"Vibrant and snappy, offering layered Cherry and cranberry flavors laced with dusky spice, forest floor and rose petal flavors that build toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2033."

"A suave, sophisticated red, offering complexity and length in a finely-meshed frame. A core of ripe black plum and mulberry fruit flavor is integrated with refined tannins and appealing accents of violet, thyme, mocha, mineral and star anise that linger on the well-tailored finish. Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. Drink now through 2041."

"A rich and detailed Pinot, with a keen structure and polished texture that highlights raspberry and blueberry flavors accented by dusky spice and stony mineral notes as this gathers tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2032."

"A distinctive red, with broad shoulders. Yet this retains a sense of finesse and richness, offering raspberry and guava flavors accented by forest floor, rose petal and black tea notes. Finishes with medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2033."

"Detailed in structure and expressive, with raspberry and pomegranate flavors accented by orange peel, rose petal and toasted spice notes. Finishes with refined tannins. Drink now through 2032."

"Impeccably structured and supple in texture, gathering raspberry, pomegranate, forest floor and black tea flavors while building tension toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2033."

"Elegant and aromatic, with detailed hints of star anise, dried thyme and mocha winding through the core of ripe black cherry and boysenberry fruit. Fine-grained tannins are well-meshed and lightly chalky in texture, emerging to firm the focued finish. Tempranillo and Graciano. Drink now through 2030."

"The 2022 Chablis Fourchaume 1er Cru has a well-defined, precise bouquet that blossoms in the glass and delivers attractive marine scents of oyster shell and sea spray. The palate is well defined with a crisp line of acidity and fine depth, revealing orange cordial mixed with lime and nuances of white pepper. It fans out nicely on the finish whilst upholding Chablis typicité. Excellent. Tasted blind at the BIVB tasting in Chablis."

"The 2022 Chablis Les Preuses Grand Cru takes time to open in the glass. There is a patina of new oak that will need to be subsumed, but underneath, there lies some intriguing tropical-tinged fruit and hints of white peach and nectarine, becoming spicier with aeration. The Palate is fresh and vibrant on the entry with impressive depth, and the acidity here is beautifully judged. One of the more elegant Les Preuses, I admire its purity and length. There's some very good winemaking behind this Grand Cru. Tasted blind at the BIVB tasting in Chablis."

"The 2022 Chablis Vaulorent 1er Cru has a bright bouquet with dewy green apple, pear, and underlying wet limestone scents coming through with aeration. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, impressive tension and ample concentration that all lead to a very precise and complex finish. What an impressive and delicious wine, one that will be fascinating to mature in bottle. Tasted blind at the BIVB tasting in Chablis."

"The 2022 Chablis Vieilles Vignes has a crisp nose with finely delineated scents of Granny Smiths and oyster shells. The palate is taut and fresh, very citrus-driven but with ample weight and depth. Cohesive and quite persistent on the finish, this is a superb Chablis from Nathalie and Gilles Fèvre. Chapeau! Tasted blind at the BIVB tasting in Chablis."

"Displaying a bright, youthful yellow hue in the glass, the 2023 Chardonnay Willamette Valley was aged in a mix of two-thirds stainless and the rest French oak. It has a lovely nose of flinty wet stone, lemon oils, poached apple, delicate sweet spice, and brothy, salty earth. It has a lovely, juicy feel on the palate, with a refined and elegant, supple, silky texture, as well as a beautifully long finish. Offering real depth and complexity without being heavy, it’s going to drink well over the next 10 years. Avery impressive Chardonnay from Ken, it’s showing a lot of promise."

"Fresh and pure, this red features blackberry, black cherry, violet and Mediterranean herb aromas and flavors. A Viscous version, with a light dusting of tannins on the lengthy fnish. Sangiovese and Colorino. Drink now through 2028."

"Dusty florals, shavings of peach, wet stone and hints of ginger form a savory bouquet as the 2022 Etna Bianco Trainara opens in the glass. It floods the palate with silken textures, gaining contrast from mineral-tinged orchard fruits as a twang of sour lime emerges toward the close. The 2022 tapers off with mouthwatering tension as enriching notes of raw almond and a saline flourish resonate."

