This red is beginning to find its sweet spot, revealing mushroom, leather, fading cherry, berry, earth and mineral aromas and flavors. Still firm, with fine equilibrium and an expansive finish that has freshness and grip. Begs for braised beef, Bolognese or wild boar ragù. Drink now through 2037

Aged for 10 years, this compelling red opens with classic Sangiovese aromas of underbrush, new leather, ripe wild berries and crushed botanical herbs. Showing the depth and complexity of age combined with the freshness of youth, the elegantly structured palate features ripe black cherry, orange zest, licorice and tobacco framed in silky tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Drink through 2037.

Here’s a late-release Brunello that’s showing some wonderful age and beauty. 2012 was a hot year and made rather jammy wines, but this has come together beautifully, with pure cherry and berry aromas and flavors, as well as floral undertones and hints of forest floor. It’s long and wonderfully soft and fruity at the end. From organically grown grapes. Drink now or hold.

The 2013 Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine was matured in 500-liter barrels for around 36 months. It has a beautiful bouquet with honey, quince, pressed yellow flowers and Mirabelle. It has wonderful definition and purity. The palate is very well balanced with a mellifluous texture and beautifully judged acidity as it just sashays along. It fans out on the finish with honey, quince, a touch of rhubarb and ginger, extraordinarily persistent in the mouth. Matthew Day, current winemaker, opined that he thought the 2012 would be the best ever, but the freshness might see it overtaken. This is awesome.

A complex, intense red hallmarked by expressive aromas and flavors of cherry, plum, mushroom, woodsy underbrush, mineral and wild herbs. Supple and firmly supported, turning more precise on the long, savory finish. Balanced, with time to give. Best from 2025 through 2045.

The nose starts deep, with dark chocolate and black cherries, but gradually lightens into aromas of strawberries, blood orange peel and an herbal freshness. On the palate, vanilla puts wind in the sails of the sweeter notes, but powerful tannins and fierce acid recall the original dept

Full-bodied Brunello with dried cherries, earth, bark, dried herbs and leather on the nose. Juicy and layered on the palate, with a delicious balance of fruit and savory meatiness. Firm, somewhat mellowed tannins but still with a chewy bite. Drink or hold.

This red is beginning to hit its stride, featuring fading cherry and berry fruit, mushroom and woodsy notes, menthol and iron accents. Still firm and austere on the finish, yet the excellent length indicates its full potential. Best from 2025 through 2045

This opens with aromas of black-skinned berry, eucalyptus and a whiff of cedar. The savory, balanced palate offers dried black cherry, clove and tobacco alongside fine-grained tannins and firm acidity. Drink 2021–2030.

Beautifully ripe and fresh red-cherry and sliced-strawberry aromas, leading to a palate that offers a svelte, juicy and elegant core of fine and fresh strawberries and red cherries with a juicy thread of acidity. Fresh and elegant. Drink or hold.

Beginning with a golden core, the 2014 Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine, along with the 2012 vintage, was made in the old cellar. Opening to delightful florals and sweet, spiced pomaceous fruit compote, the wine delivers a rich, round, complex nose with succulent floral elements. The palate displays exotic spices, with a brilliantly balanced structure, mouthwatering acidity and succulent fruit sweetness. Currently starting to show a touch of maturity as the floral expression begins to wilt slightly, this beauty should deliver a food-friendly expression for years to come.

Sleek and minerally, this elegant Champagne is crisply lacy in texture, with notes of Asian pear, lemon preserves, salted almond and white blossoms that are lightly honeyed and juicy throughout. Shows good drive on the firm, lingering finish. Drink now through 2034.

Coming from all the Grand Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs, the 2015 Champagne Grand Cru Blanc De Blancs has a bright silver/yellow appearance and needs a second to open in the glass and reveal notes of fresh pear, candied lime, white flowers, and fresh bread dough. Medium-bodied, it fills the palate and has a broader mouthfeel but remains in check, with a light chalky mouthfeel and pithy fresh citrus, which is characteristic of the savoriness of the vintage. It has a clean and mouthwatering finish. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. 7 grams per liter dosage.

Pure Chardonnay given a rich treatment has resulted in a Champagne that is now mature. The wine is ripe, its mineral edge fully integrated into the white fruit flavors. It is well ready for drinking.

The 2015 Brut Blanc de Blancs marries textural intensity with a good deal of freshness. White pepper, dried herbs, chalk, mint and citrus make a strong opening impression. I especially like the energy and tension here, but there’s plenty of depth, too. I would give the 2015 a year or two in bottle, maybe more, as it is quite reticent in the early going. It, too, is seriously impressive for the year. Disgorged: July 2021. Dosage is 7 grams per liter.

A tightly meshed Champagne, with an up-front, broad feel that's quickly reined in and well-defined by racy acidity. Creamy on the palate, with the fine mousse carrying flavors of crème de cassis, lemon-infused pastry cream, smoked almond and oyster shell. Long, harmonious finish. Drink now through 2038.

Coming from only Grand Cru villages of Montagne de Reims and always boasting a large proportion of Pinot Noir in the cuvée, the 2015 Champagne Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill Brut displays a medium straw color and has a stunning nose that’s highly aromatic with toasted croissant, kirsch, and orange peel. With a noble structure and feel to the wine, it’s full-bodied with broad shoulders but has remarkable balance for this hot vintage. The mouthfeel is exceptional and long, with vibrant acidity, a rounded and elegant mousse, a chalky texture, and a mouthwatering finish. Given the vintage, it’s showing a more approachable side already, although it should have significant longevity ahead of it. In its youth, it’s more approachable than the 2013, and I would perhaps drink some of these now and then wait to be surprised as it holds on and likely has a wide drinking window. Drink 2024-2040. 7 grams per liter of dosage.

There is a wonderful biscuity aroma to this Pinot Noir-dominated Champagne. Named after the British war-time prime minister and an avid consumer of Champagne, the wine is mature, full of ripe yeasty flavors and concentration. The wine, from a great vintage, is at a perfect stage and ready to be drunk. But the wine will also age for many years, certainly until 2030.

Very complex nose with a wide spectrum of candied citrus, dried peach and mirabelle tart aromas. Bold and rich, particularly on the mid-palate, but with a great deal of subtlety and delicacy for the vintage. This is already delicious, but at the finish you really taste how this has been made for the long term. Great drive and persistence right at the end. Drink or hold.

The 2015 Brut Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill shows o the savory side of the vintage to great effect. Hints of dried pear, sage, mint, dried flowers, lemon oil and chamomile open gradually in this midweight, lithe edition of Pol Roger's tête de cuvée. The 2015 unfolds nicely with time in the glass, but I wouldn't think of opening a bottle anytime soon. Readers will find a nervy Winston Churchill marked by notable freshness and vigor more than size. This is a fine effort in a vintage that has proven to be far trickier than most observers originally envisioned. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged September 2022.

A lively rosé, offering wild strawberry and cherry fruit flavors that are ripe and expressive, with notes of blood orange peel, graphite and leafy herbs serving as a pleasing counterpoint to the sweet fruit. Well-cut and focused, with a fine, lively bead and a minerally, smoke- and spice-laced finish. Drink now through 2032.

Pol Roger does not produce any non-vintage rosé. The 2015 Champagne Vintage Brut Rosé is structured and noble. The color is a deeply concentrated pink hue, and the wine is fragrant with fresh and dried herbs, wild raspberry, red flowers, and pepper spice. Dry and structured, this is a gastronomic rosé with a stiff upper lip. It is expressive, with savory notes of dried herbs, wild strawberry, and tangerine, along with a chalky texture and present tannins. This wine will benefit from time in bottle and continue to mature, bringing out more of its savory qualities and tertiary spice. Drink 2024-2044.

This rich Champagne highlights ripe Pinot Noir that glories in its red fruits and structure. Just ready to drink, the wine has intensity and well-textured acidity at the end. Drink now.

The 2015 Brut Rosé is compelling. Far from an easygoing Champagne, the 2015 Rosé possesses striking depth and layers of fruit that open beautifully with a bit of time in the glass. Crushed flowers, raspberry, blood orange, mint and spice all run through a substantial, super-expressive Rosé from Pol Roger that is ideally suited to the dinner table. Disgorged: November 2021. Dosage is 7 grams per liter.

Leather, earth, plum and cherry aromas and flavors are the hallmarks of this powerful red, with iron and tobacco elements emerging as this unfolds to the finish. Balanced and long, ending with an impression of sweet, ripe fruit. Best from 2025 through 2048. 660 cases made, 200 cases imported.

