90+ Points | Critical Acclaim | Wine & Sparkling Wine

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2006

Wine Spectator 96 Points | This has lovely flavors of apricot, dried tangerine, pineapple and papaya rushing along, supported by hazelnut, frangipane and coconut notes. Despite the depth, it's very, very pure, with filigreed acidity carrying the long, long finish. Drink now through 2037. 7,500 cases made. 

Wine Advocate 95 Points | Served from an ex-chateau bottle. The 2006 Chateau d Yquem has a slightly reticent bouquet at first that unfolds in the glass. There aromas are well-behaved at first, but then start having some fun with lovely scents of dried honey, dried quince, marzipan and beeswax. Delving further into the aromatics there is a hint of spice and white pepper. The palate is extremely well-balanced with a viscous opening. There is great harmony and composure here - certainly not as voluminous or ravishing as the 2009 - but a controlled and very focused Yquem with a slight saltiness coming through toward the finish. The edginess is absorbing and it should play out nicely with bottle age. This could be the dark horse between the 2001 and 2009. Drink now-2050. Tasted March 2014. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2014

Stephan Reinhardt of the Wine Advocate writes 94+ Points | The 2014 Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile is highly complex on the clear, intense and smoky, lemony nose. Clear, fresh, straight and very mineral on the nose, this is a pure but complex, intense, stony Riesling that is pretty austere at the moment. Provided with racy acidity, but concentrated and mineral on the palate, this is exceptional dry Riesling with great tension. To be served in 10, 20 and even in 30 years.  Drinking 2025 to 2040. 

Ian D’Agata of Vinous writes 94+ Points | Vivid straw-green. Delicate nuances of jasmine and lemon verbena complicate aromas of green apple, lime and minerals. Pure and penetrating on the palate, boasting superb definition to the flavors of gin, mint, minerals, violet and lemon zest. The finish is remarkably crystalline and long. This Frédéric Emile is currently dominated by its Osterberg component (the cuvée is a blend of Osterberg and Geisberg grand cru grapes), which brings chiseled acidity, as opposed to the Geisberg’s ripe fruit personality and licorice quality. Despite the difficult year, this is likely to become a memorable Frédéric Emile. So much so, in fact, that it’s currently impossible to choose between it and the more famous Clos Sainte Hune.  Drinking 2022 to 2045.

James Suckling writes 96 Points | So much mineral and sliced apple character with hints of orange and apple peel. Turns to steely character. Full-bodied, racy and bright. So lively. Great finish. Drink or hold on release. 

Jeb Dunnuck writes 92+ Points | Coming close to a decade after the vintage, the 2014 Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile is still vivid and racy, with a taut, focused, almost austere style in its ripe citrus, crushed stone, hazelnut, and smoky mineral-driven aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied and nicely concentrated, with high yet integrated acidity, this needs another 4-5 years of bottle age, as it's currently austere, firm, and inward. It will be an incredibly long-lived Riesling, but how much pleasure it will ultimately deliver might be questionable.  Drinking after 2027. 

Alison Napjus of the Wine Spectator writes 95 Points | A bone-dry, racy white, with a lovely entry point of slate, petrol and brine aromas on the nose, plus a minerally profile that underscores notes of crunchy nectarine, kiwifruit, cherry blossoms, pink grapefruit pith and fresh thyme. Firm and linear, this graceful version exhibits seamless knit and definition. Drink now through 2039.  - Wine Spectator 95

Jancis Robinson writes 17.5+ Points | To be released around 2022 or 2023. Razor-sharp nose and very tight. Lots to chew on. They could release this and no one would object but I can see why they want it to unfurl a bit.  Drinking 2022 to 2035.  - Jancis Robinson 17.5+

Winemaker Description 

Expert Review - Vintage 2008

97 Points Wine Spectator:  Like a stallion out of the gate, this shows an initial explosion of power, in the form of mouthwatering flavors and fine texture, before quickly settling into an elegant gait. The racy acidity is seamlessly knit, buoying the lacy mousse and flavors of cassis, toasted brioche and tangerine, with accents of candied ginger, hazelnut and fleur de sel lingering on the long, creamy finish. Drink now through 2035.

96 Points Wine Enthusiast:  The new release of this producer's prestige cuvée comes in its usual beautifully sculpted bottle. The Champagne, from a great vintage in the region, is just approaching maturity still showing minerality from the high amount of Chardonnay in the blend. Nutty flavors are creeping in, keeping the great texture adding complexity. Drink this very fine wine now although it will also age further.

96 Points Decanter: Rare Champagne boasts an illustrious past, with its first vintage having been presented to Marie Antoinette in 1785. The wine is produced in very limited quantities and is restricted to exceptional years, with only 11 vintages being declared over the past four decades of production. 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir from selected grand cru vineyards. Simon Field MW: Gentle bead, lovely evolved notes of hazelnut, even a hint of praline, enrobed and ennobled by firm acidity and a persuasive finish. Alan Bednarski: Great, pure wine with still-fresh zesty flavours, delicate palate and sweet yeast notes, with a long flavourful finish of ripe melon. Tim Hall: A challenging, pressing start, wanting to overwhelm with shimmering and sharp attack, but shows intensity on the palate to match. Lovely lemon-apple notes and tempered texture.

96 Points Jeb Dunnuck: The 2008 Champagne Rare is luxurious with aromas of graham cracker, honeysuckle, quince, and orange zest. It is round and opulent, with a fine and pillowy mousse, and retains freshness throughout, with apricot and yellow flowers. It is impressive and long, and fully luxurious. Drinking well now, it is sure to hold its own for years to come. Drink 2022-2044.

93 Points Wine Advocate:  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 characteristics that depress my score a little, even if I suspect that they will resolve with a bit more bottle age. Medium to full-bodied, incisive and tightly wound, if the 2006 vintage was gourmand and demonstrative, the 2008 is slower to show all its cards. Built around racy acids and complemented by a pillowy mousse, this rendition of Cuvée Rare will reward a few years more on cork.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

96 Points James Suckling: A very balanced, refined Duhart with ever so fine tannins and currant, tobacco and cedar aromas and flavors. Medium to fine tannins. It’s extremely long and polished. Direct. You already want to drink this.
Barrel Sample:95-96

94 Points  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: The 2019 Duhart-Milon is showing beautifully, mingling aromas of cassis and wild berries with notions of violets, cedar wood, orange rind, licorice and spice box in a perfumed bouquet. Medium to full-bodied, supple and seamless, it's charming and refined, with a deep core of fruit, powdery tannins and succulent acids. This château is going from strength to strength. Best after 2025.

94 Points Decanter: This one might sneak up on you, confirming the rise of this wine in recent years. Clear depth of fruit, and above all clear Pauillac character. This feels strict and confident, with beautiful balance and restraint. Duhart is one of the later-ripening and cooler Pauillac terroirs which is why in the past it could be overly austere when young, but it is benefitting from recent hot summers in terms of its fruit ripeness. Pencil lead is prominent here, along with cassis and bilberry. Very precise, very elegant, with a creaminess to the fruit through the mid palate, and overall this is an excellent Duhart.
Barrel Sample:94

94 Wine Spectator: Racy and mineral-driven, with a chalky thread that runs from start to finish, adding a perfumed elegance to a core of steeped black currant and blackberry fruit flavors. This has a lushness to the fruit, with dark tobacco, steeped black tea and singed alder notes, but there's plenty of range, detail and textural nuance as well. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best from 2024

Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot

Expert Review - Vintage 2015

Mike DeSimone of the Wine Enthusiast writes 95 Points | Dark ruby in color, this wine has a nose of black cherry, cedar chest and violet candy. A pleasant floral note is a constant companion to blackberry, anisette, clove and dark-chocolate flavors that are enclosed in a shell of muscular tannins. A soft note of pomegranate permeates the grippy finish. Drink through 2035. 

