The Clos Saint Imer vineyard is a true clos (unlike many so-called in Alsace) within the larger Goldert Grand Cru. Their plot is towards the upper slopes, by the church, after which this cuvee is named. A rare domaine in that their Muscat and Pinot Gris is prized as highly as the Riesling. Ageing of the PG is 15+ years in a typical vintage.

The Clos Saint Imer vineyard is a true clos (unlike many so-called in Alsace) within the larger Goldert Grand Cru. Their plot is towards the upper slopes, by the church, after which this cuvee is named. A rare domaine in that their Muscat and Pinot Gris is prized as highly as the Riesling. Ageing of the PG is 15+ years in a typical vintage.

`Tobacco smoke-infused peaches can be discerned in the aromatics of the 1998 Tokay-Pinot Gris Clos St. Imer La Chapelle Goldert. Medium to full-bodied, dense, plump, and rich, it reveals layers of botrytis-infused peaches, apricots, cloves, and fresh herbs. This outstanding Pinot Gris should be at its best between 2003 and 2012.` 91 Points Pierre Rovani

One of the best domaines in Alsace without a shadow of a doubt, of their 19 hectares, 5 are in Grand Cru sites. Very rich SGNS like this one. Lots of botryitis character.

An unusual amphora-aged cuvee from Jean-Claude. 250 cases produced, mostly younger vines.

Shimmering magenta. Expressive red/blue fruit and licorice aromas show excellent clarity and pick up mineral and exotic spice flourishes as the wine opens up. Broad and fleshy on entry

Among the elite of Beaujolais, Breton`s 3000 case production is spread quite thinly, he has a big following in the restaurant sector in France, owing, largely I think to the way in which poise, elegance and ageability and combined with sheer, joyous drinkability.

A strong French following for Bouland is perhaps one reason why you don`t see his wines as often as you should, but they are worth seeking down as they are about as good as anything produced in the region and are underpriced for their quality for the time being.

`Bottled only a week before I tasted it, Alain Coudert`s 2019 Fleurie from the Clos de la Roilette is showing beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of rose petals, red cherries, raspberries, spices and orange rind. Medium to full-bodied, deep and velvety, it`s elegant and fine-boned, with lively acids, refined structuring tannins and a long, perfumed finish. Readers who gravitate toward classical styles of Beaujolais will prefer the 2019 to the richer, more gourmand 2018, but both are lovely vintages for this reference-point address. As I`ve written before, the Coudert family acquired Fleurie`s famous Clos de la Roilette—which neighbors Moulin-à-Vent formerly traded under that name—in 1967, and Alain has been at the helm since 1991. The soils here are rich in clay and manganese, and that, combined with a classical approach to maceration, results in muscular, structured wines that age very well. Vinified largely with whole clusters and the traditional submerged cap, these are typically deeply colored wines with plenty of fruit and tannin. The 2019 vintage has turned out especially well, and it`s the most overtly Fleurie-styled vintage—in the sense that this appellation is identified with perfume and finesse—that Coudert has produced in a decade. If the gourmand generosity and wealth of fruit of 2018 will win the domaine new friends, then the fragrant and beautifully balanced 2019 will exercise special appeal over Beaujolais purists.` 94 Points William Kelley

`Bottled only a week before I tasted it, Alain Coudert`s 2019 Fleurie from the Clos de la Roilette is showing beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of rose petals, red cherries, raspberries, spices and orange rind. Medium to full-bodied, deep and velvety, it`s elegant and fine-boned, with lively acids, refined structuring tannins and a long, perfumed finish. Readers who gravitate toward classical styles of Beaujolais will prefer the 2019 to the richer, more gourmand 2018, but both are lovely vintages for this reference-point address. As I`ve written before, the Coudert family acquired Fleurie`s famous Clos de la Roilette—which neighbors Moulin-à-Vent formerly traded under that name—in 1967, and Alain has been at the helm since 1991. The soils here are rich in clay and manganese, and that, combined with a classical approach to maceration, results in muscular, structured wines that age very well. Vinified largely with whole clusters and the traditional submerged cap, these are typically deeply colored wines with plenty of fruit and tannin. The 2019 vintage has turned out especially well, and it`s the most overtly Fleurie-styled vintage—in the sense that this appellation is identified with perfume and finesse—that Coudert has produced in a decade. If the gourmand generosity and wealth of fruit of 2018 will win the domaine new friends, then the fragrant and beautifully balanced 2019 will exercise special appeal over Beaujolais purists.` 94 Points William Kelley