"Blending 80% Grenache with the remainder equally divided between Syrah and Mourvèdre, the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Crous Saint Martin Hommage à l'An 1879 aged for 15 months in a combination of stainless steel tanks (80%) and old oak barriques (20%). Swirling the glass unlocks prominent licorice, blackberry, black cherry and black tea aromas. Full-bodied and polished, the 2022 is sufficiently concentrated yet smoothly balanced and refreshing at the same time. It will provide ample pleasure right out of the gate."

"Bottled one day prior to my visit, the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is as delicious as the 2022. Aged entirely in stainless steel tanks, it packs a punch with vivid lemon flesh, honeysuckle, yellow apple and melon. A sapid culmination with lovely salinity rounds it all up."

"The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc blends 40% Grenache Blanc with 40% Roussanne and 20% Clairette. Fragrant peach, ripe pear, spring blossom and lime flesh are all pushed forward. Discrete cedar tones can be traced back to partial aging in new oak. Focused and harmonious, the 2022 is an excellent Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc that provides boatloads of joy right out of the gate. Production totals only 3,200 bottles."

"The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a concentrated and fleshy red with potential. Ripe red fruits enter the stage, followed by notions of cured meat, melted licorice and garrigue. Fine-grained tannins neatly structure this promising 2022 that consists of 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre."

"The refined 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape exhibits a red-fruited profile together with spicy undertones and discrete licorice. Classic and round, it offers a medium-bodied palate that’s neatly balanced by lifting acidity. Readers should note that in 2021, there is neither a Cuvée Spéciale Les Hautes Brusquières nor a Cuvée Vieilles Vignes due to hail damage."

"The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Vieilles Vignes presents pronounced spice box, licorice, violet, strawberry and cranberry notes. Deeply concentrated without veering into excess or over-ripeness, the 2022 frames distinctively grippy tannins that need at least five more years to integrate into the wine. There’s no shortage of substance here."

"The expressive 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Mourre des Perdrix might end up reaching the same high quality that was achieved with the brilliant 2020. Red-fruited, spicy and concentrated, the full-bodied and accessible 2022 is framed by ripe tannins. I can’t wait to taste it once bottled."

"The delicious 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Cuvée Mourre des Perdrix" bursts with vivid spice box, ripe red fruits, licorice and a peppery twist. Medium bodied and juicy, the 2021 is packed with plenty of substance yet super refreshing. A savory finale rounds it all up."

Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Les Hautes Brusquieres Cuvée Speciale"

"Blending 60% Grenache with 40% Syrah, the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Spéciale Les Hautes Brusquières is a stunner. Meaty elements dominate the aromatic profile, supported by ripe black fruits, licorice and crushed rocks. Finishing with energy and focus, the 2022 might not turn out at eye level with the gorgeous 2020, but my initial guess is that it won’t be too far off."

"The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape has a narrow lead over the 2021. Showcasing ripe red fruits, licorice, gravel and a dash of white pepper, the 2022 is harmonious and polished. Offering good substance and a juicy core of fruit, the open-knit 2022 will be accessible right after release."

"The delicious 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Hespirides is at eye level with the magnificent 2020. Prominent licorice, cured meat, black cherry and thyme are all nicely delineated. Gently framed by ripe tannins, the 2022hits the palate with sweet-tasting fruit and closes with a persistent finish."

"The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Secrets de Pignan might very well be the best rendition of this cuvée since the towering 2016 vintage. Vivid spice box, thyme, forest strawberry, raspberry, licorice and white pepper exhale from the glass. Offering excellent concentration and intensity balanced by refreshing acidity, the 2022 is enveloped in ripe tannins and concludes with an expansive finish."

"Nose of ripe raspberries, blood oranges, cherry pits and flowers. Firm, chalky tannins are allied to moderate acidity and a full body. Good balance overall, yet quite bold."

"A delicious, well-composed and lively Sancerre with aromas of sliced green apples, dried oranges, fresh herbs and some gunpowder. On the palate it’s medium-bodied with bright acidity. Plenty of volume with a delicate touch, yet it shows verve. Well driven and seductive."

