Just Landed
Just in case you’ve been hiding in your cellar…
Here’s the latest & greatest to hit the WINE DECODED shelves!
Size & Type
Other
Just in case you’ve been hiding in your cellar…
Here’s the latest & greatest to hit the WINE DECODED shelves!
Cabernet Sauvignon from Clare Valley, South Australia
AP Birks Wendouree Cellars produce some of the very few wines I’ll buy without tasting! The wines are something special. A celebration of an incredible old vineyard with plantings from the late 1800s. Tony & Lita are custodians of something truly special!From 1971 and 2002 plantings.Some argue that his Cabernet and Cabernet Malbec are not varietal in character. This I don't care about. What I'm looking for is wine that is good and these are damn good! Both have an incredible core o
Chardonnay from Macedon, Victoria
This project from the granite soils in the northern end of the Macedon Ranges at 460m above sea level is an exciting addition to our activities. The vineyard was established in 1995 and the fruit has ostensibly been “lost” interstate until new Victorian owners took over in spring 2021. This fragrant, stoney, gently spicy Chardonnay has delicious, subtle fruit complexity of lemon, mandarin and yellow plum. It is, of course, youthful and vigorous, with creamy texturtal mouthfeel that builds po
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
These wines are spectacular, loaded with personality, a true expression of extreme sites! Made from Nerello Mascelese, some call it the Barolo of the South, others a cross between Pinot & Nebbiolo. I prefer to say it is itself & delicious. The vineyards of Etna have undergone a major renaissance in the last couple of decades. Passipisciaro has been one of the wineries at the forefront. I was blown away the first time I tasted this wine.Crushed roses, wild strawberries, wet ston
Nebbiolo from Commune di Barolo, Barolo
Barolo Cru Druca Fruit from the Vineyards of Luigi Oddero! Sourced from the Druca Cru in Barolo. Declassified Barolo! Not for quality, but, for the shorter ageing timeframe. BOOM! The shift in Cru back in 2020 was based on a desire to find fruit with softer tannin to handle 100% whole-bunch, an uncommon technique in Piedmont, though one on the rise. The Cru is near Novello's Ravera Cru. The site allows more hang time & the ripeness of tannins needed for 100% wholebunch ferment. Interest
Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont
A Langhe Nebb made from young vine Rabajà .. Yes it's true! Historically, Cortese Langhe Nebbiolo can come across a little juby on release and undergoes a metamorphosis in the first 12-24 months. The 2023 appears to have already emerged as a butterfly. A beautiful iteration of Langhe Neb from Barbaresco showing elegance and sophistication, ethereal and thirst quenching, Entrancing perfume dancing over crunch cherry fruit, beautifully weighted tannin against a mid-weight delight. A little spice,
A unique Soave, this wine along with Il Corincino's Verdicchio 'Gaiospino' was one of the first two wines that sparked my interest in Italian wine. The age of the vineyards is reflected in the depth of fruit. FYI - Vecchie Vigne means 'Old Vines' and these are pre-phylloxera from a sandy sub-plot of the La Foscà vineyard.The 2021 Soave Classico Contrada Salvarenza Vecchie Vigne displays a deep golden color, wafting up with notes of crushed almond, stone dust and Asian pear. It floods the
Nebbiolo from Grumello, Valtellina
The Robin has landed! The Pettirosso is a 50:50 blend of Grumello and Sassella fruit. Boldness coming from Grumello and delicacy with fine, mineral traits from Sassella. Try the Superiores from each of the sub-regions and you’ll see these characters. The blend works beautifully. The 2022 had an epic 101 day extended maceration! An excellent stepwise build in complexity depth and length.