`Bright violet color. Expansive, mineral-accented blue fruit, floral and five-spice powder aromas, along with hints of white pepper and candied licorice. Offers sappy, impressively concentrated boysenberry and bitter cherry flavors that spread out and become sweeter with aeration. Closes impressively long and smooth, with resonating florality and fine-grained tannins that come on late.` 93 Points Josh Reynolds

Metras remains for many, the pinacle of artisan Beaujolais. His first vintage was 1988 following in the tradition of Marcel Lapierre. His 5-hectares are split between Fleurie and Moulin-a-Vent and all of his parcels are exceptionally well placed.

Alain Coudert`s Clos de la Roilette reminds me of a more Northern Rhone accented style than most - dark cherries, spice and black pepper predominate. The wines age exceptionally well and it is impossible to think of a better, more ageable wine for less money than the Cuvee Tardive

`The 2019 Morgon Bellevue Sable is showing beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of raspberries, cherries, orange rind and plums. Medium to full-bodied, supple and succulent, it`s bright and fleshy, with powdery tannins and a generous core of fruit, girdled by lively acids. Bottled only a week before I tasted it, I suspect it will perform even better with six months` bottle age. As readers will remember, this cuvée comes from younger vines, planted on Viala rootstock in sandy soils—as the Sable" newly added to its label makes clear." 93 Points William Kelley"

Daniel Bouland is one of the most underated producers in Beaujolais, his old vines are very carefully managed and precisely vinified

Among the elite of Beaujolais, Breton`s 3000 case production is spread quite thinly, he has a big following in the restaurant sector in France, owing, largely I think to the way in which poise, elegance and ageability and combined with sheer, joyous drinkability.

“The 2017 Moulin-à-Vent Les Trois Roches is superb—and likely the king of the cellar chez Chermette this year—wafting from the glass with a beautiful bouquet of raspberries, potpourri, orange rind and rose petal. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, layered and supple, with the most depth and amplitude of any wine in the portfolio and the most held in reserve, too. This is a fantastic expression of Moulin-à-Vent from one of Beaujolais’s greatest winemakers, and it comes warmly recommended.” 95 Points William Kelley, Wine Advocate.

Metras remains for many, the pinacle of artisan Beaujolais. His first vintage was 1988 following in the tradition of Marcel Lapierre. His 5-hectares are split between Fleurie and Moulin-a-Vent and all of his parcels are exceptionally well placed.

Metras remains for many, the pinacle of artisan Beaujolais. His first vintage was 1988 following in the tradition of Marcel Lapierre. His 5-hectares are split between Fleurie and Moulin-a-Vent and all of his parcels are exceptionally well placed.

`This has a very backward nose with an almost animal-like intensity. The Cabernet Sauvignon is dominant with cedar, smoke and sous-bois characteristics coming through. Superb definition with a little more "attack" than the 1996 (which is not dissimilar in style.) The palate is extremely backward, almost chunky and tannic, much more primal than the `96 with blackberry, briary, bilberry complemented by hawthorn and leather. Very well balanced towards the charming finish which is developing an enthralling sense of harmony and effortless. A wine that put Mdm. Gasqueton on the map and still with so much to give in future years. Drink 2015-2040` 95 Points Neal Martin

Please enquire for photos.

Please enquire for photos.

Clos Puy Arnaud was written about in Feret`s early guide to Bordeaux’s wines in 1874 where it was described as a 1st growth and `one of the more researched wines of the country`. Since then, owner Thierry Valette has fashioned CPA into a most interesting domaine, with an emphasis on biodynamics.

Clos Puy Arnaud was written about in Feret`s early guide to Bordeaux’s wines in 1874 where it was described as a 1st growth and `one of the more researched wines of the country`. Since then, owner Thierry Valette has fashioned CPA into a most interesting domaine, with an emphasis on biodynamics.

