James Suckling (99-100)

This is so elegant and sophisticated already, with a really electric presence and length that goes on and on. It's medium- to full-bodied with an intensity of tannins. It remains weightless and energetic. The pH is 3.41, making this a vivid and lively wine. Currant, orange and stone. Sea salt, too. The limestone soils created a unique wine here in 2023. A blend of 71% merlot and 29% cabernet franc.

James Suckling (99-100)

This is so elegant and sophisticated already, with a really electric presence and length that goes on and on. It's medium- to full-bodied with an intensity of tannins. It remains weightless and energetic. The pH is 3.41, making this a vivid and lively wine. Currant, orange and stone. Sea salt, too. The limestone soils created a unique wine here in 2023. A blend of 71% merlot and 29% cabernet franc.

Jeb Dunnuck (97)

The 2019 Château Canon-La-Gaffelière is another brilliantly perfumed wine in the vintage that shines for its complexity, finesse, and nuances. Giving up awesome notes of red and black currants, tobacco, exotic flowers, cedarwood, and loamy earth, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, beautifully polished, integrated tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. This is serious juice that warrants at least 4-5 years of bottle age and will evolve for 30 to 40 years.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)

The 2021 Canon-La-Gaffelière is gorgeous, but it is also very closed today. I view that as a positive for its long-term prospects, but readers need to be patient here. The 2021 is a super-classic Canon-La-Gaffelière redolent of strong floral and mineral accents. Its energy and sheer breeding are truly remarkable. I can't wait to taste it with bottle age. Bright saline notes extend the long, beautifully persistent finish. The 2021 was aged 40% in new oak, 20% in tank and the remainder in used oak and 400-liter barrels. This really pulses with energy.

Cultivating a legacy of the Piedmont territory, the Canonica Giovanni estate introduces the Cartizze Langhe Nebbiolo 2020, an elegant embodiment of authenticity and terroir. This magnificent Nebbiolo varietal intertwines complexity and subtlety through meticulous traditional winemaking. Characterised by a ruby hue, it bears vibrant cherry notes juxtaposed by earthy undertones, seasoned by the vineyard's unique clay-limestone soil.

This wine hails from the Langhe region in Italy, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for exceptional viticulture since Etruscan times. Canonica Giovanni champions a meticulous approach with sustainable methods, hand-harvesting their Nebbiolo in October for optimal ripeness.

Hand-crafted in oak casks, Canonica Giovanni Langhe Nebbiolo 2020 bears testament to Giovanni Canonica's commitment to preserving regional winemaking traditions. Here, old-world charm is captured in its finest expression, making each sip a glimpse into the vineyard's rich heritage.

The Canonica Giovanni Langhe Nebbiolo 2020 is, indeed, a harmonious symphony of an understated power and finesse, bringing forth an exhilarating wine experience like no other.

James Suckling (94)

A wine with blueberry and mineral aromas follows through to a full body, with fine tannins and a juicy finish. Best for years from here. Needs at least three years of bottle age to soften. Could be better than 2009 in the long run.

James Suckling (93-94)

Crushed berries and walnuts with red-chili and mushroom notes. It’s medium-to full-bodied and soft. Juicy at the end. Ripe tannins and good balance.

James Suckling (93-94)

Lots of richness and fruit for this winery, showing blackberry, blackcurrant and dark-chocolate character. It’s full and layered. Well done.

James Suckling (93-94)

This shows focus and balance with a pretty dark-fruit character, as well as hints of blue flowers and stones. Medium-bodied, juicy and vivid with very polished tannins and fresh acidity. Nice center-palate with cabernet character coming through. Firm at the end.

Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

The 2016 Cantenac Brown seems to have grown aromatically since I last tasted it a few months ago. More complex than I remember, this offers a cornucopia of scents: blackberry, briary, cedar and a lovely mintiness that recalls Palmer. The palate is silky smooth with great depth and delineation, satin-like, multi-layered, precocious black fruit laced with black pepper, tea leaves and cloves, all fanning out gloriously towards the finish. Bon vin! Tasted at the Cantenac Brown vertical at the château.

Wine Enthusiast (95-97)

This is a rich wine, full of generous black fruits and ripe tannins that give it both a powerful yet stylish nature. Its weight comes from the fine black fruit flavor, with fine acidity to the cut fruitiness.

Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

José Sanfins has overseen a 2019 Cantenac Brown that will give immense pleasure in coming years. The bouquet has tightened up since I tasted the barrel sample (also at the château, in summer 2021): blackberry, raspberry and cedar are now accompanied by just a touch of peppermint. The palate is medium-bodied, taut and fresh, with sappy red fruit, fine acidity and a vibrant, harmonious finish. This Margaux brims with confidence and should give 30 to 40 years of drinking pleasure. The insiders' Margaux of choice.

Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

José Sanfins has overseen a 2019 Cantenac Brown that will give immense pleasure in coming years. The bouquet has tightened up since I tasted the barrel sample (also at the château, in summer 2021): blackberry, raspberry and cedar are now accompanied by just a touch of peppermint. The palate is medium-bodied, taut and fresh, with sappy red fruit, fine acidity and a vibrant, harmonious finish. This Margaux brims with confidence and should give 30 to 40 years of drinking pleasure. The insiders' Margaux of choice.

James Suckling (96-97)

Fantastic depth of fruit with layers of firm, chewy tannins that are medium-grained and long in the mouth. Full and dynamic. One of the best ever.

James Suckling (96-97)

Fantastic depth of fruit with layers of firm, chewy tannins that are medium-grained and long in the mouth. Full and dynamic. One of the best ever.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)

The 2023 Cantenac Brown opens with gorgeous, captivating aromatics. Crushed flowers, dark red-toned fruit, blood orange, cinnamon and dried autumn leaves are some of the notes that grace this elegant, super-refined Grand Vin. This is the first vintage made in the new cellar, a facility equipped with twice as many tanks as the old winery, in different sizes that allow for smaller picks. The 2023 is a beautiful wine done in a new style for the château, one that showcases an added touch of finesse. Give this a few years to come into its own. Today, Cabernet tannins are a touch imposing.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)

The 2023 Cantenac Brown opens with gorgeous, captivating aromatics. Crushed flowers, dark red-toned fruit, blood orange, cinnamon and dried autumn leaves are some of the notes that grace this elegant, super-refined Grand Vin. This is the first vintage made in the new cellar, a facility equipped with twice as many tanks as the old winery, in different sizes that allow for smaller picks. The 2023 is a beautiful wine done in a new style for the château, one that showcases an added touch of finesse. Give this a few years to come into its own. Today, Cabernet tannins are a touch imposing.

The Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Ca d’ Mate 2018 is a luxurious embodiment of the small-scale winemaking heritage of Piedmont, Italy. This fine red wine, handcrafted by the Garrone family who has mastered the art of winemaking since 1947, embodies the spirit of local traditions and time-honoured expertise. Sun-ripened grapes from the reputable Ossolane Valley imbue this vintage with a robust, nuanced body making it a must-have for grape enthusiasts.

Every bottle of Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Ca d’ Mate 2018 encapsulates the Essences of Nebbiolo, Croatina, and Vespolina, aged subtly in stainless steel vats to preserve their authenticity, resulting in an explosion of bold, red-fruited pleasures. The artisanal approach, practised by generations, ensures every sip is a testament to the vibrant Italian terroir. This wine perfectly marries complexity and harmony, offering an exceptional finish that lingers, making it a wonderful addition to any discerning collector's cellar.

Relish in the divine experience of the Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Ca d’ Mate 2019, a wine of outstanding quality and deep-rooted history. This exquisite artisanal wine hails from Northern Italy's Piedmont region, crafted by the time-honoured Cantine Garrone Winery, renowned for their dedication to organic and biodynamic winemaking. An entrancing blend of Nebbiolo, Croatina and Vespolina grapes, nurtured amidst mountainous terrains, the wine flawlessly captures the rich and distinctive terroir of its birthplace.

Upon uncorking the Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Ca d’ Mate 2019, immediately discern waves of aromatic complexity, encompassing ripe cherries, wild berries, and subtle hints of spices. It graces the palate with striking depth, plum-red hues, and velvety tannins, bound together in an elegant, medium-bodied structure. The wine concludes with an impressively persistent finish, making it a harmonious pairing for hearty Italian dishes. An expertly-crafted testament to the manufacturer's passion, this bottle promises a sophisticated and memorable tasting experience.

Experience unrivalled vitality and elegance with Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Prudent Diecibrente 2017. As one of Italy's spectacular Piemonte region's hidden gems, this refined wine exhibits remarkable complexity and subtlety. The family-owned Cantine Garrone meticulously crafts this exquisite creation in the picturesque Ossola Valley, rooted in organic viticulture and adherence to the region's unique varietal heritage. Prudent Diecibrente 2017 is a reflection of the hard work and dedication the Garrone family has invested in their vineyards since 1946.