"A seductive, flavorful, vibrant and vertical Sancerre. The nose offers notes of pears, quince and stones. Medium-bodied with bright acidity. Plenty of vitality and verticality to the mineral edge. Lively, mouthwatering finish. From organically grown grapes."

"A well-rounded, precise and focused Sancerre with aromas of quince peel, leaves, stones and hints of guava. It’s medium- to full-bodied with bright acidity and a dense core of juicy fruit and spices. Mouthwatering finish with excellent persistence."

"The 2023 Rosé lifts from the glass with a peppery blend of wild strawberries, lavender and spice. This is zesty, blending brisk acidity with a pretty inner sweetness and tart citrus to create a display of tension. It finishes clean and with medium length, leaving a salty flourish and hints of sour lime to taper off."

"The 2020 Crianza is 94% Tempranillo and 6% Garnacha sourced from Rioja Alta and Alavesa. Aged for 13 months in French and American oak barrels, this garnet-colored wine features a black fruit nose with sour cherry and oaky notes. Dry and grippy, the palate lingers on the caramel-oak finish."

"The 2018 Reserva is 92% Tempranillo, 4% Mazuelo and 4% Garnacha, sourced from Rioja Alta and Alavesa. Aged for 22 months in French and American oak barrels, this garnethued wine presents blackberry and wild herb notes, complemented by hints of coconut, cedar and vanilla. It is dry, juicy and plush, featuring fine tannins. The palate lingers with a whiff of menthol cough drop. This wine showcases a modern Rioja style with a commercial profile."

"The 2017 Gran Reserva is 96% Tempranillo and 4% Mazuelo, sourced from Haro, Villalba, Foncea and Cenicero in Rioja Alta. Aged for 25 months in French and American oak barrels, this garnet wine presents intense black fruit aromas with wild herbs and garriguelike balsamic notes. Hints of coffee, wax and varnish add further complexity. Dry, rich and taut due to its fairly rough tannins, it lingers with a firm mouthfeel, showcasing a classic yet warm expression of Rioja."

"A rich and flavorful classic Rioja, the 2019 Lanciano is 90% Tempranillo, 8% Graciano and 2% Mazuelo, sourced from various old-vine plots in the Lanciano Vineyard, Rioja Alavesa, along the banks of the Ebro River. Aged for 16 months in French oak barrels and an additional nine months in concrete vats, this wine, with its blackberry and cherry aromas, also encompasses notes of dried flowers, balsamic and wild herbs. On the palate, it is dry and juicy with well-balanced tannins. A bold, smooth flow complements the mildly oaky, plush texture."

"The 2020 A Mano is 85% Tempranillo, 14% Graciano and 1% Mazuelo, sourced from the El Rincón plot in Finca Viña Lanciano, Rioja Alta, with vines planted in the 1970s. Handdestemmed, it underwent fermentation and a nine-month aging process in French oak barrels, followed by an additional four months in Caucasian oak. This dark garnet wine reveals balsamic aromas accompanied by notes of blackberry, cassis marmalade, camphor and bay leaf. On the palate, it is dry, rich and creamy, with firm tannins and an overwhelming mouthfeel that lingers long with a fairly juicy flow. This is sure to be a crowd-pleaser."

"The 2019 Culmen is a blend of 87% Tempranillo and 13% Graciano sourced from the 1959-planted vines in Pago El Rincón, Rioja Alta. Aged for 22 months in oak barrels, this garnet wine reveals aromas of wild herbs, sour cherry and thyme, complemented by hintsof mint and bay leaf. On the palate, it is dry, rich and bold, with fine-grained tannins leading to a loosely structured mouthfeel. This is a complex and savory Rioja."

"The 2020 D-12 is a parcel wine made exclusively from Tempranillo sourced from old vines in Viñaspre (Rioja Alavesa), Briones and San Vicente de la Sonsierra (Rioja Alta). It spent 15 months aging in new French and American oak barrels. This liqueur-like red exhibits aromas of sponge cake and chocolate, accompanied by notes of blackberry marmalade and hazelnut. The palate is dry, creamy and plush, delivering a lingering experience with a velvety caramel finish. The D-12 embodies a contemporary approach within the Rioja region."