The 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is stunning, leading off with an intense yet vibrant display of crushed black cherries, exotic spice, hints of pine resin, cedar and incense. It's deeply textural, even velvety at times; yet its lifted by bright acids, with a core of ripe primary fruit thats not quite ready to reveal all of its charms. That said, the 2015 Riserva maintains the vibracy of the year while still coming across as painfully young and structured. Minerals and chewy tannins linger long, yet somehow, the mouth waters for another sip. A few years of cellaring will help this find a bit more balance, so do your best to keep your hands off until then.

A bright, fresh version, delivering cherry, plum, iron and tar flavors. Features ample tannins underneath, with good acidity, and displays the balance and length to develop over the next two decades. Best from 2023 through 2040. 333 cases made, 200 cases imported.

Camphor, rose and new leather shape the nose along with whiffs of woodland berry and underbrush. It's full bodied and loaded with elegance, delivering mature Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and tobacco set against firm fine-grained tannins. Drink 2023–2030.

This is a very transparent and beautiful Brunello with black cherries and dark mushrooms on the nose and palate. Full body, round and juicy tannins that turn firm and lightly chewy at the end of the palate. Tight still. Give this two or three years to come together. Better after 2021.

A pale gold color, the 2015 Vin de Constance Natural Sweet Wine has strong, precise aromas of golden raisins and orange marmalade. The palate shows great balance between sweetness, alcohol and acid and is sweet but not as overly sweet as many other sticky wines. Wow, this is delicate with generous floral tones and is really delicious. The grapes were harvested in different tries to select fresher berries earlier at the beginning of the harvest in order to maintain acidity levels in the wine, while other berries were harvested later in the season to increase sweetness. This wine captures the essence of Vin de Constance and was aged in a combination of 50% new French oak, Hungarian oak and French Acacia barrels.

Creamy and lightly mouthwatering, with an easy grace and harmony to the flavors of crème de cassis, lemon sorbet, brioche and minerally oyster shell, revealing smoke accents. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2030.

Based on 60% Pinot Noir and the rest Chardonnay, the 2016 Champagne Vintage Brut is released only after 6-7 years on the lees (sur latte). It pours a straw hue and displays a more expressive profile on opening, with notes of tangerine and fresh flowers, its red fruit coming through with fresh red raspberry and peppery spice. It’s medium-bodied and rounded through the palate, with excellent structure, powerful concentration, and a long finish. This has a refined yet powerful feel and will be a wine with significant longevity and slow maturation over the next 15-20 years. True to the house style, it has a sturdy backbone and is emblematic of a fantastic vintage champagne from Pol Roger. The mousse is pinpoint and rounded on the finish. Drink 2024-2040.

From a fine vintage for Champagne, particularly the Pinot Noir favored by this producer, this wine is still young, while suggesting great maturity and further aging to come. It is a great, balanced wine, with an edge of minerality. Drink now, but also age for many years.

A very elegant and silky vintage Champagne with a seamless harmony of candied citrus fruit, sushi ginger and dried cherry character with racy acidity and delicate minerality at the long, straight and refined finish. You don’t even think about how much or little dosage this has. Drink or hold.

Though vibrant and expressing cherry, currant, herb and mineral flavors, this is tannic and locked up for now. Leans to the elegant side, with a dense layer of dusty tannins guarding the finish. Be patient. Best from 2026 through 2043. 3,000 cases made, 2,094 cases imported.

Sweet berries and flowers with sandalwood and citrus-rind undertones. Enticing. Medium-bodied with polished and very refined tannins that caress the palate. It’s long and beautiful. Really delicious now, but even better in 2023.

This Brunello is rich and fruity, with latent power and a solid structure. Plum, black cherry, iron, tobacco and black tea flavors are matched to lively acidity and dense tannins, while the aftertaste echoes fruit and mineral accents. Best from 2025 through 2045. 400 cases made, 50 cases imported.

Aromas of plums, walnuts and dried flowers with some cedar and sandalwood. It’s full-bodied with firm, silky tannins and an intense, juicy finish. This needs time to soften. Better after 2023.

Aromas of plums, walnuts and dried flowers with some cedar and sandalwood. It’s full-bodied with firm, silky tannins and an intense, juicy finish. This needs time to soften. Better after 2023.

Aromas of dark-skinned berry, coconut, French oak and blue flower lead the nose. On the tense taut palate, fine-grained tannins accompany mature plum, dried cherry, vanilla and coffee bean while fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2024–2036.

This Barolo frames a stunning nose with intense, captivating rose perfume, chamomile tea, earl grey and tarte tatin. The palate is chewy and structured from every side, the confident tannins pushing the fruit inwards and compressing layers of vivacious red fruit with panache and style. Mineral yet fruity on the finish, and very long. Drink from 2025.

Smoked dark cherries, dried meat and some muddled, herby undertones to the dark chili chocolate and wet stones. Bittersweet with some tart cherries and tight, fine-grained tannins before a medium finish. Drink or hold.

The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape le Plateau—the only one of these four vintages to be bottled—is velvety and forward, with notes of ripe cherries, cedar, vanilla and mocha. It's full-bodied, but not overbearingly tannic, making it approachable already. Only the second vintage to be produced, it's a 60-40 blend of Grenache and Syrah that matured in a mix of tanks and new barrels.

Steeped plum, blackberry and black currant fruit forms the core, with lots of charcoal, warm earth, bittersweet ganache and tobacco notes filling in through the slightly burly finish. Solid energy provides support throughout. A gutsy throwback. Grenache and Syrah. Best from 2023 through 2038. 40 cases imported.

Rich and wrought with cherry, black currant, tar, iron, leather and spices. Maintains focus, thanks to vibrant acidity, and persists on the fruity, minerally and savory aftertaste. Best from 2025 through 2042. 333 cases made, 139 cases imported.

Rich and wrought with cherry, black currant, tar, iron, leather and spices. Maintains focus, thanks to vibrant acidity, and persists on the fruity, minerally and savory aftertaste. Best from 2025 through 2042. 333 cases made, 139 cases imported.

This solidly built red is marked by bright black currant, black cherry, rosemary, iron and tar flavors. Shows strong grip on the finish from the burly and lightly astringent tannins, all the while remaining fresh. Best from 2025 through 2042. 8,000 cases made.

Lightly dried fruit with citrus and cherry character. Medium body with fresh acidity and a linear and bright finish. Lively and delicious for the vintage. Drink now or hold.

The 2017 Brunello di Montalcino wafts up with a savory bouquet of wild strawberries and herbs complemented by hints of dried citrus peels and nuances of animal musk. this is a cool-toned and well-muscled effort, displaying silky textures that are quickly firmed up by mineral-tinged red berries and fine tannins. It leaves the palate classically dry and youthfully clenched, yet also with a resonating inner sweetness, as rose tones and hints of spice slowly fade. This is a solid effort for the vintage, and its structured for the cellar.

igger style for Barbi, but it still remains fresh and flavorful with dark-berry, walnut and dried-flower character. It’s medium-bodied with lightly chewy tannins and fresh fruit at the end. Rather complex. Drink or hold.

igger style for Barbi, but it still remains fresh and flavorful with dark-berry, walnut and dried-flower character. It’s medium-bodied with lightly chewy tannins and fresh fruit at the end. Rather complex. Drink or hold.

A sauvignon blanc with pretty density and undertones of attractive dried peaches and light oranges. Medium body and a fresh finish. Screw cap. Drink now.

This is elegant and combines cherry and strawberry fruit with wild herbs and tea flavors. Taut and sleek, with a solid line of tannins running underneath it all, ending with a white pepper accent. Best from 2024 through 2042

Oak-driven spice, iris and scorched earth aromas waft out of the glass. Linear and taut, the palate recalls sour cherry, star anise and espresso alongside fine-grained tannins. Drink 2025–2030

Aromas of orange peel, smoke, dried rose petal and light strawberry follow through to a medium body with dusty, fine tannins. Some asphalt and hazelnut in the aftertaste. Drink after 2024.

Fragrant purple flower, dark spice and camphor aromas form the inviting nose. Elegant and structured, the polished palate features raspberry compote, orange zest, baking spice and licorice framed in taut, refined tannins. Drink 2025–2032

Ripe cherry with some candied watermelon, stone and rose petal follow through to a full body with chewy tannins that have intensity and muscle. Intense finish. Needs time to soften. Better after 2023.

