Reviews

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Champagne Bollinger

La Côte aux Enfants Champagne

Champagne, France


Established by Jacques Bollinger between 1926 and 1934, La Côte aux Enfants is a steep hillside vineyard located on the outskirts of Aÿ. This unique parcel has been a source of endless fascination, producing some of the most highly prized Pinot Noir in the region. Aware of its potential, it became Champagne Bollinger’s ambition to produce a great vintage Champagne exclusively from this vineyard, with 100% Pinot Noir. The fruit comes from the north-west side of the hill, revealing a particularly refined expression of La Côte aux Enfants vineyard.

Wine Advocate (96+) -September 22, 2023 "Readers will know of Bolligner's Côte Aux Enfants for the still red wine produced on its south-facing slope. They're less likely to be aware that this Aÿ monopole—acquired between 1926…

Wine Advocate (96+) -June 20, 2023 "Readers will know of Bolligner's Côte Aux Enfants for the still red wine produced on its south-facing slope. They're less likely to be aware that this Aÿ monopole—acquired between 1926…

Jeb Dunnuck (96+) -June 20, 2023 "One hundred percent Pinot Noir, it is rich with incense, bread dough, fully ripe red fruits, and kirsch. The palate is broad and mouth-filling with consistency from the aromatics and…

E. Guigal

Côte-Rôtie La Landonne 2019

Côte-Rôtie


One of the three “LaLa” wines that Guigal produces and are the most collectible wines of the Rhone Valley, La Landonne is a remarkable expression of terroir. And for good reason, La Landonne is situated on one of the steepest vineyards of the Côte Brune, a 45 degree slope that remarkably requires harvesters to start picking from the bottom of the vineyard and work their way up, placing grape bunches in bins that are set on sleds and dragged up the hill. Along with its position at the northern end of the Côte Brune and the fact it is the last vineyard to ripen, La Landonne is the mirror of the feminine and voluptuous La Mouline: it is a wine of driving power, defined by its dark fruit and structure. The first vintage Guigal produced was in 1978, after being planted in 1975 at the time of Philippe Guigal’s birth.

Jeb Dunnuck (98-100) -June 14, 2023 "As always, the 2019 Côte Rôtie La Landonne is all Syrah that was not destemmed and will spend four years in new French oak. A wine with perfection written all…

Wine Advocate (98-100) -June 14, 2023 "The impenetrably dark 2019 Cote Rotie La Landonne represents the essence of this fabled lieu-dit [...] It's full-bodied, concentrated, richly tannic and long on the finish—simply a superb wine that…

James Suckling -May 25, 2023 "Still very youthful, this has a deep nose of smoke, bitter chocolate and herbal liqueur. The gigantic tannin structure on the palate will need many years of further aging to…

E. Guigal

Côte-Rôtie La Turque 2019

Côte-Rôtie


La Turque is Guigal’s most recent addition to the single-vineyard Cru Côte-Rôties, coming over as part of their purchase of the Vidal-Fleury firm in 1980. La Turque had produced outstanding wines in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but had not been used for wine production for nearly 50 years. The Guigals acquired the vineyard and re-planted it in 1980 and 1981, based on Etienne Guigal’s memory of the quality of the wines it produced during his tenure at Vidal-Fleury. The first vintage was the magnificent 1985. In both position and style, it sits between La Mouline and La Landonne: the complex soils lend an exotic character to La Turque, and its concentration and elegance exhibit the virility of the Côte Brune with the subtlety and femininity of the Côte Blonde.

Wine Advocate (98-100) -June 14, 2023 "The extroverted 2019 Cote Rotie La Turque is about as impressive a young wine as I've tasted at Guigal, with extravagant, blossom-like aromas and oodles of cassis and blueberries. Full-bodied,…

Jeb Dunnuck (98-100) -June 14, 2023 "I was blown away by the 2019 Côte Rôtie La Turque, which comes from a tiny parcel in the Côte Brune and is fermented with a touch of Viognier as…

James Suckling -May 25, 2023 "From the haunting nose through to the end of the extremely long finish this wine embodies the rocky personality of Cote-Rotie, along with the special ripeness that the syrah achieves…

E. Guigal

Côte-Rôtie Château d’Ampuis 2019

Côte-Rôtie


The Guigal family spent 15 years restoring Château d’Ampuis, a historic property whose oldest sections date to the 11th century. The Château d’Ampuis has been the symbol of the town of Ampuis and the world-renowned Côte-Rôtie vineyard area for ten centuries. When the Guigal family learned that there was at one time a wine produced with the Château d’Ampuis name, they decided to produce an exceptional wine that would showcase the best that Côte-Rôtie has to offer.