`The 1996 Château d’Issan is a superb, young vintage of this fine estate, with the substantial tannins of this vintage on the Left Bank quite well managed and buried in a fine depth of sweet and pure fruit. The bouquet is still on the young side, but beginning to offer up some secondary elements in its constellation of sweet cassis and dark berries, tobacco leaf, a complex base of gravelly soil, a touch of graphite, violets and a nice framing of smoky new wood. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very pure and focused, with a rock solid core of fruit, excellent soil signature, tangy acids, lovely balance and a firm, chewy and ripely tannic finish. The chewy tannins of this vintage are still very much present here, though very nicely integrated, and all this wine seems likely to need is a fair bit more bottle age to allow the tannic backbone to start to peel back. This will be excellent in the fullness of time. Drink between 2022-2075.` 94 Points John Gilman

`The 2000 Domaine de Chevalier has long been one of my favourite wines and now at 16 years of age, it continues to live up to expectations. It has a beautiful nose, so lively and vivacious, with black plum and blackberry, cedar and damp undergrowth scents, an undercurrent of tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive definition, a fine thread of acidity, though still backward and intimating that there is much more in the tank. The structure is wonderful here, though it does not quite deliver the length you might expect, which compelled me to dock a couple of points. The bottom line: it`s a great Pessac-Léognan with a 30-40 year lifespan. Tasted January 2016` 93 Points Neal Martin

The home estate of Stephane Derancourt, advisor to the great and the good of Bordeaux. This 11 hectare spot in a prime location of Saint Colombe in the Cotes Castillon has a mixed set of parcels, producing elegant, floral accented Merlot.

`hile not as backward as the 1996, the opaque purple-colored 1995 is a tannic, unevolved, dense, concentrated wine that will require 8-10 years of cellaring. The 1995 exhibits pain grille, black currant, mineral, and subtle tobacco in its complex yet youthful aromatics. Powerful, dense, concentrated cassis and blueberry flavors might be marginally softer than in the 1996, but there is still plenty of grip and structure to this big wine.` 90 Points Robert Parker

Progressive viticulture has always been the hall-mark of this top-quality Chateau that farms more like artisan Burgundy then anything else. 100% Merlot.

`The color is opaque purple/black, and the nose offers up celestial aromas of black raspberries, cassis, and mineral notes that are reminescent of wines from the renowed Pomerol estate, Lafleur, or, more recently, the prodigiously perfect 1990 Beausejour-Duffau. The 1997 reveals exceptional old wine intensity, and more structure than many wines of the vintage, but the tannin is sweet and silky. Full-bodied, with layers of extract, an unctuous texture, and a finish that lasts for 40+ seconds, this is a profoudly great wine from a good vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020.` 91-93 Robert Parker

`Pale to medium garnet-brick in color, the 1998 Pavie Macquin simply sings with incredibly pure, spritely notes of blueberry preserves, blackberry pie and black cherry compote, revealing loads of eucalyptus, mocha, dried lavender and Chinese five spice accents. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is has wonderfully seductive blue and black fruit layers, framed by velvety tannins and the perfect amount of freshness to create tantalizing tension, finishing with incredible length and depth. Effortlessly delicious and yet possessing plenty of subtext for intellectual stimulation, I just love where this compelling `98 is at right now!` 97 Points Lisa Perroti-Brown

`From a cool terroir on clay and limestone soils (the perfect scenario for producing great wine in 2003), the 2003 Pavie Macquin is composed of 84% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, and achieved 13.8% natural alcohol. Full-bodied, young and vigorous, the wine exhibits a dense blue/black color to the rim along with a stunning nose of asphalt, truffle, blackberry, cassis, lead pencil shavings and forest floor. The super-complex aromatics are followed by an opulent, majestic 2003 with a finish that lasts nearly 45 seconds. One of the superstars of the vintage, it should continue to drink well for 10-15+ years. Bravo! Drink 2014-2029` 94 Points Robert Parker

`A noble, complex nose of flowers, beef blood, black currants, licorice, and truffles reveals surprising evolution. The full-bodied, powerful wine exhibits stunning concentration, beautiful richness, sweet tannin, and a long finish. A blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon (all from a bio-dynamically farmed vineyard), the 2004 Pavie-Macquin is another dazzling success from the brilliant winemaking team of Stephane Derenoncourt and Nicolas Thienpont.` 93 Points Robert Parker