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Brandlin Estate opens with savory scents of grilled meats, bouquet garni and tapenade over a core of ripe black and red currants, boysenberries and black raspberries plus a touch of crushed rocks. The medium to full-bodied palate is charged with compelling tension, delivering freshness to the intense black and red fruits, framed by fine-grained tannins and finishing with a lingering herbal lift.

This sleek, mineral-driven Champagne has a lacy mousse and a smoky underpinning, with Meyer lemon peel–infused acidity driving an appealing range of flavors, including nectarine, macerated raspberry, saffron and crystallized honey, plus a touch of toasted brioche. Long and lively on the finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2035.

The 2018 Brut Vintage is a very pretty, open-knit Champagne to drink now and over the next 10-15 years. In a vintage in which so many wines are on the lighter side, the 2018 is super-expressive, with lovely depth and impeccable balance. The 2018 can be enjoyed now, but I would prefer to cellar it for a year or two. Hints of pear, dried flowers, kirsch and mint are nicely layered on a spine of fruit and structure.

The core of black cherry and wild strawberry fruit is ripe and juicy in this harmonious rosé, enmeshed with accents of toasted brioche, red licorice, violet and pickled ginger. Shows fine, raw silk–like texture and a frame of deftly honed acidity, with a minerally underpinning driving the finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged March 2023. Drink now through 2035.

Made from 60% Pinot Noir and the rest Chardonnay, with 15% red wine from Les Riceys, the 2018 Champagne Vintage Brut Rosé pours a bright but deeper shade of pink with an orange hue and is forward with aromas of ripe raspberry, rose petal, orange peel, and a hint of spice. Medium to full-bodied, it has broad shoulders and a bit of tannic grip, with a fine mousse that fades to the background, allowing the wine's more serious side to show off its style. Chalky and powerful on the palate, with wonderful clarity and a long finish, it’s going to move into its more savory side with another couple of years in the cellar. It will pair well alongside roast duck and through the end of a meal. Drink 2025-2045.

There is still some youth in this Champagne. Its red fruits and balancing acidity and texture are finely poised, the wine showing its good percentage of Pinot Noir in the blend. It is already rich and will gradually move into greater maturity. Drink now for freshness or wait until at least 2026 for maturity.

If you like Burgundian pinot noir reds then you should love this very winey and structured rosé champagne, with its zesty blood orange freshness. And, in spite of this it is very refreshing with a complex spicy finish. Good potential. Drink or hold.

Pol Roger's 2018 Brut Rosé is an attractive wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Crushed flowers, red cherry fruit, chalk, mint and white pepper all grace this tasty, mid-weight Rosé. The 2018 can be enjoyed as an apéritif, but it also has the substance to pair well with a variety of foods at the dinner table.

Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2018 Pinot Noir Adda reveals a stunning perfume of redcurrant jelly, Morello cherries, mulberries and cranberry sauce with hints of menthol, cloves, lavender and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with red fruit preserves, supported by soft, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and fragrant.

Though vibrant and packed with intense raspberry, cherry, hibiscus and earth flavors, this red is also solidly built, with dense tannins leaving a strong grip on the long, crisp finish. This has plenty to like; just be patient. Best from 2026 through 2045. 13,083 cases made, 1,050 cases imported.

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The quiet, elegant nose features delicate aromas of cherries, strawberries and figs, along with weightier notes of earth and stone. The fruit elements turn more decadent and syrupy on the palate, but a subtle citrus bitterness bolsters that flinty, earthy undertone to maintain balance

This has an intense nose of incense, toasted walnuts, mocha, maraschino cherries and some menthol. Full-bodied yet remains agile with firm, gently chewy tannins and bright acidity. Try in 2025.

From a single plot of 1853 vines, this has striking grey-stone and gravel aromas with some flinty notes, as well as violets, pepper, leaves, orange zest and pot-pourri. The complexity is very delicately nuanced around fresh blueberries and cherries. The palate has striking intensity and depth. Very low yields are driving rich flavors of blueberries and red plums. Such sleek, smooth tannins hold so long. Wow. Drink over the next 20 years.

Composed of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Petit Verdot and 17% Malbec, the 2018 Estate Red Blend is deep ruby in color. Aromas of dusty black raspberry, black plum and cherry waft from of the glass with notions of green herbs, sage and hints of baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is focused, mineral-driven and dusty, with gripping tannins across the mid-palate. The wine concludes with notions of graphite, pencil shavings, crème de cassis and sage. I suspect this will show better with additional time in the bottle.

This red's texture borders on creamy, with lively acidity setting the stage for cherry, currant and hibiscus flavors. The finish is framed by crisp tannins and lingers nicely. Best from 2026 through 2042.

Aromas of red-skinned berry, camphor and forest floor emerge from the glass. The savory, balanced palate offers ripe raspberry, star anise and cinnamon alongside fine-grained tannins. Drink 2023–2033.

Intensely perfumed with notes of dried roses, dried strawberries, sour cherries, tar and white truffles. Lemons, too. Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and firm, tightly knit tannins. Fragrant, refined and structured. Drink from 2025.

A complex red, showing pure cherry and plum fruit flavors, along with accents of earth, tobacco, eucalyptus and mineral. Supple, yet with moderate density to the dusty tannins that provide support. Fine balance and length. Best from 2025 through 2042.

Dried raspberries, cherries, tobacco leaves, porcini and rose hips on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with firm, very fine tannins. Well framed with a weightless feel. Delicate, with pretty red-berry and floral notes. Better from 2024.

The 2018 Barolo del Commune di Barolo is one of the best recent editions of this wine I can remember tasting. A burst of spice, cedar and orange peel melds into ripe red cherry and raspberry fruit. Aromatic and silky on the palate, with good depth, the 2018 is a fine choice for drinking over the next handful of years.

This red is not only expressive, exuding cherry, raspberry, mineral, earth and mint flavors, but it's also silky and succulent. Reveals refined tannins and bright acidity, which lend support as this glides to a long aftertaste. Best from 2025 through 2040.

Aromas of dark-skinned fruit, cedar and culinary spice lead the way. The taut palate offers black plum, vanilla and licorice alongside polished tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2023–2030.

Currants, brambleberries, lavender, dried mushrooms, bitter chocolate, tea leaves and cedar on the nose. Medium-bodied with precise, firm and tight tannins. Delicious dark-tea, cocoa and stone character. A joy to taste already, but better from 2024.

This has a subtle nose that eventually reveals camphor, forest floor, violet and oak-driven spice. The polished, already accessible palate is rather light on its feet, offering strawberry compote, sour cherry and star anise alongside bright acidity. Fine-grained tannins leave a rather drying finish

A sculpted red, with hints of tea rose, dried thyme and spices accenting a core of baked raspberry and blackberry fruit, espresso, licorice and minerally iron and smoke. Featuring firm, lightly chewy tannins, this fresh and tightly meshed version opens nicely in the glass -- sip slowly or decant ahead of time. Best from 2024 through 2034

Aromas of rose, sliced strawberry and roasted thyme. Medium-bodied with driving acidity and very nice concentration. Tense tannins are complemented by an array of well-ripened red berries. Thyme, rosemary and black tea come through. Lovely. Drink or hold.

5 Stelle Sfursat is compelling. Macerated dark cherry, leather, herbs and baking spices are nicely pushed forward. Impeccable in its balance and overall harmony, it looks to offer fine drinking over the near and medium term. It is another terrific wine from Nino Negri that points to a bright future.

A sculpted red, with hints of tea rose, dried thyme and spices accenting a core of baked raspberry and blackberry fruit, espresso, licorice and minerally iron and smoke. Featuring firm, lightly chewy tannins, this fresh and tightly meshed version opens nicely in the glass -- sip slowly or decant ahead of time. Best from 2024 through 2034.

Aromas of rose, sliced strawberry and roasted thyme. Medium-bodied with driving acidity and very nice concentration. Tense tannins are complemented by an array of well-ripened red berries. Thyme, rosemary and black tea come through. Lovely. Drink or hold.

5 Stelle Sfursat is compelling. Macerated dark cherry, leather, herbs and baking spices are nicely pushed forward. Impeccable in its balance and overall harmony, it looks to offer fine drinking over the near and medium term. It is another terrific wine from Nino Negri that points to a bright future.

A harmonious red, with a minerally waft of sweet smoke dueling with red licorice on the nose, making for fragrant accents for the flavors of plumped cherry, orange peel, milled pepper and eucalyptus. Long and lightly juicy, with supple tannins firming the creamy, spiced finish. Drink now through 2030

Fresh flower, strawberry and mushroom aromas follow through to a medium body, with round tannins and tangy acidity. Candied oranges to the plummy fruit. Drinkable now, but even better in a year or two.

