97-100 Point Wines:

Another stunning vintage of this classic wine, blended with 9% Petit Verdot, this wine is dark and brooding in black cherry, cassis and currant, with a rich nose of baking spice. Lengthy and generous in tannin, it shows a backbone... Read More

“Elegance, this is the word that describes Testamatta 2019. The 20th Anniversary of Testamatta is a real milestone, the peak of quality that I was searching in my Sangiovese since the first vintage in 2000. Testamatta 2019... Read More

#1 Wine, Best In Show

Anyone who has ever seen photographs of the steep slopes of Ribeira Sacra will wonder how it is possible to produce a wine like this in our Value category -- but here it is, dark, fresh and thrillingly aromatic... Read More

A subtle vegetal aroma accents the black currant, blackberry and floral flavors here. Rich, ripe and lush, yet backed by a solid structure, remaining fluid and concentrated on the long finish. Best from 2023 through 2045.... Read More

The 2010 is a more structured, restrained, less flamboyant version of the 2009. A final blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that hit 14.5% natural alcohol, this wine (which... Read More

Picked predominantly over 10 days from October 14, the 2010 d'Yquem has 141gms/L residual sugar and pH 3.80. It is a slow-burner, the nose understated at first but unfurling with each passing moment with subtle scents of freshly... Read More

Vibrant and deep in color. The nose is a fusion of red and black berries, graphite and spices. The palate's structure is particularly dense and long with chiseled tannins of incredible precision.

2011 is a fresh and elegant Vintage of very fine quality. It has a rich and solid purple color; on the nose, a combination of wild lavender and concentrated blackberries, broad shouldered and complex on the palate with a meaty... Read More

In the glass, this wine appears inky-black with a velvety core. On the nose, however, you are treated to the lightness of fresh violets, crushed blueberries, and cocoa. Complexity is confirmed on the palate with a combination... Read More

The 2012 Dom Pérignon has turned out very well indeed, unwinding in the glass with notes of Anjou pear, smoke, toasted nuts, freshly baked bread and crisp stone fruit. Medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, it's... Read More

The 2018 Insignia is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. The vineyard sources this year include: 30% Las Rocas (Stags Leap District),18% Yountville (Oak Knoll District), 13% Banca... Read More

Very pale gold in color with a fine and persistent sparkle and a steady stream of fine bubbles. Fresh, intense, and complex with notes of slightly candied citrus fruits, secondary aromas of pastries, toasted almonds, and subtle... Read More

Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2021, #6

The 2014 Cristal is a terrific effort that transcends the vintage. Bursting from the glass with expressive aromas of ripe citrus fruit, nectarine, white flowers, freshly baked bread and subtle hints of honeycomb, it's medium... Read More

A perfect balance of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. Dom Pérignon plays with the paradox of opposite and complementary elements to create vibration and tension. 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir. The assemblage is the... Read More

The Opus One 2019 has intense aromas of black plum, blueberry, black currant, and dried rose petals, accentuated by mineral undertones. The creamy, satiny texture is framed by fine-grained tannins. The freshness and soft glow... Read More

The 2017 Patrimony Cabernet Sauvignon is nothing short of a blockbuster. This is an uber-concentrated wine that offers explosive aromas of lilac, hibiscus, thyme and dark chocolate. Intense qualities of ripe blackberries, black... Read More

The newly released 2008 Brut Cuvée Rare is very promising, unwinding in the glass with a youthfully reserved nose of citrus oil, crisp green apple, freshly baked bread, iodine and oyster shell, as well as some rather herbaceous... Read More

The 2019 Quintessa offers nuance, depth, and great persistence. A complex of flower, forest, fruit, and earth notes harmonize with fine-grained tannin and vibrant acidity. It is a wine of precision as well as transparency. The... Read More

With fruit from La Morra where this historic winery is located, the Renato Ratti 2017 Barolo Conca is balanced and quite elegant, showing no overt signs of ripeness that could be expected of this hot and dry vintage. This bottle... Read More

The dark and intense fruit aromas jump out of the glass with ripe plums, blackberries on the vine, and tones of sweet mint. The mouthfeel is full, balanced by gentle acids and rich tannins. Flavors are reminiscent of dark chocolate... Read More

The palate is lifted and bright, the finish is polished and long, and the wine skips over any heaviness on the mid-palate. The bouquet is especially intriguing with a very lively plummy fruit element that is enhanced by baker's... Read More