France

95 Points! From a single premier cru parcel planted by Geantet’s grandfather in 1949 in the nose-bleed bleachers of the commune (above Lavaux St.-Jacques and Les Verroilles), the 2005 Gevrey-Chambertin Le Poissenot displays a uniquely alkaline, and maritime note in the nose, along with scents of ripe black cherry and roasted game. This presents terrific depth and richness on the palate, offering a veritable butcher shop of carnal delights, including raw beef, salted, smoked pork and long-hung game. Not that fruit is slighted: there is strong, sweetly ripe black cherry throughout, and a malbec-like amalgam of black raspberry, white pepper and cardamom emerges as the wine takes on air. Creamy, rich, sappy, and sleek, this finishes with gum-clinging strength and refinement, invigoratingly saline and brightly black-fruited. A delight already, this distinctively superb Gevrey will no doubt benefit from 5-7 years of cellaring. - David Schildknecht, robertparker.com

What isn't in a name? It doesn't say it on the label but Duband’s Vosne-Romanée comes from 90% “Les Barreaux” (medium-steep slope above Richebourg and Cros Parantoux; 300-340m; p.1950s) and 10% “Aux Ormes (gentle slope east of village center; 235m; p.1990).

I repeat, 90% of this wine comes from the vineyard next to Richebourg and Cros Parantoux.  Look 'em up, pick your jaw up off the floor, then click and buy this wine. Insane value here.

91 Points! Notes of dark berries, spices and licorice preface the 2023 Rully 1er Cru Champs Cloux, a medium- to full-bodied, taut and vibrant red produced from very old vines. - William Kelley, robertparker.com

90 Points! Among Dureuil's reds, the 2023 Mercurey has turned out especially well, offering up notes of sweet berries, spices and licorice, followed by a medium- to full-bodied, velvety and polished palate. The higher-quality vine genetics that Dureuil replanted with here make a clear impact. - William Kelley, robertparker.com

A fruity, lively red (formerly the estate’s Passetoutgrains) of Pinot Noir and Gamay (10% of blend), this is tailor-made for spring al fresco dining and casual dinners among friends. Wonderful depth and length for “just” a Coteaux Bourguignons!

Les Lavières is situated east of the village of Savigny-lès-Beaune right in the middle of the hillside. The vines, from Michel's mother's side, came to the estate in the 1940s after the marriage of his parents.

Grapes were mostly de-stemmed and fermented in cement tank with native yeast. Following fermentation, the wine was transferred to barrels for malolactic fermentation and aging about 10 months in oak pièces (10-25% new barrels).