Jeb Dunnuck (95-97) -June 14, 2023 “Scheduled to be botted at the end of this October, the 2019 Côte Rôtie Chateau D'Ampuis is another beautiful, layered, incredibly impressive wine. Ripe darker fruits, smoked meats, tapenade, and…

Wine Advocate (94-96) -June 14, 2023 “The 2019 Cote Rotie Chateau d'Ampuis is a super example of this cuvée, which blends fruit from seven different lieux-dits (three on the Cote Blonde and four on the Cote…

James Suckling -May 25, 2023 “This combines the elegance and finesse for which the appellation is famous with tremendous power. In spite of this the tannins are very fine, the generous oak already beautifully woven…

E. Guigal

Côte-Rôtie La Mouline 2019

Côte-Rôtie


First planted by the Romans 2,500 years ago, La Mouline is the oldest and most famous vineyard of Cote-Rotie, and Guigal’s single vineyard bottling of La Mouline in the 1960s set off a quality revolution throughout the Rhone Valley. The stunning amphitheater is the most complex plot in Cote-Rotie due to its extremely steep slopes with expositions in every direction. Of the three famous “LaLas” that Guigal produces and are the most collectible wines of the Rhone Valley, La Mouline was the first and is the only one on the Cote Blonde, and its signature is an unbelievable exoticism, an irresistibly and unique lifted floral , black fruit, earthy, spicy perfume, its coiled power always in balance, seemingly endless.

Jeb Dunnuck (94-96) -June 14, 2023 "Aromatic and charming on the nose—where ephemeral floral notes join ripe cherries—[...] It's medium to full-bodied, silky and caressing, without the same power, yet it's supremely elegant."- J.C 2/22

Jeb Dunnuck (97-100) -June 14, 2023 "The 2019 Côte Rôtie La Mouline is a bigger, richer Côte Rôtie. Co-fermented with a solid chuck of Viognier and around 85% destemmed (the same as the La Turque), this…

James Suckling -May 25, 2023 "Great nose of summer flowers and ripe blackberries with a glaze of toasty oak. A very graceful wine in spite of all the power and concentration. Feels almost weightless until…

Petrolo

Classico Riserva 2020

Val d'Arno di Sopra DOC


Classico Riserva is a Sangiovese cru and a testament to the winemaking foresight of Petrolo’s founder, Gastone Bazzocchi, who planted the vineyard in 1952 and saw the great quality potential of the vineyard early on. Over the years, the vineyard has been replanted little by little with a massale selection to preserve the diversity of the original clones. Riserva showcases the great expression of a 100% Sangiovese that Petrolo’s unique terroir and microclimate are capable of producing.

Wine Enthusiast -June 27, 2023 "A nose that dances gracefully in the space between earthy and spicy, from soil and underbrush to black pepper and cloves, turns over to a palate that’s juicy with cherries…

Wine Spectator -June 12, 2023 "Rich, this red offers cherry, plum, rose and mineral flavors, with hints of Mediterranean scrub and wild herbs. Intense and long, with fine harmony and a silky texture, revealing an…

Far Mountain

Myrna Chardonnay 2020

Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California


Myrna’s focused intensity of fruit and texture reflects its two extreme mountain and hillside vineyard sites.  The word Myrna translates to “beloved”, a reflection of Far Mountain’s feelings about truly great Chardonnay: wines that can translate from their sites intense minerality, texture and a dazzling spectrum of flavors.

Wine Spectator -August 04, 2023 "Fragrant, featuring wild fennel, lemon blossoms and wet stone minerality, with a core of fresh, vibrant Meyer lemon, Honeycrisp apple and yuzu flavors. Reveals a note of litsea oil that…

Vinous -August 03, 2023 "“A very attractive wine for the year. Medium in body, Myrna graces the palate with hints of tangerine oil, mint, white flowers, chamomile and ripe green pear. [...] all the…

Wine Enthusiast -January 16, 2023 "This well-balanced and grandly structured wine layers toast, almonds and a hint of wood smoke over Bosc pears, fennel bulb slices and marzipan for a rich blend of fruits and…

Far Mountain

Fission Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California


Fission is a pure mountain wine, with a dark depth of fruit chiseled by the cool elevation of its two vineyard sites.  A wine of texture, with the intensity and sappy concentration we associate with old vines, it builds into powerful tannins that remain refined, almost cloaked by the seductiveness of the fruit and the gently building structure. The name Fission was ultimately chosen to reference the textural and mineral characteristics that the unique volcanic soil brings to this wine.

