Vinous (95)

The 2017 Chablis Vaillons 1er Cru is an exceptionally beautiful wine endowed with tremendous length and pure power. Lemon confit, dried flowers and mint are some of the many notes that build in the glass. Textured and resonant through to the finish, with captivating beauty and tons of sheer allure, the Vaillons is so gorgeous. Frankly, it is hard to move on from it in this tasting.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (91)

(5-Star Wine) One plot is in Valvent opposite 1er cru Epinottes, the other opposite Forêts. There is more yellow in the colour here than the Petit Chablis, with an exceptional intensity that makes it almost hard to taste. Immaculate youthful bitterness and great length.

Vinous (91)

The 2019 Chablis-Villages is well defined and pure on the nose, offering scents of dried honey, dandelion and a little quince jus, all pretty and growing in stature with aeration. The palate is well balanced with a waxy-textured opening. There’s good depth for a Village Cru, and a slightly pithy, peach skin finish. Excellent.

Burghound (96)

As is often the case, this is aromatically quite similar to the Montée de Tonnerre with just a touch more wood in evidence. Here too the slightly richer flavors possess an equally gorgeous texture with a bit more mid-palate stuffing to the intense, powerful and bone-dry finale that exhibits simply huge length. This beauty is even firmer, and I wouldn't even think about opening a bottle for at least 10 years, research purposes aside!

Wine Advocate (97)

Serious and tensile, Raveneau's 2019 Chablis Grand Cru Clos unwinds in the glass with aromas of orange oil, white flowers, confit lemon, green apple and deftly judged reduction. Full-bodied, taut and chiseled, it's an immensely concentrated, racy wine with huge depth at the core and a long, intensely saline finish. Its style exemplifies the 2019 Chablis vintage at its best.

Burghound (97+)

A restrained nose immediately makes clear that it could be from nowhere else but Chablis with its array of mineral reduction, oyster shell, iodine, spice, floral and citrus aromas. There is once again excellent volume and intensity to the even more concentrated big-bodied flavors that deliver huge length on the bone-dry, austere and compact finish. This is presently a block of stone that is going to need at least some patience and a wine that should repay 15+ years of cellaring. Moreover, it is not only a candidate for wine of the vintage honors but could legitimately vie for being one of the all-time great examples of Raveneau Clos. I shudder to think at what price it will trade at but if you can afford it, don't hesitate.

Jeb Dunnuck (96-100)

Violets, spring flowers, cassis, plums, and incense notes all define the stunningly good 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Imperiale. Made from 100% Grenache from very old vines, it's full-bodied and powerful, yet also graceful, balanced and pure, with terrific freshness and purity. My money is on this flirting with perfection once bottled.

James Suckling (96)

Deep, spicy and fragrant, this is a very concentrated and elegant Chateauneuf-du-Pape with remarkably fine tannins and floral delicacy alongside its earthy primacy. Mainly produced from grenache vines planted in 1901 and 1902. From Demeter-certified biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

```html

Rebourgeon Mure Pommard 2020 exemplifies the distinguished terroir of Pommard, nestled in Burgundy's renowned Côte de Beaune. Crafted by the esteemed Rebourgeon family, this Pinot Noir undergoes meticulous hand-harvesting from age-old vineyards, ensuring optimal ripeness and flavour concentration. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by extended maceration, the wine achieves a profound depth and complex aromatic profile. Matured gracefully in French oak barrels for twelve months, it reveals layers of dark cherry, earthy undertones, and subtle spice, characteristic of the 2020 vintage. The balanced tannins and vibrant acidity offer a harmonious structure, promising excellent ageing potential. Esteemed critics laud Rebourgeon Mure Pommard 2020 for its elegance and finesse, making it a quintessential choice for connoisseurs seeking authentic Burgundian expression.