Winemaker Description 

A 1er Cru RBD from Yolanda and Carolina García Viadero whose mission is to place the Tinto Fino varietal among the world’s best.  Bursts of blackberry and cassis, relaxed opulence and richness.

Expert Reviews 

Alison Napjus of the Wine Spectator writes 92 Points | The fine and creamy bead of this elegant rosé carries an attractive mix of white cherry, peach, blood orange granita and biscuit flavors, enlivened by a firm frame of mouthwatering acidity.

Audrey Frick of Jeb Dunnuck writes 90 Points | The NV Champagne Grand Brut Rosé pours a medium salmon hue and is equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (8% of which is red wine). It is juicy with ripe raspberry, crushed flowers, and sweet citrus. The palate is ripe with apricot, sweet tangerine, and a soft texture. It is ready to drink now or over the next 6-8 years.

Winemaker Description 

This Grand Rosé has a high percentage of Chardonnay, which creates freshness and precision, complemented by Pinot Noir with delivers very fine and crunchy fruit. With 4 years minimum ageing in the cellars, this Rosé balances between freshness and fruit without masking the wine’s character and purity. The nose reveals aromas of citrus and strawberries with subtle notes of red berries and spice. The palate is well-built with a constant balance between the tension of the acidity and the smoothness of the fruit, while the finish shows a nice roundness and lovely minerality.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022 

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | The 2022 Pinot Noir Les Dijonnais comes from the oldest vines on the property, planted in 1995 with all Dijon clones. Bottled in late January of this year, the wine sports a vibrant ruby hue and shows off notes of wild raspberries, mixed berries, a hint of fresh violets, clove spice, forest herbs, and brambly earth. It’s chiseled in its structure, with coiled tannins and a good deal of youthful tension, and also offers mineral persistence, with wonderful salinity and dark undertones of earth. It demands another few years in cool cellars to soften and expand as it evolves and will drink well over the long haul. Drink 2026-2040. 590 cases were produced.

Winemaker Description 

Planted in 1995, the Dijon block is now in its prime, delivering the complexity and elegance one expects from carefully tended twenty-six-year-old vines. The 2021 “DJ,” as it is known in-house, shows characteristic black raspberry and rose hip notes. Consistent with previous vintages, it displays Asian five spice, briar and even hints of blood orange coupled with a refreshing acidity and persistent finish. It is a superior vintage, one of the best of the decade. While the 2021 Les Dijonnais Pinot Noir is delicious right now, it will reward patience after a few years in a cool cellar.  Winemaker Description.

Expert Review- Vintage 2023

Christina Pickard of the Wine Enthusiast writes 93 Points | Lime leaf, waxy citrus, white peach notes and a hint of honey open this Clare Valley Riesling. The combo of dryness, cheek-sucking, orange peel acidity and chalky texture makes for a somewhat austere wine solo, but pair with a creamy goat's cheese or seafood risotto and watch it shine. 

Producer Description 

Originally a pastoral run dating back to 1839, and originally named Wolta Wolta, Jim Barry purchased the land for The Lodge Hill Vineyard in 1977 as he was sure it would “produce some of the best Riesling in the Clare Valley.” Situated at 480 meters above sea level and situated on the Eastern Ranges of the Clare Valley, the grapes at our Lodge Hill Vineyard are exposed to concentrated bursts of sunlight and cool nights which encourage slower ripening. This helps deliver beautiful natural acidity and citrus characters that ripen early because of the small crop it produces. Gentle pressing and a rapid move into the fermentation allows the natural fruit flavors to be preserved.

Aromas of fresh lime, spice, citrus blossom, white peach, and nectarine skins open on the nose. In the mouth, the lime flavors take center stage commanding attention on entry. The fruit is fleshy with considerable weight and framed with a refreshing driving acid. A lot of wine!

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Australian Wine Companion 91 Points | Yalumba continues to grace us with a range of wines made from viognier, from entry-level to aspirational, that convey a deep understanding of both the variety and site. Pale straw with green flashes and aromas of lemon, grapefruit and apricot along with hints of lemon sorbet, wildflowers, a liminal whiff of white pepper and stone. Flecks of dried herbs join in on the palate, which is stony and savoury, lingering nicely as it fades away. A great introduction to the variety. 

James Suckling 91 Points | A fresh, juicy and precise viognier with aroma of peaches, apricots and fresh flowers. Medium-bodied with fresh acidity. Vivid and playful, with a refreshing finish.

Producer Description 

With 175 years of unbroken independence, Yalumba continues to make wine at its founder's home estate under the direction of the same family today. Samuel's Collection honors Yalumba's founder Samuel Smith, his spirit of independence and conviction to invest in the land and make great wine.

Pure aromas reminiscent of fresh apricots, lifted ginger, saffron and fresh white flowers. The palate is long, rich, and luscious, with intense and expressive stone fruit flavors finishing with an alluring freshness. This wine will continue to grow and develop in the bottle, firstly showing enhanced apricots and spice, then honey flavors and toast complexity.

Enjoy with a Moroccan tagine and couscous, or baba ghanoush.

Winemaker Description 

This has a pretty nose with dark spices, nut shell and cedar notes with a dark fruit backbone, following through to a medium body with firm and finely polished tannins that go on and on. Refined and nicely balanced with velvety texture. Lingering and chalky finish. Try after 2026.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

James Suckling 94 Points | This has a pretty nose with dark spices, nut shell and cedar notes with a dark fruit backbone, following through to a medium body with firm and finely polished tannins that go on and on. Refined and nicely balanced with velvety texture. Lingering and chalky finish. Try after 2026.

Vinous 93 Points | The 2020 Sociando Mallet has retained its impressive aromatics from its showing in barrel with beautifully defined blackberry and raspberry fruit, pressed violet and light cedar aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with firm backbone, a little powdery in texture, fine backbone with ample freshness and tension towards its graphite-infused finish. Bravo!

The Wine Advocate 92 Points | The 2020 Sociando-Mallet is very attractive, exhibiting aromas of cassis and plums mingled with notions of pencil shavings, loamy soil, tobacco leaf and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with lively acids and powdery tannins, it's a strong effort from a site that always does well in warm vintages. The 2020 is a blend of 53% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc.

Decanter 92 Points | Wonderfully fragrant on the nose, just stopping short of being potent. Glorious perfumed scents and rich, ripe black fruits. Clean and clear, this has a lively energy to it and a little bit of liquorice which gives a savoury, dark and sticky edge to the fruit. Clarity, classicism and precision on show. Sculpted, muscular, grippy and chewy. Excellent potential with a slate and coffee-toned finish.