It's a distinct fragrance narrative, grounded in the character of hand-picked Nebbiolo grapes, immersed in local nuances. Embracing traditional winemaking processes, this red's vibrant berry profile is balanced by soft tannins and a lively finish that lingers on the palate. The Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Prudent Diecibrente 2017 is indeed a harmonious fusion of tradition and terroir, intended for the discerning drinker's table.

The Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Prudent Diecibrente 2019 is a captivating blend of Nebbiolo and Vespolina grapes. This aromatic red wine is meticulously crafted in the breathtaking region of Piedmont, Italy. Set on the ethereal bank of the Toce River, the Cantine Garrone winery upholds generations-old tradition of premium winemaking, under the current custodianship of the Brusa family. The vineyard’s unique mountainous terroir bestows upon the Prudent Diecibrente 2019 a rich intensity and a deep ruby hue.

Expertly hand-harvested and vinified in stainless steel at controlled temperatures, this wine offers an intriguing aromatic complexity of red fruits, spices, and a hint of vanilla. Ably structured with tannic extracts, it concludes on a long, satisfying note of ripe fruit. Recommended with hearty dishes, the Cantine Garrone Valli Ossolane Prudent Diecibrente 2019 is a testimony to exquisite Italian wine artistry – an unforgettable journey of sensory indulgence.

Renowned for their exceptional winemaking, Cantine Garrone brings forth another masterpiece - the Tarlap, Valli Ossolane 2020. Made in their prestigious vineyards, laid amidst the ethereal landscapes of the Italian Piemonte region, this top-quality wine is the embodiment of the Garrone family's dedication to pristine viticulture and restrained winemaking. The wine, made in limited quantities, showcases the unique terroir, embracing native grape varieties along with sustainable and organic farming practices.

The captivating Tarlap, Valli Ossolane 2020, encapsulates the charm of the mountainous Ossola valleys, reflected in its full-bodied palate, well-rounded tannins, and balanced acidity. The winemakers have scrupulously hand-harvested the grapes at optimal maturity, using spontaneous fermentation to preserve the archetypal characteristics. Cantine Garrone's expression of this wine is indeed a tribute to their adherence to tradition, intertwined with modern innovation. Experience the quintessential Italian excellence with Cantine Garrone, Tarlap, Valli Ossolane 2020.

Wine Advocate (93)

Caparzo is one of two properties in Montalcino owned by the beautiful and charming Elisabetta Gnudi Angelini. The other property is Altesino. This wine, the Caparzo 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is a very classic interpretation that delivers the goods without any distracting bells or whistles. The wine opens to red and purple fruit aromas with background tones of dried herb, potting soil, cedar wood and light spice. Fruit comes from a site with heavier clay soils, and you get hints of that extra density and richness here. This vintage offers all you need in a model Brunello from a very beautiful and generous vintage. I always admire the wines of Caparzo for their accessible and immediate drinking style. Some 160,000 bottles were corked in August 2019, and the wine hit the market in January 2020.

Jeb Dunnuck (92-94)

From the team at Calon Ségur, the 2018 Château Capbern is another smoking good Saint-Estèphe. In 2018 it’s a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that will spend 18 months in 60% new French oak. This ripe, sexy wine (it hit 14.6% natural alcohol) sports a deep purple color as well as blockbuster notes of crème de cassis, jammy blackberries, crushed flowers, and scorched earth. Despite all the fruit and texture, it stays beautifully balanced, has classic Saint-Estèphe earthy minerality, ripe tannins, and a great finish.

Jeb Dunnuck (92-94)

From the team at Calon Ségur, the 2018 Château Capbern is another smoking good Saint-Estèphe. In 2018 it’s a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that will spend 18 months in 60% new French oak. This ripe, sexy wine (it hit 14.6% natural alcohol) sports a deep purple color as well as blockbuster notes of crème de cassis, jammy blackberries, crushed flowers, and scorched earth. Despite all the fruit and texture, it stays beautifully balanced, has classic Saint-Estèphe earthy minerality, ripe tannins, and a great finish.

James Suckling (93-94)

This is a gorgeous young sample with wonderful blue fruit and spices, as well as a nice overlay of pretty wood. Medium to full body and firm, silky tannins. Hints of minerals. Better than 2018.

Jeb Dunnuck (94-96)

Readers looking for an off-the-charts value should snatch up the 2020 Château Capbern, which emerges from the same team as Calon Ségur. Offering a vivid bouquet of cassis, leafy tobacco, violets, damp earth, and chocolate, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, perfectly ripe fruit (not overripe, not underripe), ultra-fine, integrated tannins, and the mix of freshness and richness that’s part of all great wines. It’s a hidden gem in Saint-Estèphe.