread dough, peaches, and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied on the palate, it’s ripe and juicy with rounded red berried fruit, a supple texture, a pillowy mousse, and a warming finish. Fresh and inviting, this is a solid and consistent aperitif to enjoy over the coming several years.  Drinking 2023 to 2026.  - Jeb Dunnuck 89

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Jeb Dunnuck writes 91 Points | The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape from Avril checks in as 65% Grenache, 25% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre. It has a perfumed nose of Bing cherries, candied violets, and ground pepper, as well as some sappy floral background nuances. Nicely textured on the palate, it's medium-bodied, has ripe yet building tannins, and a great finish. It's a beautiful, elegant wine that has lots to love. 

Joe Czerwiński of the Wine Advocate writes 91 Points | Marking back-to-back strong efforts from this producer, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape features attractive aromas of ripe cherries, redcurrants, garrigue and some dried spices as well. A blend of 65% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, raised in a combination of foudres and tanks, it's medium to full-bodied, with soft tannins and a long, juicy finish.  Drinking 2022 to 2033.

Winemaker Description 

Base of Grenache, then Syrah and Mourvèdre: the classic grape varieties of the appellation and a wine with beautiful tannins, which reveals itself with slight aeration. The mouth refines and stretches, the wine is calm and serene and just waiting for a meal. A great discovery in this appellation.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

James Suckling 91 Points | Fresh and fruity white that has notes of lemons, sliced pears.

Jeff Porter of the Wine Enthusiast 89 Points | This wine has a light, spritzy nose with bright lemon-lime notes and a subtle herbal touch. The flavors are fresh and zesty, leading to a tart, lively finish. It's a fun and tasty sipper, perfect for casual occasions or pairing with light, summery dishes like a fresh green salad or ceviche.   

James Button writes:  This Pinot Grigio, fermented using neutral yeast in stainless steel, offers up some soft melon and apple aromas, while the palate is fresh, stony and juicy, with a succulent peachy core.  - Decanter 90

Expert Reviews

Antonio Galloni of Vinous writes 91 Points | The NV Brut Rosé (base 2020) is another wine that points to the progress Mathieu Roland-Billecart has made here in recent years. Pliant, creamy and super-expressive, this edition is striking. It has a good bit of textural richness and is fresher than the 2018 tasted alongside it. Of course, some of that may be as simple as time in bottle. Pomegranate and grapefruit are laced into the brisk, finely cut finish. This release is based on 2020, with 46% reserve wines back to 2014. Dosage is 4.7 grams per liter. Disgorged: second trimester 2023.  Drinking 2024 to 2030.

Tim Hewson of Decanter writes 92 Points | Based on the 2020 vintage, Billecart-Salmon's signature rosé appears to be on its finest form of recent years under cellar master Florent Nys, full of fragrant, crunchy redcurrant, red cherry and orange fruit with an alluring hibiscus-like floral lift and subtle green peppercorn spicing. The Meunier wraps the intensity of the vintage base in a little softness that keeps the focus on effortless ease (helped by the selection of delicate Chardonnays and young, fresh reserve wines), all adding up to a rosé of immediacy and charm, sweet-natured without sweetness and fragrant without overt fruitiness. 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Pinot Meunier.  Drinking 2024 to 2027.

Expert Notes

Yohan Castaing writes:  Vinified without sulfites and matured in stainless steel tanks, the 2022 Les Lizières offers a delicate, pure bouquet of cassis, spices, flowers and dark wild berries. Medium to full-bodied, juicy and round, it's well-balanced with velvety tannins and a juicy core of fruit that segues into a long, ethereal and fruity finish. This is a real effort.  Drinking 2024 to 2034.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 92

Winemaker Description 

Appearance: Ruby red Nose: Red berries, violet and iris Flavors: Light to medium bodied with fine tannins and supple fruit flavors. Try red Saumur with soft cheeses, stir fried chicken recipes, red lentil soup Served at 16 degree

Winemaker Description 

Dr. Konstantin Frank's classic dry style of Riesling made from vines dating back to 1958 from both their estate vineyard sites.

