Wine Over $100

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2019

Vinous (Neal Martin) 97 Points: Beguiling bouquet with red berry fruit, truffle and light Provençal herb scents, beautifully defined. Medium-bodied with pliant tannins — exquisite in terms of balance, silky smooth, building gradually with a harmonious and quite effortless finish. Divine. A stellar showing.

Decanter (Georgina Hindle) 97 Points: Rich, full and heady nose. Ripe blackcurrant, red cherries, raspberries and strawberries with mint, black pepper and truffle. Excellent precision and density with a seductive dark chocolate edge. Powerful, muscular and confident, yet with suppleness — density and grace with a cooling finish of liquorice, mint and soft salinity. A great wine.

James Suckling 95 Points: Perfumed nose of mulberries, plums, chocolate orange and cloves. Medium-to-full bodied with firm, ripe tannins. Caressing, velvety and rich core of dark fruit. So supple and polished. 88.5% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.5% Cabernet Franc. Drink after 2024.

Wine Advocate (William Kelley) 94 Points: Fleshy and dramatic, wafting from the glass with aromas of ripe berry fruit mingled with subtle hints of truffle and violets, new oak already entirely integrated. Medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless, broad and textural with lively acids, powdery tannins and fine length on the finish.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points: Elegant, solid Pomerol delivering spicy red and black cherry fruits, notes of cedary herbs and flowers, medium-bodied richness, silky yet building tannins, and a great finish. Will benefit from 3–5 years of bottle age and keep for 15–20 years.

Winemaker Description

Château Gazin is one of Pomerol’s most storied estates, neighboring the legendary Pétrus on the plateau’s finest clay soils. The 2019 is a benchmark expression — a blend of 88.5% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4.5% Cabernet Franc — that showcases the appellation’s signature combination of opulence and precision. Silky, seamless, and built for the long haul, it is a wine of remarkable harmony and effortless grace.

Pairing Suggestions

• Meat: Roasted lamb rack with truffle jus, beef tenderloin, or duck confit with cherry reduction.
• Classic Bordeaux: Venison with wild mushrooms, braised short ribs, or a classic French cassoulet.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Ossau-Iraty, or a rich washed-rind cheese.

Experience the pinnacle of champagne craftsmanship with Krug Grande Cuvée 172nd Edition, an exceptional prestige cuvée presented in an elegant gift box. This iconic champagne represents the artistry of blending 146 separately vinified wines from 11 different vintages, with the 2016 vintage as its foundation.

Why Choose Krug Grande Cuvée 173rd Edition?

• Exceptional Ratings: 98 points Wine Enthusiast, 97 points Decanter & James Suckling, 96 points Wine Spectator
• Perfect for Gifting: Arrives in a luxurious presentation gift box
• Masterful Blend: 51% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay, 11% Pinot Meunier
• Aging Potential: Drink now through 2040 or cellar for 5-10 years

Tasting Profile

Discover a symphony of flavors including toasted brioche, lemon curd, dried apricot, hazelnut, and hints of ginger and white flowers. The palate is rich yet refined, with vivacious bubbles, bright acidity, and an exceptionally long, elegant finish with notes of salted butter and roasted nuts.

Expert Reviews - 172nd Edition

Wine Enthusiast 98 Points | This is the most recent bottling of this iconic Champagne. There is a touch of toast as well as enticing apple and citrus aromas. On the palate, this wine is rich, intense, poised between maturity and ripe white fruits.

Decanter 97 Points | The 172ème édition, based around the 2016 vintage, is a delicate, floral and saline Grande Cuvée at this early stage in its life. The palate it taut, tightly wound, gradually unfurling into toasted fruit bread, rye bread and roasted nuts, wrapped around an intricate and taut lemon core. It's exceptionally long, spicy, rounded and spherical in shape.

James Suckling 97 Points | Beautiful notes of dried citrus fruit, lemon curd and dried apples with hints of spices, dried flowers and subtle brioche. I like the polished and caressing texture and steady, refreshing acidity. It's fresh and even austere, with notes of ground spices. So vertical and firm. Structured and long.

Wine Spectator 96 Points | This classy Champagne waltzes across the palate with fluid poise and grace. The mousse's pointillismlike beads and a vivid frame of acidity buoy the detailed range of aromas and flavors, including chopped cherry, dried apricot, tangerine peel and plum cake notes, plus fragrant hints of grated ginger, lime blossoms, ground coffee and grilled nuts.

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | Outstanding. It reveals a complex, slightly spicy bouquet of white fruits, beeswax, marzipan, hazelnuts, dried herbs, ripe orchard fruits and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated on the palate, it has a subtly spicy entry, an enrobing and layered texture and a fleshy core of fruit framed around a perfectly balanced, fresh and mineral finish.

Perfect Pairings

Elevate your dining experience by pairing this prestigious champagne with oysters, caviar, aged Comté cheese, roasted poultry, or creamy risotto. Its complexity and structure make it ideal for special celebrations or as a sophisticated aperitif.

About Krug Champagne

Since 1843, Krug has been synonymous with the finest champagne in the world. Each Grande Cuvée is a unique blend that showcases the house's commitment to excellence and the art of blending across multiple vintages.

Expert Reviews

94 Points Wine Specator | A classy rosé that glides across the palate, with flavors of raspberry coulis, yellow peach, chamomile and blanched almond that expand on the creamy mousse and linger on the lightly spiced finish, powered by mouthwatering acidity. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2026.

90 Points Robert Parker |  The latest rendition of Ruinart's NV Brut Rosé is a pretty, vibrant wine that offers up inviting aromas of tangerine, blood orange, plum and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and precise, with tangy acids and a pretty mousse, it's ca harming, comparatively vinous wine that is already showing well.

92 Points James Suckling | The appeal of this excellent rosé Champagne begins with the nose of red berries, ripe nectarine, coriander and red roses. Striking balance of delicate tannins, animating freshness and just a touch of creaminess. Long, very clean and dry finish. The cuvée is 55% pinot noir from Aÿ (some fermented as red wine) and 45% chardonnay. Drink now.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon That Defines the Silver Oak Legacy

Silver Oak has been one of Napa Valley's most iconic Cabernet producers since 1972, celebrated for a house style that balances power with elegance and approachability. The 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon — a blend of 76.61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18.13% Merlot, 2.56% Cabernet Franc, 2.32% Petit Verdot, and 0.38% Malbec, aged in American oak seasoned 24 months and toasted 90 minutes — is a benchmark expression of the estate: structured yet silky, complex yet immediately rewarding, with the depth to cellar through 2047.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

• Decanter — 96 pts: "Beautifully compact with complex aromas of Bing cherry, black raspberry, tobacco, currant leaf, and cedarwood laced with dried sage. Focused and linear on the medium to full-bodied palate with expressive dark berry character and exotic oak spices. Fine-grained structured tannins, a crisp, lively, energetic finish. One to cellar. Drink 2024–2038."
• James Suckling — 95 pts: "So elegant, supple and silky, this vintage is a dream to drink now, but should also have plenty of life ahead of it. Aromas of blueberries and dark chocolate meld with lux black fruit, mint and cocoa on the palate. Drink or hold through at least 2030."

Winemaker Notes

Expressive and lively on the nose with black cherry and huckleberry aromas laced with dry floral notes. Integrated oak adds a light note of sweet nutmeg. Ruby in color, with a fruit-forward entry, silky tannins that build across the mid-palate, and a long, balanced finish. Structured while still approachable — true to the signature Silver Oak style. Will continue to improve through 2047 with proper cellaring.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: 76.61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18.13% Merlot, 2.56% Cabernet Franc, 2.32% Petit Verdot, 0.38% Malbec
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Producer: Silver Oak Cellars
• Vintage: 2019
• Oak: American oak, 24-month seasoning, 90-minute toast
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for Napa-style entertaining — exceptional with prime ribeye, lamb rack, braised short ribs, aged cheddar, and mushroom-crusted filet mignon.