The Vigneto Fracia is delicated and understated. Crushed flowers, sweet dried cherries, mint, herbs, and pipe tobacco all grace this very pretty Valtellina Superiore from Nino Negri. All the elements are very nicely balanced.

Plum, blueberry, dried sage and lemon zest on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with sleek tannins. Juicy and spicy with tangy acidity and a flavorful finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.

Aromas of blackberries, sweet paprika, fresh rosemary and plums. Full-bodied with velvety tannins. Sweet fruit and spice on the palate with a savory finish. Drink now.

On the nose, savory topsoil and pencil shavings play with the astringency of cranberries and sour cherries, highlighted by a white pepper undertone. On the smoky palate, raspberries join the cranberries and cherries, while bold but approachable tannins look on.

Now a Sicilia DOC wine, the Tenuta Rapitalà 2018 Sicilia Hugonis is a blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Nero d'Avola. The wine shows lovely intensity and the robust fruit weight that you should expect of a red wine from the deep south of Italy. The bouquet peels back to pleasant layers of blackberry and prune. Those fruit tones are followed by mild tones of spice, scorched earth and black olive. This release of 6,300 bottles is ready to drink with a thick steak straight off the grill.

Congratulations to Laurent Bernard de le Gatinais who was elected President of Assovini Sicilia in July 2020. With 91 member wineries, this is the island's most important growers' association. I wish him great luck in bringing Sicilian wine out from this dreadful shadow of COVID-19. Tenuta Rapitalà farms 200 hectares (with 160 hectares of vines) and has followed organic protocols for the past six years.

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Nero d'Avola, this has aromas of black-skinned berries, toasted oak and Mediterranean scrub. The savory, full-bodied palate offers black currant jam, licorice and mocha alongside fine-grained tannins. Drink through 2028.

Blackberries, blackcurrants, peppercorns, tobacco leaves, tar, dried violets and mocha on the nose. Sweet spices, too. Full-bodied with firm, plush tannins and a succulent core of spiced dark fruit. Drink after 2023.

Lots of blckcurrant on the nose,
with cherries, vanilla, cardamom
and plums. Sightly firmer then
the others with tight tannins, a
medium body and fresh finish. Drink now.

Black deep fruit flavors with well balanced ripeness and freshness. Moderate concentration of red fruit and savory herbs. Almond finish blends well with the integrated oak.

This rich, ripe and full-bodied wine offers abundant black cherries, dried plums, cedar, cloves and cinnamon as a generous mouthfeel; fine-grained tannins carry everything through a lingering finish.

A linear red, with a beam of bright cherry running through, flanked by earth and eucalyptus. Tightens up, tailing off a little on the finish. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2023 through 2032. 5,000 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.

Fresh and lively, this light-bodied red offers flavors of cherry, strawberry, earth and herbs, with crisp tannins emerging on the finish. This is approachable now but should improve with a few more years of age. Drink now through 2038. 13,046 cases made, 1,050 cases imported.

Blueberry and orange peel with some cedar and nutmeg in the aromas and flavors. Medium to full body with firm and polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Polished and refined, yet structured. Solid wine. Better after three or four years.

Blueberry and orange peel with some cedar and nutmeg in the aromas and flavors. Medium to full body with firm and polished tannins and a flavorful finish. Polished and refined, yet structured. Solid wine. Better after three or four years.

A fragrant version, exuding cherry, rose, tar and licorice aromas and flavors. Supple and harmonious, this expands on the palate to the long, complex aftertaste, adding underbrush and iron notes to the mix. The proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove. Best from 2026 through 2040.

This shows aromas of spiced cherries, dried orange peel, cardamom and bark. Medium-bodied with round, velvety tannins that have chalky texture. Dry and zesty at the end. Attractive now, but better in a year or two

Though marked by new oak, this red also boasts generous cherry and raspberry fruit, with hints of eucalyptus and tar. Elegant overall, yet will need time to absorb the oak. Vanilla-tinged finish. Best from 2026 through 2042

Spiced cherries macerating in their juices with candied roses and cedar aromas fill the glass of this forward and generous Barolo. Fruit of the forest preserves with licorice, anise and clove drive the palate as rounded tannins offer a generosity and approachability to the wine today. Drink now

Beautiful perfumes and fresh flowers come out of the glass with undertones of sandalwood. It’s medium- to full-bodied with fine tannins and a polished and seductive finish. Drinkable but better with a few years of bottle age

Rich, boasting cherry, plum, spice and tar flavors. Picks up a touch of vanilla as this builds to the dusty finish. Needs time, yet has all the components. Fresh and long. Best from 2026 through 2043.

Aromas of Mascara cherries leap out of the glass quickly followed by sweet baking spices, candied rose petals, and sandalwood. Rounded on the palate, the lush and juicy mixed-berry fruits meld well with new oak flavors that give a shine and polish to the vibrant wine. Drink now–2040.

A medium-bodied red with chewy tannins and spice and citrus undertones. Some dried strawberries. It’s a little austere but it should soften with age. Try after 2025.

A broad style, this red features cherry, raspberry, earth, tar, eucalyptus and tobacco aromas and flavors. Solidly built, complex and balanced, with the earth and tar elements stretching out on the finish. Best from 2026 through 2043

Smoked cherries, macerated strawberries and woodsy incense define the nose of this aromatic Barolo. As the wine opens, dried leaves and oolong tea aromas drift forward in a reserved manner. The palate states its presence with precise and well-defined tannins that refer interplay between the spiced fruit of the forest berry jam and savory herbs found on the elegant finish.

Violets and cool strawberries with some raspberries on the nose. Medium body, with firm and silky tannins that give a minerality to the blue fruit character. Give it time to blossom. Try after 2027.

Concentrated aromas of black cherry, red plum, star anise, licorice and cola spill out of the glass as the wine opens. Juicy and ripe fruits leap across the palate with concentrated cherries in fresh and preserved forms mixed with sweet and savory spices with a hint of dried rosebud, finishing with crisp acidity. Drink now–2035

This is a classy Chard from the cool climes of North Canterbury. It's a rich, concentrated wine but one with depth and elegance. It takes its time opening, gradually revealing melon and grapefruit, backed by subtle toasty oak spice and wet stone mineral nuances. As it warms the fruit really sits in the driver's seat. The palate is highly textural and buoyed by crystalline acidity. Drink now.

Refreshment is the name of the game at this North Canterbury winery, located in the Waipara Valley, just north of Christchurch. The nose is heady and perfumed: vivid cherries, strawberries and florals, with whispers of white pepper, river stones, and vanilla bean. The medium weight palate is similarly vibrant, leading with fresh, silky red berries framed in savory tannins. Not the world's most complex Pinot but totally delicious nonetheless. Drink now slightly chilled.

This is a straightforward and delicious Riesling from North Canterbury, a region that excels at the variety. The nose is a subtle combo of lemon-lime and grapefruit with whispers of kerosine and honeysuckle. The palate is off-dry, but there are heaps of bright acidity, so the sweetness isn't pronounced. Fresh, juicy, floral and begging for a Thai curry.

Raspberries, wet earth, herbs and orange peel on the nose. Medium-bodied with dusty tannins and an attractive minerality throughout. Firm and persistent. Drink or hold.

Savory at first, with tar-tinged smoke, loamy earth and grilled herb notes becoming a more subtle thread that winds through flavors of plum sauce, cherry reduction, anise and graphite. Long and lightly juicy throughout, with a creamy edge to the otherwise chewy tannins, which firm the spiced finish. Best from 2024 through 2029.

Aromas of sliced plum, red licorice, toasted thyme and hibiscus. Medium-bodied with velvety tannins. Straightforward with real freshness and juicy red fruit. Drink now.

The 2019 Grumello Sassorosso is a potent wine laced with strong mineral and savory notes that lend nuance as well as energy. Sweet dried cherry, crushed rocks, sage, mint and pipe tobacco open in the bouquet, but the Sassorosso remains a bit stern and unyielding in feel.

Armador Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Aromas of dark cherries, currants, blueberries, chili peppers and balsamic. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and crisp acidity. Structured yet juicy, fruity and crunchy with a bright finish. From organically grown grapes with Ecocert certification. Vegan. Drink or hold.