Wine Enthusiast -August 04, 2023 "A punchy style, with a big burst of mulberry and boysenberry pâte de fruit, laced with racy acidity and gilded with light floral and bramble notes through the finish." M.W…

Vinous -August 03, 2023 “Packed with scents of blackberry, coffee, dried savory herbs, lavender, mocha and spice. This potent, strapping Moon Mountain Cabernet packs a pretty big punch […] Overall, the 2020 is a…

Wine Enthusiast -January 16, 2023 "This classic-style wine matches rich blackberries and black cherries with measured baking spices like vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon on a full body and slightly grippy texture due to moderate tannins."…

Ornellaia

Le Volte dell’Ornellaia 2021

Toscana IGT


Le Volte dell’Ornellaia combines a Mediterranean expression of generosity with structure and complexity, reflecting the philosophy of Ornellaia. It represents the first step into the Ornellaia family, and is an ideal wine for everyday enjoyment.

Wine Enthusiast -October 02, 2023 Text to follow - Dec 2023 Issue  

Wine Spectator -August 11, 2023 "Shows expressive, succulent flavors of black currant, blackberry, cassis and lavender that need time to integrate with the firm, dusty tannins, some of which come from the oak. [...] Merlot,…

James Suckling -July 27, 2023 "A firm and silky wine with bark, berry, chocolate and light coffee aromas and flavors. Medium body. Creamy textured finish. Drinkable and fresh."- J.S 7/23  

Wine Advocate -June 02, 2023 "The Ornellaia 2021 Le Volte dell'Ornellaia offers bright and youthful fruit with dark cherry, cassis, spice and red rose. This wine is composed of Merlot, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon. You…

Ornellaia

Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia 2021

Toscana Bianco IGT


Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia is one of Italy’s most innovative and progressive white wines, providing an altogether different experience of the Ornellaia estate and its Mediterranean influences. This cuvee is 72% Sauvignon Blanc, 16% Vermentino, 6% Viognier, 6% Verdicchio.

Wine Enthusiast -September 29, 2023 Text to follow Dec 2023 Issue

Vinous -August 04, 2023 "The 2021 Poggio alle Gazze dell’Ornellaia is such a classy wine. Bright and finely cut, the 2021 races across the palate with hints of lemon confit, sage, mint and white…

James Suckling (92+) -July 27, 2023 "Sliced apple, pineapple, apricot and crushed stone aromas follow through to a medium body with creamy texture and pleasant bitter lemon flavors at the end. 72% Sauvignon Blanc, 16% Vermentino,…

Wine Advocate -June 02, 2023 "Made mostly with Sauvignon Blanc, the 2021 Poggio alle Gazze dell'Ornellaia reveals a luminous and transparent appearance with fresh aromas of passion fruit, citrus and green apple. The wine is…

Ponzi Vineyards

Laurelwood Chardonnay 2021

Laurelwood District, Willamette Valley, Oregon


Taking on the mantle of pioneer spirit and innovation from their parents, sisters Maria and Luisa launched a decade-long pursuit, alongside neighboring growers, which has resulted in the recognition of Oregon’s first soil-based AVA, the Laurelwood District. Situated along the Northern ridge of the Willamette Valley, a long contiguous stretch of ancient fractured basalts are layered over with a fine, windblown sediment called loess. During their tenure on this unique land, the Ponzis have observed the unique characteristics as their vines penetrated the earth and evolved.

Jeb Dunnuck -September 21, 2023 "A medium yellow hue, the 2021 Chardonnay Laurelwood District is juicy with notes of melon, wet stone, candied citrus, and a rounded touch of oak spice. Medium-bodied, with fresh energy…

James Suckling -April 06, 2023 "Showing bright Sicilian lemon, white grapefruit, matchstick, apricots and white tea aromas. Clean and deliciously creamy, with a medium to full body and focused finish." J.S 3/23  

E. Guigal

Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2019

Côtes du Rhône


The Guigal family owns some of the most hallowed vineyards in the Rhône Valley and the world and makes some of the most sought-after wines in the world. Yet you are undoubtedly more likely to spend time with them speaking about their Côtes du Rhône Rouge. Given that this particular wine can be the introduction to the entire Rhône Valley for a drinker, as well as the position the Guigals occupy in the Rhône Valley, it is not enough for the Guigals to make a good Côtes du Rhône. They are relentlessly driven to produce a distinctive and outstanding wine that drives interest in exploring the entirety of the Rhône.