Producer Notes

Estate director Axel Heinz called 2020 ‘a classic Ornellaia,’ selecting ‘La Proporzione’ (proportion) as the theme to describe its character. The blend — 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot — marks a return to a more typical composition. Raised in 70% new French oak for 18 months, then 12 months in bottle prior to release. Fine-grained and beautifully textured, with finely integrated tannins supporting a concentration of black fruits lightened by red berries. Aromas of black cherry, liquorice, dark chocolate, cedar, and damp earth, with menthol and balsamic streaks imparting freshness. A stony, salty finish. Tight and moreish in its youth — best from 2026 through 2045.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2020

• James Suckling 98 pts | Alluring aromas of lead pencil, currants, crushed stone, and iodine. Full-bodied with tight, focused tannins. Very fresh and energetic with wonderful length and intensity. Better from 2028 onwards.
• Jeb Dunnuck 96 pts | Flush with herbs, menthol, blackberry, and cedar. Full-bodied with luxurious plum, black cherry, and toast. Supple and velvety tannins. Drink 2026–2046.
• Wine Spectator 96 pts | Inviting aromas of blackberry, black currant, anise, cedar, vanilla, and tobacco. Sleek and open on the palate, beautifully balanced. Mineral and spice on the finish with a salty, flinty element. Best from 2026 through 2045. — Bruce Sanderson
• Vinous 96 pts | Gorgeous and elegant. Seamless and wonderfully deep, with terrific freshness and cut. Super-refined from the outset. Precision and understated finesse. Drink 2027–2045. — Antonio Galloni
• Decanter 96 pts | Fine-grained and beautifully textured. Black cherry, liquorice, dark chocolate, cedar, and damp earth. Tight and moreish with ripeness, freshness, and structure. Drink 2023–2050. — James Button
• Robert Parker Wine Advocate 95 pts | Dark fruit, pencil shaving, toasted oak, Spanish cedar, campfire ash, and iron ore. Especially concentrated and oak-driven. Requires more aging. Drink 2026–2045. — Monica Larner
• Jancis Robinson 18/20 | Very sumptuous nose followed by a hedonistic palate that finishes especially fresh. Ripe but not too-ripe fruit. Savoury persistence. Drink 2024–2028.

Food Pairings

• Bistecca alla Fiorentina or prime dry-aged ribeye
• Braised short ribs or slow-roasted lamb
• Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Toscano
• Truffle pasta or wild mushroom risotto

About La Grande Dame Jacquemus Artist Series

La Grande Dame 2018 Artist Series by Jacquemus is a stunning collaboration between two icons of French elegance — Veuve Clicquot and the celebrated fashion house Jacquemus. This limited-edition bottle features exclusive artwork by Jacquemus, making it as visually striking as it is exceptional in the glass. La Grande Dame has been Veuve Clicquot's prestige cuvée since its inauguration in 1972, crafted only in the finest vintages from eight Grands Crus of Champagne.

Tasting Notes

The 2018 vintage delivers a beautifully balanced expression of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Expect aromas of ripe stone fruit, brioche, and toasted hazelnuts, with a creamy, full-bodied palate of peach, citrus zest, and subtle minerality. Elegant and long-finishing with exceptional structure and aging potential.

Food Pairings

Perfect with lobster, scallops, foie gras, aged Comté, and fine charcuterie. An exceptional celebratory Champagne for milestone occasions.

Product Details

Bottle Size: 750ml
Vintage: 2018
Region: Champagne, France
Appellation: Champagne AOC
Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Style: Brut Vintage Champagne
Edition: Artist Series — Jacquemus Limited Edition

Winemaker Description

This signature wine contains only fruit farmed on Howell Mountain. The wine comes in a distinctive bottle that is hand dipped in red wax. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. aged 32 months in 100% new French oak.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2017

Vinous Antonio Galloni 97 Points | The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is sure to make Dunn fans happy. Powerful and ample, it marries the natural intensity of the year with the savoriness that makes Howell Mountain Cabernets so distinctive. Dark blue/purplish fruit, graphite, spice, leather, dried herbs and lavender imbue the 2017 with striking intensity and character. I can't wait to see how it ages. The 2017 is a positively stunning edition of the Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.  Drinking 2027 - 2047.

Robert Parker Joe Czerwinski 96 Points | Already more open than the 2018 Howell Mountain, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain boasts slightly piney, resinous herb notes—thyme and rosemary—along with classic cassis and blueberry fruit. Yes, there's a cedary coat of oak, but the fruit comes through loud and clear, adding a rich, velvety textural component and mouthwatering berry flavors on the lingering finish.  Drinking 2025 - 2040  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 96+

Wine Spectator James Molesworth 95 Points | Fresh ripe cassis, blackberry and plum fruit flavors course through, carried by tar and apple wood notes that are well-embedded, giving this a muscular but sleek feel. Features a great tug of dark earth and licorice snap on the palate-staining finish. Best from 2023 through 2038. 

Opus One was born from an extraordinary partnership — Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi of Napa Valley, united by a single dream: to create one wine of uncompromising quality that would stand among the world's greatest. First produced in 1979, Opus One has spent four decades refining that vision, drawing from four estate vineyards including 100 acres within the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and 70 acres in the Ballestra and River parcels. Winemaker Michael Silacci leads the estate with a rare combination of intuition and technical mastery, guiding both vineyard and cellar with equal care.

The Opus One Oakville Napa Valley 2022 750ml is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, and 0.5% Malbec, aged 18 months in French oak. The 2022 vintage presented extreme heat challenges, and the Opus team responded by picking early and decisively — beginning with Merlot on August 24th — to preserve freshness and purity. The result is a wine of great energy and elegance: chocolate, cherry, and rose petal on the nose, with creamy, slightly grippy tannins, juicy concentrated fruit, and a long, pure finish. Decanter calls it "a darling of a wine" — not a blockbuster, but something more refined and alive. Best from 2027–2037.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

• Decanter — 97 Points: "Chocolate, cherry and rose petal aromas. Juicy and lively, full of fun — fruity and concentrated. The tannins are just wonderful, creamy and slightly grippy. Long lasting with purity and delicacy. A darling of a wine."
• James Suckling — 96 Points: "Generous, with savory aromas of ripe blackcurrants and fresh black cherries. Graphite, pencil shavings, cocoa and espresso. Full-bodied and well structured. Best from 2028."
• Wine Advocate — 95 Points: "Ripe, extroverted personality. Rosemary and sandalwood notes accent cherries on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, expansive and plush, finishing with ample length and soft tannins."
• Jeb Dunnuck — 94 Points: "Very pretty, elegant, and seamless. Red and black fruits with fresh flowers and baking spices. Fresh, elegant, lively mouthfeel with fine tannins and a great finish."
• Vinous — 92+ Points: "Soft, relatively easygoing with terrific brightness throughout. Tannins are a bit searing at this stage — will be interesting to see how things shake out."
• Wine Spectator — 92 Points: "Lighter-bodied, fresher profile with red currant, damson plum and cherry coulis, tobacco and rose petal. Best from 2027 through 2037."

Wine Details

• 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 0.5% Malbec
• Oakville AVA, Napa Valley, California — To Kalon Vineyard & estate parcels
• Aged 18 months in French oak
• Vintage: 2022 | Drink 2027–2037 | 750ml

Producer Notes

Domaine de Chevalier is one of Pessac-Léognan’s most celebrated Grand Cru Classé estates, renowned for producing wines of extraordinary precision, freshness, and longevity. The 2020 is widely regarded as one of the legendary wines from this address — a wine that effortlessly triumphs over the heat and drought of the vintage to produce something nuanced, pure, and deeply classical. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Pure cassis, graphite, lead pencil, and scorched earth on the nose. Full-bodied with ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a finish of extraordinary length. Best from 2027, with the potential to evolve for 50+ years.

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2020

• Jeb Dunnuck 98+ pts | Pure cassis, graphite, lead pencil, and scorched earth. Full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. Pure, classic, regal Pessac-Léognan. Drink 2027–2077.
• James Suckling 97–99 pts | Purity of fruit is really something — blackcurrants, blackberries, orange, stone, and granite. Full-bodied with very fine, polished tannins. Great length. One for the cellar. Drink after 2030.
• Vinous 96 pts | Bright, poised, and wonderfully pure. Red cherry, blood orange, mint, star anise, and cinnamon. Built on aromatic presence and persistence. What a wine! Drink 2030–2060. — Antonio Galloni
• Decanter 96 pts | Blueberry and blackcurrant with liquorice, tobacco, and bitter chocolate spices. Precision and clarity. Rich, heady, and super promising. Drink 2028–2055. — Georgina Hindle
• Wine Spectator 95 pts | Cassis, plum, blackberry, warm loam, smoldering tobacco, and singed alder. Long and deep through the fine-grained finish. Best from 2028–2038. — James Molesworth
• Jane Anson 95 pts | Cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, creamy cassis, blackberry, bilberry, cigar box, and smoked earth. A brilliant Chevalier. Drink 2027–2048.
• WK 95+ pts | Minty blackberries and cassis with burning embers, spices, rose petals, and orange rind. Fleshy and concentrated with powdery tannins and a long, saline finish. Drink 2028–2060. — William Kelley
• Jancis Robinson 18/20 | Effortlessly triumphs over the heat and drought of 2020. Nuanced, promising, with trademark freshness. Bravissimo! Drink 2030–2050.

Food Pairings

• Prime dry-aged ribeye or rack of lamb
• Roasted duck or slow-braised short ribs
• Aged Comté or Époisses
• Truffle dishes or wild mushroom risotto

The Original Super Tuscan — Sassicaia at Its Most Compelling

No wine better defines the Super Tuscan movement than Sassicaia. Created by Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta in the 1940s and first commercially released in 1968, Sassicaia pioneered the use of Cabernet Sauvignon on the Tuscan coast and forever changed the landscape of Italian fine wine.