```

Vinous (93)

Inky purple. Dark berry liqueur, cola and floral pastille aromas, with strong accents of incense and smoky minerals. Fat, sweet and palate-staining, offering intense blackberry preserve and cherry-cola flavors lifted by juicy acidity and sharpened by a peppery, spicy nuance. Quite powerful yet comes off graceful and precise. Finishes extremely long and alluringly sweet, with supple tannins and persistent smokiness. This got 85% new oak and the material is more than up to it.

Wine Advocate (87-89)

The 2015 Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos has a pleasant peach and nectarine scented bouquet that might not sing of Chablis, but is attractive in a rather obvious way. The palate is medium-bodied with a slight viscosity on the entry, hints of praline and almond towards the finish. It is attractive, but drink it in its youth.

Vinous (92-95)

A wine of total sensuality, the 2016 Chambolle-Musigny Les Charmes 1er Cru possesses stunning aromatic lift and inner sweetness, not to mention phenomenal overall balance. Sweet red cherry, kirsch, rose petal, mint and spice literally soar out of the glass, while firm tannins extend the structured finish in this tightly wound Burgundy. The 2016 is aging in 350L barrels. The larger format seems to confer an extra element of finesse that makes the Charmes totally seductive. - Antonio Galloni

Experience the exquisite allure of the Rene Bouvier Morey-Saint-Denis En la Rue de Vergy 2019. This distinguished Burgundian wine represents the expertise of vintner René Bouvier, renowned for his philosophy of respect for the terroir and diligent vineyard practices. Harvested from vines averaging 55 years old, the wine utters the eloquent language of Pinot Noir with its symphony of aromas — highlighting cherry, forest floor, and black fruits.

This distinguished tipple unfurls complexity and depth through its intense, yet smoothly integrated tannins and remarkable freshness. Grown on a steep, high-altitude vineyard in the village of Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy, the wine is capable of aging gracefully, promising a continual evolution of flavours over years. Each bottle of Rene Bouvier Morey-Saint-Denis En la Rue de Vergy 2019 showcases Dedication to sustainable viticulture and biodynamic practices, offering each sip a profound sense of the revered terroir. Indulge in the finesse and timeless elegance this illustrious wine provides.

Jancis Robinson (17.5)

Cask sample. Vivid stemmy character cutting across the redcurrant fruit on the nose. Superb concentration of fruit on the palate, yet avoids lumbering heaviness via fresh acid and a lengthy, perfumed finish. Savoury soy and aniseed character to finish. (RH)

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

One of the genuinely great, mature Côte Rôties out there today , the 1999 Côte Rôtie Côte Blonde has everything you could want in a wine. Gorgeous amounts of ripe red and black fruits, spring flowers, charcuterie, violets, and spice define the bouquet and it’s full-bodied, multi-dimensional, and seamless on the palate. From a year that yielded concentrated yet fresh, classic wines, this beautiful, magical wine is going to cruise in cold cellars for another decade.

Wine Advocate (98)

The 2016 Cote Rotie La Cote Blonde (from the lieu-dit of the same name—not a blend of sites) is a terrific effort. It blends the structure of la Viallière with the elegance of la Landonne, making it a truly complete and compelling bottle. Some mocha, black olive and meaty notes lend it a savory cast, while the palate is creamy and concentrated, firm but silky. It's medium to full-bodied, with a fine, licorice-tinged finish that lingers a good long time. It should drink well for 20+ years.

Wine Advocate (98)

Even better than last year, the recently bottled 2017 Cote Rotie La Cote Blonde was singing when I tasted it back in July. Floral and berry notes accent mocha-tinged aromas in this medium to full-bodied wine. It's silky, long and intense, with a couple of decades of life ahead of it. It's simply difficult to describe the waves of savory complexity this wine now shows, coupled with a succulent texture and tremendous length.

Wine Advocate (97)

Subtle notes of baking spices frame hints of tea, olives and raspberries on the nose of the 2016 Cote Rotie la Landonne. A paragon of elegance, it's medium to full-bodied, but silky from start to lingering finish. It's a wine that's pretty much guaranteed to make even the steeliest curmudgeon smile, as it's so bright, ephemeral and luscious. It's not the rich, ripe wine the 2015 is, but it's suave, complex and long.