Delicate and elegant, harmonizing lime zest, granny smith apples, and mineral stoniness from the Keuka vineyards with fresh citrus and nectarine from the Seneca vineyards. The zingy freshness brings energy, brightness, and persistence.

This delicate Dry Riesling with elevated acidity pairs best with soft goat cheeses, simply prepared chicken or pork dishes sauteed or grilled, lightly prepared white fishes, salmon, or scallops, and greens salads.

• Outstanding Winemaking Heritage – Dr. Konstantin Frank is a legendary figure in American winemaking, known for revolutionizing viticulture in the Finger Lakes region of New York. His winery consistently produces high-quality wines.
• Vibrant Acidity & Balance – This Riesling has a crisp acidity that makes it refreshing and well-balanced, making it great for both sipping and pairing with food.
• Expressive Aromatics – The 2022 vintage showcases bright aromas of citrus, green apple, white peach, and floral notes, giving it a fresh and inviting nose.
• Terroir-Driven Complexity – Grown in the cool climate of the Finger Lakes, the wine benefits from the region’s unique slate soils, which impart minerality and depth to the wine.
• Dry but Fruit-Forward – Despite being a dry Riesling, it still has a rich fruit profile with flavors of lemon, lime, and subtle tropical notes, making it approachable and enjoyable.
• Age-Worthy – Thanks to its acidity and structure, this Riesling can age well, developing more complexity over time.
• Food-Friendly – Its crispness and bright fruit flavors make it an excellent pairing for seafood, spicy dishes, sushi, and light pastas.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023 

Tasting Panel 92 Points | Salty minerality leads the way in this lean, clean white. Lemon blossom and delicate, lacy notes of sugared green apple, marzipan, and pineapple are delectable.

James Suckling 90 Points | A crisp and easy-drinking white with pleasant citrus and mineral aromas and flavors, a medium body and a tight, flavorful finish. Super-clean and tidy.

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | This wine’s nose is a total showoff, wafting out of the glass like it’s on a mission to impress. It’s a graceful blend of orchard fruits with a flirty citrus blossom wink. The palate plays it safe, solid but not quite ready to party. Green apple skin and a salty kick on the finish.

Winemaker Description 

Pale yellow in color with brilliant greenish reflections, enticing aromas of acacia flowers, citrus, tangerine, and hints of apricots and almonds. KRIS Pinot Grigio is lean and refreshing on the palate with hints of blossom and honey. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Review

Kristen Bieler writes: Light notes of cherry, licorice root and plum are ripe and plush, with a silky feel and a subtle waft of alder smoke and tobacco leaf. Dried violet, pepper and sage elements add detail on the firm, incense-kissed finish. Elegant and light on its feet. Drink now through 2027. - Wine Spectator 90

Winemaker Notes

The historic property of Chteau du Hureau - one of the only wine producing Chateaux in the Loire - is among the top producers of Saumur-Champigny. The Chateau has been in the family for generations, and today, is run by fifth generation vigneron Philippe Vatan and his daughter Agathe.

Their entry-level "Tuffe" is 100 percent Cabernet Franc fermented with native yeasts and aged in stainless steel tank.

Dark, intense and sappy, with plenty of lovely fruit and floral notes, balanced by acidity and minerality from the underlying limestone soils. The quality and intrigue of the Chteau du Hureau wines continue to soar, as does their following at home and abroad."~Distributor Notes

Our Professional Review 

One of the most classic and historic producers in all of Rioja. Medium-bodied with chew tannins with ripe red fruit flavors. Beautiful finish with a lively acidity.
- Oscar Garcia, Wine Buyer, 67wine

Winemaker Description - Vintage 2020

Characterized by a long growing cycle and perfect phenolic ripening. It produced wines with great aromatic intensity and fruit concentration, well-balanced between alcohol and acidity, and highly suitable for long aging.
grapes

100% Tempranillo from our own vineyards in Rodezno and Labastoda, with an average vine age of 40 years.