By 1994, Sassicaia's reputation was so singular that it was granted its own DOC — Bolgheri Sassicaia — the only single-estate DOC in Italy. It remains the world's first and most celebrated Super Tuscan, still owned by the noble Incisa della Rocchetta family.

The Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia Bolgheri 2023 is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Cabernet Franc, aged 24 months in 40% new French oak. The 2023 vintage was shaped by a cold winter, above-average rainfall, and a severe outbreak of downy mildew that forced brutal fruit selection and a 20% reduction in yields — a vintage of pressure and sacrifice that, like the legendary 1985, produced diamonds. The result is a Sassicaia of uncanny openness and generosity in its youth: wild sage, rosemary, dark fruit, crushed stone, rose petal, pink peppercorn, bergamot, and blood orange on the nose; chalky tannins, bright acidity, and a saline coastal freshness on the palate; and a long, persistent, mineral finish. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it a perfect 100 points. In Magnum — the ideal format for long-term cellaring.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2023

• Wine Advocate — 100 Points: "Very few vintages of this legendary

A 99-Point Masterpiece from the Heights of Mendoza

El Enemigo has redefined Argentine fine wine with their Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Gualtallary, and the 2020 vintage is the pinnacle of that achievement. Sourced from high-altitude vineyards in Gualtallary — one of the Uco Valley’s most extreme and celebrated terroirs — this Cabernet Franc-led blend is ethereal, powerful, and built for the long haul. Fermented in concrete with indigenous yeasts and partial whole clusters, it is a wine of rare precision and inner energy.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

• The Wine Advocate — 99 pts: “Nothing but phenomenal. Very fresh and balanced... subtle and ethereal within the powerful and exuberant character from Gualtallary. Intense and powerful, but something makes it feel light on its feet with great inner power.”
• James Suckling — 96 pts: “Ink and licorice with blackberry and black olive aromas. Round, fine tannins that are crunchy and refined. Juicy undertone and a savory finish.”
• Vinous — 95 pts: “Intense bouquet of grapefruit, violet and wild herbs. Natural fruit flavors highlighted by blackberry hints and a chalky texture, culminating in a long, fruit-driven finish.”
• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: “Fresh rosemary, graphite and tobacco accents meld with an elegant raspberry and plum core. Drink now through 2040.”

Winemaker Notes

El Enemigo Cabernet Franc Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard Gualtallary 2020

Deep purple with red highlights. Intense and elegant aromas of sweet spices, black pepper, eucalyptus, and thyme from the Cabernet Franc, with ripe blackberries and black cherries from the Malbec. Complex on the palate with structured tannins, a touch of chocolate and vanilla from oak aging, and a very long, persistent finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: Cabernet Franc, Malbec
• Appellation: Gualtallary, Mendoza, Argentina
• Producer: El Enemigo / Achaval Ferrer
• Vintage: 2020
• Fermentation: Concrete, indigenous yeasts, partial whole clusters
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural match for the finest cuts — excellent with grilled meats, aged cheeses, lamb, and hearty braised dishes.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Jasper Morris 92-94 Points | Mid lemon. A little more stuffing than the very agreeable Chenevottes, digging deep into fresh yellow fruit, some citrus rind, good acidity, and a particularly appealing intense crisp white fruit finish. Old vines count! 

Neal Martin writes:  The 2020 Chassagne-Montrachet Les Champs Gain 1er Cru has a touch more mineralité on the nose compared to the Les Chenevottes, touches of gypsum and oyster shell intermingling with light white linen scents. The palate is very well balanced and beautifully poised, with entrancing white peach and nectarine notes toward the irresistible finish. Yes, yes, yes!  Drinking 2025 to 2048.  - Vinous 93-95

William Kelley writes: Aromas of citrus zest, peach and pear, mingled with hints of white flowers, hazelnuts and fresh bread, preface the 2020 Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Champs Gain, a medium to full-bodied, satiny and nicely concentrated wine with a bright spine of acidity and a mouthwateringly chalky finish. This looks to be Colin's best Champs Gain since 2017.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 91-93

Winemaker Description 

Founded in 1970 by Marc Colin and his wife Michele, Domaine Marc Colin now spans 15 hectares encompassing 26 appellations in St. Aubin, Chassagne, Puligny, and Santenay. Most of the land was inherited from past generations of Colin and Ponavoy; certain parcels have been in the family for more than 100 years. While the family does own prime territory in Chassagne, home base in St. Aubin features parcels of the very best vineyards, En Remilly and Chatenière, to name a few. These vineyards accrue prestige due to their sloped location; while much of St. Aubin resides on flat ground (rendering less interesting wines) the Colin properties are all situated on finely pitched hillsides. The resulting wines shimmer with savory minerality and luster.

Today Joseph, Caroline, and Damien, the children of Marc and Michele, own and run the domaine. The fourth sibling Pierre-Yves (who made the wine at Marc Colin for 10 years) established his own project in 2005. Sustainable and organic agriculture, older vines, and clay-limestone soils are just some of the components contributing to the quality of the final product. Winemaking style would best be called traditional, though Joseph (who makes the whites) and Damien (who makes the reds) are certainly not shy of innovation. Whites strive for optimum freshness; there is no heavy, ungainly wood here. The red wines are characterized by silky texture, ever-present fruit and a certain roundness with just a kiss of oak. Production consists of 70% white and 30% red with total production maxing out at 120,000 bottles.

Discover Domaine Leflaive's Exquisite Biodynamic Wines

Discover the exquisite quality of Domaine Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet Biodynamic 2023, the crown jewel from one of Burgundy's most prestigious estates. Established in the heart of Burgundy, this family-owned domaine has gained international acclaim for producing some of the finest white wines in the world. With a thoughtful approach to sustainability and commitment to biodynamic farming, Domaine Leflaive effortlessly blends tradition with innovation, ensuring every bottle is a true representation of the unique terroir of Puligny-Montrachet.

Expert Recognition

Wine Spectator - 92 Points
"Pure and silky in texture, revealing lemon, apple, mineral and oak spice flavors. Seamless and balanced, with lively acidity guiding the lingering aftertaste of citrus, orchard fruit and spices. Drink now through 2030."

2,715 cases made, 543 cases imported

Tasting Profile

This exceptional wine presents a brilliant golden hue that hints at the richness within. Pure and silky in texture, the palate reveals seamless flavors of lemon, apple, mineral, and oak spice. The wine bursts with ripe peach, zesty citrus, and subtle floral notes, complemented by a delicate minerality that typifies this celebrated region. Lively acidity guides the experience, creating a refreshing brightness while the oak barrels add complexity and sophistication. The finish is lingering and memorable, with citrus, orchard fruit, and spices that beckon for another taste. It's an elegant expression of biodynamic heritage and Burgundian excellence.

Biodynamic Excellence

Domaine Leflaive is renowned for its pioneering biodynamic practices, supporting environmental stewardship while enhancing the flavor profile of their wines. This thoughtful approach to organic farming not only respects the land but creates wines with greater complexity, purity, and authentic expression of terroir. The 2023 vintage showcases the harmonious balance achieved through these sustainable methods, making it a must-try for any avid wine enthusiast who values both quality and environmental responsibility.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This wine's bright acidity and intricate flavors make it ideal for pairing with:

• Grilled scallops or pan-seared sole
• Fresh oysters and shellfish
• Roasted chicken or poultry
• Creamy cheeses like Brie or Comté
• Herbaceous salads with citrus vinaigrette
• Sautéed vegetables with butter

Serving & Cellaring

Serve slightly chilled (10-12°C / 50-54°F) to fully appreciate its complexity and allow the aromas and characteristics to emerge. Drink now through 2030 for optimal enjoyment. Whether for a special occasion or an elevated dining experience, this exquisite white wine from Domaine Leflaive is sure to impress connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Decanter 94 Points | Gorgeous Cabernet aromas, clear and crystalline, some herbal notes with a cool blueberry and chalky element. Rose scents, dark cherries and cinnamon bark. Full and expressive, warming tones but great acidity that gives such lift. Lovely purity and drive, this has a great sense of confidence - nothing overdone, really pristine and finessed. If anything it’s not super heavy, but it’s the better for it. You get the Napa richness in the fruit concentration but it’s so well defined and still with a graceful power. Yum. 0.5% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

Winemaker Description

Since 1993, Overture has been an expression of place across time. In keeping with an internal desire to underscore the importance of the growing season, Opus One has taken the necessary steps for Overture to become a vintage-dated wine. In doing so, Opus One intends to emphasize the diversity of our estate with a renewed focus.

