91 Points!  Lots of black fruit, black olive and earthy character. Full, but plush dry tannins and a long, almost silky, finish make this easy to enjoy. Drink now. - JamesSuckling.com

92 Points! Wonderful quality for this appellation. Fascinating nose of peaches, berries and spices follow through to a full body, with dark chocolate, nutmeg, blueberries, and raspberries. Long and flavorful. Better after 2017. - James Suckling, jamessuckling.com

93 Points!  The 2009 Taurasi Coste will reward readers with glorious drinking over the next 15-20 years, perhaps longer. Rich, ample and racy on the palate, the 2009 shows the more voluptuous side of Taurasi, with layers of dark fruit that continue to open up in the glass. Earthy, leathery notes add nuance on the powerful finish. The 2009 ...read more

A blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir with a golden, super thick mousse and small, powerful, but not overly aggressive bead.   The nose has the classic green sour apple, yeast, fig, brioche toast, lemon, and toasted almond.  In the mouth you get flavors of apricot, vanilla crème, apple and kiwi. consistent fruit, balanc ...read more

96 points! A triumph for the vintage with spices, dried mushroom, dried pineapple, peaches, and honey. Full and sweet with bright acidity and a long, intense finish. Powerful wine. This could be the best Coutet ever. Better in 2015-James Suckling

93 Points! A strong effort from proprietor Emmanuel Cruse, d’Issan’s 2009 was fashioned from minuscule yields of 18 hectoliters per hectare, and its 13.7% natural alcohol set a record at this estate. Composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot, it exhibits a classic Margaux fragrance of acacia flowers/violets, bluebe ...read more

92 Points!  Straw yellow in color the 2009 Vouvray Demi Sec offers a very subtle but also deep bouquet of ripe white and yellow fruits along with some caramel aromas. Rich, round and sweet on the palate this is a true moelleux style, a tender, well balanced Chenin Blanc from a rich vintage with 35 grams of residual sugar (the 2007 had onl ...read more

96 Points! The intensely citrus colored 2009 Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut offers a deep, ripe, fresh, precise and concentrated bouquet with citrus fruit aromas intermixed with chalky-mineral notes. Pure, crisp and racy yet very elegant on the palate, this is an exciting cuvée from four different terroirs. It is very pristine and ...read more

93 Points!  Fattoria Le Pupille’s 2009 Morellino di Scansano Riserva Poggio Valente takes a little while to fully appreciate. As you first approach the glass, you are hit by a massive wave of black truffle and forest floor. The wine is dominated by a wild and rustic personality that so faithfully mirrors the territory that shaped it ...read more

95 Points!  Coming primarily from a two hectare plot of 80-100+ year-old vines, the 2009 Domaine Gilles Troullier Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes L'esprit du temps is an awesome wine! Made from 100% Grenache and aged 12 months in older demi-muids, its inky purple color is followed by a full-bodied, decadent wine that’s loa ...read more

95 Points!  Performing better from bottle than it did from cask (and comparable to their wines 2005, 2000, 1990 and 1982), this is a great classic from Xavier Borie’s estate situated on the back roads west of the town of Pauillac. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by hints of spring flowers, crushed rocks, black currants, ceda ...read more