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Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018

Benujamin Lewin, MW of Decanter writes 95 Points | Great sense of fruit purity on the nose, showing a mélange of black fruits. This shows brilliance on the palate, it’s very flavourful, with almost savoury undertones lingering on a very long finish. A sensation of gunflint shows retronasally. This is a rare combination: the height of elegance combined with depth. Drinking Window: 2032-2052.

La Revue du Vin de France writes 94 Points | As for Le Bourg, it remains faithful to the generously toasted and hedonistic expression of its barrel ageing. A concentrated material, a sensation of sweetness and power accompany the salient tannic framework that the years will soften. 

Winemaker Description 

Clos Rougeard was created in 1664 on the land of Chacé, a village not far from Saumur. Eight generations have succeeded one another at the head of the estate, the most recent being the Foucault brothers. From the 1980s onwards, Charly and Nady adopted a singular philosophy to enhance the terroirs of Saumur and Saumur-Champigny: leave the wine in peace so it can expresses its own identity. No synthetic products are added to the vines, gentle vinifications are thought out like infusions and minimalist approach is claimed. In 2017, the Bouygues family bought the estate and has continued the work begun by their emblematic predecessors with a deep respect for the DNA of the winery and its identity. Today the estate has found its balance thanks to a passionate team who strives to preserve the excellence and uniqueness of the wines whose depth, finesse and precision are unparalleled.

Located in the heart of the village of Chacé, Le Bourg is composed of very old vines and lies on a predominantly limestone terroir on shallow clay loam, typical of the Saumur-Champigny appellation. This wine reveals riper, fleshier fruit and a dense, full-bodied texture. Le Bourg is from vines averaging 80 years old, planted on a thin layer of clay over a deep bed of tuffeau, also in Chacé. The combination of vine age and richer soil makes this the most powerfully structured wine in Clos Rougeard’s array.

Producer Description 

Assembly of two thirds of white grape freshly pressed and very mature (Ugny Blanc) with a third of one year Cognac, the whole aged in oak cask during five years.
It is only at the end of this period that we obtain Pineau of the Charente carefully married.

The subtlety lies in fresh notes of fruit, a delicate sugar and a well melted alcohol.
TO DRINK SHILLED WITHOUT ICE CUBES IN APÉRITIF OR AS DESERT WINE.

Characteristic: fresh and fruity with a dash of “rancio".

Producer Description

Traditional 100% organic apéritif made with grape juice and eau-de-vie de cognac from our estate. Fresh and fruity.

Winemaker Description 

An intriguing bouquet of strawberry, neroli and almond greet the nose. The opening is subtle but quickly crescendos to a full mid palate, pushing towards a long and satisfying finish.

Structured and well rounded, flavors of ripe pomegranate and olive cumulate with juniper and sage, building in both nuance and intensity as the wine opens

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Jasper Morris MW of Inside Burgundy writes 91-94 Points |  90% whole bunch vinification. Mid purple, with a nose which shows the whole bunch a lot by giving some crushed strawberry on top of the darker fruit of Nuits-St-Georges. The latter appears further back on the palate but the tannins remain refined. Good length. Drink from 2028-2034.

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 90-93 Points | Here the unreadable nose is marked by firm reduction. More interesting are the beautifully textured, rich and vibrant medium-bodied flavors that possess an abundance of sappy dry extract on the lingering finish that isn't quite as complex but is very well-balanced. (Drink starting 2031).

Yellow Tail | Merlot | South Eastern Australia | NV | 750ml

Yellow Tail is one of Australia's most recognized and beloved wine brands, produced by the Casella family in Yenda, New South Wales. Since its launch in 2001, [yellow tail] has become a global phenomenon — a wine that introduced millions of drinkers to the approachable, fruit-forward style of Australian red wine. Sourced from vineyards across South Eastern Australia, it is crafted to be consistent, reliable, and endlessly enjoyable at an unbeatable everyday price.

Ripe and appealing with red berry and cherry fruit flavors, a hint of mint, and a touch of vanilla on the soft, velvety finish. Smooth, easy-drinking, and endlessly crowd-pleasing — perfect for any meal or your next party.

Pair with pasta, pizza, burgers, grilled chicken, BBQ, and casual weeknight meals.

• Producer: Casella Family Brands
• Appellation: South Eastern Australia
• Grape: Merlot
• Style: Soft, fruit-forward Australian Merlot
• Bottle Size: 750ml

Producer Description 

High precision steel and aluminum parts are put together into an "Open Air" design. Originally styled for an Italian auto company. 