Over the years our winemaker, Michael Silacci, and his team have come to deeply understand the individual blocks within the vineyards. Farming practices may then be adjusted at the block level to enable the vines to fully capture the quality of the estate.  The majority of our vineyards are planted in alluvial soils in the extreme western part of the Oakville, AVA, at the foot of the Mayacamas mountains. 

The fruit is harvested and vinified with the same care, precision, and attention to detail as Opus One. Unique aromatics, flavors, and textures are recognized as ideal for Overture — more red fruit, herbal characteristics, soft tannins, and creamy texture. 

Single-Vineyard Napa Perfection — Nickel & Nickel State Ranch

Nickel & Nickel is Napa Valley's preeminent single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon producer, dedicated exclusively to crafting wines that express the unique character of individual estate vineyards. State Ranch is their Yountville expression — a site that delivers a distinctive combination of power, elegance, and aromatic complexity that sets it apart from other Napa appellations. At $110, this is a serious collector's Cabernet that rewards both immediate enjoyment and medium-term cellaring.

Winemaker Notes

Nickel & Nickel State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville Napa Valley 2022 750ml

Powerful and driven, State Ranch captivates the nose with a perfume of mixed wild berries, black cherry, and aromatic herbs. At once juicy and concentrated, layers of black plum, black currant, and clove flavors unfold on the tongue. Polished tannins melt into the palate, beautifully framing the wine from entry to the long, silky finish.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Yountville, Napa Valley
• Vineyard: State Ranch (single-vineyard)
• Producer: Nickel & Nickel
• Vintage: 2022
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A natural at the fine dining table — exceptional with dry-aged ribeye, lamb rack with herbs, braised short ribs, wild mushroom risotto, and aged hard cheeses.

Podere Grattamacco's Bolgheri Superiore is one of the coast's most compelling expressions — a Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend with Merlot and Sangiovese, grown on the mineral-rich soils of the Bolgheri DOC. Deeply aromatic and structured, it opens with ripe red fruits, balsamic and Mediterranean herb notes, and a distinctive mineral thread that carries through to a long, persistent finish. Built for the cellar, yet captivating now.

Pairs beautifully with game, wild boar, roasted and braised red meats, and medium-aged cheeses.

The Benchmark of Amarone — Bertani's 2011 Della Valpolicella

Bertani and Amarone are nearly synonymous — the estate's 150+ year history in the Veneto is so intertwined with this iconic appellation that one cannot speak of great Amarone without invoking the Bertani name. Their Amarone is a wine of uncompromising elegance rather than brute power, built for the long haul and rewarding patience with extraordinary complexity. The 2011 vintage, now over a decade in bottle, is drinking magnificently — a rare opportunity to experience a fully mature, world-class Amarone at its peak.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2011

• James Suckling — 97 pts: "Density and dryness that really comes together here, after almost 10 years in bottle. Very deep and vertical on the palate. Very pure and beautiful crushed cherries, dried flowers, carbon and pumice. Wonderful all round. Drink or hold."
• Decanter (Aldo Fiordelli) — 94 pts: "One of the most classic Amarones, which has never changed its elegant rather than powerful style. Bright garnet in the glass, dominated by leather, earthy tones and restrained raspberry fruit. Fresh character with hints of citrus, slightly oxidative flavours and a Modica salted-chocolate finish. Full and firm, with outstanding balance between suppleness and structure. Drinking 2021–2047."
• Wine Spectator (Alison Napjus) — 91 pts: "A poised red, expanding slowly on the palate, with fine, creamy tannins enmeshed with black cherry coulis, black plum reduction, iron, dark chocolate and tobacco notes. Fresh and focused, with a lasting, spiced finish. Drink now through 2031."

Winemaker Notes

Bertani Amarone Della Valpolicella 2011 750ml

Bertani's impact on Veneto winemaking is so considerable that their name and Amarone are nearly inseparable. Their 150+ year history is dotted with groundbreaking initiatives and royal accreditation. While respectful of tradition, Bertani strives toward innovation — using progressive techniques allied with extensive experience and a deeply felt respect for the land to produce wines of uncompromising quality.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grapes: Corvina, Rondinella
• Appellation: Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Veneto
• Producer: Bertani
• Vintage: 2011
• Drinking Window: Now–2047
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A wine for the grandest occasions — exceptional with braised beef short ribs, osso buco, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, wild boar ragù, truffle dishes, and dark chocolate desserts.

Barolo's Most Elegant Single Cru — Monvigliero by Paolo Scavino

Paolo Scavino is one of Barolo's most revered producers, and the Monvigliero is the crown jewel of their single-vineyard lineup. Sourced from the stately Monvigliero vineyard in Verduno — widely regarded as the grand cru of the village — this cru was first bottled as a single vineyard wine in 2007 after the Scavino family purchased the site. Monvigliero is celebrated for its distinctly feminine character: floral, spicy, balsamic, and precise, with a finesse and aromatic complexity that sets it apart from the more powerful expressions of Barolo.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

• Jeb Dunnuck — 95 pts: "Moving north to Verduno, the 2022 Barolo Monvigliero pours a bright ruby hue and remains slightly reserved at this stage, revealing aromas of preserved cranberries, white peach, candied orange, baking spice, ripe apricot, and dried earth. Medium-bodied, it has a more linear feel, with focused acidity and well-defined tannins. Citrus notes lift the palate and carry through a refined finish."  Rating: 95+                                                                                                     
• James Suckling — 95 pts: "This wine shines with freshness and transparency, full of red currants, red cherries and intense violets against a meaty background. Lightly extracted and medium-bodied, showing crisp, brilliant acidity and velvety tannins. A touch of sternness in the tense, fragrant finish. Drinkable now but best from 2027."

Winemaker Notes

Paolo Scavino Barolo Monvigliero 2022 750ml

Great finesse and aromatic complexity, distinctly floral spicy, savory, balsamic in its expression. The nose is vivid and compound. The texture is focused. An extremely elegant cru, feminine and full of character. 

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Nebbiolo
• Appellation: Barolo DOCG, Piedmont
• Vineyard: Monvigliero, Verduno
• Producer: Paolo Scavino
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A classic Piedmontese pairing — exceptional with braised beef, osso buco, white truffle dishes, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, wild boar ragù, and roasted lamb.

Expert Review — Vintage 2021

Vinous 97 Points | Pure Chardonnay from the oldest vines of the estate, planted in 1959. Smoothness dominates the nose — almost salty hints of lanolin, a touch of Mirabelle and a lovely note of straw. The palate is intense, concentrated and pervasive, with uncompromising nakedness, dynamism and drive, dripping with lemon brightness, all bound up in earthiness reminiscent of fresh cep mushroom and profound, cooling limestone. Clarity is everything here. The finish is long, serene, touching and memorable. Bone-dry.

About the Wine

Velich Tiglat is the crown jewel of the Velich lineup — sourced from the estate’s original plantings from 1959 in Burgenland, Austria. The wine is fermented naturally and kept on full lees for at least 24 months, building extraordinary texture and complexity without compromising the bone-dry purity that defines the house style.

This is the pinnacle of the Velich range: Tó (young vines) → Darscho (35–50 year vines) → Tiglat (1959 vines). Each step up brings greater concentration, minerality, and aging potential.

Tasting & Pairings

Lanolin, Mirabelle, straw, lemon brightness, fresh cep mushroom, cooling limestone, and salt. Intense and concentrated yet profoundly clear. The finish is long, serene, and memorable. Serve lightly chilled — this demands time and attention in the glass.

• Lobster or scallops with brown butter — the wine’s concentration and lemon brightness elevate luxurious shellfish.
• Roasted turbot or Dover sole — noble white fish for a noble Chardonnay.
• Aged Comté (24+ months) — the depth and salinity of both are a stunning match.

Expert Reviews – Vintage 2022

Decanter 97 Points: Compelling from the first sip, this has excellent balance delivering freshness and lift as well as depth and breadth. Lovely licks of bitterness and salty stones join ripe blackcurrants and juicy plums. The power is undeniable but it’s tempered by a silky frame, making this rich but utterly charming. A great Gruaud at 13.5% ABV.

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points: An inky-hued 2022 with a killer nose of crème de cassis, lead pencil shavings, liquid violets, and crushed stone minerality. Powerful and full-bodied with plenty of mid-palate depth, fine polished tannins, and a great finish. As good as the 2018 and one of the absolute classics from this château. Best hidden in the cellar for a decade if possible.

The Wine Advocate 96 Points: Bottled May 2024. Dark berries, violets, vine smoke, pen ink and tar on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, dense and layered with terrific depth, sweet structuring tannins, and a long expansive finish. The estate’s first organic-certified vintage. 13.6% alcohol.

James Suckling 96 Points: Discreet nose of dark fruit and minerals with excellent depth. Uncoiled power and intensity, full body, firm but polished tannins that dissolve into a long, close-knit finish lasting almost a minute. Try from 2028.