"The 2020 Xtrème is 100% Tempranillo sourced from the Mantible Ecológico parcel in Finca Viña Lanciano, Rioja Alta. Aged for 18 months in new French oak barrels, this dark garnet wine presents aromas of rosemary and thyme, accompanied by notes of blackberry, sour cherry, tapenade and hints of wild herbs. On the palate, it is dry and rich with reactive tannins contributing Texture, resulting in a compact feel due to its chalky texture. This is a lively wine with a taut character."

"Rich flavors of black cherry preserves and blackberry coulis are enlivened by a tang of orange peel acidity, with lavish accents of licorice, violet and Earl Grey tea. A generous red, offering a muscular frame of tannins, yet this shows lovely poise and harmony throughout, expanding with hints of graphite and cocoa powder on the lasting finish. Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha and Mazuelo. Drink now through 2036."

"Bright and juicy, offering tart raspberry and cranberry flavors laced with mineral and forest floor accents, which build tension toward fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2031. 25,000 cases made."

"Yves 2022 Cornas Lieu-Dit Les Côtes reveals a ruby/plum hue as well as an incredibly meaty nose of red and black fruits, venison, bouquet garni, and baking spices. It's rich, medium to full-bodied, has ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish."

"The 2022 Côte Rôtie Lieu-Dit Bonnivières comes from a higher elevation site, in the Côte Brune side of the appellation. Its deep purple hue is followed by a dense, powerful, medium to full-bodied Côte Rôtie that has exotic aromatics of red and black fruits, cigar, sandalwood, and spring flowers. I love its mid-palate density, and it has fine tannins and nicely integrated acidity."

"The 2022 Côte Rôtie Lieu-Dit La Viallière is cut from the same cloth, although it might be a touch more elegant. Black raspberries, spring flowers, spicy herbs, and some meaty nuances develop with time in the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a silky, elegant mouthfeel, fine tannins, and a great finish. I suspect 2-4 years of bottle age will be warranted, but this is clearly going to be a beautiful Côte Rôtie and have two decades of overall longevity."

"Lots of red and black plums, cedary herbs, ground pepper, and black pepper notes emerge from Cuilleron's 2022 Crozes-Hermitage Lieu-Dit Les Chassis, a richly textured, structured, medium-bodied Crozes-Hermitage that has plenty of mid-palate depth as well as outstanding length. It needs 2-3 years or so of bottle age but will shine over the following decade."

"Bright purple fruits, candied violets, sandalwood, and bouquet garni-like notes all soar from Cuilleron's 2022 Saint Joseph Les Serines, a beautifully balanced, medium-bodied Saint Joseph that has a juicy spine of acidity, fine tannins, and a great finish."

"Another gem from Cuilleron, the 2022 Condrieu La Petite Côte has a light gold hue as well as fresh, mineral-laced aromatics of crushed pineapple, minty herbs, and sappy flowers. I love its purity of fruit, and it's medium-bodied, with a vibrant, focused mouthfeel and a beautiful finish. I think it will be even better with a year or two of bottle age."

"Yves’ 2022 Condrieu Les Chaillets is absolutely brilliant, and I'd put this up with the finest in the appellation. Ripe, intense aromatics of ripe pineapple, honeyed flowers, orange blossom, and subtle floral notes all define the bouquet, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless mouthfeel, beautiful concentration and depth, and one heck of a great finish. If you get a chance, buy it."

"Exotic flowers, quince, honeyed orange, and sappy herb notes all show in the 2022 Crozes-Hermitage Les Rousses Blanc, and it's medium-bodied, with a bright, juicy, elegant mouthfeel and a clean finish. I like its complexity, and it should benefit from 6-12 months in bottle and drink well through 2026."