`Inky bluish/purple in color, Pavie Macquin produced a prodigious effort from St.-Emilion in 2005. Its crushed, chalky rock minerality, massive body, and high tannin make for a wine to forget for another decade. Super-loaded, concentrated and powerful, this wine should turn out great, but patience will be required. The blackberry and cassis fruit are there in abundance, but so is a massive structure. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035.` 96+ Robert Parker

Located in the Merignac gravel - where many Chateaux made way for the airport, this remains a lovely location to make wine - next door to Haut-Brion and Pape Clement. Elegant old-school Graves

Located in the Merignac gravel - where many Chateaux made way for the airport, this remains a lovely location to make wine - next door to Haut-Brion and Pape Clement. Elegant old-school Graves

Located in the Merignac gravel - where many Chateaux made way for the airport, this remains a lovely location to make wine - next door to Haut-Brion and Pape Clement. Elegant old-school Graves

`The 1999 is another triumph from Francois Mitjaville, and a personal favourite, bursting from the glass in a blaze of decadent black fruits, exotic spice tones, tar, cedarwood and autumn leaves. On the palate the wine shows a lovely balance between fruit which is rich but not confectionery and bright sappy acids. The tannins have nicely melted and some tertiary complexity is beginning to emerge, but it will still be cruising along in a decade. With this wine, Mitjavile completely subverts the reputation of the 1999 vintage, and the result is something like Saint Emilion’s answer to Musigny.` 94 Points William Kelley

`This was a very strong vintage for Vieux Chateau Certan. The 1990 reveals a deep garnet color to the rim along with a sweet bouquet of charcoal, licorice, roasted herbs, forest floor, and a meaty, truffle-like scent. A fleshy, full-bodied wine with exceptionally low acidity, plenty of melted tannin, and a long, layered finish, this beauty is close to full maturity, but it is in no danger of falling apart. It should keep for another 15+ years` 94 Points Robert Parker

`A gorgeous wine of grace, elegance, and power, this youthful 2000 will benefit from another five years of cellaring. It appears to have 25 more years of life ahead of it. A deep ruby/purple color is just beginning to lighten at the edges. The bouquet offers up scents of cedar wood, melted licorice, black currants, blackberries, caramel, and mocha. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, and pure with low acidity as well as formidable tannins in the long finish, the 2000 should rival vintages such as 2005, 2006, and 2009.` 95 Points Robert Parker

`Made in a light, fruity style emphasizing finesse and elegance, the 2001 Filhot exhibits abundant amounts of sweet pineapple and sealing wax-like characteristics, along with pure, clean flavors. Slightly sweet, it does not possess the body or power of the vintage`s bigger examples, but it is a refreshing, vibrant Sauternes to enjoy over the next 12-15 years.` (06/04) From the Wine Spectator: `Golden-colored, with crème caramel and lemon meringue character. Medium-bodied, with good sweet fruit and a slightly burnt character. Hot. Drink now. 7,330 cases made.` ` 90 Points Robert Parker

`The Rabaud-Promis has a lovely bouquet with hints of dried honey, nutmeg and crème brûlée blossoming in the glass. The palate is well balanced with a viscous opening: a surfeit of botrytis here that vibrant mandarin and dried pineapple notes. There is a great sense of cohesion to this Rabaud-Promis with a long tail of spicy fruit on the finish. This is consistent with my tasting at the property in April 2012. Superb.` 93 Points Neal Martin

This is the domaine cuvee exploited from their own vineyards. In 2018 there were 3 iterations of Bourgogne Rouge. Hémisphère Sud, using grapes from Côte de Beaune; Hémisphère Nord, using grapes from the Côte de Nuits; and Cuvée Etienne Camuzet, using grapes exclusively from the estate, primarily from Chambolle-Musigny and Vosne-Romanée.