Winemaker Description

The Château Gruaud Larose Saint-Julien 2022 is a landmark vintage for this historic Saint-Julien Second Growth — marking the estate’s first official vintage with organic certification. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot (14%), and Cabernet Franc (3%), aged in 95% new French oak barrels. The 2022 has been hailed as a return to the Saint-Julien elite, with critics comparing its quality to legendary vintages like 1982 and 1961.

Pairing Suggestions

• Classic: Rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic or a prime rib roast.
• Savory: Braised short ribs, duck confit, or a truffle-infused beef tenderloin.
• Cheese: Aged Comté, Manchego, or a firm Pecorino.

Louis Jadot Meursault — Côte de Beaune, Burgundy 2022

Louis Jadot is one of Burgundy's most celebrated and trusted négociants, producing wines of exceptional quality and consistency from the Côte d'Or since 1859. Their Meursault is a benchmark expression of this legendary appellation — the village that defines white Burgundy for wine lovers around the world. Meursault's unique combination of limestone and clay soils, combined with the 2022 vintage's exceptional ripeness and natural balance, has produced a Chardonnay of remarkable depth, texture, and longevity.

The nose is rich and inviting: ripe peach, golden apple, and honey layered with toasty oak and a subtle mineral undercurrent. On the palate, it is verging on creamy in texture — vibrant and harmonious, with beautifully integrated oak and a long, layered aftertaste where a distinctive mineral element emerges on the finish. Elegant, complex, and built to age gracefully.

Wine Spectator 92 Points — "Verging on creamy in texture, this white exudes peach, apple and honey flavors wrapped in an embrace of toasty oak. Vibrant and harmonious, with a long, layered aftertaste, where a mineral element emerges. Drink now through 2032." (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Louis Jadot, Beaune, Burgundy, France
• Founded: 1859
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Meursault AOC, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Style: Full-Bodied, Barrel-Aged White Burgundy
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Ripe peach, golden apple, honey, toasty oak, creamy texture, mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2032
• Best Paired With: Lobster, roasted scallops, Dover sole, roast chicken with cream sauce, aged Comté, truffle dishes
• Serve: 55–60°F, decant 15–20 minutes

92 points from Wine Spectator — Louis Jadot Meursault 2022 is white Burgundy at its most seductive: rich, mineral, and built for the ages.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 97 Points | Outstanding balance and complexity from the beginning that showcases concentrated black fruits and purple flowers with plenty of spices and subtle yet harmonious toast and cedar aromas. Intense graphite and stony minerality, too. Full- to medium-bodied on the mid-palate with delightful acidity that gives this wonderful crunchiness. Fine-grained juicy tannins. Precisely focused wine that is colorful and sound. Beautiful length, too. Already so drinkable now but will age gracefully, especially for Atlas Peak.

Expert Reviews 

94 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The NV Champagne Brut Rose is an attractive pale salmon hue, with a fresh perfume of wild strawberry, ripe peach, white and red flowers, a hint of tropical fruit, and grapefruit. The palate is rounded, with fruit up front and through the mid-palate, and it has a silky and fresh lift. There is a wonderful ease and drinkability to this wine, which delivers balance and finesse. Best after 2022.

93 Points James Suckling | Attractive salmon color with aromas of dried strawberries and lemons, as well as hints of flowers. Full-bodied with tight tension from the fine phenolics that run through the palate. Hints of white pepper, peaches and sliced green strawberries with some candied lemons, too. Always an excellent bottle. 40% chardonnay, 30% pinot noir and 30% pinot meunier. Drink now.

91 Points Decanter | Currently based on the 2016 harvest, this is floral and citrussy, showing a lithe, graceful balance. It’s a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir and 30% Meunier, with about 40% of reserve wine, and red wine accounts for 7% of the blend. Its delicate, subtly expansive flavours of raspberry and strawberry are enlivened by a tangerine-like acidity, and while it feels ripe and full in flavour on the palate, it never loses its sense of refinement and poise, finishing with detailed length and depth.

91 Points Wine Enthusiast | A fine composition of red fruits and taut citrus, this Champagne is poised and fragrant with acidity and light tannins.

90 Points Wine Spectator | Delicate notes of yellow plum, marzipan, verbena and fleur de sel are set in this firm and finely meshed rosé Champagne. Creamy finish. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Drink now.

Persistent mousse, with fine bubbles rising slowly. Pale salmon pink in color, with a shade of gold. A nose of red fruits and fresh pear. Delicate fruit on the palate, elegant, and showing great finesse. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description

A perfect combination of softness and concentration, matched by a masterful maturity, The 2015 Cristal Brut delivers intense and delicious aromas with a superb energy and a magical vibration.

This is a timeless champagne with a chalky temperament, sustained by its soils, freed from the sunny character of the vintage.The nose begins with hints of yellow fruit, toasted almonds and wheat from the Chardonnay, combined with the juicy red fruit of the Pinot Noir. 

Then comes the great surge of energy from the wine's structure, a vibratory intensity that transforms into a gentle caress, a silky texture interwoven with fine flavors of candied citrus and iodized spices.The vintage's chalky character thus bursts forth in a bracing, vertical effervescence, with an insistent, precise and finely honed freshness.

The finish is underpinned by subtle oaky, sappy and saline notes, which creates the ultimate sensation of delicacy and concentration.Cristal 2015 remains a wine of supreme balance and measure, resonating from the chalky nature of its soils rather than the sunny character of its vintage.

A perfect Cristal, intensely of the 2015 vintage, with enormous ageing potential.

Expert Reviews 

James Suckling 97 Points | The warm and dry vintage this has tremendous freshness and elegance. The complex nose of citrus blossom, mint, lemon and lime zest opens up slowly as this aerates in the glass. The wine’s ample structure is still quite firm, which is a vintage characteristic, the mousse very fine but also very lively for an eight-year-old champagne. Cristal fans will love this as it is, but a year or two more in the bottle will do a lot for the very long mineral finish of this youthful masterpiece. A cuvee of 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay, picked from all 45 Cristal vineyard plots. Tasted at the Cristal vertical tasting at the champagne house on July 6th, 2023.

96 Points Wine Spectator | This mouthwatering Champagne has an ethereal quality, with a frame of chiseled acidity and focused precision to the pointillisme-like, vibrant mousse. Yet this shows depth and generous expression, with the finely spun notes of patisserie apple and blackberry fruit opening beautifully on the palate and through the minerally finish, with notes of grated ginger, blood orange granita, salted Marcona almond and anise.

96 Points Jeb Dunnuck | I had the opportunity to taste the 2015 Champagne Cristal twice, both at the house in Reims as well as at my home office. On both occasions, the wine offered a terrific balance of decadence and notable freshness for this vintage, which was highly expressive on opening. The release reveals layered custardy notes of lemon balm, incense, apricot, and hazelnut. Medium to full-bodied, the mousse is fluffy and rounded out beautifully through the palate. Round and approachable, it has a well-managed richness along with underlying savory sapidity and saline to keep this going over the coming three or more decades, with a chalky tannin structure to support it.

95 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate | If the 2014 vintage was especially open and demonstrative, the 2015 Cristal is going to require more patience. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of citrus oil, crisp stone fruits, white flowers, crushed mint and subtle hints of buttery pastry, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a deep, concentrated and rather introverted core of fruit framed by chalky extract and animated by a pretty pinpoint mousse. This is a serious, vinous Champagne that has considerable substance to age and may well evolve along the lines of the lovely 1985.

95 Points Decanter | An open and inviting nose references cream, oatmeal and Amalfi lemon with the slightest edge of smoke. The palate immediately strikes with a mouthwatering lemon ripeness and a juicy, mouthfilling generosity reminiscent of yellow plum. It stays true to the trademark sleekness of Cristal and speaks of the concentration of 2015. Fine mousse accentuates the fullness and roundness of the wine while the long finish hints at chalky depth which, for now, is dominated by ripe stone fruit and more of that textured, rich notion of oatmeal. Definitely a Cristal to enjoy soon.

Expert Reviews 

Wine Spectator 93 Points | This is alluring, with whiffs of warm date, green tea and walnut backed by juicy fig bread and salted caramel flavors. The racy, focused finish lets a singed juniper note glide through. Drink now.

Wine Enthusiast 94 points | The wonderful old-gold color of this tawny leads into a generous, rich wine that has retained fruits while also showing a woody character that is typical of wines this old. With spice, dried raisins and intense acidity, it is a beautiful wine that deserves to be drunk just by itself.

