`Opaque, bright-rimmed ruby. A highly perfumed, expansive bouquet evokes fresh red/blue fruits, exotic spices and potpourri, along with building minerality. Stains the palate with intense raspberry and boysenberry flavors that are underscored by a spicy element and a core of smoky minerality. Shows excellent clarity and spicy thrust on a very long, gently tannic finish that leaves a succulent herb note behi` 93 Points Josh Reynolds, Vinous

`Opaque, bright-rimmed ruby. A highly perfumed, expansive bouquet evokes fresh red/blue fruits, exotic spices and potpourri, along with building minerality. Stains the palate with intense raspberry and boysenberry flavors that are underscored by a spicy element and a core of smoky minerality. Shows excellent clarity and spicy thrust on a very long, gently tannic finish that leaves a succulent herb note behi` 93 Points Josh Reynolds, Vinous

`Lurid ruby-red. Primary red fruit aromas are given lift and a spicy edge by a suggestion of white pepper. Silky and open-knit in the mouth, offering energetic raspberry, cherry and floral pastille flavors that pick up a smoky mineral nuance on the back half. Gentle tannins build steadily and add shape the fruit-driven finish, which shows excellent persistence.` 93 Points Josh Reynolds, Vinous

A new parcel, on the lower slope of the Cote.

`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"

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.

`Lapierre`s 2020 Morgon offers up aromas of plummy fruit and raspberries mingled with hints of petals and spices. Medium-bodied, satiny and enveloping, its succulent core of fruit is framed by melting tannins and mouthwatering acids. This thirst-quenching, fruit-driven Morgon is one of the purest, most precise young wines I`ve tasted from this address in recent years.` 91 Points William Kelley

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 1985 vintage of Château Ausone was not particularly touted when it was released, but this is a great wine that should ultimately prove to be one of the greatest Ausones of the decade of the 1980s. The bouquet is deep, pure and youthfully exotic, as it soars from the glass in a very vibrant blend of baked cherries, blood orange, menthol, woodsmoke, glorious soil tones, a touch of dill and a potpourri of other more classic fresh herb tones. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and very intensely flavored, with a sappy core of fruit, great soil inflection, ripe, well-integrated tannins and superb length and grip on the tangy finish. A classic Ausone in the making, I would not touch the ’85 for another decade, despite the fact that it is already quite accessible. There are just too many layers of complexity still to unfold here to be opening bottles right now! (Drink between 2020-2070)` 94 Points John Gilman

`The 1996 Branaire-Ducru is a delightful vintage and represents the pinnacle of that decade. It has an exquisite bouquet that is defined and focused: blackberry, pencil lead, tobacco and a touch of chimney soot after time. The palate is very pure with really fine tannin. There is a sense of panache and class about this 1996: detailed and utterly harmonious with hints of blue fruit towards the Margaux-like finish. Classic Branaire-Ducru` 92 Points Neal Martin

`I had not tasted the 1961 Canon since late in 2001, so naturally, after writing my historical feature on the estate back in the summer of 2010, I crossed paths with an absolutely pristine example of the wine in November of that year! Clearly, I underestimated this wine a decade before, as the most recent bottle was absolutely stunning, soaring from the glass in a beautiful blend of dark berries, a hint of blood orange, coffee, cigar ash, a superbly complex base of soil and a touch of sealing wax in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and gloriously complex, with great focus and balance, lovely mid-palate depth and purity and a very, very long, elegant and à point finish that lasts and lasts. A great, great example of the vintage with decades of life still ahead of it! (Drink between 2010-2050)` 96 Points John Gilman

`Another unbelievably rich, multidimensional, broad-shouldered wine, with slightly more elegance and less weight than the powerhouse 1996, this gorgeously proportioned, medium to full-bodied, fabulously ripe, rich, cassis-scented and flavored Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a beauty. It should be drinkable within 4-5 years, and keep for 25-30. This classic Pauillac is a worthy rival to the other-worldly 1996. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2025.` 95 Points Robert Parker