Manual harvesting in boxes, with cluster selection in the vineyards. The grapes are transported refrigerated to the winery to maintain their integrity. After rigorous quality control on optical sorting tables, alcoholic and malolactic fermentation occur naturally. Two years of aging in our own American oak barrels (new the first year and four-year-old barrels the second). We perform four traditional rackings by candlelight, from barrel to barrel. Bottled in June 2023.

Intense and brilliant garnet color with a vivid ruby rim. On the nose, it stands out for its high intensity, with notes of red fruits—raspberries, wild strawberries, and redcurrants— wrapped in a marked balsamic aroma of caramel, vanilla, toffee, and roasted coffee. On the palate, it is long, balanced, and fresh, with fine and silky tannins. A long finish, where the initial balsamic and fresh red fruit aromas characteristic of Viña Alberdi reappear.

Viña Alberdi is characterised by a notable food-pairing versatility. It is an ideal companion to appetisers, snacks and barbecues, perfect with rice, pastas and stews, and great with lightly-grilled meat and fish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Luis Gutierrez writes:  The younger wine here is the 2020 Viña Alberdi, a versatile version of the Haro reds. It was produced with Tempranillo fermented in stainless steel and matured in American oak barrels for two years (it's sold as Reserva in international markets and Crianza in Spain). It has 14% alcohol with a pH of 3.6 and five grams of acidity. It has a classical nose of ripe fruit, American oak and spices, the subtle notes of forest floor, still young. The palate is velvety and very balanced with polished tannins. Approachable but should also age.  Drinking 2024 to 2029.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 92

Zekun Shuai writes:  A classical, typical Rioja Alta red with elegant notes of vanilla, coconut, smoked spices and strawberries. Refined and suave, with fine tannins and a long, creamy finish. Juicy and elegant. Really approachable now, but give it two more years to get more mushroom complexity.  - James Suckling 93

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 93 Points: Lovely aromas of raspberries, gingerbread, toast and honey on the nose. I like the generosity and concentration of flavor on the palate, with a medium body and soft, creamy bubbles. Long finish. 43% meunier, 29% chardonnay and 28% pinot noir, with over 50% reserve wines. Blend of 15 vintages, with percentages based on the 2020 vintage, back to 2006. Delicious now.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 91 Points: This blend of 43% Pinot Meunier, 29% Chardonnay and 28% Pinot Noir, with 71% vins de réserve and 10% perpetual reserve, the NV Brut Réserve offers up aromas of spring flowers, herbs, blossoms, lime and brioche. Medium to full-bodied, tense and precise, with a crystalline texture enhanced by bright acids, this is a long, delicate and ethereal Champagne. It matured 8% in barrels and 36 months on the lees in bottle, followed by six months after disgorgement with three grams per liter dosage.

Wine Enthusiast 92: This Champagne is a classic. The nonvintage wine shows real richness and depth. It is structured, open with a honeyed aroma and ripe, rounded white fruits.

Winemaker Notes

Winemaker Descripton 

Whispering Angel is today's worldwide reference for Provence Rosé. Made from Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle (Vermentino), its pale color is pleasing to the eye and draws one in. The rewarding taste profile is full and lush while being bone dry with a smooth finish.

Highly approachable and enjoyable with a broad range of cuisine, Whispering Angel is a premium Rosé that you can drink from mid-day to midnight. 

This rose wine is delicate, clean and minerally. Pale salmon in color. Fresh peach and strawberry on the nose with plenty of red berry fruits. Full bodied and dry, with pink grapefruit and hints of peach on the palate, lively acidity and a long finish.

A beautifully made wine.