"The 2022 Saint Joseph Le Lombard Blanc is bright and exotic, with lots of minty, floral, and sappy herb notes as well as subtle quince and green apple-like fruit. It's balanced, medium-bodied, has nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. This complex, nuanced, incredibly satisfying white will shine over the coming 2-5 years."

"A bigger, richer wine, the 2022 Saint Joseph Lieu-Dit Digue Blanc offers up a rock-solid bouquet of honeyed quince, tangerine, toasted bread, and orange blossom. It's medium to full-bodied, has a round, mouth-filling texture, a good sense of freshness, and outstanding length. It's another impeccably made, impressive wine from this talented winemaker."

"The 2022 Saint Joseph Lyséras Blanc is more medium-bodied, with a fresher, lively, elegant style as well as pretty citrus, honeyed white flowers, and obvious minerality on the nose. It's balanced, has a clean, pure profile, and will evolve nicely over the coming 3-5 years."

"The 2022 Saint-Péray Les Potiers is fresh and lively, with pretty citrus, tart quince, and minty, floral nuances in a medium-bodied, juicy, elegant profile. It's impeccably balanced and has good acidity as well as length. Enjoy bottles over the coming 2-4 years."

"Bringing more richness, as well as complexity, the 2022 Saint-Péray Lieu-Dit Biousse has juicy apple and quince-like fruit as well as some brioche and savory spice-driven aromas and flavors. These carry to a medium-bodied, elegant Saint-Péray that has a focused, structured mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and a great finish. It's going to shine on the dinner table over the coming 2-4 years."

"The 2021 Cornas Le Village is up-front and fruit-loaded, with ripe mulberry and blackberry notes as well as some peppery, herbal, sappy flower-like hints. With medium-bodied richness, a round, fruit-loaded mouthfeel, supple tannins, and a great finish, it's a classy, undeniably delicious Cornas to enjoy over the coming decade."

"The 2021 Cornas Lieu-Dit Les Côtes comes from a lieu-dit in the southern, warmer part of the appellation. Its deeper purple/plum hue is followed by a ripe, medium to full-bodied Cornas that has lots of spicy red and black fruits, ripe, velvety tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and classic Cuilleron cedary spice, pepper, and savory nuances. Drink this satisfying, concentrated 2021 over the coming 10-12 years, and I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve longer."

"The 2021 Côte Rôtie Lieu-Dit Bonnivières is very much in the spicy, complex style of this estate. Black raspberries, cedary herbs, incense, flowers, and pepper all shine here, and it's medium-bodied, with an elegant, layered, silky mouthfeel, fine tannins, and outstanding length. This complex, satisfying, elegant Côte Rôtie will drink nicely for a decade."

"Sweet black raspberries, wild strawberries, spring flowers, incense, and cedary, peppery notes all define the 2021 Côte Rôtie Lieu-Dit La Viallière, a medium-bodied, supple, elegant wine from Cuilleron that has fine tannins and a great finish. Drink this complex, nuanced, lengthy Côte Rôtie over the coming decade or so."

"The 2021 Côte Rôtie Madinière brings more richness, with a darker core of fruit as well as classic peppery herbs, crushed stone, flowery incense, and spicy aromas and flavors. It's medium-bodied, has a round, layered mouthfeel, solid mid-palate depth, and outstanding length. As with most 2021s, this beauty is already drinking nicely and should be on a relatively fast evolutionary track over the coming 10-12 years or so."

"The 2021 Saint Joseph Les Pierres Sèches is a layered, medium-bodied, nicely textured 2021 that has lots to love. Spicy red fruits, mulberries, leather, and savory herb and violet notes give way to a balanced, enjoyable Saint Joseph that has the appellation minerality and structure. It's going to benefit from a few years of bottle age and keep nicely through 2031."

"The 2021 Saint Joseph Les Serines is bright and vibrant, with lively cassis and blue fruits as well as tons of violet and floral nuances. It's medium-bodied and has good concentration, ripe tannins, and nicely integrated acidity. It's going to shine for a decade."