`Several notes, various bottlings, perfect colour, fragrant nose, very flavoury` *** Michael Broadbent

`The 1964 Latour initially feels a little overawed by the openness and opulence of the 1962, a tad reserved and bashful on the nose, the palate missing the same depth and complexity. However, observing the wine over two hours, it simply blossoms in the glass, revealing beguiling autumn leaves, aniseed and cigar box scents on the exquisitely defined nose. The palate is medium-bodied, with fine tannin, cedar and graphite infusing the black fruit with a classic, regal finish that leaves me in awe. I mention in my previous tasting note that the 1964 can be startling. This is one of the finest examples that I have met. Just do not be afraid to give a 30 minute decant. Tasted from a bottle bought on release and tasted at “Brat” restaurant in London. 2018 - 2032` 96 Points Neal Martin

`The bouquet does not quite have the vivacity, the chutzpah of the 1990 Barton, a little more introverted with notes of cigar box, earth, wet sand and chestnut. The palate is medium-bodied, quite elegant, refined and harmonious with a firm mid-palate. Cedar, sandalwood and dried herbs. Unlike the 1990, the 1989 has a crescendo of flavours towards the finish that demonstrates great structure and persistency. Austere, conservative but classy, there is a chance that the `89 may outlast the `90. Drink 2009 -2025.` 91+ Neal Martin

`Believe it or not, the 1990 Leoville Barton can actually be drunk - something that cannot be said about the broodingly backward, still excruciatingly tannic 1982. The exceptionally concentrated 1990 reveals more polished, sweeter tannins along with a big, sweet kiss of black currant, forest floor, cedar, and spice box notes. While it still has some tannins to shed, this full-bodied, powerful, long wine is approachable. It should continue to evolve for another two decades.` 93+ Robert Parker

`The final blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc was harvested between September 14 and October 3. The spring was cold, yet summer was extremely hot and dry - one of the hottest vintages since 1949. The fact that virtually no rain fell in September served as a catalyst to get all the grapes ripe and in cellars. Some bottles of this wine have a definite brett population that gives off the notes of sweaty horses, but this one did not. The ones I have had from my cellar - where I have had it frequently - are quite pure and clean. I suspect that the brett population is in all of them, but unless the wine hits some heat along the transportation route or in storage, the wine will not show any brett. This one tasted at the chateau, as well as those I`ve had from my cellar, have been pristine and not showing the sweaty horse notes that can be in evidence in brett populations that have flourished in the bottle because of external temperatures. This wine has an incredibly complex nose of spring flowers, blackberry and cassis liqueur, scorched earth and barbecue spice. It is full-bodied, majestic and opulent, with low acidity and fabulous fruit. It is close to full maturity. The wine should continue to drink well for at least another 30 or more years, but it is showing secondary nuances in the perfume. The wine is absolutely magnificent, broad, savory and mouth-filling. This is one of the all-time modern legends from Bordeaux as well as Chateau Montrose.` 100 Points Robert Parker

`The 1962 Coutet is a touch less vibrant than it was a decade ago, but it`s still strikingly complex and seamless` William Kelley

`The 1971 Coutet is a Barsac that I have drunk several times but to be frank, I cannot remember one as sensational as this. Funnily enough, the last time I had this was back in October 2010 for Jasper Morris’s book launch and the same man is sharing this bottle eight years later. Refulgent golden in colour it has an explosive bouquet with vivacious scents of quince, blood orange, Manuka honey and just that hint of petrol. There are few Sauternes of this age that match the vigour of this and that comes through on the palate: viscous in texture, a killer line of acidity that slices effortlessly through the honeyed fruit with fabulous tension on the rich, slightly Germanic finish. I would love to rack this up against the 1971 Yquem so they can fight it out for best Bordeaux of the vintage!` 96 Points Neal Martin

From an English Cellar where the wines have sat since purchase - superlative storage and levels but some damage to some labels - please enquire for pics

From an English Cellar where the wines have sat since purchase - superlative storage and levels but some damage to some labels - please enquire for pics