`A fireworks-in-a-glass nose is strikingly spicy with its gorgeously layered aromas of lilac, plum, violet and exotic tea scents. The silky and intensely mineral-infused medium weight flavors are shaped by ultra-refined tannins on the firm and impeccably well-balanced finale that goes on and on. This is a very classy effort that should also be relatively accessible young but amply reward longer-term bottle ageing. *Sweet spot. Outstanding*` 92-94 Points Allan Meadows

`Deep ruby. Brooding, profound aromas and flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, black cherry, licorice and animal fur, complicated by smoky soil tones. Wonderfully thick and dense; primary and backward but not at all hard. Most impressive today on the refined back end, finishing with noble, seamless tannins, intense black cherry and violet lift, and terrific pungent stony minerality. Another stunning wine in the making from a vineyard that was planted in 1882. This Charmes is Chambertin-like in its soil complexity, power and grip.` 96-98 Points Steven Tanzer

`This is notably more floral with its gently spiced aromas of dark currant, black raspberry, earth and cool wet stone scents. There is fine detail and vibrancy to the wonderfully textured mineral-inflected flavors that possess not only a much finer mouth feel but also markedly better complexity on the balanced and beautifully persistent finish. This is excellent and recommended.` 91 Points Allan Meadows

Parcel of vineyard is next to Petits Musigny owned by Vogue.

From the oldest vineyard of his estate, one hectare and 95-year-old vines

`The 2017 Gevrey-Chambertin Champs-Chenys Vieilles Vignes is showing very well, soaring from the glass with notes of ripe cherries, cassis and plums, framed by a deft touch of creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, supple and gourmand, its a concentrated and enveloping wine underpinned by succulent acids. As I wrote last year, this derives from old vines directly below Charmes-Chambertin, and the wines exuberant fruit lends it a close stylistic kinship with that grand cru` 92 Points William Kelley

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

An estate that was making very good wines in the 1970s as written about by Clive Coates and other writers of the time.

All from Christines’ family holdings, this is roughly a blend of 20% les Etelois, 50% les Crais, 20% les Presonniers, and 10% les Billards.

All from Christines’ family holdings, this is roughly a blend of 20% les Etelois, 50% les Crais, 20% les Presonniers, and 10% les Billards.

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

From three parcels, totalling roughly .6 hectares: les Herbeux, les Tuyeaux, and (from the Gibourg sisters) les Bas de Combe

From three parcels, totalling roughly .6 hectares: les Herbeux, les Tuyeaux, and (from the Gibourg sisters) les Bas de Combe

From three parcels, totalling roughly .6 hectares: les Herbeux, les Tuyeaux, and (from the Gibourg sisters) les Bas de Combe

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

The vineyard is just below Malconsorts and La Tache. Arnoux-Lachaux`s covers the top of the hill to bottom, giving complexity and a true representaiton of the site. Vines average 35-40 years-old. The wines are aged in 40% new oak.

`The 2008 Vosne-Romanee Aux Malconsorts blossoms with endless layers of dark fruit. This is a totally sensual, enveloping wine graced with finesse, class and elegance. The Malconsorts is a pretty open 2008, but it will be even better in another few years` time. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028.` 94 Points Antonio Galloni

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

After a few years under the mythical eye of Becky Wasserman, Alex Gambal set out to create a small negoce firm. Originally buying juice, then almost exclusively grapes at the end of the decade, he built up a strong reputation for quality and value. Aided, no doubt by some of the relationships he established with Becky and his easy-going natural charm. When he sold the concern to the Boisset`s he retained a cellar of small quantities of his past vintages

From a 0.15 hectare (!) parcel on the steeper upper slope shelf directly above the 1er crus les Malconsorts and les Gaudichots, two barrels made. Vines planted in 1934/1935. A 1er cru in all but name.

From a 0.15 hectare (!) parcel on the steeper upper slope shelf directly above the 1er crus les Malconsorts and les Gaudichots, two barrels made. Vines planted in 1934/1935. A 1er cru in all but name.

The 3 labels chez Boisson belie the fact the wines are identical. Ceated collaboratively at the family’s Meursault cellars. Pierre Boisson with his dad making the wines, which are amongst insiders - some of the smartest picks of the appellation. This Bourgogne Blanc is sourced from a variety of parcels all in the village of Meursault.