"Possessing a kiss of reduction in its honeyed orange zest, minty herbs, and spicy, mineral-laced aromas and flavors, the 2021 Condrieu Lieu-Dit Verlieu is medium-bodied and has a fresh, lively mouthfeel, terrific balance, and outstanding length. It shows the fresher, juicy style of the vintage yet brings plenty of classic Condrieu character."

"Always an exotic, perfumed wine, the 2022 Crozes-Hermitage is no exception and has a great nose of ripe blue fruits, exotic flowers, bouquet garni, and cracked pepper. It's medium-bodied, has a supple, elegant mouthfeel, fine tannins, and the juicy spine of acidity that defines this vintage in the Crozes appellation. It will have a solid decade of longevity."

"Cassis, brambly herbs, spring flowers, and mulled plum notes all show in Natacha's 2022 Saint Joseph, a medium to full-bodied, broad, layered, incredibly satisfying Saint Joseph that has plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe, velvety tannins, and a great finish. It's another stunning wine from this talented winemaker."

"The 2022 Saint-Péray Les Potiers presents ripe citrus fruits alongside white peach, ripe pear and honeysuckle. Medium-bodied and round, the 2022 is neatly framed by bright acidity and culminates in a sapid finish. The blend is 50/50 Marsanne and Roussanne."

"The refreshing 2022 Saint-Joseph Blanc Le Lombard exhales precise lemon zest, yellow apple, ripe pear, white peach and hints of cedar. Medium-bodied and concentrated, the 2022 touches the palate with bright acidity and fans out with good energy on the sapid finish. I like that the fruit is just ripe but not overripe, which adds to the overall sense of freshness."

"There’s so much to love about the 2022 Saint-Joseph Blanc Lieu-Dit Digue, a varietal Roussanne with a deep straw color. Herbal tea, ripe pear, honeysuckle and yellow apple are front and center. Concentrated and round, the mediumbodied 2022 is a wonderful expression of the variety, showing fine persistence on the fragrant finale."

"The fruit-forward 2022 Condrieu La Petite Côte is delightful. Offering up punchy apricot, ripe peach, lychee and rose water, it hits the palate with soft acidity and a juicy core of just-ripe fruit. Round and refreshing, the mediumbodied 2022 closes with good energy on the sapid finale."

"The 2022 Condrieu Les Chaillets exhales marked cedar and vanilla elements alongside ripe peach, quince and apricot. Showing a little more substance than the La Petite Côte from the same vintage, the well-made 2022 Les Chaillets touches the palate with ample flavor concentration and refreshing acidity."

"The promising 2022 Cornas Lieu-Dit Les Côtes wafts from the glass with ripe black fruits, orange rind, cured meat and earthy gradations. Medium- to fullbodied and fleshy, the 2022 is neatly framed by ripe tannins and concludes with persistence on the savory finale."

"Vinified from certified biodynamic grapes grown on high-density plantings of 8,000 vines per hectare, the 2022 Saint-Joseph is delightful. Offering a deep purple color, this 2022 red exhales attractive raspberry, red plum and red
cherry fruit, complemented by leafy subtleties and gravel shadings. Medium-bodied and concentrated, this excellent Saint-Joseph is framed by bright acidity and closes with a bright finale."

"Aromatic and expressive, this red features plum, cherry, leather and iron flavors, with accents of rose and woodsy underbrush. This straddles the line between power and elegance, with fine harmony and a saline aftertaste, showing fine potential. Best from 2027 through 2042."

"Savory notes of wild herbs and olive frame the cherry and plum flavors in this complex red. Sanguine and mineral accents are interwoven as this gathers steam on the long, expansive aftertaste. Balanced and solidly built, showing terrific length and energy, with a lasting impression of cherry. Best from 2026 through 2043."

"A blast of pure cherry fruit erupts from the glass, with iron, tobacco and spice notes adding complexity. Lively and balanced, showing a chalky feel to its tannins on the lingering finish. Best from 2026 through 2042."

"The 2022 Sauvignon Lafóa is rich and spicy, with masses of crushed stone and white smoke giving way to nectarines and lemon zest. It's silky-smooth with a pretty inner sweetness contrasted by zesty citrus tones and juicy acidity that enliven its tart orchard fruits. It leaves a lemony concentration and savory herbal flourish while tapering off long and lightly structured."