Producer Description 

Natural Black Horn handle.  A keepsake. The most prestigious corkscrew in the world, this exquisite professional corkscrew line continues to grow in popularity and has been expanded again in response to popular demand. Each corkscrew is elegantly designed to include:-

Comes boxed in its own custom leather pouch. Etched bee emblem (Napoleon's symbol representing industry, efficiency and productivity),ensures that each piece is a genuine Chateau Laguiole. 4-1/2 inch long.

Producer Description 

A French made keepsake with green stamina wood handle. The most prestigious corkscrew in the world, this exquisite professional corkscrew line continues to grow in popularity and has been expanded again in response to popular demand.

Each corkscrew is elegantly designed to include:- A long, forged knife blade - A smooth, rounded boot lever - A long spiral. Comes boxed in its own custom leather pouch. Etched bee emblem (Napoleons symbol representing industry, efficiency and productivity), ensures that each piece is a genuine Chateau Laguiole and Hand made in France. 4-1/2 inches long.

Southern Right · Sauvignon Blanc · Walker Bay · 2025

Southern Right is the Walker Bay estate of Hamilton Russell Vineyards — one of South Africa's most respected wine families — and their Sauvignon Blanc is a deliberate statement of intent: this is Sauvignon Blanc as fine wine, not Sauvignon Blanc as a varietal exercise. Sourced from 35 different parcels across varied soil types in Walker Bay, the wine is built on the tension between Old World minerality and New World texture. Iron and clay-rich soils add structural complexity and body; sandstone soils contribute bright, tensile character and a marked saline minerality. A small 7–8% portion of the blend is barrel-fermented in neutral oak for four months, adding just enough texture without obscuring the variety's natural precision. Certified Sustainable (Integrated Production of Wine, Biodiversity & Wine Initiative). At $19.99, this is South African Sauvignon Blanc at its most serious and most rewarding.

The 2025 opens with a lively bouquet of passion fruit, guava, gooseberry, Conference pear, and a subtle lift of white pepper and dried ginger. On the palate: crisp, lean, and beautifully balanced — bright acidity, fine weight, and a saline mineral thread that runs through to a clean, peppery finish. Drink now through 2027.

“Sauvignon Blanc as fine wine… tight 'Old World' minerality and length with hints of 'New World' texture and body.”
— WA: 89 · Vinous: 89 (Vintage 2025). 

• Producer: Southern Right (Hamilton Russell Vineyards)
• Vintage: 2025
• Appellation: Walker Bay, South Africa
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc (7–8% barrel-fermented in neutral oak)
• Soils: Iron & clay-rich · Sandstone · 35 parcels
• Certification: Certified Sustainable (IPW & Biodiversity & Wine Initiative)
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Passion fruit, guava, gooseberry, Conference pear, white pepper, dried ginger, saline mineral finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2027
• Food Pairings: Grilled fish, oysters, sushi, goat cheese, summer salads, light seafood pasta

WA:89 · Vinous:89 — Walker Bay minerality, 35 parcels, certified sustainable — Sauvignon Blanc as it was meant to be made. (Vintage 2025). 

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

JamesSuckling.com by Stuart Pigott writes 94 Points | With its aromas of nutty, old-fashioned apple varieties and ripe quince, this striking dry riesling is an unspectacular beauty. It’s medium-bodied with a wonderful harmony of silky acidity, a hauntingly subtle minerality and a very long, stony finish that somehow manages to be very gentle. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold. 

Winemaker Description 

The nose here is just a shade riper, with tart citrus flirting with barely ripe apricot, heading toward the peach register though highlighted by lemon curd and lemon zest, pretty citrus elements to brighten it up, even the riper twang of a lime. This has more density, for sure, more richness, though it has plenty of definition. Thinking of these wines in the context of the Rheingau is just crazy; my teeth are aching. The whole collection has acids – I should get the numbers here, if Eva hasn’t already sent them [note to reader: I never got any numbers on the acids b/c I'm just too buried in work right now]. There is a limey quality to this, sticky but fresh, gripping, that I really like. These are very damn good. 

Hans-Josef Becker’s grandfather (J.B.) founded this winery in 1893, and it is home to some truly astounding wines. The Spätlese Trocken is somehow both very serious and firmly structured, yet remains bright and affable. The old vines show incredible concentration - this wine is just a baby and could be cellared for decades. On the other hand, the 2022 vintage displays plenty of juicy, expressive fruit with crushing acidity and a bold mouthfeel. These wines have achieved cult-status for good reason.