Jeb Dunnuck (95-97+)

A bigger, richer, more brooding wine, the 2017 Côte Rôtie La Landonne boasts stunning (and classic La Landonne) aromas and flavors of black fruits, smoked meat, and scorched earth. Full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, and structured, this is one of the few 2017s that’s going to really demand cellaring.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)

Sensual, racy and inviting, the Réserve de la Comtesse is one of the very finest wines readers will find in its peer group. Sweet dark plum, rose petal, spice and chocolate notes build into the silky, beautifully resonant finish. The 2016 has so much to offer. Moreover, it is flat-out delicious. Don't miss it!

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)

Sensual, racy and inviting, the Réserve de la Comtesse is one of the very finest wines readers will find in its peer group. Sweet dark plum, rose petal, spice and chocolate notes build into the silky, beautifully resonant finish. The 2016 has so much to offer. Moreover, it is flat-out delicious. Don't miss it!

James Suckling (93-94)

A rich and dense second wine of Pichon Lalande with a full body, round and juicy tannins and a fruit-driven finish. Chewy, too.

James Suckling (93-94)

A rich and dense second wine of Pichon Lalande with a full body, round and juicy tannins and a fruit-driven finish. Chewy, too.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)

The 2019 Réserve de la Comtesse is elegant, silky and nuanced, with terrific presence and tons of pure class. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, blood orange, rose petal and spice all build with a bit of aeration. I am so impressed with the wine's breadth and textural intensity. The 2019 Réserve is without a doubt one of the best recent editions here.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (90)

The 2018 Reynon is an absolute delight. Plump, juicy and so inviting, the 2018 checks all the right boxes. Succulent red cherry fruit, cedar, spice, new leather and tobacco wrap around the palate. Fleshy and harmonious, Reynon is superb. It is also one of the very finest values readers will find anywhere in the world.

James Suckling (97)

So much botrytis on the nose with spice, dried mushrooms and nutmeg. Dried lemons and mangoes. Full-bodied and medium sweet with density and, at the same time, lightness. I like that it is full of botrytis on the palate at the beginning and then turns fruity and very pretty at the end with citrus and fruit. Balanced, creamy and rich. Try after 2024, but already gorgeous.

Decanter (97)

An exceptional wine, this is just stuffed full of exotic fruits, layers of apricot, saffron, truffle and citrus, all powering through the palate with a mouthwatering finish. An early harvest - they finished picking in 2017 the same day that they started in 2018, and the crop showed unusually pure botrytis, needing less sorting than usual. Absolutely one to look out for.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)

The 2019 Rieussec is absolutely gorgeous. Gracious and supremely elegant in feel, the 2019 is immediately impressive. An exotic melange of lemon confit, marzipan, white flowers, passionfruit and tangerine oil opens effortlessly. The 2019 is compelling from start to finish. Harvest took place from October 8 to 15, in three passes. The 2019 is the first vintage that will be offered in a stylish new bottle. It is no secret Sauternes has struggled of late. I must say I really liked the new and very modern presentation, which shows a more playful side of Sauternes that might just work in creating a bit more excitement around these wines.

Jeb Dunnuck (94-96)

An estate that’s on an upward trajectory, having just completed work on a new cellar, the 2018 Château Ripeau comes from just over 12 hectares of vines situated near the likes of Cheval Blanc, Figeac, and La Dominique, and is a rough blend of 67% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon that will spend 16-18 months in new French oak. It offers a deep purple color as well as terrific purity and precision in its vibrant cassis and black raspberry fruits and notes of spring flowers, spice box, and earth. Medium to full-bodied, silky, and seamless on the palate, it has building tannins, ample mid-palate depth, and good concentration, and stays light on its feet and incredibly elegant. This estate is managed by Julien Salles and gets consulting advice from Claude Gros. My money is on this 2018 being the best to date, and I suspect the best is still to come!