"A blend of almond custard, white flowers, chamomile and freshly sliced nectarines create a seductive bouquet as the 2022 Chardonnay Lafóa blossoms in the glass. This is silky smooth, nearly oily in texture, with masses of ripe apple and pear complicated by saline mineral tones. It finishes with staining length and is lightly structured, leaving confectionary spice hints to contrast tart green apples. Well done."

"The 2021 Pinot Nero Riserva St. Daniel is understated, with a pretty blend of dried roses, lavender and wild strawberries forming its bouquet. This is soft and round with a subtle blend of tart wild berry fruit and inner florals. A licorice tinge lingers through the finish, as rose tones swirl over a coating of gently grippy tannins."

"The 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva Duelecci Est displays a youthful medium ruby color and reveals ripe aromas of preserved strawberries, lavender, sweet cedar, and mocha. Approachable and medium-bodied, it has a supple texture with velvety tannins, a rounded mid-palate, and a nice finish. It’s a very attractive Riserva to enjoy over the coming 10-12 years."

"Appealingly old school, this Zin offers briary cherry, dried sage and cracked pepper flavors that zip toward zesty tannins. Drink now through 2031. 7,500 cases made."

"The 2022 Verdejo hails from the DO Rueda and underwent bâtonnage with the lees up until bottling after the winter. Yellow with a greenish sheen, it features a mild, green apple aromatic character, along with scents of herbs and a faintly nutty undertone. Dry and refreshing, with a creamy flow on the palate, it lingers on its fruit notes. This is a subtly savory style for Rueda."

"The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva is a medium ruby red color and is ripe and expressive with notes of candied cherries, sweet herbs, and crushed flowers. I love the refreshing quality this wine retains for this vintage. With juicy fruit up front, it has a refreshing lift all the way through, with ripe tannins and a great mineral-toned, clean finish. It offers a touch of warming spice on the finish, with a toasted bit of incense, and is very well done. Drink 2024-2034."

"A bright ruby hue, the 2021 Chianti Classico is juicy and inviting with a floral perfume of fresh violets, mixed berries, and peaches, as well as a delicate note of lifted quinine. Medium-bodied, it has good energy and a linear feel, with refined tannins and a clean finish. It’s a refreshing style with a lot of charm to drink over the next 5- 6 years."

"A rich ruby although it remains transparent, the 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione offers a more complete and layered picture while retaining the finesse and freshness of the other two wines. Notes of ripe red cherry, toasted cedar, blood orange, and fresh rosemary lift from the glass. Medium-bodied, it’s noble in its structure, with ripe tannins that have an angular feel balanced with an even spine of acidity and a clean, mineral, stony finish. I’m impressed with these wines from Castello Di Meleto. Drink 2025-2040."

"The 2021 Pinot Noir Savoya Vineyard blossoms with a pretty bouquet of rose petals and mentholated herbs, giving way to dried strawberries. This sweeps across the palate with lifted textures and pretty wild berries underscored by tactile mineral tones. It finishes grippy and long with a sour tinge of cranberry, and gently fading tannins."

"The 2022 Pinot Noir Yamhill-Carlton opens with an intense burst of autumnal spice and crushed raspberries. It's silky-smooth with polished red and blue fruits as lavender and violet inner florals form toward the close. While a bit short, the 2022 leaves the palate "nicely refreshed with a perfumed blend of florals."

"The 2021 Pinot Noir Guadalupe Vineyard lifts from the glass with an airy freshness, blending savory herbs with wild strawberries and rubbed sage. Fresh acidity and juicy textures soothe while displaying a delicate blend of wild berries and citrus. The 2021 finishes classically dry and medium in length with a saline mineral tinge and grippy."
tannins.

"A taut red, with hay and grass aromas giving way to cherry, strawberry, earth and iron flavors. This has all the components in the right place, with a firm structure and lightly astringent finish. Shows fine harmony and length. Best from 2026 through 2042."