In 1993, Master Sommelier Guy Vialis introduced the Chateau Laguiole® Classic, the first genuine waiter-style Laguiole corkscrew. Since its inception, Chateau Laguiole® has become a favorite among elite sommeliers worldwide and remains the top-selling and most counterfeited high-end waiter-style Laguiole corkscrew globally. Rest assured, all authentic Chateau Laguiole corkscrews, like this one, are 100% Made in France.

Included Black Sheath: The authentic Chateau Laguiole black belt sheath, favored by numerous waiters globally, fits belts up to 2.5" wide. Each sheath, crafted from meticulously chosen genuine cowhide, is produced by Max Capdebarth in France. 

Horn Tip from domestic cattle. The tip of the horn is the hardest and most durable, Inferior horn handles are made from the bottom of the horn which will warp with time. 

Note: The color of the piece you will receive may vary from the stock photos. Please contact us if you have a specific preference, we will do our best to accommodate your need if such piece is available.

All Chateau Laguiole wine openers are made of 12C27 stainless steel and weigh around 4 oz (113 grams). The overall length closed is 4.5 inches (11.40 cm).
The foils cutter is serrated and measures 1.5/8 inches ~ 4.06 cm).

Producer Description 

Spray onto carpet or fabric, let soak and rub. Some stains may require a second application. Bleach-free and biodegradable. Made from vegetable extracts. Safe when used around children and pets. Also works on other stains such as cranberry juice, coffee and more. Fresh citric scent. Made in the USA.

Tasting Notes

Gato Negro Red Velvet is a lush, approachable semi-sweet Chilean red with rich flavors of ripe red berries, cherries, and a velvety smooth texture. Gently sweet with soft tannins and a round, easy finish — perfect for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness in their glass.

Tasting Notes: Ripe red berries, cherry, velvety smooth textureBest For: Casual sipping, light desserts, entertaining, gifting

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

The Wine Enthusiast 91 Points |  This wine is concentrated, with aromas of blueberry, olallieberry, clove, violet and notes of dried vanilla bean on the nose. The flavors on the palate are boysenberry, black currant confiture, paprika and orange cream, with dry, grippy tannins to finish.

Memo Summary Notes

Matchbook "The Arsonist" 2021 is a high-intensity, "left of center" series from the Giguiere family in the Dunnigan Hills of Yolo County, California. While the series includes a Chardonnay and a Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Red Blend is the most widely acclaimed release this year, having earned high marks for its bold, concentrated style.

52% Petit Verdot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Malbec.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Ken's Wine Guide | This slightly cloudy midnight purple colored Zinfandel from Once and Future opens with a blackberry and red licorice bouquet with hints of red plum, black cherry, dried sage, and violets. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with integrated medium acidity. The mouthfeel is balanced, round, and smooth. The flavor profile is blackberry, stone dust, and cinnamon blend with notes of boysenberry, black plum and nutmeg. We also detected hints of black tea and oak. The finish is dry, and its well-managed moderate tannins are very nicely sustained. The Tasting Panel would then pair this Zin with a nice New York strip steak along with a dark chocolate mousse. Enjoy – 

Vinous 91 Points | The 2022 Zinfandel Green & Red Vineyard is another wine in this range that is pretty closed today. It has plenty of energy, but the mid-palate is not quite as developed as it is in most vintages. Bottled on the early side, this feels a bit like it’s not fully developed. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate 99 Points | Colgin's 2021 IX Estate is a rich, opulent example, with layers of ripe black cherries and dark chocolate punctuated by hints of sage and bay leaf, plus some vaguely floral notes (violets?). Full-bodied, concentrated, velvety and long, it's another terrific wine that showcases the potential of Pritchard Hill, the investment by the owners and the talent of the winemaking team.

James Suckling 99 Points | Red currant, lead pencil and terra cotta aromas with some bay leaf and sage. Full-bodied with tight, firm tannins that are polished and very fine. Turns to graphite. Extremely long, refined, polished and exquisite. Best after 2028.

98+ Points Jeb Dunnuck | I’d wager a Napa Valley legend in the making, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon IX Estate comes from the estate vineyard on Pritchard Hill, and if there was ever a classification of terroirs in the valley, this would check in near the top of the list. Deep purple-hued, with awesome aromatics of pure cassis, graphite, crushed stone, and subtle floral hints, this has that rare mix of power and elegance that defines so many great wines. Full-bodied, concentrated, and flawlessly balanced, it has no shortage of structure and is going to need 7-8 years, if not a decade, to hit full maturity, where it will hold for 2-3 decade.