Blackberry, stewed-plum, basil and cigar-box aromas. It’s medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins. Crisp and crunchy in the mouth with persistent acidity. Wild, flavorful finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

A 50-50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Nero d'Avola, the 2019 Sicilia Hugonis (packaged in a heavy glass bottle) is dark, sweet, rich and nicely concentrated. The bouquet offers opulent fruit tones with blackberry preserves and dark cherry confit. There is plenty of dark spice, cinnamon and sweet tobacco thanks to the use of both barrique (for the French grape) and botte (for the Sicilian variety). The tannins are soft, and there is a moment of thinness on the mid-palate, but the wine does not lack for structure. You could pair it with Sicilian veal involtini stuffed with bread crumbs, garlic and Pecorino cheese. Production is 6,000 bottles.

Tenuta Rapitalà has recently revisited some of its label designs and has added a few certified organic wines to the portfolio. In fact, this estate has been making organic wines for a number of years already. The entire estate covers 260 hectares of land in Camporeale (in Palermo province) with 180 hectares of vines, ranging from 300 to 600 meters in elevation. The lower areas see clay soils, and the higher vineyards are characterized by sandy soils.

This has aroma of dried herb, milk chocolate, bay leaves, mulberries an licorice. It’s medium-bodied with relatively soft tannins and fresh acidity. Easy but tasty finish. Drink now.

Ripe red bell pepper flavors supported by lush cherry and bramble fruit. The ripeness of fruits is lush on the palate, with a clean finish.

The classic 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape is straight-up terrific and excels in the vintage. It will be interesting to compare this to the Le Plateau over the coming 20 years or so. Giving up lots of red and blue fruits, violets, flowers, and hints of graphite, it’s medium to full-bodied, has a layered, seamless mouthfeel, beautifully integrated tannins, and remarkable purity as well as length. It’s a brilliant Châteauneuf du Pape from this talented team that readers will love to have in their cellars. Enjoy bottles any time over the coming 15-20 years.

A ripe, stylish red, with black currant and baked plum deftly lacquered in oak polish and cedar smoke. Firm, with good structure and integration to the fruit, mineral notes and texture. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2028. 28 cases imported.

Blackcurrant, violet-essence, pine and tobacco-leaf aromas. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, fine-grained tannins. Sleek and fresh. Drink or hold.

A bright, spicy red, revealing cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral aromas and flavors. Sleek and elegant, with a firm backbone and an excellent finish. Drink now through 2026.

Ripe berry, violet and baking spice aromas emerge from the glass along with a whiff of mint. Elegant and savory, the bright, polished palate features juicy red cherry, raspberry compote and star anise accompanied by taut, refined tannins and tangy acidity. It has great youthful tension and can be enjoyed now or over the next several years. Drink through 2028.

A perfumed, dark-fruited red with dried herbs and spices on offer. Full-bodied and round-textured with vivid acidity and a crunchy berry character. Delicious with a refreshing finish. Drink now.

Aromas of rose, sliced strawberry and roasted thyme. Medium-bodied with driving acidity and very nice concentration. Tense tannins are complemented by an array of well-ripened red berries. Thyme, rosemary and black tea come through. Lovely. Drink or hold.

Raspberries, sour cherries and red tea aromas here. Medium-bodied, clean and focused with sleek tannins. Very drinkable. Drink now.

Raspberries, sour cherries and red tea aromas here. Medium-bodied, clean and focused with sleek tannins. Very drinkable. Drink now.

Cabernet Sauvignon Armador

Currants, cherries, raspberries, mint chocolate and sweet spices on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with bright acidity and fine-grained tannins. Juicy fruit and nut-chocolate character. Creamy and ripe. From organically grown grapes with Ecocert certification. Vegan. Drink now or hold.

A fragrant nose of cherries, currants, flowers, dried oregano and peppercorns. Medium body with fine tannins. Fresh and succulent with a fruity, juicy finish. 35% carignan, 34% cabernet sauvignon, 12% syrah, 10% malbec, 4.5% tannat and 4.5 petite sirah. From organically grown grapes with Ecocert certification. Vegan. Drink now.

Ripe currants, strawberries, currant leaves and fresh quince, with a hint of roasted red pepper. Quite fresh and linear on the structured, medium-bodied palate with firm, mealy tannins and a juicy finish. From organically grown grapes with Ecocert certification. Vegan. Drink now.

Aromas of dark cherries, currants, bark, dry earth and baking spices. Medium-bodied with sleek tannins and fresh acidity. Juicy and crunchy with vibrant red-fruit character on the palate. Textured, bright and succulent finish. From organically grown grapes with Ecocert certification. Vegan. Drink now.

A fresh and juicy carmenere with plenty of spiced currants, quince and tomato leaves. Fresh herbs and currants on the sleek, medium-bodied palate with fresh, dusty tannins. Lovely balance and fresh finish. From organically grown grapes with Ecocert certification. Vegan. Drink now.

The 2020 Volnay Clos des Angles ler Cru initially comes across as a little unfocused on the nose, though it improves with light orange rind and black cherry scents. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, lightly spiced, and grippy tannins. A touch of brine and sea salt appears toward the Pommard-like finish, requiring time to absorb the generous layering of new oak. Nicely focused and with just the right level of bitterness, this should age well. Tasted blind at the Burgest tasting.

A slightly jammy and juicy wine with plenty of plum and crushed stone character. Some orange, too. It’s full and round. Easy and typical. A blend of cabernet sauvignon and Nero d’Avola. Drink now or hold.

Aromas of strawberries and dried cranberries make for an unusually, pleasantly bright nose on this Primitivo. The palate is similarly fresh and crunchy with tannic red fruit, further animated by acid.

On the nose, citrus notes of fresh orange slices and lemons are balanced by slightly warmer, more savory aromas of tea leaves and seashells. The palate is full of lemon iced tea flavors, before a nutty, salty, rounded finish.

Based on 70% Grenache Blanc and 30% Clairette, the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Plateau Blanc comes all from the upper Mont Redon plateau of pure stone soils and was brought up in new oak. It has a sensational nose of honeyed white peach, orange blossom, chalky minerality, white flowers, and subtle yet perfectly integrated spicy oak. This rich, medium to full-bodied, concentrated white has beautifully integrated acidity, flawless balance, and a great, great finish. It's up with the true gems of the vintage and, I suspect, will have at least a decade of longevity, probably longer.

A polished, stylish version, offering a robe of toasty oak draped around a core of spiced apple, yellow plum and honeyed peach flavors. Caressing in feel, with a firming spine of salt and mineral notes giving shape and energy. Elements of warm spices and bitter herbs add nice tension to this opulent, expansive style, with smoked vanilla bean and shortbread accents echoing on the long finish. Drink now through 2030.

A robust, earthy version, this smolders with incense, tobacco and smoked plum flavors. Gains energy from fresh-cracked pepper and generous crushed iron accents, while tannins hold firm through the muscular close. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise, Muscardin, Vaccarèse and Cinsault. Drink now through 2030.

The 2021 Pouilly-Fuissé Le Clos 1er Cru is by far the best cuvée from Château de Fuissé this year, even though it was cropped at a measly 7hL/ha, equivalent to around ten barrels instead of around 50 barrels. It has a lovely bouquet with hazelnut and white tea scents filtering through the subtle tropical fruit. The terroir comes through nicely. The palate is well balanced with a dab of licorice on the entry. Very harmonious and complete, there is a sappy, underlying salinity that gets the saliva owing on the finish. Excellent.

Bright and vivid red fruit here with citrus peel, red licorice and crushed stones. Medium-bodied, crunchy and juicy with chalky texture and a savory finish. Drink now.

Aromas of pear, peach and baked lemon. Medium-bodied with a silky texture and nice weight. Fresh, with a mineral finish. drink now. Screw cap.

Plum, black cherry, clove, and
sweet tobacco on the nose,
followed by a medium-bodied,
toasty palate. A little rustic with
dusty tannins. Drink now or try in 2025.

A linear profile sets the stage for this racy white, which delivers aromas and flavors of seashore, stone, lemon, yellow plum and pastry that are complex and well-balanced with the structure. Brisk and refreshing on the long finish. Drink now through 2030.

A fresh nose with some herb character to the blackcurrants and tobacco. A well-made, elegant cabernet sauvignon, showing firm, dusty tannins and juicy fruit in the middle.

Dark olives and some fresh leafiness to the black plums and dark cherries. A very smooth red with creamy tannins and juicy fruit, which give it a lot of immediate appeal.