Whispering Angel Rose is made by Sacha Lichine and his team at Chateau d'Esclans, in La Motte en Provence, south France. Made from grapes grown from some of the most choice land in the surrounding region of la Motte en Provence, consisting primarily of Grenache, Rolle (Vermentino) and Cinsault.

Tasting Notes: A beautifully pale pink, which is pleasing to the eye and draws one in. Palate : Fresh red berry fruit characteristics with floral notes. Ripe and fleshy feel on the palate. Finish : Great concentration. Smooth and round finish.

Expert Review (2024 vintage)

James Suckling 92 Points: A well-rounded, focused and delicious rosé showing dried raspberries, frozen strawberries and mild spices on the nose. Medium-bodied with bright acidity. Balanced and driven, with a lively center palate and a persistent, flavorful finish.

Expert Reviews 

Wine Spectator 95 Points | Dark and winey, with a well-built core laden with cassis and dark plum puree while flashes of anise, lilac and charcoal fill in throughout. Finish has hints of chestnut and warm earth for a burly edge, but there's ample fruit for balance. Plenty grippy in the end too; cellaring required. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2023 through 2036. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.

Wine Advocate 98 Points | The 2018 Montrose is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Very deep garnet-purple in color, it needs a good amount of air to unlock the vibrant scents of crushed blackberries, preserved plums and cassis with suggestions of star anise, cedar chest, underbrush, Indian spices and iron ore, plus an emerging waft of violets. The full-bodied palate features the most exquisitely ripe tannins, offering a rock-solid backbone with tons of freshness lifting the taut, muscular fruit, finishing long and mineral laced. Going back to this wine over a period of hours and then days further reveals a Montrose of great opulence, richness and depth. Incidentally, the IPT level this year is 82, which indicates a very high level of tannins, and yet they are so, so ripe. The alcohol is around 14.5%. But sit back, close your eyes and forget the numbers—this is pure hedonism in its youth with a fantastic 40+ years of cellaring ahead of it, during the course of which do not be at all surprised if you are blown away by a three-digit experience.  -- Drinking 2024 - 2064.

Decanter 98 Points | Rich and deep with beautifully nuanced dark chocolate, mocha, cocoa bean and liquorice. Just full of understated power and silky tannins. This is gorgeous and among my top wines of the Left Bank. As it opens in the glass you get sweet black cherry and cassis flesh, and a sense of lilting sappiness. Great stuff from Montrose.  Drinking Window 2028 - 2045 -- Tasted by Jane Anson(at Bordeaux, 09 Nov 2020) Part of Top St-Estèphe 2018 wines: Re-tasted in bottle.

Jeb Dunnuck 100 Points | A full-bodied powerhouse as well as a perfect wine, the 2018 Château Montrose is a final blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc that was raised in 60% new French oak. Boasting a deep purple hue as well as awesome levels of crème de cassis and smoky blackberry fruits and notes of tobacco, lead pencil, scorched earth, and chocolate, it's deep, opulent, and incredibly concentrated on the palate, with no shortage of mid-palate depth, tannins, or length. It reminds me a little of a fresher version of the 2003, although there's more Cabernet Sauvignon in 2018 as well as less Merlot. It has that classic Montrose minerality and backward, mineral-laced style, yet I suspect this will be drinkable in just 5-6 years and should evolve into a modern-day legend from this terroir.  Drinking 2027 - 2077Jancis Robinson 18 points 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot.

James Suckling 98 Points | Purity and beauty on the nose with blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, crushed-stone and violet character. A full-bodied red with masses of polished tannins and intense flavors of currants and blackberries. Juicy finish. Super depth to this. Goes on for minutes. Try after 2027.

Vinous 97 Points | The 2018 Montrose is dazzling. Whereas so many 2018s are opulent and broad, Montrose is a wine of vertical explosive power. Ripe Cabernet aromatics soar out of the glass, making a strong first impression. Black cherry, leather, licorice, graphite and menthol develop later as the 2018 starts to open in the glass. The energy, vibrancy and drive here are palpable right out of the gate. Montrose is one of real stars of 2018. Don't miss it!  Drinking 2028 - 2058 .