98 Points Vinous | The 2021 IX Estate is such an elegant wine. Sleek, aromatic and refined, the 2021 is one of the most polished young wines I have tasted from this site. Red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal and mint abound. Silky and delineated, the 2021 is exceptionally beautiful and balanced. Clean saline notes and veins of tannin extend the explosive, sublime finish. 

Winemaker Description 

One of the "cult" producers to crop up in the early 1990s, Colgin Cellars' first vintage was in 1992, with fruit purchased from the Herb Lamb Vineyard, located on the lower slopes of Howell Mountain, just low enough not to be part of the Howell Mountain AVA. Colgin would later go on to buy land and develop vineyards at Tychson Hill (westside Saint Helena, purchased 1996) and IX Estate (Pritchard Hill, purchased in 1998). In 2017, Ann Colgin and her husband, Joe Wender, sold a controlling interest in Colgin Cellars to LVMH but remain active in the business.

Today, Colgin owns six acres of vines at Tychson Hill and 20 acres of vines at IX Estate, with 11 more acres there currently being developed. Cariad comes primarily from the Abreu-farmed Madrona Ranch, on the western side of Saint Helena. Director of Winemaking Allison Tauziet has been with Colgin since 2005, when she joined as assistant winemaker, so she is nearing 20 years of experience with these wines.

To put the new-release 2021s in perspective, Colgin, Wender and Tauziet presented three vintages each of the four wines reviewed this issue—2016, 2018 and 2021. I guess it will surprise no one that these are all gorgeous wines, given the positive press and numerous accolades bestowed on previous vintages, but it is encouraging to see that success and age hasn't slowed down the Colgin team's pursuit of excellence. I've included my ratings and reviews of the older vintages so readers can compare my impressions to those of my predecessor. Like many other producers, Colgin bottled no wines in 2020. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points |  The 2020 Chardonnay Sanford & Benedict Vineyard (20% new French oak) has a touch of chamomile in its perfumed aromatics of golden apple, honeyed toast, spice, and subtle green almonds. Complex and nuanced aromatically, it's medium-bodied on the palate, has high yet nicely integrated acidity, terrific balance, and outstanding length.

91 Wine Spectator | Displays wonderful density, offering nectarine and lemon sorbet notes at the core, with a touch of salted, roasted almond. This white shows a hint of crunchy sea salt, with lemon verbena and lemon blossom aromatics. Firming acidity adds a refreshing punctuation point. Drink now. 331 cases made

Producer Description 

This Sanford & Benedict Chardonnay is bright, beautifully layered, and nuanced. Meyer lemon, candle wax, and cut straw all grace this very savory Chardonnay. Orange marmalade, stone fruits, and chamomile work seamlessly with the rich textures on the palate. This wine is natural with richer dishes and even light game.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Allen Meadows of Burghound | Ripe and very pretty aromas of both red and dark currant, violet, newly turned earth and a hint of crushed anise lead to rich, generous and round medium weight flavors that possess both fine volume and mid-palate density, all wrapped in a dusty, long and balanced finale where only a trace of rusticity is present. This always seem to outperform relative to its level chez Tollot and 2022 only adds to that reputation.

Winemaker Description 

The Tollot family represents a long lineage of winegrowers dating back to the late 1880s when François Tollot began planting vineyards in Chorey-lès-Beaune. Today, cousins Nathalie, Jean-Paul, and Olivier Tollot are in charge. The wines of Tollot-Beaut are well-known for their serious but pleasing style across a range of appellations from Bourgogne to Grand Cru.

The village of Aloxe-Corton sits at the foot of the Corton hill and is known for giving good-value red Burgundy that performs above its village-level status. A good Aloxe-Corton (pronounced Ahh-losse) will show some of the same structure, weight, and complexity found on the Grand Cru above.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 91-93 Points | There is an interesting hint of white pepper to the cool and exceptionally pretty aromas of exotic tea, anise, violet and lavender. I very much like the caressing mouthfeel of the medium weight flavors that possess moderate austerity and excellent persistence, Lovely.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 98 Points | Loads of wet earth and grape aromas with hints of stems. Old vine aromas of bark and moss. Full-bodied, sweet and structured with a big kick on the end. Very impressive. Exceptional layers of fruit and energy. A stronger and more muscular Warre.