Producer Description 

A blend of five of our favorite Russian River Valley vineyard sites, this Chardonnay captures the fantastic character of the 2021 vintage. Fusing fresh lemon and white floral aromas with a throughline of minerality, this versatile Chardonnay is simultaneously easygoing and complex.  

Peak Drinking Window: 2023 – 2029. 

98 Points, James Suckling
94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck 
90 Points, Wine Spectator

Expert Review

James Suckling 98 Points | Extremely focused and energetic nose of sliced limes and Meyer lemons with lemongrass. Some stone and hints of flint. Full-bodied with superb density and structure and phenolics that you can feel. It goes on for minutes. Slightly chewy at the end. From Wente clones planted in 1974. (v.2021). 

Producer Description 

The wine is a crimson-hued garnet red. Elegant and refined, the nose exudes floral aromas, going on with airing to develop notes of blackcurrant and licorice root. The full and smooth attack reveals an alluring and complex array of flavors in which ripe fruit is magnificently set off by notes of toasted cereals and violet. The mid-palate is underpinned by high-quality close-knit and creamy tannins, leading into a saline and slightly minty finish which lingers on hints of chocolates.

Expert Reviews

James Suckling 96 Points | Aromas of crushed stone, blackcurrants and blackberries. Full-bodied with extremely well-crafted tannins that are chewy and layered, yet polished and fantastic. Love the finish. 72% cabernet sauvignon, 25% petit verdot, 22% merlot and 4% cabernet franc. (v.2019).

Wine Enthusiast 94-96 Points | Dense and rich, with a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, this is another great vintage from the estate. Its black fruits ooze concentration alongside firm tannins that promise a potential for long aging. The aftertaste has opulent black currant richness. (v.2019). 

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | The 2019 Clerc Milon is a real success. At more than 70%, this blend contains one of the highest proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon in the property's recent history, and the result is a wine of real nobility. Offering up aromas of violets, wild berries, licorice, loamy soil and cigar wrapper, it's full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with notable depth at the core, lively acids and ripe, powdery tannins that assert themselves on the finish. From clay-limestone soils rather than the sandy gravels that characterize d'Armailhac, this is by some margin the more structured and serious of Mouton-Rothschild's two Pauillac stablemates.(v.2019).

Decanter 95 Points | The wine has the highest levels of Cabernet Sauvignon since the 1980s, and even on the nose you can feel its impact in terms of the depth of tight black fruit. Extremely good quality with fine tannins that build, build, build over the palate, and grip on, forcing you to slow down and pay attention. Beautiful spice with menthol, slate, pencil lead, blackberry and blackcurrant. An exciting wine with real energy and forward motion, helped to withstand the summer heat by its position by the river, and the fact that the average age of the vines at Clerc Milon is almost 50 years. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Jean Emmanuel Danjoy's last outing doing the full vintage at Clerc Milon before he heads over to Mouton as technical director. (v.2019).

Wine Spectator 93 Points | Presents a very fresh core of cassis, red cherry and damson plum fruit flavors that meld nicely with a racy iron streak, while light savory and floral details run along the edges. A very pure and bright version that should age well. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenère. (v.2019).

Jeb Dunnuck 93 Points | Another beautiful effort from this team, the 2019 Château Clerc Milon is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, from vines just across the street from Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Mouton Rothschild. Brought up in a mix of new and used barrels, it has a healthy ruby/plum color to go with a great nose of ripe red and black fruits supported by some classic Pauillac lead pencil, tobacco, and spice box notes. I love its overall balance, it's medium-bodied, has silky tannins, and the fresher, elegant style of the vintage. I wouldn't call it mid-weight, but I compared this to the 2014 on release, and I still think that comparison holds, although there's a touch more length and intensity in the 2019. This will drink well today with a decant (I followed this bottle for two days) and will shine for a good two decades.(v.2019).

Expert Reviews - 2022

James Sucklling 92 Points | Absurdly concentrated for an entry-level wine. Deep blueberry and black-cherry fruit fills out the compact and structured medium-bodied palate. Generous fine tannins and notes of licorice and baking-spice aromas. Long, powdery and fresh finish. This is a unique solera-type blend of several vintages from 2022 to 2012. Blaufrankisch plus pinot noir, merlot and zweigelt. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

Winemaker Description

The house brand red is a blend of Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt and Pinot Noir, which is matured in large used wooden barrels. The Zweigelt brings fruit and charm, the Pinot Noir juiciness and the Blaufränkisch character and structure.

The Blaufränkisch also dominates the nose with dark aromas, ripe black cherries and plums, some eucalyptus and a slight smokiness of bacon. On the palate it starts fresh and animating, a fine and mellow tannin spreads directly on the tongue, again cherry and fine tannins.

The house brand stands for fresh drinking fun and goes well with stews and autumnal cuisine, for example with pumpkin.

Chappellet Vineyard · 'Signature' Cabernet Sauvignon · Napa Valley · 2022

Since its first vintage in 1968, Chappellet has set the standard for mountain-grown Napa Cabernet — wines of rare depth, longevity, and elegance from Pritchard Hill, one of the valley’s most celebrated and demanding terroirs. The ‘Signature’ is the estate’s benchmark bottling: a Bordeaux-style blend anchored by 82% Cabernet Sauvignon with Petit Verdot (9%), Malbec (7%), and Merlot (2%), each variety contributing its own dimension to a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts. JD:93 · WA:92. At $99.99, this is Pritchard Hill Cabernet at a price that makes it one of Napa’s most compelling values at this level of pedigree — “a killer wine and great value,” as Jeb Dunnuck put it.

The 2022 opens with tons of cassis and darker, almost blue fruits, interwoven with sappy spring flowers, crushed stone, and lead pencil nuances. On the palate: balanced and medium to full-bodied, with beautiful tannins, bold mocha, black cherry, and a nicely concentrated mid-palate that avoids the overripeness that plagued lesser wines in this warm vintage. The finish is long and pronounced, with a lingering mocha note and supple structure. Drink now through 2035+.

“A killer wine and great value… balanced and medium to full-bodied, with beautiful tannins.” — Jeb Dunnuck, 93 Points. Vintage 2022. 

“Well-priced for the quality… full-bodied and packed with flavor, nicely concentrated and framed by supple tannins.” — Wine Advocate, 92 Points. Vintage 2022. 

• Producer: Chappellet Vineyard (est. 1968)
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Sub-Region: Pritchard Hill
• Blend: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon · 9% Petit Verdot · 7% Malbec · 2% Merlot
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Cassis, blue fruit, spring flowers, crushed stone, lead pencil, mocha, black cherry, supple tannins, long finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2035+
• Food Pairings: Prime ribeye, braised short ribs, lamb rack, aged cheddar, wild mushroom dishes

JD:93 · WA:92 — Pritchard Hill mountain Cabernet, setting the Napa standard since 1968.

Expert Review - Vintage 2023

JamesSuckling.com by Claire Nesbitt writes 92 Points | Mocha, chocolate truffles, cassis, oranges and lavender on the nose of this fragrant red. It’s full-bodied, warming and aromatic, filled with ripe blue and orange fruit and accompanied by ripe tannins.

Winemaker Description

Hand harvested grapes undergo temperature-controlled fermentation.