Winemaker Description

Bordeaux's most intensely concentrated, richly flavored and unique red wine. An incredible power, depth and richness yet a remarkable balance with penetrating aromas of ripe mulberry, black currant and fruit and spicy vanilla oak, setting it apart from all Bordeaux's finest wines. 

Expert Reviews

Wine Spectator 96 points | Reserved right now, but there is a well of blackberry, boysenberry and plum coulis flavors in reserve here, infused with black tea, anise and singed spice elements. Remarkably silky, elegant and extremely long, this unfurls ever so slowly in the glass, beguiling with texture and fruit purity. Best from 2022 through 2042.

Wine Enthusiast 100 points  | This is like drinking liquid black currants and blackberries. The wine has great intensity and richness from the superbly generous Merlot. The wood aging is still there as a hint in the background although the fruit and acidity dominate. Drink from 2026. 

Wine Advocate 100 points | Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Petrus (bottled in mid-July 2017) opens in its own time to reveal crushed black cherries, warm plums, mulberries and cedar chest suggestions with touches of anise, lavender, beef drippings and wild thyme plus a waft of crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with generous, exuberant, wonderfully layered red, black and perfumed blue fruits contrasted beautifully by very ripe, very fine-grained and very firm tannins plus an ethereal line of seamless acid, finishing long and minerally. Olivier Berrouet and his team have knocked it out of the park in 2015. Look for this Pétrus to build and unfold over the next 20 years and confidently cellar this legend for 40+ years.

Decanter 100 points | There is so much going on with Petrus in 2015 that you should just pull up a chair and relax, don't expect to be going anywhere soon. Aromatic persistency keeps reaching in, pulling you further alongside. There is a soft quality to the tannins that allows the black fruit to be both juicy and sweet. High alcohol is balanced by freshness - a pH of 3.5 is relatively rare on these sticky clay soils - unleashing waves of flavour, including bergamot, smoky tea, black olives and rich cherry. The persistency is crazy - I had to get my notes back out two or three times to take down additional flavours because it just kept giving something more. And it makes you smile! What more do you want? Bottled in June, but will not be sent out to customers until April 2018. 50% new oak.

Jeb Dunnuck 99 points | The 2015 Petrus is undoubtedly one of the gems in the vintage and will probably merit a perfect score in another decade. Even so, it has the sexy, exotic nature of the vintage front and center and offers a huge perfume of black currants, kirsch liqueur, Asian spices, and incense. As always, this beauty is 100% Merlot that was brought up in 50% new wood in 2015. A wine that opens up beautifully with time in the glass, it has beautiful mid-palate depth, sweet, sweet tannins, and voluptuous yet weightless texture that needs to be tasted to be believed. Hide bottles for 4-5 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 3-4 decades.James Suckling 100 points The aromas to this are a reference for Pomerol with truffles, black olives, black licorice and dark fruit. Even brown sugar. Full-bodied, layered and multi-dimensional. Chocolate underlines the character above. The perfect tannin texture, length and balance make you think you're dreaming. All about harmony and beauty. Love to taste it now but needs at least five or six years.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Wine Enthusiast 97-99 Points | This is already shaping up to being one of the stars of the vintage. With its great fruit, fully enveloped by the structure and tannins, the wine has been set well for the future. The aromatic black fruits are intense and concentrated. — Roger Voss

Decanter 98 Poinhts | Wonderfully aromatic and expressive, with dark fruit, floral scents, chocolate, cinnamon and liquorice. Smooth, svelte, bursting with energy. Juicy strawberries and cherries have crunch from fine tannins and mineral edges. Calm and controlled, yet quietly powerful. Fruit and oak emerge over time, layering chalky, powdery, ripe, spiced and fresh textures. Ends as joyously as it starts, and very moreish.

