Wines

93 Points! The NV Champagne Premiere Cuvée Extra Brut Rosé has a salmon/pink hue and jumps from the glass with a floral perfume in its aromas of salted grapefruit, rose water, strawberries, and green melon. Compact and medium-bodied, it offers a good deal of intensity and power through the palate, with a spritely mousse and a citrus-driven, mouthwatering finish. This highly versatile rosé is sure to be a crowd pleaser. - Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com

92 Points! Some bread dough and pie crust to the lightly cooked apples and hints of pear skins. It’s full-bodied with a round texture and a flavorful finish. Consistently delicious. - JamesSuckling.com

93 Points! Though not that expressive today, this red is saturated with cherry, earth and iron flavors, accented with mint and rosemary. Firmly built, this persists on the aftertaste, with fresh cherry and berry notes. - Wine Spectator

93 Points! Overt and fruity, showing subtle roses and violets, red cherries and pomegranate. A hint of licorice and mint enhances complexity, with layered citrus flavors. Medium-bodied, this has crisp tension and firm, velvety tannins that turn dustier in the polished, chewy finish. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

93 Points! Rich and velvety, bursting with blueberry, plum, cherry and exotic spice aromas and flavors, filling the mouth with flavor and refined tannins. A seductive wine with real backbone to carry it through. Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. - Wine Spectator

97 Points! A Saint-Estèphe of stature and vertical intensity, the 2021 Calon Ségur dazzles from the very first taste. Spice, menthol, licorice, black cherry, mint and espresso are some of the many notes that build with a bit of coaxing. The 2021 clocks in at a modest 12.9% in alcohol, yet it possesses tremendous density and textural resonance. What a wine! Tasted two times. –Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

97 Points! In the winery's style, this is seriously dense with solid tannins and concentration. It is a powerful wine with a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc that has structure and dense black fruits, The wine is likely to age well. Drink from 2028. - Wine Enthusiast

97 Points! Lots of crunchy red cherries and blue plums followed by violets, fresh sage and Christmas spices with baking spice and coconuts. Medium- to full-bodied with superb fine-grained racy tannins and beautifully refreshing acidity that gives an edge to it. Gorgeous finesse and elegance with harmony and precision. Delightful, too. Already drinkable but give this a few more years to come around. Try after 2026 and it should be beautiful for a long time. - JamesSuckling.com

95 Points! The 2021 Canon opens in the glass with a pure bouquet of raspberries, cherries and plums mingled with pretty top notes of iris, licorice, mint and sweet spices. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, it's fleshy and sensual, with a deep and seamless core of fruit framed by ultra-refined tannins, a bright spine of acidity and a long, mineral finish. With an impressively low finished pH of 3.37, it was taken out of barrel a month earlier than usual and saw no fining—as has been the case since 2010. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate

96 Points! Gorgeous fragrance, pretty and pure. Juicy and clean, this has such a lovely energy and focus to it – lifted, bright but not searing, juicy but not too acidic, weighty but still streamlined and direct. I love the fine tannins, still with some tension, and a soft, sality liquorice outline. Feels elegant and finessed, polished and stylish with lift and movement. - Decanter Magazine

95–97 Points – Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
“Black cherries, licorice, flowers, chocolate, smoke, and mint leaves create the perfume. The multiple layers of fruit grab your attention with their elegance, purity, and energy, finishing with a refreshing touch of chocolate-mint and a light touch of sea salt, adding sapidity.”

95 Points – Georgina Hindle, Decanter
“Beautiful aromatics, floral notes and Chinese five spice with sweet red berry fruit. Juicy and lifted, with a calm, chiselled frame and velvety tannins. Balanced and poised with lovely layering of texture and aromatic complexity.”

94–96 Points – The Wine Independent (Lisa Perrotti-Brown)
“Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2025 Canon-la-Gaffelière slowly emerges with notes of lavender and lilacs, red currant jelly, fresh blackberries, mossy tree bark, tar, and cardamom. Tightly wound with mineral-laced fruit layers and a savory lift.”

94 Points – Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
“High pumice stone grip, certainly very much on the limestone character, attractive and with plenty of lift and grip, with attractive drama from grilled sandalwood and incense oak notes.”

94–96 Points – Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“The 2025 Canon La Gaffelière is bright and beautifully focused right out of the gate. Orange peel, sage, mint, pipe tobacco, dried flowers and mocha soar out of the glass. I especially admire the energy here.”

92–94 Points – Jeb Dunnuck
“A lighter, more herbal-styled wine offering juicy red fruits, sappy flowers, graphite, tobacco, and a kiss of minerality. Medium-bodied, with fine, polished tannins and a good finish.”