The 3 labels chez Boisson belie the fact the wines are identical. Ceated collaboratively at the family’s Meursault cellars. Pierre Boisson with his dad making the wines, which are amongst insiders - some of the smartest picks of the appellation. This Bourgogne Blanc is sourced from a variety of parcels all in the village of Meursault.

`Tribut`s 2018 Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy is very promising, bursting with notes of mandarin orange, green apple, freshly baked bread and oyster shell. On the palate, it`s medium to full-bodied, ample and expansive, with a fleshy, nicely concentrated core, lively acids and a saline finish.` 90-92 Points William Kelley

`A wide nose and of depth too – but relatively modest in volume. More alive, more complex, more communicative – less obviously concentrated, yet the volume and intensity grows. Bravo – great wine! Grenouilles must wait, because the flavour wont stop here.` Bill Nanson (2014)

`The 2019 Chablis Boucheron, which had been in barrel since March, has a pretty nose of expressive yellow flowers mixed with honeysuckle and light jasmine scents. The palate is lightly spiced on the entry, edgy and tensile, with a vibrant peppery finish. Good potential – lots of energy locked up in this Chablis.` 90-92 Points Neal Martin

`A wide nose and of depth too – but relatively modest in volume. More alive, more complex, more communicative – less obviously concentrated, yet the volume and intensity grows. Bravo – great wine! Grenouilles must wait, because the flavour wont stop here.` Bill Nanson (2014)

`As is often the case with this wine there is a touch of exotic fruit in the form of white peach, apricot and melon nuances on the petrol-infused nose that is trimmed in soft wood. The caressing and quite rounded medium-bodied flavors also possess a refreshing salinity on the solidly persistent and complex finale.` Allan Meadows

`The 2019 Chablis Les Pargues has a stunning nose of orange zest, yuzu and citrus lemon – scents that seem to spring from the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a saline lick, very zesty and intense. The vivid finish leaves you with a smile on your face. Fantastic.` 92-94 Points Neal Martin

`(these vines were picked on August 28 and 29--`always at the beginning,` noted David Croix): Pale yellow. Very tight nose hints at charred oak (this wine was bottled last, on April 10). Rich, tactile and smooth, conveying lovely lemony acidity and spicy freshness for this bottling. Youthfully tight for Bouchères but subtle and refined. Finishes tactile, chewy and long, and not at all overripe.` 92 Points Steven Tanzer

Classic young Clos de la Barre nose with its bright but slightly closed and austere character of white flower

`Green gold. Very good, obviously top drawer stuff on the nose. Silky yet concentrated – just so dense! Very dry (as opposed to sweet) with masses of acidity too and great depth. No compromises wine. Great life and vivacity. 18/20 Points` Jancis Robinson

`The 2012 Morey-Saint-Denis Blanc en la rue de Vergy brings together some of the juiciness of the Marsannay with the greater tension of the Pernand, a combination that is highly appealing. Lemon peel, citrus, white flowers and crisp green pears jump from the glass. The expressive, textured finish rounds things out nicely.` 89-91 Points Antonio Galloni

Fruit from Mayacamas Mountain vinified by Cathy Corison at the Long Meadow Ranch, in her signature style - it has aged with considerable aplomb

`Bright ruby. Vibrant, multifaceted nose combines black raspberry, plum, bitter chocolate, leather, tar and smoke, plus a floral nuance. Bright, focused and very intensely flavored, with lovely sweetness and noteworthy detail. Bitter chocolate and dark berry notes, with a sweet overlay of oak. A structured, delineated wine with compelling density and sappy verve. The very long finish features fine, complex tannins. A superb example that really captures the potential of this cool, European-styled vintage.` 92 Points Steven Tanzer

`The 2014 Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard shows the fatness and texture that is typical of this site, naturally through the Ceritas lens. Lemon confit, chamomile, wild flowers and white pepper all meld together in the glass. The signature personality of this site comes through nicely.` 94 Points Antonio Galloni

Released circa 1994

Steve believes this is about the best Syrah he`s ever released. The blend in 2015 is 65% from Fenaughty, and 35% from Barsotti.

Released circa 1994

Voted the best domestic rose by Eric Asimov in the NYT a year or so ago - the first vintage was 2006 and he was inspired by a Beaujolais vigneron who was doing the same thing. He thinks there`s a tenderness to the aromas and textural nature of the grape that amplifies the juicieness and energy of the wine. Fruit from Witters vineyard, about 1000 meters up - on red, volcanic clay. Also a bit from Barsotti which is more granitey and gives a little more structure.

