93+ The 2016 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, begins with a red-fruited nose with dusty core of mineral-rich earth and red, floral bouquet wafts. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, the wine...

Transparent yellow. Smoky, mineral-accented citrus and orchard fruits on the nose, along with a suave floral nuance and a touch of iodine. Sappy, concentrated and lively on the palate, offering pear liqueur, tangerine...

This fragrant, savory red carries aromas of underbrush, plum, blue flower, cocoa and camphor on the nose. The polished palate boasts juicy Marasca cherry, ripe blackberry, licorice, tobacco and an appealing hint of game...

A blend of 60% Vermentino and 40% Viognier, the 2016 Vistamare offers outstanding notes of white peach, citrus blossom, and a hint of citrus rind. It fleshes out nicely on the palate with medium-bodied richness, solid...

Notes of stewed red and dark fruit with hints of leather and wet forest floor. Medium body with mild fruit character and a slightly chewy tannin structure. Yet, it’s drinkable now.

A unique dry white Bordeaux with a cool, fragrant and vibrant personality. Lots of candied citrus and pineapple with hints of almonds and finely chopped fresh herbs. Although quite voluptuous and creamy on the palate...

96+ The first release for this cuvée made from two separate blocks of the estate vineyard, the 2016 Proprietary Red Blend is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, but the cuvée will move more toward a Bordeaux blend as more fruit...

The new release for 2024, 2016 is a much anticipated vintage from Dal Forno given that the 2017 was released first. But it has needed the extra time in bottle: export manager Marco Pinna explained that production volumes...

This is beautifully rendered, with a core of focused red currant, plum and raspberry coulis flavors that stretches out nicely while flecks of tobacco, bergamot, and singed sandalwood weave around. A bolt of iron...

Reminding me of a fresher version of the 2003, the 2016 Chateauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Reservée is another magical wine from Laurence Feraud that could come from nowhere else. I still remember tasting (and loving) this beauty...

The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is up with the crème de la crème of the vintage and in the same league as the perfect 2010. Awesome notes of blackberries, crème de cassis, charred meats, licorice, and violets...

An array of yellow orchard fruit with tropical and citrus fruit, leading to an attractive palate that has a fleshy middle section and a composed, long and concentrated finish. Fresh and linear. Equal parts sauvignon...

Lots of ripe fruit here with raisins and wet earth that turn to violets and hot stones. Full-bodied, tannic and powerful with fantastic grip and intensity. Grabs you. Impressive. Drink in 2025.

Viña Ardanza is one of those wines that makes friends everywhere, consistently over-delivering on quality. While I have given my heart to La Rioja Alta's 890, that wine is only made in the best years. Year in, year out...

The 2016 Camalaione is a worthy follow up to the 2015. For Camalaione, proprietors Luca Orsini and Valeria Viganò blend Cabernet Sauvignon with Syrah and Merlot, an approach that works so well here. The 2016 is...

The 2016 Bianco Arboreus has gained volume and depth since I lasted tasted it, wafting up unexpectedly rich and tropical in the glass, with a burst of exotic florals, ginger and spices giving way to freshly sliced...

The 2016 Alessio Proprietary Red is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Merlot that was brought up all in new oak. It’s another ripe, incredibly sexy red that has loads of blackberry and currant...

A blend of 36% Viognier, 32% Marsanne and 32% Roussanne, the 2016 Blancaneaux delivers subtle notions of Bosc pears, Golden Delicious apples and honeysuckle with touches of coriander seed and white pepper. The palate is...