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
Zippy fresh line of acid with vibrant red fruits, a fine line of more linear long tannin. Lacing of slatey, darkness. Tight and of tension that will reward a couple of years in bottle to resolve and for the mid-palate to build. All is in the right place and ready to come together and deliver. The harmony.Tasted again from the open bottle 4 days on and the transformation was well underway. DJ 02xTIME dialed the Rosso in. Whilst not a replica for time in bottle, a bloody good insight!�
Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont
We have benefited from a delayed release of the Cortese 2021’s. It’s fascinating reading critic notes from barrel tastings and just post-bottling. They are such a snapshot in time. Seeing this 2+ years after the most recent critic notes shows they had solid insights. The Blue Label Barbaresco was first released just a few years ago and has consistently represented exceptional value underpinned by quality fruit and the deft hand in the winery. The 2021 continues to follow this short, yet impr
Rosé from Inferno, Valtellina
First released in 1980! Cracking 'Metodo Classico' fizz from Valtellina! I've had some solid sparkling Nebbiolo from Piedmont before. None quite like this! When this was poured for me I had no expectations and ended up having a WOW! moment.Made from Chiavennasca 92% A.K.A Nebbiolo, Pignola 4%, Rossola 4%.Excellent texture and mousse, light salmon colour with a red fruit down the raspberry line, superb acid, balancing alow dose. Very sophisticated. A play of light woody herbs, rose, fa
Nebbiolo from Treiso, Barbaresco
Elegant, fine, grape first and just delicious. Settling and opening in the glass. Sitting in a sweet spot. Beautifully refined texture. Long, even and slatey in a good way. Serious wine at the price point. Vibrant acidity, salty and a little bloody, with a gently tarry, alpine note. Excellent shape flow and persistence. Harmony. Give this a few years and you’ll go to a happy place. Licks of spice, background orange citrus hum. Bright red fruits. Great to see a Barbaresco Classico from the Odde
Pinot Noir from Ambonnay, Montagne de Reims
The successor to the Rosé No.3 is equally fabulous! The wine’s colour is immediately seductive, with its delicate hue of subtly intense light pink, evoking all the nobility of Pinot Noir de Bouzy. The nose is expressive and charming, revealing floral aromas mingled with a palette of candied red fruits and English sweets, enhanced by a saline, almost iodized touch, which is the hallmark of the house’s mineral freshness. On the palate, the attack is lively and invigorating. Red berries – st
Pinot Noir from Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise
Give it a couple of days open or a few years in bottle and you'll go to a happy place. An earthy nose of red and blue pinot fruit displays a top note of kirsch. There is both an attractive texture and verve to the acceptably dense flavors that deliver solid depth and persistence. This could be enjoyed young and given the attractive price point, this is one to look at for value.Allen Meadows, Burghound 89-91 PointsJM 89
Pinot Noir from Gippsland, Victoria
"This 2024 Estate Pinot Noir is fine and fragrant opening up with red licorice, old leather, earth and spice aromas with immaculate purity of fruit. Understated with an earthy core of flavour while tangy acidity adds bite to a lingering, fresh and licorice root scented finish. Charming now but sure to build over the medium term. 2026-3035."Angus Hughson, Wine Pilot 92 Points HH 92
Pinot Noir from Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise
Punching above its weight! Along with the Clos de Myglands this represents one of the best value Burgundies on the market. JM 93
Chardonnay from Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte du Beaune
Sourced from vineyards directly around Chassagne this drinks like a baby version of the appellation. Bright and beautifully balanced, with aromas of citrus blossom, pear and white peach. The palate is fresh and mineral, combining fresh acidity with subtle texture and a long saline finish. A superb introduction to the precision and elegance of one of Chassagne-Montrachet's benchmark domaines.Fresh and cool aromas include those of green apple, petrol and citrus confit. There is both
Chardonnay from Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte du Beaune
From vines located in Meursault (40%), Puligny (15%), Chassagne (15%) and also Saint Aubin (30%). Made exactly like all the other wines, just a shorter elevage. Not yet labelled Côte d’Or ‘It can be but the clients have never asked for it.
Chardonnay from Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte du Beaune
Located in the lieu-dit of En Creuzilly at a height of 420 metres with ‘more clay’. A very fresh wine with less ‘fat’ that wants time to show its best. Ample depth covering a very fine structure.Vines in the direction of Nolay, bought in 2014 – 2015 was the first vintage – from an 8 ha domaine shared with Sauzet – about 6km from domaine, vines on hillsides, over 400m with plenty of clay in this soil. Harvested about a week later than the vines around Chassagne – patience is a
Riesling from Mosel, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer
The Wehlener Auslese had everything. The 2024 Riesling Wehlener Sonnenuhr Auslese, without any botrytis to speak of, flirts with peach bathed in orange zest with a gorgeous frisson of bergamot. It has a serene sweetness, delving deep into ripe, golden peach flesh. The 2024 is gorgeously framed with tangy citrus on a beautifully contoured body that is so racy, sleek and smooth. What a class act.Anne Krebiehl MW, Vinous 97 Points
Red Blend from Clare Valley, South Australia
AP Birks Wendouree Cellars produce some of the very few wines I’ll buy without tasting! The wines are something special. A celebration of an incredible old vineyard with plantings from the late 1800s. Tony & Lita are custodians of something truly special!Ranges from 80-50% Shriaz and 20-50% depending on the year Malbec from the 1919 and 1920 plantings. The Shiraz Malbec, it's a variation on a theme of excellent wines, the opulence of the Malbec providing a twist of difference in c