93-94 Points! Apples and pears with stony minerality to it. Medium- to full-bodied with a polished, lightly phenolic finish. Attractive and lengthy. - James Suckling

92 Points! This has a nice lively quinine note running underneath lemon gelée, white peach and star fruit flavors. The finish glistens nicely, gilded with salted butter and verbena. Delicious. Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Drink now through 2028. - Wine Spectator

91 Points! The 2022 Château Cantelys Blanc is a classic, juicy white with revealing notes of lemon, pineapple, and minty flowers. Medium-bodied, round, and supple on the palate, it has nicely integrated acidity and a clean, refreshing finish. You wouldn’t know it was from hot, dry year by tasting it! Drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years. - Jeb Dunnuck

95 Points – Georgina Hindle, Decanter
“Quite a fragrant, aromatic nose, full of intense violets and irises. Sleek and so svelte, this has such a silky, almost creamy texture, tannins are gorgeous and this has such a juicy, lively core. Nothing out of place here. Super accessible and one of the best primeurs samples for consistency tasted three times. Ends salty with a stony grip.”

94 Points – Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
“Captures the austerity that you expect and want during En Primeur, wet stones and graphite, plenty of elegance and balance, measured acidities that give Left Bank typicity, a ton of ageing potential and curls of gunsmoke and flowers.”

93–94 Points – James Suckling
“This shows an attractive nose of flowers and subtle spices from the oak. It has good concentration and a balanced palate, with a clear, expressive fruit profile.”

93–95 Points – The Wine Independent (Lisa Perrotti-Brown)
“Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2025 Cantemerle pops from the glass with vivacious notes of freshly crushed blackcurrants and raspberries, giving way to an undercurrent of red roses, pencil lead, and cedar with a touch of black olives. The medium-bodied palate is bright and refreshing with firm, fine-grained tannins and a long, fragrant finish.”

92–94 Points – Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
“Currants, cedar, flowers, and tobacco leaf create the perfume. Medium-bodied, vibrant, soft, and refined, with sweet cassis and polished tannins on the finish.”

96-97 Points James Suckling
"Extremely well made, with a solid core of fruit, fine tannins, precision, and tension. The new winery is really showing its substance now. Long and persistent. One of the best wines I have had from here."

95-97 Points Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
"Blackberries, black cherries, tobacco, flowers, cedar, cocoa, and leafy minty herbs fill the aromatic profile. Fresh, juicy, and supple, with sweet ripe black fruits and cherries. The finish is round, lively, and spicy. This is a move toward a more refined style of wine, which I really like."

95 Points Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
"Beautifully knitted down, this has energy and character, classical and sculpted. Excellent quality with cassis, silky tannins, and cappuccino notes. Balanced with just the right amount of reserve."

95 Points Decanter
"Lovely fragrant aromatics with purity and focus, accented by liquorice and graphite. Smooth and beautifully balanced with velvety tannins, cool blueberry fruit, and wet stone minerality. Everything is in harmony, with impressive intensity and a remarkably long finish."

94-96 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous
"The 2025 Cantenac Brown is quite the powerhouse. Crème de cassis, new leather, lavender, menthol, licorice, and mocha all emerge from the glass. There is tremendous substance here, supported by remarkably fine tannins."

93-95 Points Neal Martin, Vinous
"Brambly black fruit, crushed stone, and iris flower aromas introduce a classy and sophisticated Margaux. Fine lace-like tannins, purity, and a gentle grip define the finish."

93-95 Points Wine Advocate
"A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Supple and suave, with sweet powdery tannins, a fleshy profile, and excellent balance."

92-94 Points Lisa Perrotti-Brown
"Fresh black currants and ripe raspberries are accented by cedar, pencil lead, and lavender. The medium-bodied palate delivers lively fruit, firm grainy tannins, and a mineral-driven finish."

92 Points! The 2019 Cap de Faugères has tightened up a lot on the nose, showing dense black fruit, tar and graphite scents, quite Left Bank in style. The palate is much more expressive, featuring fleshy red berry fruit mixed with allspice, clove and white pepper. Persistent and quite convincing on the finish. Give it time for those aromatics to get their mojo back – which they will. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media

91 Points! The 2019 Cap de Faugeres is terrific, just as it was from bottle. Rich and expansive, the 2019 is so expressive right out of the gate. Succulent red cherry, spice, leather and tobacco all kicked up in this attractive entry-level offering from Silvio Denz. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

93 Points! The 2021 Chianti Classico is a powerful wine. Dark, layered and beguiling, the 2021 has so much to offer. Macerated black cherry, licorice, new leather, cloves, incense and blood orange build as the 2021 opens in the glass. This is a very serious, hugely overachieving Chianti Classico from proprietor Paolo Cianteroni. 