Vogue fruit - bottled by Remoissenet for Averys

From an English Cellar where the wines have sat since purchase - superlative storage and levels but some damage to some labels - please enquire for pics

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

From an English Cellar where the wines have sat since purchase - superlative storage and levels but some damage to some labels - please enquire for pics

From an English Cellar where the wines have sat since purchase - superlative storage and levels but some damage to some labels - please enquire for pics

From an English Cellar where the wines have sat since purchase - superlative storage and levels but some damage to some labels - please enquire for pics

From an English Cellar where the wines have sat since purchase - superlative storage and levels but some damage to some labels - please enquire for pics

From an English Cellar where the wines have sat since purchase - superlative storage and levels but some damage to some labels - please enquire for pics

From an English Cellar where the wines have sat since purchase - superlative storage and levels but some damage to some labels - please enquire for pics

From an English Cellar where the wines have sat since purchase - superlative storage and levels but some damage to some labels - please enquire for pics

From an English Cellar where the wines have sat since purchase - superlative storage and levels but some damage to some labels - please enquire for pics

From an English Cellar where the wines have sat since purchase - superlative storage and levels but some damage to some labels - please enquire for pics

From an English Cellar where the wines have sat since purchase - superlative storage and levels but some damage to some labels - please enquire for pics

From an English Cellar where the wines have sat since purchase - superlative storage and levels but some damage to some labels - please enquire for pics

From an English Cellar where the wines have sat since purchase - superlative storage and levels but some damage to some labels - please enquire for pics

`The 2016 Viré-Clessé Cuvée E. J. Thevenet is showing beautifully, unfurling in the glass with notes of elderflower, beeswax, pear, white flowers and peach. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and precise, it`s lively and concentrated, concluding with a saline finish. This is a more elegant, less muscular wine than the 2015, nodding to the style of the lovely 2013. I vividly remember visiting the domaine in October 2016, in pouring rain, when everyone else in the neighborhood had finished picking and Gautier Thevenet hadn`t yet begun!` 94 Points William Kelley

`The 2016 Carema Riserva is another knock-out effort from the Produttori di Carema, the local cooperative that has really been on fire these last few vintages. Open-knit and inviting, but with all the complexity that is so typical of the appellation, the 2016 is superb. Crushed flowers, mint, sweet tobacco, cedar and licorice are all woven together in a super-expressive Carema that offers tons of complexity in a relatively accessible style for a young wine from the appellation. The Riserva is a selection of the best casks in the cellar, with the wine aged for an added year in cask, so three years’ in neutral oak in total. That extra year in oak vis-à-vis the Classico does take with it some of the fruit while emphasizing more savory and mineral qualities. Power and finesse come together so well in this textbook Carema.` Score: 95 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com

A small 3 hectare estate on the on the island of Pantelleria off the Sicilian Coast. Francesco Ferreri is one of the partners and native to the Island. After seeing his Grandfather make wines he wanted to return to the island and refind the pathways of the old hands that made wine on this extraodinary place before the youth left and big agriculture and lazy winemaking took over.

(85% Catarratto, 10% Pignatello, 5% Inzolia)-

A small 3 hectare estate on the on the island of Pantelleria off the Sicilian Coast. Francesco Ferreri is one of the partners and native to the Island. After seeing his Grandfather make wines he wanted to return to the island and refind the pathways of the old hands that made wine on this extraodinary place before the youth left and big agriculture and lazy winemaking took over.

A small 3 hectare estate on the on the island of Pantelleria off the Sicilian Coast. Francesco Ferreri is one of the partners and native to the Island. After seeing his Grandfather make wines he wanted to return to the island and refind the pathways of the old hands that made wine on this extraodinary place before the youth left and big agriculture and lazy winemaking took over.

A small 3 hectare estate on the on the island of Pantelleria off the Sicilian Coast. Francesco Ferreri is one of the partners and native to the Island. After seeing his Grandfather make wines he wanted to return to the island and refind the pathways of the old hands that made wine on this extraodinary place before the youth left and big agriculture and lazy winemaking took over.