A juicy and medium-bodied red with fine spices, bitter oranges and some sage on the nose. Medium-bodied on the palate with light, crunchy cherries and a fruity finish. Fresh, firm tannins. Drink now.

A ripe, fruity expression here with lots of dried cranberries and some savory tangerine-like characters. Crunchy and firm on the palate with a succulent, unadorned finish. Slightly chewy. Drink now.

Kirsch, wild strawberries, hibiscus and licorice on the nose that follow through to a medium-bodied palate. Approachable, fruity finish with some strawberries at the end. Drink now.

Precise and well-crafted, this blend of 71% cabernet sauvignon, 16% petit verdot and 13% malbec expresses notes of red cherries, wild berries, dried herbs, cedar and baking spices. Medium-bodied with finely grained tannins. Delicate texture and a wise structure shape the palate with poise, harmony and freshness. Focused and vivid finish. Drink or hold.

Bright and fruity, this sleek yet rich red offers fine balance and length, evoking cherry, raspberry and almond flavors, with a hint of tar. Succulent finish. Drink now. 4,000 cases made.

This is fragrant and fruit-forward with citrus fruit, white peach and spicy herb aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, bright and mouthwatering. Crunchy acidity and a juicy finish. Fresh and joyful. Drink now.

This wine opens with aromas of black cherry, cassis, wildflowers, and sweet and savory spices. Vibrant and lifted on the palate with a red-fruit-driven palate supported by dried herbs, anise and black tea. The wine finishes with fine tannins and mouth-watering acidity.

Notes of ripe blackberries and brambles with dark chocolate, licorice and walnut undertones. Full and creamy with succulence and depth to the fruit and a compact tannin structure. Refined and lingering. Drink or hold.

Intense nose of earth, strawberries, smoke and graceful violets. The classy nose is supported by a fierce palate with a medium body, supple fruit, crisp integrated acidity and ripe tannins. Drink or hold.

A bit reductive now with some wet leaves and cherries on the nose that follow through to a full-bodied palate with some chewy, angular tannins. Some hedgerow herbs and spices in the medium-length finish. Give it a year to soften. From organically grown grapes with Ecocert certification. Vegan. Drink in 2025.

Bright and racy nose that’s full of fruit. Intense dark strawberries, fresh mulberries and brambly fruit with hints of hibiscus and white pepper. Really fresh, medium-to-full-bodied palate with fruit-soaked, chalky tannins and linear, bright acidity. From organically grown grapes with Ecocert certification. Vegan. Delicious and super-drinkable now, so why hold?

Infused with cherry, earth, iron and spice flavors, this fresh red boasts lively acidity and light, pliable tannins. Shows a smoky element as this plays out on the finish. Best from 2028 through 2042.

Smoked meat and spice aromas are joined by flavors of cherry, blackberry, stony mineral and toasty oak. Lively and densely structured, this muscular red is fresh and long on the finish. Best from 2026 through 2038.

The organic 2021 Sicilia Nero d'Avola Alto Reale puts the spotlight on primary fruit thanks to easy winemaking in stainless steel and partial oak aging. There is plump dark cherry, blackberry, olive and scorched earth in this wine, which has an ample production of 130,000 bottles. Bitter cherry fruit appears on the close.

Tenuta Rapitalà has recently revisited some of its label designs and has added a few certified organic wines to the portfolio. In fact, this estate has been making organic wines for a number of years already. The entire estate covers 260 hectares of land in Camporeale (in Palermo province) with 180 hectares of vines, ranging from 300 to 600 meters in elevation. The lower areas see clay soils, and the higher vineyards are characterized by sandy soils.

Sweet red-fruit aromas of candied cherry and strawberry fruit leather leap off the nose, with vanilla close behind. The palate stays fruit forward and juicy but with cedar and a dry, hardened dirt note underlined by dusty tannins.

A juicy and fresh syrah with blackberry, spice, chocolate and dried meat aromas and flavors. Full and layered with plenty of fruit and a fresh finish. Shows excellent focus and polish. From organically grown grapes. Can age nicely. Drink or hold.

The nose features notes of blueberries and violets, while the spice of black pepper and the freshness of fennel bring nuance. On the palate, the berries and pepper swirl together, before medicinal licorice and dusty dark chocolate lead into a tannic, acidic finish.

A fruity, playful and refreshing white with notes of fresh lemons, sliced green pears, herbs and a hint of pineapple. It’s medium-bodied with fresh acidity. Round and easygoing with a satisfying finish. Drink now.

Grilled strawberries, cherries and hints of licorice on the nose. Juicy, ripe and fruity with a medium body and a plump finish. Drink now.

A fruity, fun red with raspberries, cherries, vanilla and cinnamon on the nose. Medium-bodied with a sweet and savory character. Drink now.

Fresh citrus intertwines with notes of white mushroom, apples, white peach, acacia and subtle hints of kelp. A vibrant palate of citrus is elevated by its lively acidity and savory undertone. Texturally satisfying and easy to enjoy now.

This wine presents an inviting freshness, boasting aromas of ripe lemongrass, banana, honeysuckle, graham cracker and a pinch of salt. The palate is round, boasting good salinity that highlights ripe Meyer lemon, white peach and toasted almond. Enjoyable on its own, it also pairs elegantly with dishes with buttery sauces.

Expressive and floral, with fresh gardenia and ripe stone fruit on a juicy palate. Shows chalky minerality and dried herbs that bounce through a clean finish lined with wet stone accents. Charming. Drink now. 14 cases imported.

The 2022 Pouilly-Fuissé Tête de Cuvée is raised 60% in oak barrels and the rest in tank, bottled at the end of 2023. This cuvée includes some Premier Crus, including Combettes, which were not bottled separately this year. It has a winsome nose with mint-tinged citrus fruit that opens with gusto in the glass. The palate is well-balanced with a fresh entry. It's spicy with stem ginger and lemongrass towards the lively finish. Maybe it is not the most refined Pouilly-Fuissé, but there is commendable energy in the context of the growing season.

The 2022 Pouilly-Fuissé Le Clos 1er Cru comes from vines with an east exposure on the middle of the slope, a monopole of Château de Fuissé, although each part is vinified separately. It is raised entirely in new oak from a local cooperage in Romaneche-Thorin, although that is far less marked than the vintages that I used to taste 15 to 20 years ago. The palate is nicely balanced and elegant in style. Crucially, as I mentioned already, the new oak is far less obvious, allowing the terroir to come through. Grilled almonds and walnuts appear towards the finish. Sophisticated.

Aromas of white pepper and nutmeg give way to peach and apricot notes in this fruity white. Bright acidity propels the finish, where baking spice elements return. Drink now through 2028.

The 2022 Pouilly-Fuissé Les Brulés 1er Cru marks a return for this cuvée as the previous vintage was deemed too small (2hl/ha!) to bottle separately (this was partly due to the season and partly due to part of the vineyard being uprooted). The soil here is deep marn and 100% oak fermented. It has an attractive bouquet with citrus fruit and hints of praline and almond and is well-defined and focused. The palate is well-balanced with great depth and counterbalancing acidity, quite Chassagne in style. The 2022 is complex on the finish, with menthol and chamomile developing in the glass. Give this 12 months in bottle, and you will have a fine and comparatively rare Pouilly-Fuissé.

Lush and beautifully balanced, offering peach, apple, lemon curd, floral and pastry flavors. The texture is offset by the bright structure as this white resonates on the chalky finish. Drink now through 2028.

This lush version is packed with peach, yellow plum, bitter grapefruit, lemon curd and pastry flavors, supported by vibrant acidity that drives the long, citrus-tinged aftertaste. Drink now through 2028.

This complex and rather full-bodied wine offers interesting nuances of herbs, minerals and citrus on a broad texture with a light tanginess behind them. Good depth and concentration add to a lingering finish.

The 2022 Chablis Vaillon 1er Cru Cuvée Guy Moreau has a stricter bouquet than the regular cuvée: petrichor and gunflint underlying the veneer of yellow plum and citrus lemon. The palate is very harmonious with a twist of sour lemon that imparts tension from start to finish. There's a patina of welcome fire on the aftertaste that keeps you coming back. Excellent.

The 2022 Chablis Vaillon 1er Cru has a more mineral driven bouquet than the Village. Satsuma and citrus fruit are quite lively and vigorous in the glass. The palate is fresh with a fine bead of acidity, slightly honeyed in texture but with a seductive lemongrass/spicy note that extends the finish. Superb.