Wine Spectator 97 Points | Lush and inviting in feel, with a beautifully creamy texture that lets plum sauce, blueberry reduction and raspberry pte de fruit flavors glide along effortlessly. Notes of violet, anise and black tea are beguiling in the background before melding seamlessly on the finish. This shimmers with fruit, balanced by depth and spine. Best from 2035 through 2055.

Wine Advocate 96 Points | Relatively accessible, this still shows some impressive firmness to go with its fine concentration. An elegant wine this may be, as Charles Symington called it, but it is still admirable for its structure, even if the whole package is a little understated. Its fruit and mid-palate are nicely supported by moderate tannins. It evolves well with air, easily showing vivid and fresh fruit. It is beautifully textured as well. This is a fine Warre's Port, holding its own next to Dow, better than the 2016 Warre and a force in its own right. It is one of the best in a while. It is relatively accessible but not ready.

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | A ripe, floral wine that has many layers of black fruits with a fresh touch of acidity. The wine is dense while also elegant and poised with tannins and fruit already in balance. That suggests the Port will age relatively quickly. Drink from 2025.

Lock up every drop with our Lockdown™ Flip-Top Stopper. For an air-tight seal, flip the chrome lever down: two-tone rubber will expand and plug the bottle.

• Chrome, plastic & rubber
• Fits standard bottles
• Push down to seal
• For still wine only, not for use with champagne or sparkling bottles. 

D’Ora · Orange Grüner Veltliner · Niederösterreich · Austria · 2024

Gerald Diem is a fifth-generation winemaker whose family has farmed the foot of the Manharts mountain since 1848. He and his wife took over the estate in 2000, converting their 25 hectares to certified organic viticulture — dry farmed, hand harvested, and rooted in sand and clay sediment soils that give D’Ora wines their distinctive texture and character. The Orange Grüner Veltliner is their most expressive bottling: a skin-contact white that is completely dry yet evokes the pleasure of an orange creamsicle, in the best possible way.

The 2024 pours a dusty tangerine with luminous clarity. The nose opens with yellow apple, vanilla wafers, and warm spice — inviting and aromatic. On the palate, layers of sweet apple, orange creamsicle, and gentle tannin from skin contact give way to a clean, refreshing finish. Certified organic, dry farmed, and bottled in a generous 1L format that makes it as practical as it is pleasurable.

• Producer: D’Ora (Gerald Diem, est. 1848)
• Vintage: 2024
• Appellation: Niederösterreich (Weinland), Austria
• Varietals: Grüner Veltliner & Traminer
• Style: Orange wine — skin-contact, dry, aromatic
• Farming: Certified Organic, dry farmed, hand harvested
• Size: 1.0 Liter
• Tasting Notes: Yellow apple, vanilla wafers, orange creamsicle, warm spice, clean mineral finish
• Pairings: Charcuterie, aged cheeses, roasted chicken, spiced grain dishes, Thai cuisine

Certified organic · Niederösterreich — fifth-generation Austrian orange wine with creamsicle charm and serious dry-farming credentials. 1L.

Producer Description 

Our Merlot is medium-bodied with deep blackberry aromas and a soft, satisfying finish. Enjoy its smooth flavors with Grilled Pork Chops with Apples or Rosemary-Braised Lamb Shanks.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

The Wine Advocate Luis Gutierrez writes 97 Points | From the vines on the mid slope and has a very elegant, fragrant nose with notes of concentrated violet and a solid palate. The slate tannins give a talcum powder texture, and the wine opens up in the mid-palate, making it very expansive. In the long term, it seems like the slate gives a better palate and the granite is more nose.…This has the combination of the cooler year and the resilience of the slate soils, coming through as complex and elegant, powerful and concentrated but with an ethereal side to it too. Bravo!

Producer Description 

The Pizarra vineyards are found on red metamorphic slate soils, which are unique to the village of Cebreros, folded into the mostly granitic mountain range. This slate soil makes Cebreros unlike any other village within the Sierra de Gredos region. Pizarra soil is located above 950 meters, up to 1200 meters, mainly with an eastern orientation. 