"The vibrant 2022 Gigondas delights with ripe red fruits, notes of licorice and minty gradations. Velvety tannins caress the seamless palate, delivering juicy red fruit flavors neatly framed by refreshing acidity. Sleek and refined, this 2022 red should be approachable right after release. Aging will take place for one year in concrete tanks."

The 2021 Gigondas is a polished wine that stands out from the crowd in this challenging vintage. Neatly blending 80% Grenache with the remainder equally split between Mourvèdre and Syrah, it opens with delightful orange rind, strawberry jam and candied raspberry. White pepper and licorice add spicy payers. Concentrated yet gentle on the palate, it ends with a bright finish."

"The 2021 Gigondas Bois des Mourres spent ten months in French oak barriques—some new and some second-fill. As a result, wood marks the aromatic profile at this stage. Behind the vanilla, wood smoke and clove layers hides strawberry jam, alongside traces of mint and licorice. Allow this concentrated and structured 2021 red at least one more year in bottle."

The inviting 2021 Gigondas Les Mourres mixes 80% Grenache with equal parts Syrah and Mourvèdre. Partially aged in concrete tanks and foudres, it unfurls with pronounced blood orange, raspberry, forest strawberry and black cherry aromatics. Dried herbs add further layers. The seamless mouthfeel and juicy core of fruit offer pleasure, while the 15% alcohol is well-integrated."

"The 2022 Gigondas Les Espaliers offers freshness and complexity. Coming in at 14.5% alcohol, it opens up with delicate raspberry and cranberry, accented by licorice nuances and pinches of matcha powder. Refreshing acidity and solid flavor concentration mark the rounded palate, showing persistence on the bright
finish."

"The fleshy 2021 Gigondas Les Espaliers mixes 80% Grenache with equal parts Mourvèdre and Syrah. Traces of orange peel, spice box and cured meat complement intense raspberry jam and strawberry compote aromatics. Made in a hedonistic style, this 2021 red is neatly concentrated."

"Hiruzta is a family-owned and -run Txakoli producer that began its life in 2007 when Asensio Rekalde and his two sons planted a 17ha, southfacing vineyard in the foothills of Jaizkibel mountain. A winery followed in 2012. The family sells its wines in 20 countries, with this unoaked varietal the heart of a range that includes a red, a rosé and a sparkling. David Williams: Super-bright, racy, fluent and tangy: so much energy and drive, just a hint of CO2 prickle, ripe red apple and saline finish. Matthew Forster MW: Excellent concentration of ripe Conference pear fruit, balanced with invigorating acidity. Very complete. Ines Salpico: Lovely florality with a subtle flinty edge. Fleshy with a lifted tang of lemonade, clementine, yellow apple and juicy melon. Acidity balanced by a mineral edge and juicy fruit."

"Jammy and plump, this Zin shows dark cherry, licorice and cracked pepper flavors, ending with a rich, generous finish. Drink now through 2030. 1,897 cases made."

"This has an aromatic, refreshing nose with notes of gooseberries, lime, crushed herbs and citrus leaf. Smooth, polished and chalky on the palate with a medium body and mouthwatering acidity."

"Blackberries, bay leaf, smoked game, bacon fat, and violet notes all emerge from the 2021 Syrah, a medium to full-bodied, concentrated Syrah from this team that has beautiful balance, fine tannins, and a great finish. The purity here is brilliant, and while the focus of this estate is clearly their Cabernet Sauvignon, they make a fabulous Syrah that's well worth seeking out. Drink bottles over the coming decade."

"Coming from two sites (Oak Knoll and Carneros), the 2021 Merlot offers a beautifully perfumed, complex, medium to full-bodied style to go with fresher, yet still rich aromas and flavors. Black cherries, mulberries, chocolate, and some floral notes all define the aromatics, and it's balanced, with ripe tannins and a great finish."

"Cassis, currants, graphite, crushed stone, and some tobacco and sappy herb notes all emerge from the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, a beautifully textured, full-bodied, Oakville Cabernet that has some classic iron and olive notes with time in the glass. It's one heck of a classic Cabernet from this team that will keep for 15+ years if well stored."