Verging on pineapple and dried apricot flavors, this Chablis is ripe and open, with a light tactile feel. Round and inviting, with peach, citrus and stone accents on the moderately long finish. Drink now through 2028.

The 2022 Chablis Les Clos Clos des Hospices does not quite have the same level of complexity as the regular cuvée. Touches of yellow plum, white flower and sea spray. The palate is well balanced with fine acidity. Very harmonious and with just the right amount of spiciness toward the finish that leaves the mouth tingling. A hint of praline lingers on the aftertaste. What a classy offering.

Rich and verging on creamy, with peach, green plum, lemon, floral and mineral flavors, this white turns leaner and more defined as the bracing acidity emerges, driving the citrus and mineral finish. Drink now through 2032.

This bright, succulent white is harmonious and approachable, delivering peach, melon, yellow plum and mineral aromas and flavors. A persistent version, lingering nicely on the salty, tangy finish. Drink now through 2028.

The 2022 Chablis Valmur Grand Cru has a delightful bouquet with ne delineation and pixelation, real class and pedigree, pure and rened. The palate is taut and linear, understated at rst, deepening towards the nish with hints of almond and lanolin. A complex and rened Valmur that is Moreau's greatest achievement in 2022.

This starts out on the opulent side, with a hint of vanilla framing the peach, plum and stone aromas and flavors, yet there's good underlying cut that dovetails on the finish, streamlining the flavors. Shows terrific harmony and length. Drink now through 2032.

A juicy cabernet sauvignon that shows varietal typicality, with notes of white pepper, red chili pepper and olive to the red cherries and currants. Fruity and plump on the medium-bodied palate that’s full of red fruit and fresh tannins, delivering firmness and vibrancy.

Floral nose with plenty of violet, morello cherries, dried oregano and thyme-like herbs. Fleshy, flavorful dark cherry fruit and wild herbs to the palate followed by a fruity, firm finish. Juicy and generous with a medium to full body. Drink now.

Very fresh with notes of sliced pears, lemons and white peaches plus a touch of white pepper spice and chamomile. It’s medium- to full-bodied with bright acidity and a phenolic touch. Dry. Blend of 33% gewurztraminer, 30% sylvaner, 17% pinot blanc, 7% riesling, 7% pinot gris and 6% muscat. Drink now.

A charming dry pinot gris that has a striking hint of copper color. Ripe, generous and juicy with just a touch of tannin that helps anchor the richness. Almost silky finish with hints of toasted almonds and smoke. Drink or hold.

The stone and citrus fruit aromas pour from the glass of this wonderfully juicy and refreshing dry riesling, that already has excellent balance which will also appeal to people who are frightened of riesling’s acidity. Lovely grapefruit and pomelo freshness at the very bright finish. Drink or hold.

A rich version, bordering on creamy, this peach-, apple- and stone-inflected white is complex and long, with fine balance and a long aftertaste that resonates with fruit and mineral notes. Drink now.

Aromas of freshly cut grass, dragon fruit and peaches. Medium-bodied with more savory character than the nose let on. There is a hint of tang to the acidity, which articulates the stone and tropical fruit notes. Sustainable. Drink now. Screw cap.

The 2022 Gun Metal Riesling is so austere and dry that it crests ungiving and moves toward composed. Poised, structured and tight, it's thrilling. The acidity that courses through the fruit is briny and refreshing, and the fruit, although given all the above descriptors, is lingering, long and lithe. An excellent wine. One for now or for the far future.

Honeydew, white peaches and fresh herbs on the nose followed through to a medium body with bright acidity. Vivid with volume on the mid-palate and a flavorful, focused finish. Drink now. Screw cap.

This Pouilly-Fumé challenges the notion that all the Loire Sauvignon Blanc action is in Sancerre. Gold in color, this wine opens with ripe golden apple, fall Bosc pear, brioche, quince and candied lemon peel. The wine is vibrant with some creaminess emerging on the attack followed by subtle baking spice and dried white blossom.

A slight honeyed note to the candied lemon peel and yellow plum flavors imparts a richness to this white, which is a lush style for sure, with chamomile and straw notes chiming in. A tug of bitter tannins brings form and balance to the long finish, graced by a salted almond note. Drink now through 2030.

This gold-colored wine has an aromatic nose of pureed apple, clove and vanilla baking spice, quince, brioche, toasted walnuts, ginger and orange peel. The creamy-textured wine is fruit forward with an underlying baking spice that imparts depth and focus. As with many things that get better with age, you can drink now, but this wine will continue to improve in the bottle until 2029.

A distinctive Sauvignon, offering warm spice, quince and apple flavors that show nice roundness, with notes of sun tea. Toasted hay and quinine notes gild the slightly chewy palate, while cooling minerality washes through with menthol and bitter quinine notes. This has nice complexity and savoriness. Drink now.

This is a delicious, mature, grown-up Pouilly Fumé. Gold in color, this wine has a perfumed nose of dried orange zest, caramelized golden apple, vanilla and clove baking spice topped with cream fraiche and a dollop of ripe Asian pear. The wine is slightly creamy in texture, yet retains a vibrant streak of acidity that runs through to the lingering finish.

This Sancerre is the one you pull out on a late afternoon to get ready for a sunset or a day that ends with warm sunlight on your skin. A perfumed, complex wine greets you on the nose that is bathed in orchard fruit, including golden apple, white nectarine, ripe Bosc pear, dried orange blossom and starfruit. A creamy texture ensues on the palate and is supple like a velvety glove brushing your cheek.

A supple, gentle-edged version, offering an appealing mix of ripe apple, honeysuckle blossom and delicate herb details. Warm spice and dried thyme accents gild the well-structured frame, with savory sea salt and mineral notes lining the chalky, vibrant finish, which shows the subtlest kiss of vanilla. Drink now through 2026. 7

This wine is the brighter, fresher side of Sancerre. Lemon-gold in color, it has a rich nose of white-peach stone fruit, quince, lemon zest, nectarine and Fuji apple. The palate has a steely and creamy texture mix with a supportive acid structure. This versatile wine would pair with many a meal.

Shows impressive concentration and savory power, with notes of sweet hay and jasmine overlaying a rich well of herb oil, lime zest, parsley and bitter herbs. This turns supple and round on the palate, with a silky feel to its crunchy nectarine element. Ends on a fresh note, offering cooling wet stone minerality. Drink now through 2029.

Instead of white Burgundy, serve this Sancerre. A nose of golden fruit greets you on the nose, along with restrained sweet baking spice, golden apple, ripe Bosc pear and hints of caramelized quince and brioche. The creamy palate delivers acidity that enlivens the entire length of the taste. Drink now–2028.

Offers an enticing floral nose, with a sunny feel to its meadow blossom and chamomile notes. Creamy on the palate, with plenty of ripe orchard fruit and herbs offset by a firming wall of minerals and succulent acidity. Shows smoke and candied almond elements on the finish. Drink now through 2026.

Notes of sliced pears and quince with dried flowers and floral undertones. Medium-bodied, juicy and vibrant with savory fruit character and a lightly phenolic finish. Drink now.

A juicy cabernet sauvignon showing peppery red fruit and cherries. Soft tannins on the palate with medium body and a fruity and spicy finish. From organically grown grapes with Ecocert certification. Vegan. Sustainable. Drink now.

One of Olivier Leflaive's top wines, harvested from vines owned by the firm. It has all the great concentration that Batard promises, balanced by lively, citrus acidity for a memorable and appetizing expression. So pure and focused on the palate and long in the finish. Medium- to full-bodied. Will age well for decades. Best after 2028.

Round and mellow, this silky white packs floral, apple, peach, lemon and honey notes into an elegant frame. Charming and balanced, persisting with lemon and pastry accents on the finish. Drink now through 2028. 50 cases imported.

This toasty, spicy, generously oaked wine is just coming out of its shell a few months after bottling. It promises more complexity and harmony in the future, but already shows a tasty fruit core of fresh apples, white peaches and mineral accents along with the effects of 20% new barrels that add spiciness. Medium to full in body. Best from 2027.

It really IS charming, this ripe and rich yet balanced and elegant wine that's as agile as a ballet dancer. White peaches, lime and lemon zest, light minerals, toast and a touch of honey fill the palate. Barrel-fermented in 25% new oak, medium to full in body. Saturated without being heavy, alive and fresh in texture and then lingering long on the finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2027.

Impressive for its racy profile and complexity, this white reveals peach, apple, lemon and toasty oak aromas and flavors. Hints of butter and butterscotch lend charm and depth, while the finish echoes the spice elements. Drink now through 2029. 500 cases imported.