The wines from here have a signature expression: they are always fresh, complex, direct, and profound. Pizarra is a limited production wine produced from over 60-year-old, bush-trained garnacha vines, yielding 15hl/ha from the vineyards of Arrebatacapas, La Redonda, La Curva, Fuente Fabian, and Presidente. The farming at Pegaso is organic, and the wines are made with low intervention and minimal sulfur at bottling.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

Charles Curtis, MW of Decanter writes 94 Points | This emblematic premier cru is a lovely introduction to Domaine Leflaive, with hints of passionfruit, pomelo, coconut milk, spice and smoke. The texture is lush with extract, but there is enough acidity to bring everything into balance. Although this 2022 doesn’t show the same intensity or concentration of the other premier cru wines, the combination of ripe fruit and smoky reductive notes make it a tempting wine for mid-term cellaring.

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 92-94 Points | There is just enough reduction to push the fruit to the background though a whiff of floral character can be discerned. On the palate there is both more volume and concentration to the beautifully textured middleweight flavors that are also appealingly vibrant and particularly so on the complex balanced and impressively long finale. This is notably better than it usually is and a wine that should amply repay a decade or so of keeping. 

Neal Martin of Vinous 91 Points | The 2022 Puligny-Montrachet Clavaillon 1er Cru is much more backward and rocky on the nose; sea spray and crustacea come through with aeration. The palate is fresh and malic with plenty of energy. It is a little spicy towards the finish with a persistent peppery aftertaste. The palate was more expressive on the day that I tasted it though it seemed just a couple of paces behind Leflaive's other Premier Crus. Cellar for two or three years.

Critic Notes

Charles Curtis MW of Decanter writes 96 Points | The Clos de la Roche from Arlaud is from the lieu-dit Mochamps; the parcel runs from the road up to Domaine Ponsot. 20% of the grapes are fermented as whole clusters, and the wine is ageing now in cask, 20% new. The wine is charmingly aromatic, with a ripe, peony-scented cherry fruit and earthy notes. The texture is silky, round, and velvety; there is more aromatic expression but less depth than the Charmes-Chambertin. The wine should start to open in five years and will continue to improve for a further twenty.

Vinous 95-97 Points | The 2022 Clos-de-la-Roche Grand Cru has all the tropes you expect from this vineyard, with exuberant wild strawberry, raspberry confit and blood orange scents bursting from the glass. The oak is very well-integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and darker fruit than the Charmes-Chambertin, with impressive precision on the finish. This is extremely promising.

Allen Meadows of Burghound writes 93-96 Points | Note: from a .43 ha parcel in Mochamps; 75% from 25+ year old vines and the remainder are from 40+ year old vines. A discreet application of wood sets off the herbal tea and markedly floral-inflected red currant-scanted nose where a background touch of freshly turned earth lurks. I like the sense of energy and volume to the bigger-bodied and more powerful flavors that manage to be both denser and super-sleek, all wrapped in a moderately austere and very tightly wound finale that delivers simply superb length. This is flat out terrific and a wine that should amply reward extended cellaring, indeed I would suggest not even thinking of opening a bottle before 10 years have passed."
*Burghound Don't Miss!*

Vinous 93 Points | The 2023 Morey-Saint-Denis Les Ruchots 1er Cry offers the most transparency on the nose among Arlaud's Morey Premier Crus, with intense, well-defined blackberry and raspberry fruit and fine mineralite. The medium-bodied palate features pliant tannins and commendable depth, though it may not reach the complexity of the Aux Chesaux or Blanchards on the finish. Give this two or three years in the bottle.

"A fine even purple. The bouquet is beautifully, florally, perfumed. This seems to be one of the riper wines but still has the quintessential cool balance of an Arlaud wine. Heady roses, with a ripe raspberry underlay. The acidity is sufficiently present and the tannins refined A long, supple finish. Drink from 2031-2038. Tasted Dec 2024."

Jasper Morris 92-95 Points

Expert Review

The Wine Advocate 91 Points | My favorite of the three tawnys reviewed in this segment is the 20 Year Old Tawny. It offers an amber color, a spicy, tobacco, cedary, smoky, complex nose, dense, rich flavors that belie the color's aged, feeble look, and an expansive personality. It is a classic example of how delicious and complex a 20 year old tawny port can be. Tawny ports are aged in wood from essentially a solera system for the number of years indicated on the bottle. In most cases I prefer the younger ten or twenty year Tawnys to the ancient forty to fifty year old wines, but it is really a matter of taste. I tend to like more fruit rather than the oxidized and aged characteristics of the very old tawnys. 