Wine Advocate 94 Points | The NV RP 30 Year Old Tawny Port comes in with 119 grams per liter of residual sugar and was bottled in 2015. This is the new release. This mingles complexity of flavor with a fresh and surprisingly elegant feel (relative to the category, of course). The finish is very long, complex and persistent, adding new flavors as it lingers. Beautifully constructed and balanced, this is a 30 that starts with a bit of understatement and keeps getting more impressive. It's fun to just smell, but you expect that with long-aged Tawnies. The lift to the fruit and the sunny demeanor aren't always as guaranteed. It has a surprisingly supple and fresh style that I rather appreciated, delivering those old Tawny flavors while also seeming remarkably elegant. Then, it finishes with that big acidity. It was notably better a few days later, no longer seeming quite so understated, particularly in regards to its concentrated flavors and intense aromatics. Note that this comes with a bar top cork. If you're wondering, this is their oldest NV Tawny; Ramos Pinto does not make a 40.

The Ramos-Pinto 30-Year old Tawny is amber colored with orange and garnet tones. The delicate green highlights of the meniscus are characteristic of old cask-aged wines, and illustrate the quality and advanced age of this fine port.

This complex, perfectly balanced port shows rich aromas of dried fruit and vanilla. Agitate the glass and spice aromas of cinnamon and cocoa are liberated. In the mouth, the attack is fresh, fine and delicate. Ripe, dried fruit softly merges with almond and hazelnut, culminating in vanilla flavors which linger gracefully on the palate. Winemaker Description.

 

Winemaker Description

Champagne Palmer & Co concentrates its vineyard holdings in the Montagne de Reims: in the grand cru villages of Mailly and Verzenay and the premier cru villages of Trépail and Villers-Marmery. While they also have holdings in the Marne Valley, the Côte de Sézanne and the Côte des Bar, their prestige cuvée Grands Terroirs, channels those north- and north-east-facing slopes with power and precision.

The 2015 vintage is blended from 50% Pinot Noir, 38% Chardonnay and 12% Pinot Meunier, sourced from Mailly and Verzenay as well as Trépail, Villers-Marmery, Ludes, Chigny-les-Roses and Rilly-la-Montagne. Palmer & Co refers to the vintage as “exceptional” because it combined high temperatures and little rainfall – spelling little disease pressure and even ripening. Sunny days and cool nights in August, they say, allowed for “perfect” ripening.

The nose, subtle and charming, opens with notes of orange blossom and acacia, mixed with notes of yellow fruits, then it evolves towards lovely and delicately spiced aromas of fried pineapple and tonka bean. The palate is characterized by freshness, with citrus fruits sublimating the notes of brioche and dried fruits. Its creamy texture stretches deliciously into a persistent finish. 

Expert Reviews

92 Points Wine & Spirits | Markedly youthful in its smoky reduction, this wine sees its sulfur blow off quickly, leaving a flinty scent and an impression of clarity. It’s bright with pretty scents of black tea and herbs, firmed up by strong acidity.

92 Points James Suckling | A chalky and mineral Champagne with aromas of blanched almonds, chalk, seashells, biscuits, lemon pith and dried apples. Creamy mousse. Dry and bright, with a rounded finish. Drink now or hold.

One of the Wines of the 2020 Vintage — Saint-Émilion at Its Most Magnificent

Château Valandraud is the legendary “garagiste” estate of Jean-Luc Thunevin, one of Saint-Émilion’s most celebrated and iconoclastic producers. Elevated to Premier Grand Cru Classé status, Valandraud is produced from the cooler, eastern side of Saint-Émilion and is renowned for its extraordinary concentration, perfume, and longevity. The 2020 — a blend of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 24 months in 100% new oak — has been called one of the wines of the vintage, earning back-to-back 99-point scores from Jeb Dunnuck and James Suckling and 98 points from Vinous.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

• Jeb Dunnuck — 99 pts: "One of the wines of the vintage. Incredible perfume of crème de cassis, ripe black cherries, violets, new leather, and an almost Hermitage-like burning embers character. Full-bodied richness, ripe seamless tannins, remarkable purity of fruit, and a finish that won’t quit. Give bottles 5–7 years in the cellar. Drink 2028–2053."
• James Suckling — 99 pts: "Very opulent and expressive aromas of black fruit and pine needles. So floral. Full-bodied with plush, velvety tannins and lots of fruit and texture. It goes on for minutes. Rich at the finish, but remains fresh and vivid. Superb. One of the great Valandrauds. Drink after 2027."
• Vinous — 98 pts: "A stunner. Rich, deep and explosive with dazzling intensity from start to finish. Silky tannins wrap around a core of plush dark red/black fruit, licorice, spice, mocha and new leather. Bright and wonderfully focused with sweet floral and blood orange accents on the explosive finish. Magnificent. Drink 2028–2060."
• Decanter — 96 pts (Jane Anson): "Broad-shouldered with ample depth — brambled fruits, liquorice, cigar box spice and a gorgeously saline finish. Chalky, grippy tannins with white flowers on the aromatics. 100% new oak for 24 months. Drink 2029–2046."
• Decanter — 93 pts (Georgina Hindle): "Juicy and alive with blackcurrant, black cherry and herbal-tinged blueberries. Layers of acidity, mint, freshness and toast. Full and complex with salty minerality and unmistakable signature. Drink 2027–2046."
• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: "Black currant and fig preserves, warmed black tea, melted black licorice and a hint of alder smoke, framed by a loam- and espresso crema-accented finish. Best from 2027 through 2040."
• Wine Advocate — 92 pts: "Aromas of jammy black fruits mingled with toasted coconut, spices and new oak. Full-bodied, rich and chewy with generously extracted tannins. Drink 2025–2043."
• Jancis Robinson — 17++ pts: "Deep crimson. Dark and oaky — lots of 70% dark chocolate. Big, dense tannins with enough fresh fruit to fill it out for the long term. Drink 2030–2045."

Winemaker Notes

Freshness and opulence, fruit and structure. A perfect balance.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Producer: Château Valandraud / Jean-Luc Thunevin
• Vintage: 2020
• Aging: 24 months, 100% new oak
• Yield: 49 hl/ha
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A wine of this stature deserves the finest table — exceptional with roasted lamb, beef tenderloin en croute, duck confit, aged Comté, and black truffle dishes. Also magnificent on its own as a meditation wine.

Expert Reviews — Vintage 2021

Jeb Dunnuck 98+ Points | "Incredibly elegant yet concentrated 2021 that does everything right." Purple-hued, with ample cassis, wild sage, graphite, and darker chocolate aromatics. Picks up a Graves-like gravelly earth character with air. Full-bodied with ripe, polished tannins, beautiful balance, and a great finish. Needs 4–5 years of bottle age but will drink well for 30 years.

James Suckling 98 Points | Intense aromas of iodine, blackcurrants, cedar, sandalwood and mint. Medium to full body with silky tannins that spread across the palate and expand in a balanced, harmonized way. Hints of chocolate and tar. Better in a few years — try 2027 and beyond.

Wine Spectator 95 Points | Packed with dark, winey flavors of blackcurrant and blackberry paste underscored with alder, sweet tobacco, warm paving stone and black licorice. Violet accent fills the background. Polished finish makes it accessible now, with plenty of life ahead. Drink now through 2042. — Wine Spectator’s #2 Wine of the Year 2024.

Winemaker Notes

A truly remarkable vintage of BV’s iconic flagship. The bouquet is intense with wild sage, blackcurrant, cedar, and fresh mint. The palate is expansive and full-bodied with layers of ripe blackberry, redcurrant, and red rose petal alongside graphite, licorice root, gravelly stone, and dark chocolate. French oak aging adds sandalwood, clove, and Ceylon cinnamon. The signature "Rutherford Dust" tannins are silky, polished, and fine-grained, finishing long with a cocoa powder texture.

Slightly reserved upon release but incredibly drinkable — significant presence, depth, and concentration foreshadowing cellar-worthy potential across the next few decades.

Tasting & Pairings

Cassis, wild sage, graphite, dark chocolate, blackberry, cedar, sandalwood, and Rutherford Dust. Full-bodied with polished, fine-grained tannins and extraordinary length. Decant generously now or cellar through 2042+.

• Prime rib or dry-aged ribeye — the wine’s concentration and tannin structure demand equally serious beef.
• Braised lamb shank with herbs — the sage and cedar notes mirror herbed, slow-cooked meats.
• Dark chocolate truffles — the cocoa powder finish and chocolate aromatics are a decadent match.

Winemaker Description

#5 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025
#99 Jeb Dunnuck Top 100 of 2025
#8 Vinous Top 100 of 2025

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

100 Points Vinous | The 2022 Beau-Séjour Bécot is a total stunner. What a wine! The 2022 was magnificent en primeur, and it is all that from bottle. The aromatics alone are mesmerizing. Crushed rose petal, mint, blood orange, new leather and cedar meld into a core of pliant red-toned fruit. More than anything else, I am so impressed with the wine's precision and finesse. I have never tasted a Beau-Séjour Bécot like this.

Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points | Tasted on multiple occasions, the 2022 Château Beau-Séjour Bécot is flat-out sensational, as well as the finest wine I’ve tasted from this château. Powerful aromatics of red, blue, and black fruits as well as crushed stone and violets define the aromatics, and it’s full-bodied, incredibly concentrated, has integrated acidity, and ultra-fine tannins. Based on 76% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, this heavenly Saint-Emilion will benefit from just 3-5 years of bottle age and have 30 years or more of overall longevity. Back up the truck.

The Wine Advocate 97 Points | The 2022 Beau-Séjour Bécot has turned out brilliantly in bottle. Wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet of sweet wild berries mingled with rose petals, orange zest, violets, gentian and espresso roast, it's full-bodied, supple and suave, with a deep core of cool, layered fruit, beautifully vibrant flavors and polished structuring tannins, concluding with a saline finish. As I wrote when I tasted it from barrel, this is a Saint-Émilion of breathtaking perfume and harmony that will be worth a special effort to seek out.

The Wine Spectator 96 Points | This is very fresh, expressive and focused, with violet, iris and rosehip notes darting to the fore, while flavors of sleek raspberry and red currant preserves race along behind. Almost flattering, but there’s a subtle chalky tension piercing the finish, which sails through. A dreamy wine. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Decanter 96 Points |  Floral notes on the nose. Tangy and sharp, lively and bright straight away, sweet and sour, so energetic and lively with a mineral grip from the fine, firm, grippy tannins. Lovely precision and almost delicate presentation of fruit. You really feel the mineral, salty, tangy aspect of the fruit, nothing feels overworked, all in balance, really quite thrilling and electric. Great purity and focus. Scintillating yet still with a lovely volume and roundness accented by tobacco, clove, liquorice and cinnamon touches. Really well worked and fresh - this feels very modern with such control to the fruit, tannins, acidity giving overall depth and complexity. Elegant but confident, taking the best density from clay density and freshness from limestone. A very singular charm with this wine.

Memo Summary Notes 

The Château Beau-Séjour Bécot 2022 is being hailed by many critics as the "best wine ever produced" by this historic Saint-Émilion estate. This vintage marks a significant milestone, recently ranking as #5 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2025.

Situated on the iconic limestone plateau of Saint-Martin de Mazerat, the estate has shifted its style under owner Juliette Bécot toward greater precision, floral aromatics, and mineral tension, moving away from the more opulent, oak-heavy profiles of the past.

Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 750ml

Discover the excellence of Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, one of the region's most iconic wines and one of the very finest wines ever produced at this legendary estate. The Shafer Vineyard has a legacy of excellence that began in 1972, focusing on crafting superb wines from the renowned Stags Leap District in Napa Valley. This wine showcases the estate's commitment to quality, with grapes sourced from Shafer's famous Hillside estate vineyard, roughly 25 hectares, with very shallow volcanic tufa soils. The 2021 releases mark Elias Fernandez's 38th vintage as Shafer's winemaker, hired by John Shafer in 1984, two weeks out of UC Davis.

Exceptional Critical Acclaim - 2021 Vintage

Decanter - 99 Points
"Such a beautifully balanced wine with tremendous staying power and expressive Stags Leap ironstone minerality with heady sagebrush and conifer notes with white pepper and walnut husk. The wine has an impressive depth of red-toned fruit on the mid-palate framed by tannins that practically dance across the palate, exuding length, tension, and power. Huckleberry and black cherry fruits, black truffle, dried violets, graphite, and salted dark chocolate are all framed by racy acidity, which keeps everything fresh and lifted."

James Suckling - 99 Points
"Incredibly ripe, delicious and structured, this age-worthy, collectible wine puts a lot of power in a velvety, refined package. Deep, concentrated black cherries, blackberries, dried blueberries, espresso and creme de cassis are wrapped in a full body and fine-grained, supple tannins strong enough to call for further aging of at least a few years."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 99 Points
"It's a big, ripe wine, weighing in at 15.5% alcohol, but it remains harmonious from front to back. Deep, intense aromas of black cherries and cassis are accented by dried spices on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich and textural, showing tremendous intensity and length on the finish."

Vinous - 99 Points
"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is insanely beautiful. It's also one of the very finest wines I have ever tasted here. Bright, pliant and resonant, the 2021 offers a beguiling mix of Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics, generous fruit and gentle structure. The stylistic shift at Shafer has been remarkable—the 2021 is a great example. Red-toned fruit, blood orange, menthol, pine and sweet spice build into the eternal finish."

Jeb Dunnuck - 98+ Points
"You can safely put the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select up with the top vintages of this cuvée, yet it's much more in the style of say, the 2010 or 2018, than a more opulent year, and is going to demand bottle age. Sensational amounts of cassis, graphite, darker chocolate, graphite, tobacco, and a Pauillac-like lead pencil character all define this ultra-classic, focused, structured 2021. The purity is world class. Hide bottles for 5-7 years minimum, and it will evolve for 40+ years."

Wine Enthusiast - 97 Points
"Profound and full-bodied with an intensity of aromas and flavors, this sophisticated and ample Cabernet Sauvignon has become one of the region's icons. Abundant, fine tannins and a lengthy finish mean the wine will continue to develop with age, but will also benefit from another several years in bottle."

Wine Spectator - 93 Points
"Juicy and direct, with a solidly built core of cassis and blackberry preserves lined with cocoa, singed tobacco and warm earth hints. Best from 2025 through 2038."

Vineyard & Production

100% Cabernet Sauvignon from specific hillside blocks on the estate
Vineyard: Shafer's famous Hillside estate vineyard, approximately 25 hectares with very shallow volcanic tufa soils in Stags Leap District
Aging: 32 months in 100% new French oak (Wine Advocate notes 28 months)
Production: Barrel selection of the very best blocks, 2,900 cases produced
Alcohol: 15.5%

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Deep garnet color
Aroma: Deep, intense aromas of black cherries, cassis, ripe blackberries, dried spices, heady sagebrush, conifer, white pepper, walnut husk, black truffle, dried violets, graphite, tobacco, lead pencil, blood orange, menthol, pine, sweet spice, vanilla, cedar
Palate: Full-bodied, rich and textural. Deep, concentrated black cherries, blackberries, dried blueberries, espresso, creme de cassis, huckleberry, salted dark chocolate, cocoa, singed tobacco, warm earth. Impressive depth of red-toned fruit on the mid-palate. Refined, well-integrated tannins that practically dance across the palate. Racy acidity keeps everything fresh and lifted. Velvety, refined package with tremendous intensity
Finish: Smooth, lingering finish with tremendous length, tension, and power. Eternal finish

Stags Leap District Terroir

Quintessentially Stags Leap, with expressive Stags Leap ironstone minerality. The unique terroir of this celebrated Napa Valley region imparts remarkable depth and character to the grapes. The very shallow volcanic tufa soils contribute to the wine's distinctive mineral character and complexity.

Elias Fernandez - 38 Vintages of Excellence

The 2021 releases mark Elias Fernandez's 38th vintage as Shafer's winemaker. He was hired by John Shafer in 1984, two weeks out of UC Davis. The stylistic shift at Shafer has been remarkable, with the 2021 showcasing a more focused, seamless style that represents world-class purity.

Aging Potential

Drink Window: Best from 2025 through 2038 (Wine Spectator), hide bottles for 5-7 years minimum and will evolve for 40+ years (Jeb Dunnuck)
This age-worthy, collectible wine has tremendous staying power and will continue to develop beautifully with age. The wine will benefit from another several years in bottle to fully express its potential.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This wine pairs perfectly with:

• Prime rib and succulent cuts of meat
• Grilled lamb
• Rich beef stew
• Hearty dishes for dinner parties
• Special occasion dining

Collector's Wine & Investment Quality

Adding Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon to your wine collection is a decision that reflects a true appreciation for quality. This wine not only delivers on taste but also on prestige—Shafer is renowned among wine connoisseurs and collectors alike. The 2021 vintage has been exceptionally well-received with multiple 99-point scores, promising to evolve beautifully over the years if cellared properly. You can safely put the 2021 up with the top vintages of this iconic cuvée. Its balance of structure and elegance ensures that it will be a highlight on any table, elevating your collection and impressing your guests.

One of the Region's Icons

This sophisticated and ample Cabernet Sauvignon has become one of the region's icons. Whether you're a seasoned collector or appreciating fine wine, investing in Shafer Hillside Select represents the pinnacle of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The meticulous approach in both vineyard management and winemaking ensures that every bottle reflects the hard-earned reputation and tradition of Shafer Vineyards.

Expert Reviews

Decanter Magazine by Simon Field MW writes 93 Points |  Made up, half and half, of base wine from the sunny 2018 harvest, and reserve wine from Rodolphe’s Perpetual Reserve which goes back to 1988, this is one of the most consistently excellent NV wines on the market. Its current iteration is especially impressive, floral, chalky, upstanding, and very complex; the palate sharing notes of dried apricot, plum and lemon pith with more developed intimations of sour honey and patisserie. An exemplary wine with real purity and precision on the finish. 