Decanter -February 16, 2023 "A benchmark entry-level Côtes du Rhône from a classic Rhône Valley producer. A medium aromatic intensity of blackberries, spice, and black pepper. The palate is textured and serves the same…

Vinous -December 22, 2022 "Dark ruby. Spice-accented cherry and black raspberry aromas are complemented by suggestions of pungent flowers and cola. Fleshy and energetic in the mouth, offering nicely concentrated red and blue fruit…

Jeb Dunnuck -December 19, 2022 "The 2019 Côtes Du Rhône offers just about everything you could want from Côtes Du Rhône and is medium-bodied and textured, with complex notes of ripe darker cherries, violets, and…

Masciarelli

Villa Gemma Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo 2022

Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC


Perhaps the finest rosé production area in Italy, and one of the few appellations dedicated only to rosé, Cerasuolo has a long history of producing serious rosé, and showcasing how well the Montepulciano grape is adapted to rosé. Masciarelli first produced this wine in 1986, only 5 years after the winery was founded. With deep fruit and structure but no shortage of pleasure, it is a rosé you can take to the dinner table.

Vinous -May 25, 2023 "More savory than sweet and quite complex, the 2022 Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo Superiore lifts from the glass with an herbal-tinged blend of wild strawberries, wet stone and rose petals. It's soft-textured…

Juvé & Camps

Reserva de la Familia Gran Reserva 2018

Cava


“Reserva de la Familia” (translating to ‘Reserve of the Family’) is one of the world’s greatest sparkling wines, 100% estate, certified organic, always vintage-dated,  and all the more notable because of the quality needed to produce it without dosage.

James Suckling -August 17, 2023 “Fine yeast with a steely and stony note to the fresh lemon zest and white nuts. Bone-dry, tangy and nicely saline on the palate with a smooth, dissolved mousse and…

Wine Enthusiast -August 07, 2023 "With lively effervescence and a bouquet of candied lemon peel, pineapple and jasmine, this wine has honeydew, passionflower and just-baked bread flavors. Notes of slivered almond and lemon zest vie…

Wine Spectator -May 25, 2023 “This is distinctive for its abundantly fragrant notes of medicinal herbs and spices, on the nose and then carried on the palate by the lively, delicate mousse. Well-knit, with vivid…

Attems

Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Venezia Giulia IGT


Attems Sauvignon Blanc, like others from the region, remains a hidden treasure. The wines can be compared in fruit ripeness to Sancerre, with a more intense bouquet as well as a lusher weight and texture. Attems shows how the value of quality-driven, artisanal producers can be extraordinary.

James Suckling -August 23, 2023 "This has a fresh, lemony character with hints of sliced pears, herbs and marzipan. Medium-bodied, tangy and citrusy with vivid acidity and a flavorful finish." -J.S 8/23  

Attems

Pinot Grigio 2022

Friuli DOC


The Attems Pinot Grigio demonstrates all of the amazing qualities of the Collio region in Friuli Venezia-Giulia: it has superb weight and texture, and is mineral-edged, savory, tangy, and lively.

James Suckling -August 23, 2023 "Notes of apples, Meyer lemons, melon skin and flowers with a medium body and polished texture with hints of dried rosemary and citrus. Flavorful finish." -J.S 8/23  

Attems

Pinot Grigio Ramato Rosé 2022

Friuli DOC


Attems Pinot Grigio Ramato continues a traditional way of producing Pinot Grigio in the province of Venice. The term ramato, or “coppery”, was used to describe the pink hue of the wine due to the slight contact with the purple skins before pressing and fermenting. This rosé boasts a rich, fruity bouquet, and opens full on the palate, with multi-faceted flavors.

James Suckling -August 23, 2023 "Aromas of candied peaches and strawberries with dried flowers and red spices. Medium- to full-bodied, round-textured and creamy with a zesty finish." -J.S 8/23  

Tenuta Luce

Luce 2020

Toscana IGT


Luce is a singular and irresistible expression of Montalcino, a Super Tuscan with an exotic side, and above all full of pleasure. The spectacular estate’s diversity of soils, expositions and biodiversity of olive groves and forests come together in a wine as vibrant and exciting as the landscape.

Wine Enthusiast -August 03, 2023 Nov 2023 Issue  

Ornellaia

Ornellaia Bianco 2020

IGT Toscana


Ornellaia Bianco is Italy’s most ambitious white wine. It is a result of the Estate’s desire to translate the exceptional properties of its terroir not only into red wines, but also into this magnificent white. This cuvee is 100% Sauvignon Blanc.

Wine Enthusiast -September 29, 2023 Text to follow Dec 2023  

Vinous -August 04, 2023 "The 2020 Ornellaia Bianco is bright, finely cut, dry white. Lime, white flowers, mint and white pepper are all beautifully delineated in this crisp white." - AG 8/23  

Wine Spectator -July 17, 2023 "A full-bodied white, akin to a Bordeaux Blanc, featuring melon, peach, lemongrass, floral, spice and green tea flavors. Rich, yet offset by lively acidity, ending with a touch of grapefruit…

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