Winemaker Description 

Producer Description 

Like the rest of Quinta do Noval, the Nacional parcel ripened early in 2020 and was harvested in one day on 17th September. Deepest inky crimson-black colour; sullen and dense on the nose but with underlying opulence; amazing depth and concentration, nothing raw about this despite its youth. Broad, ripe, gravelly tannins, focused with glorious spice and richness. Big and broad on the finish but with remarkable freshness and finesse for a hot year. A ‘wow’ of a wine with a lifetime or more in bottle ahead.

Expert Review

Wine Spectator 99 Points | A bird of a different feather, this shows remarkable purity for the vintage, along with a rippling tension that sets it completely apart. Delivers a mix of cassis, plum sauce and açaí berry compote on the fruit side, along with bramble, salted licorice, cast iron and bittersweet chocolate notes filling in throughout. Massively structured, too, and there's even a flash of violet at the very end—which takes a while to get to. A special wine. Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Cão, Sousão and Tinta Roriz. Best from 2040 through 2070.

Decanter 99 Points | Like the rest of Quinta do Noval, the Nacional parcel ripened early in 2020 and was harvested in one day on 17th September. Deepest inky crimson-black colour; sullen and dense on the nose but with underlying opulence; amazing depth and concentration, nothing raw about this despite its youth. Broad, ripe, gravelly tannins, focused with glorious spice and richness. Big and broad on the finish but with remarkable freshness and finesse for a hot year. A ‘wow’ of a wine with a lifetime or more in bottle ahead.

Vinous 99 Points | The 2020 Nacional was picked from 1 to 22 September, a relatively short harvest. It has a magnificent, exquisitely defined bouquet with a purity that bowls you over, perhaps even more intense than the 2019 Nacional tasted alongside. The palate is extraordinarily pure and intense, slightly viscous in texture, with layers of cassis, black cherries, blood orange and a dab of spice. Seamless on the finish. This is a worthy follow-up to the stellar 2019 Nacional. The two will fight between themselves for supremacy. Tasted at the Quinta do Noval tasting at Spring restaurant in London.

Producer Description 

Livingston Cellars Rhine is a pleasantly sweet California Rhine that balances a crisp mouthfeel with bright fruit flavors. Livingston Cellars offers affordable award-winning wines that consistently exceed expectations.

Producer Description 

Made entirely from the grapes grown on Taylor’s own properties, Taylor’s is one of the few remaining houses which still produces a 40 Year Old Aged Tawny Port. A sublime port of very great age which shows the old olive-gold hue of its many years in cask. Decades of evaporation have concentrated this extraordinary wine to an exceptional density, with a powerful nose of dried fruit, honey and a touch of spice. Impressions of nutmeg, roasted coffee and an intense nuttiness converge both in the bouquet and on the palate. The wine´s rich, intense, voluptuous, almost viscous texture culminate in a finish of incredible length.

Expert Reviews 

Mark Squires of the Wine Advocate 95 Points | The NV 40 Year Old Tawny Port was bottled with a bar top cork in 2014. It comes in with 125 grams per liter of residual sugar. Big, weighty and mouth filling, this is an aromatic Tawny that finishes with acidity and tension. Gripping on the finish, its flavors become more interesting as long as it sits in the glass (or on your palate). It is not, perhaps, as sunny as the Fonseca, its sibling reviewed this issue, but it is denser and more gripping. Comparing to the Taylor 30 (also reviewed), I'm not sure I liked the 40 here all that much better. The 30 is a bit fleshier while this 40 is a bit more concentrated in flavor and aromatics. Perhaps some additional age also helped this 40 combat some of the aggression on the 30. They are both pretty fine, a difference of five to Midnight and five after, rather than night and day. It is still a fine experience and my favorite of the group. Don't drink it too warm. Room temperature is mostly too warm. The sweet spot for most tends to be 58-62 degrees Fahrenheit.

Expert Reviews

Allen Meadows of Burghoud writes 94-96 Points | As with several wines in the range, there is a subtle touch of wood evident on the ripe and ultra-pure floral-inflected nose of violet, lavender, rose petal, exotic tea and red cherry scents. There is impressive concentration to the middleweight plus flavors that brim with dry extract that imparts a seductive mouthfeel as well as buffers the borderline robust tannins shaping the hugely persistent and strikingly powerful finish. This is brilliant but it's also very much built-to-age so buy it and forget it.