`The 2014 Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard shows the fatness and texture that is typical of this site, naturally through the Ceritas lens. Lemon confit, chamomile, wild flowers and white pepper all meld together in the glass. The signature personality of this site comes through nicely.` 94 Points Antonio Galloni

`Usually one of the more overt wines in the range, the 2016 Chardonnay Charles Heintz Vineyard gives the impression that it needs more time in bottle to be at its most expressive. As always, the Heintz is distinguished by its layered, creamy palate feel. The aromatics and fruit still need to emerge, but all the elements are nicely woven together. Even so, I expect the 2016 will always be a relatively understated Heintz Chardonnay.` 93 Points Antonio Galloni

`The new release of Kalin Cellars Cuvée W chardonnay comes in at 13.9 percent octane and offers up a beautifully mature and complex bouquet of fresh apricot, honeyed apples, tangerine, toasted almonds, salty soil tones, brown butter and vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is deep, bright and zesty, with a superb core of fruit, great soil signature and superb length and grip on the precise, complex and very classy finish. The octane does show just a bit on the backend, as there is a whisper of warmth, but I can forgive it this in the face of the climate change we have been living in the face of since the late 1980s. I would’ve loved to have seen this wine at 13.2 or 13.3 percent, but it was not to be in 1996, and these old Wente Clones have still turned out a superb wine even at their higher octane level. 2020-2035.` 92 Points John Gilman

A blend of Charles Heintz fruit with younger vine from from Porter-Bass. Less destined for the long-haul, this offers superbly elegant drinking on release with the ability to add extra xomplexity if you can restrain.

`The 2017 Chardonnay Peter Martin Ray Vineyard is all precision and class. There is a feeling of translucence to the 2017 that is simply captivating. Even though the 2017 is airy and gracious, it also has plenty of structural underpinning. Lemon confit, almond, dried flowers, tangerine and mint add striking shades of nuances throughout.` 94 Points Antonio Galloni

The first planting of Vermentino, undertaken on behalf of Edmunds St John, at a vineyard at the Western edge of Placerville, became a co-planting with Grenache Blanc at the last minute, almost as an afterthought. For me the Vermentino shows more early on in it`s life - then with a few years, the Grenache Blanc starts muscling in.

`Soon to be released, the 2001 Sémillon was produced from vines planted in the 1880s in the Livermore Valley. As it approaches its 17th birthday, the wine is still remarkably youthful, opening in the glass with aromas of lemon oil, beeswax and honeysuckle, subtly framed by new oak. On the palate, it`s medium to full-bodied, textural and bright, with impressive concentration and a vivid, chalky finish. This is quite a bit more reserved than the 2001 Sauvignon Blanc that Kalin Cellars released from the same Livermore Valley site a few years ago.` 94 Points John Gilman

From 50 year old vines in the lieux-dits of Robarts and La Voie d`Epernay. 5 years on the lees.

`An explosion of aromas, flavors and textures emerges from the 1989 Cristal Rosé (magnum). In this warm vintage the Pinot is especially evident in the wine’s intensity, color and sheer breadth. A Champagne of striking inner perfume and sweetness, the 1989 caresses the palate with stunning depth and seemingly endless resonance. Sweet floral and spice notes lead into the creamy, exquisitely beautiful finish. What a surprise and what a wine! Moreover, the 1989 appears to still be ascending. In this tasting, it is just riveting. It’s as simple as that. This is a 2002 disgorgement.` 99 Points Antonio Galloni

`A wine of sublime delicacy and finesse, the 2009 Cristal Rosé is simply magnificent. The 2009 is surprisingly refined, silky and nuanced for a wine from a warm vintage. The red and floral-infused overtones are quite attractive, but it is the wine`s exceptional balance that places it among the best new releases of the year. Over the years, I have had the chance to taste many vintages of Cristal Rosé, a Champagne that needs bottle age to be at its very best. I suspect that will be the case here as well. Don`t miss it.` 97 Points Antonio Galloni

