The 2019 La Lagune offers exquisite transparency on the nose - one of the most terroir-expressive Pessac-Léognan wines this vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, taut and fresh, quite saline with a...

A red with lots of currant, blackberry, fresh-herb and tobacco character. Hint of mushroom, too. It’s full and layered with polished, chewy tannins and a bright and fresh finish. Very long and focused. Give it time to...

Blueberry, blackberry and chocolate aromas yet subtle and perfumed. Full-bodied with chewy tannins and lots of structure. Shows depth and has a purpose. Needs time to come together soon. Try after 2027.

The 2019 Clos L'Eglise is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it comes bounding out with exuberant notes of plum pudding, fruitcake, and Chinese five spice, leading to suggestions of...

I was also able to taste the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, which is an utterly classic Napa Cabernet with its layered, expansive mouthfeel and majestic style. Red and black currants, savory herbs, tobacco, new leather, and...

The 2019 La Gaffeliere is deep garnet-colored. It hits the ground running with a fabulously fragrant nose of chocolate-covered cherries, rose oil, and preserved plums, leading to hints of garrigue and tilled soil. The...

I wasn't able to taste the 2019 Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion from barrel, but it certainly brings the goods from bottle. Deep ruby/purple-hued, with a smorgasbord-like array of red, blue, and black fruits as well as...

Cerequio is an iconic cru and does not disappoint. Immediately aromas of warmed cherries, mint, eucalyptus and mixed spices breeze in and out of the wine while savory and earth notes try their best to be noticed. Tannins...

The 2019 Mouton Rothschild is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it is a little broody to start off, soon unfurling to offer notes of creme de cassis, baked...

This is a tight and powerful Orma with solid tannins that beautifully frame the fruit in the wine. Full-bodied and focused with intense structure and fruit character. Perhaps the best Orma ever. Give this four or five...

This has chocolate, cedar and walnuts as well as some currant aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with some lovely fruit and juiciness. 55.8% cabernet sauvignon, 38.8% merlot and 5.4% petit verdot. Attractive now but...

This deep and potentially ageworthy blend from both valley and hillside sites is a baritone, showing deep bass notes of black currant, toasted oak and espresso on a great structure of fine-grained tannins and a full body...

The 2019 Vivaltus hails from Ribera del Duero and was aged up to 12 months in barrel and amphora. Garnet in color, it opens with licorice and wild herbs—laurel and meadow tones—then shifts into black and red fruit, adding...