Proprietor Paolo Cianferoni releases his wines a bit later than most. The 2021s are worth the wait. Readers will find Chianti Classicos of uncommon depth and character, starting with the Annata, which is ridiculously good. Caparsa remains one of the Chianti Classicos under-the- radar gems, a small estate known only to relatively small subset of wine lovers. These new releases are nothing short of captivating. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

95 Points! So much dried-lemon and orange-peel character here. Wet leaf, wet earth, stone and lightly smoked meat. Full body, integrated tannins and a savory, tangy finish. Fleshy and yummy. Fabulous deal. Drink or hold on release. - JamesSuckling.com

93 Points! Cigar box and leather aromas are balanced by strawberry and cherry notes at the core. There is a vibrant, refreshing quality here, with a long, complex aftertaste. Best from 2019 through 2033. - Wine Spectator

Carlisle is wrapping it up after the great 2023 vintage. This is your last shot!

96 Points! Moving to the Russian River Valley, the 2023 Zinfandel Piner-Olivet Ranches is a saturated red color and amplifies things with its more forward, layered feel, offering aromas of kirsch, bright pepper spice, cedar, and fresh flowers .The acidity shines through more vibrantly compared to the Sonoma Valley wines, with a more electric feel, ripe tannins, and a long finish. It reminds me of great Barbera, retaining both ripeness and vibrant acidity. It’s a tremendous vintage of this wine to drink over the coming 12-15 years. - Audrey Frick, jebdunnuck.com

93 Points! The white 2023 Costumbres Blanco has a bright golden color and a very expressive nose that is serious, fresh, balanced and harmonious, really very good. It was produced with a blend of 50% Viura, 20% Pasera, 20% Tempranillo Blanco and 10% Garnacha Roya taken from individual vines interplanted with the red ones. It fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in used 300- and 400-liter oak barrels for 11 months. It has a moderate 12.5% alcohol, a pH of 3.3 and 5.6 grams of acidity. It has notes of pollen, herbs and flowers, a medium-bodied palate and notable freshness and balance. It is clean and pure, with a dry, chalky finish. 2,200 bottles and 36 magnums were filled in September 2024. - Luis Gutierrez, robertparker.com

94 Points! Lead-pencil aromas with currants and plums, too. Full body, silky tannins and a focused and very refined finish. It's the tannins that drive things. An excellent second wine of Lafite. Needs two or three years to soften. Start drinking in 2021. - JamesSuckling.com 

92 Points! The second wine of Lafite Rothschild is the 2015 Carruades De Lafite and is a beautiful wine in its own right. Based on 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc brought up mostly in used barrels, it has classy notes of cassis and lead pencil shavings as well as a medium to full-bodied, elegant, beautifully balanced style on the palate. It’s not a massive wine by any stretch, yet it exudes class and elegance, and is already a joy to drink. - Jeb Dunnuck

95 Points – Georgina Hindle, Decanter
“Sultry nose with ripe red fruit and soft jasmine and fragrance – dried flowers, pot pourri. Juicy and filling with a lovely light hand in terms of tannins. Mouthwatering and lifted, nothing feels heavy and you're left with a smile on your face.”

95 Points – Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
“Closed on the nose, elegant with fine but plentiful tannins that layer up fast in the palate. Violet and peony floral notes, clear savoury edge of blue fruits. This is precise, well structured, with huge potential for ageing but also for pleasure.”

93–95 Points – Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
“Cigar wrappers, flowers, cedar, mint leaves, currants, blackberries and licorice scents blend together to create the nose. Elegant, soft, and polished, the layers of fruit with their refined character and lift make this a standout wine.”

93 Points! This is a robust and unflinching red wine with a succulent core of ripe cherry fruit. The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Vigna Montosoli is more restrained and elegant compared to many of its peers from this hot vintage. Those scorching summer temperatures have been expertly absorbed, and the wine never feels jammy or heavy. The mid-weight finish is fine and graceful. Only 2,493 bottles were produced. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

91 Points! A ripe nose of blackberries, dark cherries, dried violets, potpourri and sweet spices. Full-bodied with powdery tannins. Textured and creamy. Supple, chocolatey finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

90 Points! The ripe and juicy 2019 Casar Mencía has a fruit-driven nose with notes of ripe berries and some flowers. It's at the higher end of ripeness on the Mencía spectrum and has 14.5% alcohol. It matured in 500- and 700-liter oak barrels for one year. - Luis Gutierrez, robertparker.com