Each variety is vinified separately, and the wine is transferred to French oak barriques (2-3 years old) with a medium toast. The wine ages for 12 months then rests for about 45 days in cement tanks before being bottled without filtration. Released after 3 months in bottle. 

Our Professional Review

David of 67wino.shop |  If you are looking for a natural style wine this is fabulous. You may say to yourself this is so different in the tradition of a wine from old world France in the bard yard style. Its power immediately comes at you. If you prefer modern style California Zinfandel, then this wine is not for you. If you are an explorer, with a skydiver personality, I highly recommend this wine.

Expert Rating

92 Points Wine & Spirits | Organically farmed fruit from the Russian River Valley, neutral oak aging and the talents of Eric Sussman and his team at RadioCoteau combine to make this a pretty great zin for the price. It’s bursting with fresh wildblueberry flavor, rustic and harmonious in its barnyard-scented tannins. This is ready to decant for grilled vegetables or meats. (2020). 

Winemaker Description

The 2020 County Line Zinfandel is characterized by powerful fruit and spice aromas balanced by refreshing acidity and herbal complexity. It speaks to both the robust essence of the grape and the nuances of its Sonoma Coast terroir. The wine is vibrant, with scents of nutmeg-spiced blackberry pie and sun-warmed strawberry, elevated by floral earl grey tea. These rich, fruity notes are followed by earthy briar and flint on the palate, with a lively, savory finish. Lingering flavors of cacao nib and rugged leather make for a sophisticated compliment to the voluptuous fruit in the nose. Immediately approachable, this Zinfandel also has depth and layers to entice thoughtful sipping. An ideal pizza pairing, savor a bottle alongside a hearty salsiccia, or a white pizza with roasted zucchini flowers. Winemaker Description. 

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars — AVETA Sauvignon Blanc 2022

Appellation: Napa Valley, California | Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc | Format: 750ml

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars needs no introduction — the Napa Valley estate that stunned the world at the 1976 Paris Tasting with its Cabernet Sauvignon is equally masterful with white wine. AVETA, named for the Celtic goddess of springs and water, is their Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc: a wine of remarkable freshness, aromatic complexity, and thirst-quenching precision that stands apart from the richer, oak-driven California white wine style.

The 2022 is bright, lively, and unmistakably Napa — fragrant, fruit-forward, and built for the table.

Critical Acclaim

Wine Enthusiast — 92 Points
“Lively aromas and inviting flavors of mixed tropical fruits, wild grasses and wet stones make this wine mouthwatering and inviting through a lengthy finish.”

Winemaker’s Notes

Fragrant aromas of grapefruit, lemongrass, citrus, lychee, and orange blossom. Bright and lively on the palate with thirst-quenching acidity and pure flavors of mandarin orange and honeysuckle that lead to a lasting aftertaste.

Wine Details

• Producer: Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
• Appellation: Napa Valley, California
• Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
• Vintage: 2022
• Format: 750ml

Food Pairings

Fresh fish ceviche, crab cakes, grilled oysters with mignonette sauce, sushi, goat cheese, and light citrus-dressed salads.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018 

96 Points James Suckling | Mineral, macadamia, pine nuts, white sesame and white fruit with a touch of spice. A bright and linear Capellania that shows excellent tension, freshness and complexity. Long and appetizing finish. More taut and gastronomic now. 100% viura. Drink now or hold. 

95 Points Tim Atkin | The cooler 2018 vintage was ideally suited to the production of high-quality whites like this pure Viura from a six-hectare plateau at 485 metres within the extensive Castillo Ygay estate. Modern, perfumed and poised, it has finely integrated French oak, fennel, thatch and beeswax aromas, herbal complexity and a nutty, fragrant, citrus zest palate. 2025-40 

94 Points Wine Advocate | To catch up with the current vintages that I shall review every 12 months from now on, I tasted two vintages of some of the wines, including the whites. The 2018 Capellanía is 100% Viura from the plot that names the wine. The vineyard is six hectares planted in 1945 at 485 meters altitude, the highest in the estate. It fermented in concrete, the first vintage to do so, as it was fermented in stainless steel until then, and matured in second-use French oak barrels for 22 months. It spent a further seven months in concrete, a long élevage, with the idea to produce a structured white with aging potential, while keeping the varietal character. The wine is subtle and elegant, following the path of all the wines in the portfolio here, still marked by the élevage in oak, spicy and smoky. The palate is balanced, with a nice combination of fruit and oak, with a soft texture, clean, focused and tasty. It has 14% alcohol, a pH of 3.1 and 6.10 grams of acidity. 21,836 bottled and 688 magnums produced. It was bottled in July 2022. This is now released with the Gran Reserva back label.

Winemaker Description

This is a very concentrated Brunello that combines intense notes of blood orange with a hint of chinotto mixed with complex Mediterranean spices (Helichrysum Thyme and Broom Flowers). It is a wine with a strong nerve, a vibrant acid structure that sustains a concentrated mouthfeel, rich in silky tannins. The finish is extremely long and soft. 

Expert Reviews

94 Points James Suckling | Dusty notes with crushed gravel and dried tea leaves are a prelude to aromas of fresh button mushrooms and hints of fennel. Savory mushrooms and olives, followed by firm, fine-grained tannins. Structured and full-bodied.

94 Points Jeb Dunnuck | The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino has aromatics of menthol and medicinal herbs, brushed leather, and black cherry. The palate is dark fruited without weight, marked with dried blackberry, black tea, dried herbs, and classically balanced structure. It is sourced from three different vineyard sites of various exposition on the hill of Montalcino. This will be ready to drink a touch earlier and be great to check in on over the next 15 years. Drink 2022-2036.

93 Points Wine Spectator | Aromas of iron, blood and cherry lead off in this smooth and vibrant red, with a well of dark fruit—black cherry and blackberry—settling in on the palate. Offers a dusting of dark chocolaty tannins on the finish. Best from 2023 through 2043. 1,500 cases imported.

91 Points Decanter | Bringing together grapes from diverse vineyards throughout Montalcino, this midweight, almost-approachable Brunello is focused and vibrant. It takes a bit of coaxing on the nose then divulges sage, orange rind and fennel. Brisk acidity and chalky tannins meet crisp red currant and cranberry, cleansing the palate nicely. A delightful jumping off point to Val di Suga’s single-vineyard offerings, which COO and winemaker Andrea Lonardi has been refining since 2012.

Winemaker Description 

A white gold in color with delicate and persistent bubbles, Grand Siecle No. 26 offers a very complex nose which mixes honeysuckle, lemon, clementine and fresh butter aromas, followed by notes of hazelnut and a touch of honey. The feel in the mouth is very delicate and fresh with candied lemon and fresh hazelnut aromas. The palate is silky and mineral with notes of honeysuckle, flaked almonds and clementine.

It pairs with high quality produce and refined dishes, including shellfish, noble fish and white meats such as Thai style langoustine tartare and fine roasted poultry.

Expert Reviews

100 James Suckling James Suckling's #1 Wine of 2023 |  This is really something. Electric on the palate. The aromas are so complex with sliced fresh and dried ginger, subtle pie crust, tarte tatin and hints of nutmeg with some salted caramel. Toasted bread, too. Always subtle. The palate is full- to medium-bodied yet hemmed-in with a freshness and balance that draws you back. Savory and vibrant. It's full of energy. Spectacular. Fascinating. Symphonic blend of 2012, 2008 and 2007. 65% of the 2012, 25% of the 2008 and 10% of the 2007. Eight grand cru. Chardonnay 58% and 42% pinot noir. Disgorged February 2023. 10 years on the lees. 7g/L dosage.