`Boulard`s NV Extra Brut Grande Montagne Grand Cru is a rich, radiant wine. Soft edges and expressive yellow stone fruit notes give the Grande Montagne its inviting personality, but there is plenty of structure and mineral-driven intensity lurking beneath. Hints of chamomile, apricot, lemon confit and brioche build into the exquisite, layered finish. This is a gorgeous wine from Boulard. This release is based on 2012, with 30% reserve wines from 2011 and 2010. Disgorged: March 31, 2016.` 93 Points Antonio Galloni

`(100% chardonnay; disgorged on October 21, 2011): Light, bright gold. Smoky orchard and pit fruits on the deeply perfumed nose and in the mouth. Lush and weighty, displaying impressive palate presence; notes of vanilla, candied fig and toasted nuts emerge with aeration. Closes smoky and long, with lingering spiciness and serious thrust. Pretty substantial but by no means outsized or heavy.` 93 Points Josh Reynolds

`One of the most intriguing wines I tasted, the 2007 Brut Nature Petraea MMVII is rich, vinous and beautifully textured. Layers of fruit emerge gracefully as this rich, creamy Champagne fills out its broad shouldered frame. This is another totally impeccable wine. Sweet red berries, savory herbs, mint and licorice all meld together on the inviting finish. Here the richness comes through the ripeness of the grapes, vinification in oak and the reserve perpetuelle, which incorporates wines going back to 1997. Clean veins of minerality support a finish that turns delicate, ethereal and crystalline over time. The Petraea MMVII is 60% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay, 25% the current 2007 vintage and 75% composed of a perpetual blend that includes every vintage back to 1997. Disgorged: March 27, 2012` 94 Points Antonio Galloni

The Juffer Sonnenuhr, lies within the heart of the rocky slopes of the Juffer vineyard. The hillside is marked by inclinations of up to 80% and gentle wave troughs as it rises vertically. It provides a sustainable microclimate that stamps the character of the wines produced from the grapes that grow here. These very fine, slaty soils – some deep, some rocky – are planted exclusively with Riesling grapes. They yield wines that have tremendous longevity and unmistakable potential.

`Deep honeyed nose. Rich and waxy nose. The sweetness was much more pronounced than in the J J Prum 1996 served alongside. Very satisfying for the moment. Charming and refreshing. (18/20 points)` Jancis Robinson

`Light orange-copper color. Slightly reduced nose combines redcurrant, earth, minerals and spices. Concentrated, rich and chewy with extract; very ripe, fruit-driven flavors of wild strawberry, redcurrant and earth. A compellingly rich, tactile, extremely harmonious rose that really spreads out to coat the palate. Offers lovely sweetness of fruit and supple texture.` 91 Points Steven Tanzer

From a really talented young producer who tends his family vinyard, Roccalini - A spot the professor Bruno Giacosa long knew was a source of fine grapes as he was one of the first customers for Paulo Veglio when he was starting off.

OC6 Antonio Galloni 92, Monica Larner 95

OC6 Antonio Galloni 94, Monica Larner 96

OC6 Antonio Galloni 95, Monica Larner 96

OC6 Antonio Galloni 93, Monica Larner 94

`Conterno’s 1970 Barolo is just off the charts gorgeous. It is color perfectly translucent, the 1970 soars out of the glass with all that magical perfume that makes older Barolo so alluring. Rose petal, mint, sweet tobacco, espresso, dried cherry and star anise give the 1970 a beguiling exoticism that is hard to fully describe. On the palate, the 1970 is supremely long, persistent and delicate, in the way only fine, aged Barolo can be. What a fabulous bottle! 96/Drink: 2019-2024.` 96 Points Antonio Galloni

No Riserva was made in 2014, so this took the best fruit from the Disa vines nearest the house. `Elio Sandri`s 2014 Barolo Perno Vigna Disa is gorgeous. It is also the only wine Sandri bottled in 2014, so all of the best fruit is in this bottling. Dark cherry, leather, smoke, savory herbs, licorice and dried flowers give the 2014 much of its complexity and overall nuance. Readers should expect a powerful, savory Barolo with quite a bit of both nuance and character, but less in the way of primary fruit.` 93 Points Antonio Galloni