James Suckling 98 Points | What a nose with complex aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, graphite and pencil shavings. Full-bodied, this has layers of tannins and intense richness but is framed and held together by the phenolic structure. Vertical and deep, it goes on for minutes on the palate. Great finish. 81% cabernet sauvignon and 19% merlot. Give this five to six years to come together more. Best after 2030 and beyon

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Jeb Dunnuck 99 Points | Based on 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot, the deep purple-hued 2020 Château Cos D'Estournel has, dare I say, an almost Lafite-like sense of elegance and class, offering gorgeous cassis and darker currants fruits as well as tobacco, lead pencil, acacia flowers, and graphite. Hitting 13.46 alcohol, with a pH of 3.9 and an IPT of 80, this flawless, full-bodied, incredibly elegant Saint-Estèphe has silky tannins, perfect balance, and a great, great finish. It will need a decade of cellaring to hit its prime drink window. Of the trilogy of 2018, 2019, and 2020, it's clearly my favorite (that’s splitting hairs), with a similarity to the 2016, and will most likely merit another point at maturity.

Decanter 99 Points | A first-growth level wine. With aristocratic ease it conveys nimble energy and sneaky sensuality. Pencil lead, white tobacco, cassis, juicy blackberry and cherry gorgeously delineated with refined tannins providing impressive structure for long-term cellaring. The pH is the highest since 2003, but you get neither heat nor imbalance. Impressive dry extract and rather 'normal' alcohol at 13.5% evokes a positively classic feel, leading to a subtle yet super-long finish. For owner Michel Reybier, the vintage marks 20 years of 'passion at the helm'. Comes encased in a uniquely gold-coloured engraved bottle with the phrase 'C’était Cos sinon rien' - Cos or nothing else.

James Suckling 98 Points | A brooding and deep wine just on the nose, with blackcurrants, redcurrants, spices such as cardamom and nutmeg, as well as black truffles with earth. Complex. Full-bodied with fine yet chewy tannins, that are wonderfully interwoven. Very structured and long. Needs five to six years to come around. 62% cabernet and 38% merlot. Try after 2028.

Wine Enthusiast 96 Points | This wine's complex structure and powerful tannins are shot through with freshness. It is already impressive, the spice and black fruits in harmony with the texture. The wine will age well. Drink from 2027.

Winemaker Description 

The call of faraway lands. As mysterious and intriguing as a lone adventurer returning from a solitary sail, Cos d’Estournel is slow to reveal itself. Little by little, it evokes stories of distant places, market stalls brimming with unfamiliar fruits, spices and wares, village festivities warmed by the joy of revelers and the setting sun, and sumptuous visions of ladies and their voluptuous curves. A myriad of scents, colors and tastes appeals to the senses. The Grand Vin of Cos d’Estournel is both demure and deliberately sensuous, a fascinating and elegant nectar.

Winemaker Description

With its pedigree style, Chateau Figeac epitomises the elegance of the great wines of Bordeaux. Its unique style gradually shows through and develops over time.

This great wine displays a distinctive rich nose that has wonderful aromatic complexity. On the palate, the Cabernet Sauvignon reveals lovely floral aromas in the first year then, as the wine ages, great structure on the palate. The Cabernet Franc brings lots of freshness in the tannins, and the Merlot contributes roundness and flesh. The attack on the palate is clean, the texture is silky, and the complexity elegant.

The characteristic freshness of Figeac is underpinned by great length of flavor. With its long aging potential, the wine goes on in time to reveal hints of forest floor, leather, cigar-box and licorice – always with its hallmark elegance. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Reviews 

97 Points Decanter | This is an excellent vintage to drink now, with huge amounts of liquorice, cedar, crème caramel, bilberry and black cherry, with a fleshy texture to the fruit but just starting to show more tertiary notes of earth, crushed stone and soft mint on the finish. Feels like the pefect Right Bank take on a Left Bank, generous and open but with a steely core and tannins that remain sure to take this wine forward over many decades to come. This was Thierry Manoncourt's last full vintage, as he died in 2010 (his first had been 1947). Drinking Window 2021 - 2048.