97 Points Wine Enthusiast | Tautly textured, the Champagne is delicious with a poise between white and citrus fruits along with touches of maturity coming through. Drink this magnificent wine now for its great balance and intensity.

96 Points Decanter | This iteration of Grand Siècle is almost entirely composed of two of Champagne's greatest recent vintages, so expectations are high. The wine more than meets them, tempering the generosity of 2012's fruit – ripe apricots, white peach, clementines and sunny, zesty citrus – with a pitch-perfect streak of 2008 tautness and structure. There are some fleshy, creamy notes of papaya and toasted white sourdough, but everything is as delicately rendered as expected and impeccably shaped, with a sleek, silky mousse. A little more approachable than Itération No. 25, it will welcome extended bottle age rather than demand it. The blend is 58% Chardonnay and 42% Pinot Noir from eight grand cru vineyards. 65% is from the 2012 vintage, 35% from 2008 and 10% from 2007.

96 Points Robert Parker | Unfurling in the glass with scents of crisp nectarine, pear and honeyed citrus fruit that mingle with notions of fresh mint, blanched almonds and iodine, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated and tightly wound, with broad structural shoulders, tangy acids and a long, intense finish. It's a great Grand Siècle in the making.

95 Points Wine Spectator | A graceful Champagne, with flavors of boysenberry and black cherry fruit, toast, blanched almond and grapefruit pith, graphite and fleur de sel gliding across the satiny mousse. Reveals racy acidity that sculpts fine definition, allowing the detailed profile to expand on the palate, while minerally hints of chalk and oyster shell linger on the finish. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019

Eric Guido of Vinous Media 95 Points | "The 2019 Taurasi Radici is impossible to ignore, mixing cloves with incense, crushed stones and dried black cherries. This is saturating and intense, with a silken textural wave that ushers in masses of tart wild berry fruits and spices, all carried by a stream of vibrant acidity. It finishes long and youthfully tense, with a mineral tinge that lingers along with notes of black licorice and a sour cranberry crunch. In 2019, the Taurasi Radici is back to form. The new releases from Mastroberardino demonstrate this storied estate's ability to adapt to modern-day vintages...In fact, instead of coming across as sun-kissed or in any way dried out, they are notably energetic, with a beautiful purity of fruit and tannins that promise further development. When asked about global warming, Piero Mastroberardino explains, “We can now achieve soft tannins in a big Taurasi; the world has changed." Whether or not this is a good thing for the long term remains to be seen. As for the 2019 Taurasi Radici, it’s a drop-dead classic, and I am very excited to see how the Riservas will show two years from now. It will easily continue to impress for the next two decades or more...Mastroberardino remains a reference point producer in the region, with its eyes firmly set on the future."

James Suckling 95 Points | "Vivid dark ruby color, with aromas of blueberry jelly, earth, black truffles, toasted pepper and chocolate. Velvety on the palate, with juicy acidity, a full body and very good fruit concentration. Great complexity and polish in the finish. Drink or hold..."

Producer Notes

Full, complex and intense, with notes of cherry, violet, wild berries, and a distinctive spicy aroma. This elegant wine has flavors of plum, black cherry, strawberry and intense spices. Aged for 24 months in French oak barriques and Slavonian casks, then a minimum 24 months refinement in bottle. aging potential of 50 years or more. Pair with mature cheeses, truffles, porcini mushrooms, Ragout and other dishes with long cooked sauces and roasted red meats.

Winemaker Description 

Tawny gold colour, this elegant and classic Amontillado is pungent and aromatic, with oaky notes. Nutty on the palate with a hint of sweetness and a lingering dry finish. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Review 

Wine Spectator 93 Points | This has lots of range, with ginger, date, toasted almond, blood orange, singed sandalwood and green tea notes all allied to finely beaded acidity, letting everything drape beautifully on the finish. Alluring on its own, but this really begs for some Cabrales. Drink now.Wine Advocate 91 points The NV Almacenista Jose Luis Gonzalez Obregon Oloroso del Puerto produced from Palomino grapes and aged in Puerto de Santa Maria by the sea, has a chestnut color with a green-amber edge, clean sweet notes of roasted nuts, cake and oranges, a medium- to full-bodied palate with a smoky character and great length.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018 

James Suckling 99 Points writes | This is beautifully polished with firm, dusty tannins to the blue fruit, as well as chocolate and cedar character. Some much earthier character, too, from mushrooms to bark. Forest flowers. Perfumed. It’s full-bodied with round tannins and a soft, creamy finish. Some iron and iodine to this. So attractive at the finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Better after 2023. (2018).

Decanter Georgina Hindle 96 Points writes |   A less traditional style of wine in Napa Valley, this is lifted and charming with poise, powdery tannins and a chalky finish. Richly perfumed and wonderfully evocative on the nose, it’s seductive and inviting with black cherries, raspberries and blueberries alongside savoury notes of dried herbs. The flavours open and evolve on the palate bringing cocoa, tobacco and pencil lead into play underpinned by supple tannins. It’s powerful but on the leaner side, refined and elegant with a good sense of diretion and drive - everything feels well placed and well defined. Tasted twice and both times were highly enjoyable. A blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, 2% Carmenére and 1% Petit Verdot. Wines are aged for 20 months in oak, 100% French, 62% new. Biodynamically grown and certified organic. Winemaker Rebekah Wineburg and estate director Rodrigo Soto. 

Robert Parker Joe Czerwinski 94+ Points writes | The dense, purple-hued 2018 Proprietary Red Wine seemed just a bit closed at this tasting, with pronounced cedary notes overshadowing the black cherry fruit. It's medium to full-bodied, with a lush mouthfeel, silky-textured tannins and cocoa powder-like nuances on the lingering finish. (2018).

Vinous Antonio Galloni 93 Points writes |  The 2018 Red Wine is a powerful, driving Napa Valley wine. Scorched earth, iron, chocolate, and leather give the red cherry/plum fruit distinctly savory accents. This is an especially tight wine in a vintage that yielded generally more supple, open-knit reds. Quintessa is one of the first Napa Valley estates I visited, many years ago. Since then, the property has undergone several stylistic phases. It will be interesting to see where things go over the next handful of years here. Drinking 2023 - 2038

Jancis Robinson 18.5 Points writes | Youthful purplish crimson. Vibrant nose with a suggestion of a creamy texture. Dense and savoury and beautifully balanced. Lovely and pure with a great future and tannins almost hidden by the fruit. Attractive savoury note. You could drink this now but it would be a pity. (2018).

Jancis Robinson Richard Hemming MW 17.5 Points writes Luxuriously rich and velvety, opulent but with enough herbal contrast to keep freshness on the nose. Lots of oak and dark chocolate on the palate. Such soft tannins! Really ready to drink. The oak is predominant on the finish. For Napa, this is reasonably restrained, and I'm sure it will develop well. (2018).