Peach, apple, lemon tart and vanilla notes are framed by toasty oak in this enticing white. Creamy and beautifully balanced, this stays fresh and focused on the long aftertaste. Drink now through 2028.

Excellent depth, good richness and breadth in texture are nicely lifted by fresh-tasting acidity and perhaps a bit of tannin in this super-balanced, refreshing and fruity wine. Medium-bodied. Drink or hold.

Hints of almonds and toast add top notes to this medium-bodied, luxurious and well-balanced wine that is vivid in fruit and alive with acidity. Lemon and lime zest, crisp Pippin apples, hints of butter and vanilla bean give plenty of complexity. They use 40% new oak with this stylish and compelling wine. Drink now or hold.

This white is about finesse, with a lithe frame and vibrant structure setting the stage for apple, lemon and hazelnut flavors. Evolves to the long aftertaste, picking up mineral and baking spice notes, showing excellent length and balance. Best from 2026 through 2033.

It shows a rather quiet, restrained fruit character as well as great harmony and seamlessness. Fermented in 20% new oak, alive with good acidity and highlighted by light toast, almond and mineral accents that add complexity. Medium- to full-bodied and quite well structured. Drink or hold.

Sophisticated, fresh and lively, with focused citrus, mineral and almond flavors on a zesty, tangy texture and a rather full body. Fine-grained with great tension and a linear profile. So concentrated and so vivid in acidity, this needs several years to come into its own. Best from 2027.

The nose is a citrusy cocktail accompanying a well-composed charcuterie board, as lemon, grapefruit and a light florality mix with salted nuts and a peppery undertone. On the palate, potent acid emphasizes the citrus, but herbs join the salt to create a round, oily texture.

An earthy, savory nose is defined by aromas of damp soil, fresh coffee, dark chocolate, blackberries and pepper. On the palate, flavors of black cherry and mocha bring out the sweetness of the blackberries for a lush feel, but taut, textured tannins provide contrast.

Attractive nose of raspberries, strawberries, cherries and peppercorns. It’s medium-bodied, with bright acidity, medium-firm tannins and a delicious finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink now or hold.

Aromas of granny smith apple skins and lemon tart with high acidity, a light brioche mose, and a fresh, young body with apple, peach, and mango flavors.

Cherry-colored, this rosé has notes of strawberries, watermelon and dried flowers. It’s richly fruity and full-bodied with excellent concentration and a light mineral freshness to balance. Drink now.

Sour cherries, sultanas, dried oranges and sweet spices on the nose, followed by a medium- to full-bodied, jammy and lightly sweet-sour palate. Ripe tannins. Drink now.

Bright apple, citrus, and minty herb notes all emerge from the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc, a rocking little white that has medium-bodied richness, a juicy, lively mouthfeel, and an undeniable sense of salty minerality on the finish. Based on 55% Grenache Blanc, 20% Clairette, 15% Roussanne, and 10% Picpoul Blanc, it's going to benefit from 6-12 months of bottle age and mostly like evolve for well over a decade, although I'd drink bottles through 2027.

This wine welcomes you with classic garrigue aromas followed by a blend of boysenberry, dark plums and black cherry. Well-integrated tannins offer texture and sets the stage for an abundance of ripe black cherries, dried thyme and cardamom. Its lingering saline finish easily makes this wine a wonderful pairing for various lamb or roasted meat preparations. Enjoyable now with a proper decant or cellar through 2028+ before revisiting.

A bright, ruby-colored rosé that
has notes of grapefruit,
strawberry, rhubarb, and
morello cherry. It’s rich and
fruity with medium body and
tasty finish. Drink now.

Citrusy, vivid, and juicy Pecorino,
proposing notes of citrons, dried
herbs, and blanched almonds.
Medium-bodied with fresh acidity.
Lively and full of verve with a
flavorful finish. Drink now.

This fragrant, floral white has notes of apricots, honeysuckle, lychees and melon. It’s full-bodied, lightly oily and exotic. Drink now.

A vivid and juicy grillo with plenty of lemons, warm herbs and hints of cedar. Medium-bodied with a delicate and seductive character on the palate. Flavorful and well composed. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.

A juicy red that has notes of warm spices, orange rind and black fruit on the nose. It’s medium-bodied and deliciously fruity, with medium tannins and a bright finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.

An expressive Champagne, with a pure beam of ripe black currant fruit enlivened by vivacious acidity. Harmonious and satiny in texture, with accents of star anise, pickled ginger, toast and preserved lemon echoing on the finish. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Drink now through 2026.

Equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier, the NV Champagne Reserve Brut has the 2019 vintage as its base, with 25% reserve wine. It pours a bright silver straw hue and is fresh on opening, with a floral perfume of white flowers, fresh pear, and fresh almond. Medium-bodied, it’s attractive and approachable, with juicy peach fruit that fills the palate, although it stays refined, with a pinpoint mousse and a clean finish. It is a lovely entry to the range to enjoy now or over the next 6-8 years, and I love this as an aperitif style. 8 grams per liter of dosage.

This is the nonvintage cuvée from this producer. It is in a rich style, with a high proportion of Pinot Noir, very much the house style. This bottling is fresh and hinting at maturity. Drink now.

An expressive Champagne, with a pure beam of ripe black currant fruit enlivened by vivacious acidity. Harmonious and satiny in texture, with accents of star anise, pickled ginger, toast and preserved lemon echoing on the finish. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Drink now through 2026.

Equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier, the NV Champagne Reserve Brut has the 2019 vintage as its base, with 25% reserve wine. It pours a bright silver straw hue and is fresh on opening, with a floral perfume of white flowers, fresh pear, and fresh almond. Medium-bodied, it’s attractive and approachable, with juicy peach fruit that fills the palate, although it stays refined, with a pinpoint mousse and a clean finish. It is a lovely entry to the range to enjoy now or over the next 6-8 years, and I love this as an aperitif style. 8 grams per liter of dosage.

This is the nonvintage cuvée from this producer. It is in a rich style, with a high proportion of Pinot Noir, very much the house style. This bottling is fresh and hinting at maturity. Drink now.

This vivacious Champagne features a crunchy mousse and a toasty overtone to the notes of lemon sorbet, pickled ginger, citronella and smoke. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Drink now.

The NV Champagne Pure Extra Brut cuvée was launched in 2007 and is the same blend as the Brut Reserve, as it is also equal parts Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier. It pours a bright straw color and offers up aromas of citrus zest, bread dough, and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied, it has a beautiful chalky texture, with a light salty flourish and a more citrus-toned palate, although it’s lovely and approachable, with a refined and focused mousse. For my taste, it takes a slight edge over the standard Brut Reserve, as it feels more precise. It is going to benefit from another year in bottle, then drink it over the following 15 years. Disgorged Fall 2022.

Dry, yes but with softness as well, this is a finely judged Champagne. The balance is between the fruit, mineral texture and generous ripeness. The bottling could do with some aging, drink from 2023.

The NV Champagne Rich Demi Sec sees 34 grams per liter dosage and is fresh with equal parts Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier. Aromas of fresh croissant dough, white peach, and orange blossoms are followed by a medium-bodied, fresh style of wine. Refined with a precise feel, it’s a lovely style that’s often neglected but is an irreplaceable and fantastic tool to pair with a wide range of desserts, such as a summer fruit tart, spicy foods, and cheese. It’s long on the palate, with a clean finish and a delicate, pure sweetness throughout. Drink 2023-2033.

Off-dry, this Champagne is a fine example of the Demi-Sec style. With its richness and ripe white fruits and touches of honey, the wine is well developed and ready to drink.

For a frankly off-dry champagne this has so much character and very good balance. A wide spectrum of candied citrus and dried white tree fruit aromas. Nice richness on the mid-palate without the sweetness ever taking the upper hand. The bright and energetic mousse really helps to keep this bright and straight at the lingering finish. Drink now.

Made with Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco, this radiant sparkler has delicate, enticing scents of pastry shell, white stone fruit and citrus. On the savory, elegant palate, a refined, continuous perlage accompanies creamy golden apple, juicy lemon drop candy and a hint of hazelnut.

An enticing blend of dusty flowers and gingery spice wafts up from the NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Franciacorta Cuvée Monogram. This is a soothingly round and mineral-inflected effort with depths of savory white pit fruits offset by sour citrus. It finishes fresh yet a bit short, leaving a salty flourish. Disgorged: June 2023.