97 Points James Suckling | Even in this super-ripe vintage Figeac retains its usual red bell pepper aroma (from the cabernet sauvignon grape) and that adds a light touch to the opulent fruit cake and spice character. The full fine tannins beautifully support the rich palate and make the finish very long and plush. A great 2009! Drink or hold.

96 Points Wine Spectator | Distinctive, with atypical (for St.-Emilion) force and drive to the black currant, roasted cedar and maduro tobacco flavors, which are supported by a dense, loam-tinged structure. Terrific roasted espresso, ganache and fig paste notes wait in reserve. Very muscular, but with the cut for balance. Best from 2017 through 2035.

95  Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2009 Château Figeac is the normal blend of close to equal parts Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a beautiful wine that has classic Figeac style, yet is more reserved and backward than most in the vintage. Forest floor, truffle, blackcurrants, cigar ash and green tobacco notes all emerge from this full-bodied, ripe, yet pure, elegant Saint-Emilion that has good acidity and plenty of length. The tannins are ripe, yet firm, it’s nicely balanced, and it blossoms with time in the glass. Nevertheless, it needs another 4-5 years of cellaring to hit prime time, and it should keep for 2-3 decades.

94 Points Robert Parker | The medium garnet colored 2009 Figeac features a very pretty perfume, lilacs and cinnamon stick over a core of red and black currant preserves plus hints of dried herbs and sweaty saddles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers bags of savory fruit layers with plenty of floral sparks, framed by rounded tannins, finishing on a earthy note.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Wine Advocate 100 Points | The 2022 Léoville Las Cases is just as remarkable in bottle as it was from barrel. Wafting from the glass with aromas of beautifully pure cassis fruit mingled with notions of violets, burning embers and subtle cigar box, it has already almost entirely integrated its new oak. Full-bodied, dense and layered, it's deep and resonant, with striking concentration, precision and harmony, concluding with a long, palate-staining finish. This striking Saint-Julien really is one of the wines of the vintage, and the best young Léoville Las Cases I've ever tasted.

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins of 67Wine.com writes | Here is a hand’s down delicious Demeter certified Biodynamic blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre made by Anne Collard of Château Mourgues du Grès. The lively bouquet is a Pandora’s Box of scintillating aromas: strawberries, raspberries, plums, violets, lavender, lilac, Herbs de Provence and licorice. The palate is lively and harmonious, light bodied and completely natural, with juicy tannins and refreshing acidity on the energetic finish, with very little sulfur used at bottling. Served chilled, this makes the perfect picnic-party wine. A fun wine with a name to match, She Fu Mi, Japanese for Rock, Paper, Scissors. Enjoy!

Expert Revew - Vintage 2021

Wine Spectator 90 Points | Packs a weighty core of cherry preserves and plum, with black licorice notes, toasted apple wood and a firming spine of iron. A formidable, serious red, laced with ripe yet subtly grippy tannins through the singed herb–flecked finish. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.

Our Professional Review

Bart Hopkins of 67Wine.com writes | This delicious organic Cotes-du-Rhone is a terrific blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre made without any added sulfites or other additives. Juicy aromas and flavors of blackberries, plums and cherries evolve with savory complexity and mouth-filling texture. Notes of violets, wild flowers and herbs de Provence develop as the wine opens up in the glass. There is a lovely purity that enhances the pleasure of drinking enjoyment. Nicely rounded tannins bring lift to the long satisfying finish. This is the perfect red for people looking for a cleanly made organic wine that’s ready for dinner tonight!

A vibrant expression of Tuscany’s biodynamic philosophy, the 2022 Villaggio from Podere Forte showcases elegance, structure, and purity. Crafted with meticulous care in the hills of Rocca d'Orcia, this red blend offers an aromatic bouquet of ripe red berries, wild herbs, and delicate floral notes. On the palate, it is fresh and refined, with fine tannins, balanced acidity, and a mineral-driven finish that speaks to its exceptional terroir.