92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 2% Carménѐre

Winemaker Notes

The 2018 Quintessa is a wine of perfect harmony, with deep flavors and elegant layers that are apparent even from a young age. Intense aromas of cassis, black cherry, and raspberry intermingle with savory notes of sage and thyme; the 2018 Quintessa continues to unfold as notes of dark chocolate, graphite and fresh tobacco mingle with the fresh fruit. Precise and dense, the wine shows supple tannin that play with flavors of black cherry, dark chocolate, and crushed rocks. The 2018 Quintessa has a perfect balance of fresh acidity followed by bright fruit and minerality at the finish that portends unparalleled aging potential.

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2018 

Wine Advocate 93 Points | Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Benchland Select gives up intense cassis, stewed plums and cedar chest notes with hints of licorice and wild sage. Medium to full-bodied in the mouth, the palate has a taut, grainy texture supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing long and mineral tinged.

James Suckling 92 Points | Ripe blueberries, blackcurrants, blackberries, spearmint, cocoa and walnut on the nose. Full-bodied with firm, fine tannins. Supple, flavorful finish. Drink or hold. 

Expert Reviews 

Wine Spectator 94 Points | A very fresh, floral-laced style, offering a bright beam of cassis and plum gelée laced with flashes of violet, hibiscus and rose petal. Nicely grounded through the finish, with alder and warm earth hints filling in. Approachable, but this has more to show in time. Best from 2023 through 2036. (JM)

Wine Advocate 94 Points | Delicate herbal shadings accent the cassis notes on the nose of Corison's 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. It's classic Corison, balanced and concentrated without being showy or weighty, silky in feel, with a long, lingering finish and two decades of ageability. (JC)Decanter 94 points Alluring aromas of dark cassis, graphite, cedar and wild herbs. It has a striking depth with layered flavours and texture, and while restrained now it is incredibly well-built and in need of time in the cellar to fully shine. Reveals subtle hints of fresh black and blue berries, currants and dried herbs tinged with red florals. Finishes with polish, energy and poise. (JC)

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Lots of dark, blackcurrants, cassis, darker chocolate, and hints of violets emerge from the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, a medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced St. Helena Napa Cabernet Sauvignon offering nicely integrated acidity, terrific balance, and a great finish. This quintessential Cathy Corison Cabernet shines on all accounts. It's going to evolve for two decades. (JD)

James Suckling 94 Points | A perfumed nose of blackberries, dark cherries, cedar, cocoa and nutmeg. Violets too. Medium body with fine tannins and bright acidity. Fresh and refined with a bright core of wild fruit and a long, flavorful finish. Drink or hold. (JS)

Vinous 93 Points | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is full of charm. It offers all of the natural intensity of the year, with bright acids that keep the flavors bright. Sweet red cherry, plum, cedar, tobacco and spice all build effortlessly. This open-knit yet classically built Cabernet is likely to offer a wide window of drinkability over the next 15-20 years. As always, Cathy Corison's Napa Valley Cabernet is a blend of three sites in St. Helena. (AG)

Wine & Spirits Magazine 96 Points | The 2019 vintage might be something of an outlier for Cathy Corison, who picked two weeks later than usual, taking advantage of the cool season from summer into fall. This wine is, in fact, an idealized version of her benchland cabernet sauvignon, holding on to the elegance she regularly achieves, while adding a luscious textural beauty that more often comes from bottle age. James Conley of NYC’s Keen’s Chophouse found the aroma suggested a more delicate wine than the density and extract this one carries in its “cabernet grape tannins and intriguing, lifted fruit. If someone said, ‘I love Napa, but show me what I’m missing.’ I’d say, ‘Well, try this.’” Warm and explosive in its energy, this wine carries an imprint of the benchland soils in the play of darkness and light, in the detailed tannins that make you crave another taste. (JG)

Winemaker Description

Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petite Verdot, 3% Merlot
The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is absolutely impeccable. Best of all, it won't require years in the cellar to be enjoyable. In fact, it is quite expressive today. Juicy dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice, leather and cinnamon are some of the many notes that flesh out in the glass. 

Expert Review 

Vinous 96+ Points | The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is silky and elegant, with lovely aromatic presence and impeccable balance. Sweet tobacco, cedar, dried flowers and mint all give this mid-weight Cabernet lovely complexity and nuance. The 2018 has shut down since I tasted it last year, but that is not surprising given the style here. Today, bright acids give the 2018 energy, tension and a good deal of precision. Those qualities should help the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon age well over the coming decades.  Drinking 2028 - 2058.

Winemaker Description

#5 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025
#99 Jeb Dunnuck Top 100 of 2025
#8 Vinous Top 100 of 2025

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

100 Points Vinous | The 2022 Beau-Séjour Bécot is a total stunner. What a wine! The 2022 was magnificent en primeur, and it is all that from bottle. The aromatics alone are mesmerizing. Crushed rose petal, mint, blood orange, new leather and cedar meld into a core of pliant red-toned fruit. More than anything else, I am so impressed with the wine's precision and finesse. I have never tasted a Beau-Séjour Bécot like this.

Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points | Tasted on multiple occasions, the 2022 Château Beau-Séjour Bécot is flat-out sensational, as well as the finest wine I’ve tasted from this château. Powerful aromatics of red, blue, and black fruits as well as crushed stone and violets define the aromatics, and it’s full-bodied, incredibly concentrated, has integrated acidity, and ultra-fine tannins. Based on 76% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, this heavenly Saint-Emilion will benefit from just 3-5 years of bottle age and have 30 years or more of overall longevity. Back up the truck.

The Wine Advocate 97 Points | The 2022 Beau-Séjour Bécot has turned out brilliantly in bottle. Wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet of sweet wild berries mingled with rose petals, orange zest, violets, gentian and espresso roast, it's full-bodied, supple and suave, with a deep core of cool, layered fruit, beautifully vibrant flavors and polished structuring tannins, concluding with a saline finish. As I wrote when I tasted it from barrel, this is a Saint-Émilion of breathtaking perfume and harmony that will be worth a special effort to seek out.

The Wine Spectator 96 Points | This is very fresh, expressive and focused, with violet, iris and rosehip notes darting to the fore, while flavors of sleek raspberry and red currant preserves race along behind. Almost flattering, but there’s a subtle chalky tension piercing the finish, which sails through. A dreamy wine. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Decanter 96 Points |  Floral notes on the nose. Tangy and sharp, lively and bright straight away, sweet and sour, so energetic and lively with a mineral grip from the fine, firm, grippy tannins. Lovely precision and almost delicate presentation of fruit. You really feel the mineral, salty, tangy aspect of the fruit, nothing feels overworked, all in balance, really quite thrilling and electric. Great purity and focus. Scintillating yet still with a lovely volume and roundness accented by tobacco, clove, liquorice and cinnamon touches. Really well worked and fresh - this feels very modern with such control to the fruit, tannins, acidity giving overall depth and complexity. Elegant but confident, taking the best density from clay density and freshness from limestone. A very singular charm with this wine.

Memo Summary Notes 

The Château Beau-Séjour Bécot 2022 is being hailed by many critics as the "best wine ever produced" by this historic Saint-Émilion estate. This vintage marks a significant milestone, recently ranking as #5 in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2025.

Situated on the iconic limestone plateau of Saint-Martin de Mazerat, the estate has shifted its style under owner Juliette Bécot toward greater precision, floral aromatics, and mineral tension, moving away from the more opulent, oak-heavy profiles of the past.