The Wine Spectator by Alison Napjus writes 91 Points | Sleek and mouthwatering, with a fine, satiny mousse and a fresh panoply of crunchy pear, grapefruit sorbet, pickled ginger and spring blossom notes. Bright and finely knit, with rich hints of toast and mineral echoing on the finish. Disgorged November 2019. Drink now through 2025.

Winemaker Descriptions

Discover the elegance and purity of Pierre Peters Cuvée de Réserve Blanc de Blancs, a non-vintage Champagne crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. This refined Champagne offers delicate aromas of citrus, white flowers, and brioche, with a crisp acidity and a long, elegant finish.

Memo Summary Notes

Produced by Rodolphe Péters, this wine is celebrated for its precision, chalky minerality, and the unique use of a "perpetual reserve" system that dates back to 1988.

Its high acidity and saline finish make it a perfect match for raw oysters, sushi, or creamy risotto.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

96 Points James Suckling: A very balanced, refined Duhart with ever so fine tannins and currant, tobacco and cedar aromas and flavors. Medium to fine tannins. It’s extremely long and polished. Direct. You already want to drink this.
Barrel Sample:95-96

94 Points  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: The 2019 Duhart-Milon is showing beautifully, mingling aromas of cassis and wild berries with notions of violets, cedar wood, orange rind, licorice and spice box in a perfumed bouquet. Medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless, it's charming and refined, with a deep core of fruit, powdery tannins and succulent acids. This château is going from strength to strength. Best after 2025.

94 Points Decanter: This one might sneak up on you, confirming the rise of this wine in recent years. Clear depth of fruit, and above all clear Pauillac character. This feels strict and confident, with beautiful balance and restraint. Duhart is one of the later-ripening and cooler Pauillac terroirs which is why in the past it could be overly austere when young, but it is benefitting from recent hot summers in terms of its fruit ripeness. Pencil lead is prominent here, along with cassis and bilberry. Very precise, very elegant, with a creaminess to the fruit through the mid palate, and overall this is an excellent Duhart.
Barrel Sample:94

94 Wine Spectator: Racy and mineral-driven, with a chalky thread that runs from start to finish, adding a perfumed elegance to a core of steeped black currant and blackberry fruit flavors. This has a lushness to the fruit, with dark tobacco, steeped black tea and singed alder notes, but there's plenty of range, detail and textural nuance as well. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2024

Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot

Joseph Drouhin Chassagne-Montrachet 2023

Experience the elegance of Burgundy with Joseph Drouhin Chassagne-Montrachet 2023, a prestigious white wine from one of France's most celebrated appellations. Crafted by the renowned Joseph Drouhin estate, founded in 1880, this exceptional Chardonnay showcases the unique terroir of Chassagne-Montrachet through meticulous winemaking and sustainable viticulture practices.

Tasting Profile

This generous and elegant wine displays a light golden color with remarkable aromatic complexity. The nose reveals intense aromas of oyster shells, lavender flowers, sandalwood, brioche, and candied lemon, evolving toward nuances of grilled hazelnut and spice as it matures. Medium-bodied with a creamy texture, the palate is straightforward yet refined, offering flavors of ripe pear, citrus zest, stone fruits, and heather flowers. Vibrant acidity balances the wine's richness, leading to a long, flavorful finish where floral and gingerbread notes dominate.

Expert Recognition

James Suckling - 94 Points
"An intense village wine with aromas and flavors of oyster shells, lavender flowers and sandalwood. Medium-bodied with a creamy texture and a flavorful finish. Heather flowers come through. Real Chassagne-Montrachet."

The Wine Advocate - 90 Points
"An intense village wine with aromas and flavors of oyster shells, lavender flowers and sandalwood. Medium-bodied with a creamy texture and a flavorful finish. Heather flowers come through. Real Chassagne-Montrachet."

Perfect Pairings

• Grilled fish and lobster with butter
• Seafood and shellfish
• Roasted poultry dishes
• Creamy risottos and pasta
• Soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert

Serving Suggestions

Serve slightly chilled at 50-55°F to enhance the wine's refreshing qualities and aromatic complexity. This versatile Chassagne-Montrachet is perfect for special celebrations or intimate dinners, and can be enjoyed now or cellared for further development. Each 750ml bottle represents the storied heritage and dedication to excellence that defines Joseph Drouhin.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

95 points, Wine Spectator. This bursts with bramble, licorice snap, blackberry and mulberry aromas and flavors that are energetic and juicy through the finish, where a flash of iris kicks in. A graphite spine to keep this honest. For fans of the exuberant style. Drink now through 2040.

Expert Review - Vintage 2020

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2020 Cepparello is a total stunner, just as it was last year. Deeply colored, layered and explosive in the glass, the 2020 possesses striking textural richness and overall intensity. Black cherry, graphite, plum, spice and lavender flesh out effortlessly. There's tremendous pedigree and sheer stature here. Cepparello is surely one of the wines of the year.  Drinking 2027 to 2045.  - Vinous 98

The Wine Advocate, Monica Larner, 96 Points | Supple and smooth, the 2020 Cepparello brings Sangiovese to soaring heights in a manner only Paolo De Marchi can manage. This is his second to last vintage before he would retire and sell this historic estate. The wine opens to medium to full-bodied concentration with dark plum and redcurrant. Those cede to sweet spice, earth, crushed stone, rusty nail and candied orange peel. Give the wine more time to flesh out with cellar age.

The Wine Spectator 96 Points | Expressive and sumptuous from the get-go, this red features cherry, strawberry, rose, orange peel, mineral and Tuscan herb aromas and flavors. Sangiovese. Best from 2025 through 2045.

James Suckling 94 Points | Attractive red and dark berries with dried flowers, nutmeg and cocoa powder. Dried orange peel and wet earth, too. Medium- to full-bodied, toned and steady with fine-grained tannins that are slightly chalky. Polished and even with a lingering finish. Try after 2026.

Producer Description 

The wine is a crimson-hued garnet red. Elegant and refined, the nose exudes floral aromas, going on with airing to develop notes of blackcurrant and licorice root. The full and smooth attack reveals an alluring and complex array of flavors in which ripe fruit is magnificently set off by notes of toasted cereals and violet. The mid-palate is underpinned by high-quality close-knit and creamy tannins, leading into a saline and slightly minty finish which lingers on hints of chocolates.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 96 Points | Aromas of crushed stone, blackcurrants and blackberries. Full-bodied with extremely well-crafted tannins that are chewy and layered, yet polished and fantastic. Love the finish. 72% cabernet sauvignon, 25% petit verdot, 22% merlot and 4% cabernet franc. (v.2019).

Wine Enthusiast 94-96 Points | Dense and rich, with a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, this is another great vintage from the estate. Its black fruits ooze concentration alongside firm tannins that promise a potential for long aging. The aftertaste has opulent black currant richness. (v.2019). 

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | The 2019 Clerc Milon is a real success. At more than 70%, this blend contains one of the highest proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon in the property's recent history, and the result is a wine of real nobility. Offering up aromas of violets, wild berries, licorice, loamy soil and cigar wrapper, it's full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with notable depth at the core, lively acids and ripe, powdery tannins that assert themselves on the finish. From clay-limestone soils rather than the sandy gravels that characterize d'Armailhac, this is by some margin the more structured and serious of Mouton-Rothschild's two Pauillac stablemates.(v.2019).

Decanter 95 Points | The wine has the highest levels of Cabernet Sauvignon since the 1980s, and even on the nose you can feel its impact in terms of the depth of tight black fruit. Extremely good quality with fine tannins that build, build, build over the palate, and grip on, forcing you to slow down and pay attention. Beautiful spice with menthol, slate, pencil lead, blackberry and blackcurrant. An exciting wine with real energy and forward motion, helped to withstand the summer heat by its position by the river, and the fact that the average age of the vines at Clerc Milon is almost 50 years. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Jean Emmanuel Danjoy's last outing doing the full vintage at Clerc Milon before he heads over to Mouton as technical director. (v.2019).

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Presents a very fresh core of cassis, red cherry and damson plum fruit flavors that meld nicely with a racy iron streak, while light savory and floral details run along the edges. A very pure and bright version that should age well. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenère. (v.2019).

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | Another beautiful effort from this team, the 2019 Château Clerc Milon is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, from vines just across the street from Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Mouton Rothschild. Brought up in a mix of new and used barrels, it has a healthy ruby/plum color to go with a great nose of ripe red and black fruits supported by some classic Pauillac lead pencil, tobacco, and spice box notes. I love its overall balance, it's medium-bodied, has silky tannins, and the fresher, elegant style of the vintage. I wouldn't call it mid-weight, but I compared this to the 2014 on release, and I still think that comparison holds, although there's a touch more length and intensity in the 2019. This will drink well today with a decant (I followed this bottle for two days) and will shine for a good two decades.(v.2019).