Critical Acclaim — Vintage 2022

Decanter — 96 Points (Charles Curtis MW)
"The complex blend of exotic Asian spice, forward pomegranate fruit, and savoury, earthy notes make the Chambolle Sentiers an intriguing wine. Some oak is still showing through, but this will integrate with time. There is more density and extract than one might think for a Chambolle at this level, which draws this out to a forceful and long conclusion — charming wine. The grapes come from a parcel of 0.23 hectares that are partially destemmed and aged in a combination of new and used casks. Drinking 2025 to 2050."

Burghound — 92–94 Points (Allen Meadows)
"A slightly more elegant nose combines notes of red cherry and raspberry with discreet touches of earth and discreet wood. The slightly finer and succulent middleweight flavors possess very good verve while exhibiting very fine depth and persistence on the finish, dusty, youthfully austere and built to age. Patience strongly suggested — this should make for a beautiful bottle in time."

Vinous — 91–93 Points (Neal Martin)
"The 2022 Chambolle-Musigny Les Sentiers 1er Cru has a complex bouquet with black cherries, blood orange, sous-bois and an overall pastille-like purity. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit. With a good backbone, this leans towards Morey in style with a grippy, quite deep, almost obdurate finish. It has the substance to age with style. Drinking 2026 to 2046."

About Les Sentiers

Les Sentiers is a Premier Cru vineyard in Chambolle-Musigny situated on the southern border of the appellation, adjacent to Morey-Saint-Denis — which explains the slightly more structured, grippy character that distinguishes it from the more ethereal, perfumed wines of the village’s northern Premier Crus. At Domaine Arlaud, Les Sentiers is farmed as a micro-parcel of just 0.23 hectares — producing a wine of extraordinary concentration and site specificity. Partially destemmed and aged in a combination of new and used casks, it is built for the long haul: a wine to cellar and revisit over decades.

About Domaine Arlaud

Domaine Arlaud is one of the Côte de Nuits’ most exciting and critically acclaimed estates, based in Morey-Saint-Denis and farming vineyards across some of Burgundy’s most prestigious appellations — from Bourgogne Rouge through Chambolle-Musigny, Gevrey-Chambertin, and multiple Grand Crus. Under the direction of Cyprien Arlaud, the domaine has converted entirely to certified organic and biodynamic viticulture, with a winemaking philosophy centered on minimal intervention, whole-cluster fermentation, and the purest possible expression of each terroir. The results have drawn consistent praise from the world’s leading critics, with scores regularly reaching the mid-to-high 90s for their Premier and Grand Cru bottlings.

Food Pairings

Roasted squab, duck breast with cherry reduction, venison, wild mushroom dishes, aged Epoisses, and classic Burgundian preparations. A Premier Cru built for the finest occasions — drink 2025 through 2050.

Product Details

• Producer: Domaine Arlaud
• Vineyard: Les Sentiers (Premier Cru) — 0.23 hectares
• Appellation: Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru, Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France
• Grape: Pinot Noir
• Farming: Certified organic and biodynamic
• Vinification: Partially destemmed, aged in new and used casks
• Vintage: 2022
• Drink: 2025–2050
• Style: Structured, age-worthy Premier Cru Chambolle-Musigny
• Format: 750ml

Assai represents the pinnacle of Chianti Classico winemaking — the Gran Selezione designation accounts for just 8–9% of total Chianti Classico production and requires a minimum 30 months of aging including bottle time, approved only through blind tasting by a committee of expert winemakers.

Crafted exclusively from 100% organic Sangiovese sourced from a single 15-year-old estate vineyard in the prestigious U.G.A. Vagliagli, Castelnuovo Berardenga (Siena), this is a masterclass in Tuscan terroir. Aged in French oak barrels, it achieves exceptional balance, depth of flavor, and the unmistakable Sangiovese signature. Only 4,500 bottles produced.

Tasting Notes

Intense ruby color with rich complexity. Fruity and spicy on the nose with balsamic nuances. Smooth, full-bodied, and persistent on the palate with remarkable depth and a long, elegant finish.

Food Pairings

Elaborate meat and game dishes, braised lamb, bistecca alla Fiorentina, and aged cheeses. Decant 1–2 hours before serving. Cellar with confidence through 2035+.

• Producer: Terra di Seta / Assai
• Appellation: Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG, Tuscany, Italy
• U.G.A.: Vagliagli, Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena
• Grape: 100% Sangiovese (organic)
• Aging: 30+ months, French oak + bottle aging
• Production: 4,500 bottles
• Certification: Kosher, Organic
• Vintage: 2019
• Format: 750ml