Expert Reviews | Vintage 2020 

96 Points James Suckling | This Spatlese beams you up to Cloud 9, from where you have a wonderful view over the beautiful Mosel Valley. In spite of the considerable concentration, this is super-delicate and precise on the barely medium-bodied palate. Enormously long finish, where you barely feel the natural grape sweetness. Drink or hold. 

95 Points Wine Advocate | The 2020 Wehlener Sonnenuhr Spätlese is pure, clear and flinty on the concentrated nose that is reminiscent of a fresh fruit salad served on a slate plate on an early summer morning. Light, lush and highly finessed but seriously structured on the palate, this is a savory, very clear and elegant Sonnenuhr Spätlese with great precision and finesse and highly stimulating salinity and mouth-watering grip on the finish. Rating: 95+ 

Winemaker Description 

Tio Pepe Fino Sherry is a star bright, pale golden color. It is elegant and distinctive, with fresh bread and almond aromas. The palate is full bodied, crisp and very dry, with a complex, long finish.

Perfect with canapes and tapas, Asian food, seafood and all fish based dishes. Try it with caviar, oysters, anchovies or tuna carpaccio. Winemaker Description. 

Expert Review 

James Suckling 90 Points | This is the prototypical fino sherry with all the salty and yeasty character you expect. Also dried-apple, pear and lemon-zest character. Generous, but very dry and salty on the palate with a refreshing touch of austerity. Where are the olives? Drink now, if possible from a freshly opened bottle. 

One of the Wines of the 2020 Vintage — Saint-Émilion at Its Most Magnificent

Château Valandraud is the legendary “garagiste” estate of Jean-Luc Thunevin, one of Saint-Émilion’s most celebrated and iconoclastic producers. Elevated to Premier Grand Cru Classé status, Valandraud is produced from the cooler, eastern side of Saint-Émilion and is renowned for its extraordinary concentration, perfume, and longevity. The 2020 — a blend of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged 24 months in 100% new oak — has been called one of the wines of the vintage, earning back-to-back 99-point scores from Jeb Dunnuck and James Suckling and 98 points from Vinous.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2020

• Jeb Dunnuck — 99 pts: "One of the wines of the vintage. Incredible perfume of crème de cassis, ripe black cherries, violets, new leather, and an almost Hermitage-like burning embers character. Full-bodied richness, ripe seamless tannins, remarkable purity of fruit, and a finish that won’t quit. Give bottles 5–7 years in the cellar. Drink 2028–2053."
• James Suckling — 99 pts: "Very opulent and expressive aromas of black fruit and pine needles. So floral. Full-bodied with plush, velvety tannins and lots of fruit and texture. It goes on for minutes. Rich at the finish, but remains fresh and vivid. Superb. One of the great Valandrauds. Drink after 2027."
• Vinous — 98 pts: "A stunner. Rich, deep and explosive with dazzling intensity from start to finish. Silky tannins wrap around a core of plush dark red/black fruit, licorice, spice, mocha and new leather. Bright and wonderfully focused with sweet floral and blood orange accents on the explosive finish. Magnificent. Drink 2028–2060."
• Decanter — 96 pts (Jane Anson): "Broad-shouldered with ample depth — brambled fruits, liquorice, cigar box spice and a gorgeously saline finish. Chalky, grippy tannins with white flowers on the aromatics. 100% new oak for 24 months. Drink 2029–2046."
• Decanter — 93 pts (Georgina Hindle): "Juicy and alive with blackcurrant, black cherry and herbal-tinged blueberries. Layers of acidity, mint, freshness and toast. Full and complex with salty minerality and unmistakable signature. Drink 2027–2046."
• Wine Spectator — 93 pts: "Black currant and fig preserves, warmed black tea, melted black licorice and a hint of alder smoke, framed by a loam- and espresso crema-accented finish. Best from 2027 through 2040."
• Wine Advocate — 92 pts: "Aromas of jammy black fruits mingled with toasted coconut, spices and new oak. Full-bodied, rich and chewy with generously extracted tannins. Drink 2025–2043."
• Jancis Robinson — 17++ pts: "Deep crimson. Dark and oaky — lots of 70% dark chocolate. Big, dense tannins with enough fresh fruit to fill it out for the long term. Drink 2030–2045."

Winemaker Notes

Freshness and opulence, fruit and structure. A perfect balance.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Blend: 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé AOC, Bordeaux, France
• Producer: Château Valandraud / Jean-Luc Thunevin
• Vintage: 2020
• Aging: 24 months, 100% new oak
• Yield: 49 hl/ha
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

A wine of this stature deserves the finest table — exceptional with roasted lamb, beef tenderloin en croute, duck confit, aged Comté, and black truffle dishes. Also magnificent on its own as a meditation wine.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | Handsomely structured and full-bodied yet refined in approach, offering blackberry and cherry flavors laced with mocha espresso and cinnamon notes that build richness toward polished tannins.

The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | A generous and glittering Zinfandel that is both savory and mouthwatering. This wine showcases raspberry, ripe plums, tobacco and dry, forest notes. Robust and lengthy.

James Suckling 91 Points |  Aromas of blueberry tart, poached rhubarb, cigar box and sweet spices. The palate is full-bodied with firm yet integrated tannins, bright acidity and notes of black cherries, baking spices and burnt oranges. Block 28 sits at 60 meters above sea level and is planted to St. George rootstock. The wine is aged for 15 months in 65% new oak. A powerful and tightly bound wine that will age gracefully. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Description 

Hendry Block 28 is located on bench lands west of the town of Napa. This 4.17-acre block is 160 feet above sea level and has thin, stony soils. Morning fog and strong afternoon breezes from San Pablo Bay moderate the maritime climate. The vines were planted in 1998 using St. George roots and grafted with budwood selected from an old-vine Zinfandel vineyard on Mt. Veeder called the Brandlin Vineyard. The vines are spaced 6.9' x 5', cordon-trained and spur-pruned. A vertical trellis system supports the cordon and the canopy.

Mt. Veeder’s Brandlin Ranch was planted in 1926 with a Zinfandel which produces complex, intense fruit.  The character of this mountain fruit was very interesting to George. In the early days of winemaking at Hendry, he made an arrangement with the vineyard’s owner to tend the vines in exchange for the fruit. When the vineyard was sold, George was able to obtain budwood from the gnarled old vines, which he then grafted onto rootstock in Block 28, where we’ve grown it ever since. The character of the fruit remains distinct from our other Zinfandel and Primitivo cultivars. 

In 2021, bud break in Block 28 occurred April 7th. Bloom was May 24th. Harvest was on September 25th, with a yield of 2.93 tons per acre. Bloom-to-harvest period was 124 days. 

The alcoholic fermentation was completed in approximately one week in closed fermentation tanks. The wine was then pressed and put into barrels for malolactic fermentation. Aging was fifteen months in French oak barrels, approximately 65% - 75% of which are new each year. 

Deep ruby color. Big, blackberry jam aromatics jump out of the glass. Fruity on the front-palate, medium-heavy and balanced, drawing out to a firm finish of black tea tannins. This is a Zin for Zin-lovers! The bolder of our two Zinfandel offerings. Plenty of structure for burgers, braised lamb shanks, salumi, cheeses, and slow-roasted brisket. 