A small 3 hectare estate on the on the island of Pantelleria off the Sicilian Coast. Francesco Ferreri is one of the partners and native to the Island. After seeing his Grandfather make wines he wanted to return to the island and refind the pathways of the old hands that made wine on this extraodinary place before the youth left and big agriculture and lazy winemaking took over.

A small 3 hectare estate on the on the island of Pantelleria off the Sicilian Coast. Francesco Ferreri is one of the partners and native to the Island. After seeing his Grandfather make wines he wanted to return to the island and refind the pathways of the old hands that made wine on this extraodinary place before the youth left and big agriculture and lazy winemaking took over.

An offshoot from the Labet domaine, Christian has been making wines with Julian and co for over 15 years and decided to go his own way. Piecing together a domaine slowly making wines in the tradition of their mentors Labet and Ganevat (who they have picked up a few parcels from). Sulphor free wines with organic farming.

A Grolleau Gris / Noir melange from a very good talent who trained with Eric Pifferling and works really hard in the vineyards. Very pure wines

`(Tardieu-Laurent Cornas Coteaux) (this is reportedly all petite serine): Inky purple. Highly perfumed, exotic bouquet of raspberry and blueberry preserves, incense, violet and minerals, with a smoky topnote. At once ripe and lively, offering palate-staining berry and cherry-cola flavors and intense back-end floral character. Finishes spicy and long, with impressive energy and lingering spiciness.` 92 Points Josh Reynolds

`Shiny, quite full red robe; red fruit with caramel casing, some Southern paste effect in the fruit, blood notes, a touch of reduction. The attack is expressive, comes with good freedom, clear, clean threads, iron filings, is very Burgundian, to grow into its frame and to expand. It has much restraint, more blood with firm cherry notes towards the finish. It’s not an evident wine – it requires patience, then study. Decant it. From 2023` **** John Livingstone-Learmonth

`The nose has a serene roundness, is speckled with violets, is up a gear from the Granit 60, has a beau interior of black fruits, all calmly set up, with ripe appeal. The palate texture is oily, glistens, the old vine sève [sap] on display, with ripe, classy tannins that bring velvet allure. Violets, rose petals, with iron feature along the second half. It shows sun, but not in excess. The 100% whole bunch has helped its length and coolness. It has definite links to his uncle Robert Michel’s La Geynale that preceded this. It’s worthy of a very good table, is symphonic wine. From 2026-27. 2049-51` ***** John Livingstone-Learmonth

One of the icons of traditional Cote Rotie, Maxime Champet continues to stick to the principles of the family, in guiding the Northern sector fruit to a long lived, well-balanced wine where a core of iron is intermingled with secondary flavours that reach quite mind-boggling levels of complexity by ten years. Luckily, prices remain affordable for the time-being.

After Philippe`s recent retirement, his son Tony has taken over at the domaine - the quality of the wines remains excellent, altough the new labels are not to everyone`s tastes!

Laureano Serres farms six hectares of vineyards in Terra Alta, near Priorat - spread over parcels in El Pinell at around 170 metres of altitude and higher up where they reach some 500 metres above sea level. This height, and his taste, tends to lend the wines real freshness and vibrancy.

Laureano Serres farms six hectares of vineyards in Terra Alta, near Priorat - spread over parcels in El Pinell at around 170 metres of altitude and higher up where they reach some 500 metres above sea level. This height, and his taste, tends to lend the wines real freshness and vibrancy.

Laureano Serres farms six hectares of vineyards in Terra Alta, near Priorat - spread over parcels in El Pinell at around 170 metres of altitude and higher up where they reach some 500 metres above sea level. This height, and his taste, tends to lend the wines real freshness and vibrancy.

Laureano Serres farms six hectares of vineyards in Terra Alta, near Priorat - spread over parcels in El Pinell at around 170 metres of altitude and higher up where they reach some 500 metres above sea level. This height, and his taste, tends to lend the wines real freshness and vibrancy.