Produced using certified organic and biodynamic practices, this wine reflects the harmony between nature and winemaking, making it not only a joy to drink, but also a responsible choice.

Pair with: Roast pork, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses, or enjoy on its own as a meditative glass.

Winemaker Description 

Podere Forte was founded in 1997 by Pasquale Forte, a visionary entrepreneur who has created a balanced system where every element complements the others, following the principles of organic and biodynamic agriculture. "Every corner of the earth has been given to us on loan. It is not enough to return it to future generations intact. We have a responsibility to make it better: this is our idea of spirituality." The old concept of the ‘corte romana’ has been recreated on the 500 ha estate: a place where people, plants and animals coexist in harmony and sustainable self-sufficiency. A celebration of biodiversity.

The philosophy followed and applied by Pasquale Forte in the winery is based on the anthroposophical teachings of Rudolf Steiner, based on fairness and respect. Biodynamic agriculture is a way of being, and of observing and working the land. The aim is not to watch the earth do its work, but to help it.

Deep ruby in color with intense red fruit aromas with notes of spice and vanilla. Rich in the mouth with ample fruit and body. Flavors of cherry and blackberry abound with elegant balance and a long finish. Perfect for robust cheeses, red meat dishes and wild game.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Allen Meadows, Burgound: Bright aromas of green apple, spice and just sliced citrus lead to sleek, delicious and lightly stony flavors that retain good cut on the chiseled, very dry and sneaky long finale. Lovely and one to consider if you enjoy aligote. 

William Kelley of The Wine Advocate: Picked on September 17, the 2022 Bourgogne Aligoté Raisins Dorés exhibits aromas of sweet yellow orchard fruit, white flowers and buttery pastry, followed by a medium-bodied, rich and fleshy palate that's satiny and layered.

Winemaker Description

This wine starts in Marlborough vineyards, in the region famous for introducing elegant, cool climate New Zealand wines to the world. Marlborough’s warm days and cool nights create an extended growing season allowing the grapes to develop strong, intense varietal characteristics while maintaining a balanced, crisp natural acidity. The result is a distinct white wine that is always crisp, elegant, and refreshing.

Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc White Wine is stunningly aromatic with tropical fruits and bright citrus notes, and a refreshingly zesty finish. It pairs perfectly with lighter meals, a variety of fresh Asian flavors, and seafood. Enjoy within a year or two of the vintage. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

James Suckling writes:  Aromas of sliced lime, guava, star fruit, savory herbs and flowers. Medium-bodied, fresh and crisp with a juicy, mouthwatering nature. Flavorful and bright.  - James Suckling 90

MaryAnn Worobiec writes:  This pear, lime and lemon zest notes are mouthwatering and intense in this white, with a whiff of lemongrass and fresh-cut grass on the crisp finish.  - Wine Spectator

Winemaker Description

Santa Cristina Rosso 2022 is ruby red with violet hues. Fruity and floral aromas dominate the nose with notes of cherries, mixed berries and violets that meet hints of vanilla, cocoa, and coffee and aromas of green peppers and boxwood typical of Cabernet. The palate is mouth filling, supple with a pleasant fruity aftertaste. 

Antinori’s introduction to their red wines.  A perfect pasta, pizza, chicken, red wine.  Medium bodied, fruit forward, softer styled red that leaves you wanting another glass.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points |  The 2023 Il Bruciato boasts a dark purple hue and exudes baked aromas of plum, pie spice, balsamic, and rich earth. Full-bodied, the palate is generous and rounded, with supple ripe tannins providing a fleshy sensation through the finish. I would prefer to enjoy this while it retains some freshness over the near term. This vintage is a blend of 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Cabernet Franc, 19% Merlot, and the remainder Syrah and Petit Verdot.