Cases: 1274
   

Winemaker Description 

A superb and age-worthy Barolo by Giacomo Conterno, from the Francia vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba. 100% Nebbiolo. Fermented with native yeasts and aged in large oak casks. Red fruits, roses, tar, licorice and spices notes. Powerful and complex. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2018 

Expert Reviews 97 Points Wine Advocate | Of the three Barolo samples I tasted from barrel (including Arione and Cerretta, which are also from Serralunga d'Alba), the Giacomo Conterno 2018 Barolo Francia was the furthest behind and the hardest to pin down at this stage in its infancy. I have opened my range of scores accordingly to compensate for the magical unknowns that are likely to occur as the wine moves toward greater harmony and integration before its commercial release. The wine is linear and pointedly focused, lacking the width and volume it will gain when given more time to flesh out and relax. The aromas are also quite primary and simple at this point, with dark cherry and even a hint of ripe strawberry ceding gradually to grilled herb, blue flower and baked brick. This vintage of Barolo Francia will require patience. (2018).

95 Points Wine Spectator | Delivers depth and power, with menthol and wild herbs shading cherry and plum flavors. The balance tips toward the tannins in the end, yet this doesn't feel overly astringent, just more structured than many '18s. Picks up a mineral element as this lingers on the finish. Be patient. (2018).

95+ Points Vinous | The 2018 Barolo Francia is powerful, deep and also a touch austere. It shows the edginess of all the 2018s, but also has a feeling of textural creaminess that adds tons of character. Spice, menthol, leather and a whole range of balsamic overtones build into the deep, imposing finish. Roberto Conterno decided to forego his Barolo Monfortino in 2018, opting instead to blend all the casks into his Francia bottling. When that happens, Francia often surprises down the road. That could very well turn out to be the case here. (2018).

Monica Larner writes:  The Giacomo Conterno 2018 Barolo Francia has opened beautifully since I last tasted this wine at the winery two years ago. It was closed back then (no surprise since I tasted it as an unfinished sample), but with the distance of time, the wine has blossomed to show blackcurrant, cassis, aniseed, blue flower and pencil shaving. The Francia is known for its magical combination of power and nuance, both delivered with seamless intensity. This vintage offers a savory component with hints of toasted spice or spent ember. The tannins are fine and polished.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 95

Taittinger La Française Brut Champagne NV — Half Bottle (375ml)

Taittinger is one of Champagne’s most distinguished and family-owned houses, founded in 1734 and still guided by the Taittinger family today. Known for a Chardonnay-driven house style of exceptional elegance and finesse, Taittinger has long been a benchmark for what great non-vintage Champagne can be. La Française Brut is the house’s signature expression — a blend of some 30 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards across multiple harvests, crafted to showcase the purity, freshness, and precision that define the Taittinger style.

The blend is 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, aged three to four years on the lees for exceptional depth and complexity. Bright and lively, with aromas of fresh apple, lemon, and minerals. The palate is crisp, precise, and Chardonnay-driven — racy, elegant, and totally charming — with white pepper and a clean, saline finish. Long and memorable. Now available in a convenient 375ml half-bottle.

Tasting Panel — 95 points

“Bright and lively, this is one of my favorite non-vintage Bruts. Crisp and balanced, with smooth, exuberant, Chardonnay-driven style; racy, elegant, and totally charming; long and memorable.”

James Suckling — 92 points

“A dry, fresh and delicious Taittinger with aromas and flavors of apples, fresh lemons and minerals. Full-bodied. Precise. White pepper and salt at the end.”

Food Pairings

Oysters, caviar, smoked salmon, sushi, soft cheeses, and light appetizers. Perfect as an aperitif or a solo celebration.

Blend: 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier
Appellation: Champagne AOC, France
Style: Brut NV, aged 3–4 years on lees
Format: 375ml (Half Bottle)
Scores: 95 points Tasting Panel | 92 points James Suckling

Gaston Chiquet | Tradition | Premier Cru Brut | Vallée de la Marne, Champagne | NV

Wine Spectator: 90 Points — Vibrant and balanced, with flavors of nectarine, candied orange peel, slivered almond and oyster shell set on a lacy texture. Fragrant hints of white blossoms and lemon thyme show on the finish. #86 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2022.

Jeb Dunnuck: 90 Points — Golden yellow hue, packed with yeasty aromas of fresh bread dough, golden peach, chamomile and ginger. A youthful and fluffy mousse fills the palate, leaning toward a full-bodied style, with a rich texture, well-balanced mid-palate and a broad-shouldered finish.

The Wine Advocate: 90 Points — An inviting bouquet of crisp yellow orchard fruit, fresh peach, honeycomb, Meyer lemon and warm biscuits. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and charming, with a youthfully frothy but refined mousse, a succulent core of fruit and ripe but racy balancing acidity. Already drinking well.

Gaston Chiquet is one of Champagne’s most storied grower-producers. In 1919, brothers Fernand and Gaston Chiquet became pioneers among the region’s independent growers by producing and selling Champagne from their own fruit — a tradition now carried forward by eighth-generation Nicolas Chiquet from the Premier Cru village of Dizy in the Vallée de la Marne. Tradition is the house’s flagship non-vintage Brut, a classic three-grape blend that has defined the Chiquet style for generations and earned a place on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list.

The blend is led by Pinot Noir, with Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay, drawn entirely from Premier Cru vineyards in Dizy, Hautvillers, Mareuil-sur-Ay and Ay. The vines are rooted in clay and limestone soils over the region’s underlying chalk. Grapes are harvested by hand and vinified entirely in stainless steel, preserving the purity of fruit and the character of each vineyard site. Malolactic fermentation is completed in full. Following secondary fermentation in bottle, Tradition spends more than 48 months aging on its lees, developing a fine, persistent mousse and layers of fresh bread, biscuit and toasted nut complexity. Finished at a dosage of approximately 6 grams per liter.

Golden yellow in the glass, the wine opens with aromas of dried apricot, golden peach, fresh citrus and a hint of honeycomb, followed by warm biscuit, chamomile and ginger. The palate is lively and richly textured — nectarine, candied orange peel, white peach and slivered almond are carried by a lacy mousse and bright, racy acidity through a long, fragrant finish of white blossoms and lemon thyme.

Serve well chilled at 46–50°F. Pairs beautifully with oysters, shrimp, smoked salmon, sushi, roast chicken, pork, charcuterie, fried appetizers, mushroom dishes and moderately aged cheeses.

• Producer: Gaston Chiquet
• Cuvée: Tradition
• Classification: Premier Cru Brut
• Appellation: Champagne, France
• Region: Vallée de la Marne
• Villages: Dizy, Hautvillers, Mareuil-sur-Ay and Ay
• Grape Varieties: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay
• Farming: Sustainable
• Soils: Clay and limestone over chalk
• Vinification: Stainless steel
• Malolactic Fermentation: Yes
• Lees Aging: 48+ months
• Dosage: ~6 g/L
• Bottle Size: 750ml

As a non-vintage Champagne, base vintages, reserve wine proportions, dosage, lees aging period and disgorgement dates may vary by release. Critic ratings may apply to different disgorgements of the same cuvée.