Malbec from Clare Valley, South Australia
AP Birks Wendouree Cellars produce some of the very few wines I’ll buy without tasting! The wines are something special. A celebration of an incredible old vineyard with plantings from the late 1800s. Tony & Lita are custodians of something truly special!Central vineyard planted in 1898.The Malbec is the best I've ever had from Australia. Malbec is a fickle variety that is a case of feast or famine. When flowering is poor so little fruit is realised that you can barely make a wine
Red Blend from Clare Valley, South Australia
AP Birks Wendouree Cellars produce some of the very few wines I’ll buy without tasting! The wines are something special. A celebration of an incredible old vineyard with plantings from the late 1800s. Tony & Lita are custodians of something truly special!Ranges from 80-60% Shiraz and 20-40% Mataro from 1893 Central, 1919 Eastern, and 1920 Eastern bush vines.His Shiraz Mataro is delicious, more ethereal than the straight Shiraz, with some structure evident from the Mataro. There's a
Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont
🍇RABAJÀ RABAJÀ RABAJÀ 🇮🇹 Stepping up to the famed Rabaja Cru the DJ has dialled it up! Deeper, darker, longer yet maintaining a transparency. Perfume on savoury fruit, a refined slatey note with a lick of tar. Like all of Cortese Neb’s it drinks beautifully. Clearly built with a little more time in bottle in mind you need to have some Blue Label Barbaresco to sate your Cortese gland whilst having a little more patience here. Mouthfeel plays with chalkiness and grip finishing with a
Pinot Noir from Macedon, Victoria
The 2023 Block 8 begins with sweet fruits; red and dark cherry and red plum. Rhubarb and undergrowth appear with creaminess and brown spices adding additional complexity. Darshan like low cropping levels provide for a palate that is full to begin, creamy, silky, seamless in tannin flow, very long and structured. The emphatic and deliciously satisfying palate rolls on and on. It will improve for seven years and hold for that time again at the least. Michael D
Pinot Noir from Macedon, Victoria
The 2024 Darshan comes from similarly tiny cropping levels in a warmer season. The nose is lifted by sweet red fruits with some darker fruits working with the undergrowth It is very complex. The palate is fresh and creamy, energetic, chewy, vigorous, seamless and flowing. It will continue to build complexity and suppleness over six plus years and live well beyond. Michael D
Pinot Noir from Macedon, Victoria
The 2024 Block 8 combines rich sweet fruit with earth and savouriness. There's a lot going on here from this powerful close planted site that adjoins Block 5 as it sweeps north. Paradoxically, it is both deeply flavoured and closed at the same time. Ripe red and dark cherry and plum are evident with sweet gingerbread spices working with undergrowth and meatiness. The palate is rich and full, creamy, juicy, savoury, expansive and long. Seven plus years cellaring will be advantageous to begin with
Pinot Noir from Macedon, Victoria
The 2023 Block 8 begins with sweet fruits; red and dark cherry and red plum. Rhubarb and undergrowth appear with creaminess and brown spices adding additional complexity. Darshan like low cropping levels provide for a palate that is full to begin, creamy, silky, seamless in tannin flow, very long and structured. The emphatic and deliciously satisfying palate rolls on and on. It will improve for seven years and hold for that time again at the least. Michael D
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
John and Zoë have crafted a Rosso that is fresh, juicy, and immediately delightful, just the way we like them. The serious caliber of the terroir shines through in this structured, yet friendly bottle of Sangiovese. Given the tiny production of this vintage, Benda bottled only a single wine, blending their precious Brunello fruit into this spectacular Rosso.
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
Super impressive, layered, bright, brooding, epic intrigue, incredible complexity. It has that 5th dimension, harmony seamless, together, wonderful personality. Exceptional, ripe, nutty, layered tannins. Fresh, vibrant fruit. Restraint subtlety. Great tension that will clearly hold it in good stead as it ages. A grape first delight that gives you an inner glow.Paul Kaan, Wine Decoded July 2026Baricci consistently makes wines that reflect the identity of this special Tuscan territory.
Nebbiolo from Castiglione Falletto, Barolo
’The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo from Giuseppe Mascarello is a fragrant wine with lovely aromas of blue flower, rose, red berry and beachy aromas recalling warm sand. It’s loaded with finesse, featuring flavors of tart cherry, white pepper and star anise accompanied by polished, present tannins.’KO 93 PointsSourced from the vineyards: Perno, on Santo Stefano hill in the village of Monforte d’Alba, and various vineyards in Castiglione Falletto.
Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont
The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Pora is a fabulous introduction to the single-vineyard wines in this range. Pliant and resonant in the glass, the 2021 impresses with its solid core of fruit and exceptional balance. A wine of depth and structure, the Pora is compelling. Wild cherry fruit, spice, new leather and blood orange fill out the layers. This is an especially fine Pora. There is so much to look forward to.Antonio Galloni, Vinous 95 Points KO 96
Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont
The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo marries finesse and power. Open-knit aromatics make a strong first impression. Layered and resonant in the glass, with tons of supporting structure, the Rio Sordo is going to need a few years to come into its own. Crushed rose petal, cedar, spice and tobacco lend notable finesse. The 2021 needs time, but it's got the goods. The explosive, aromatic finish is sublime.Antonio Galloni, Vinous 96 PointsThe Produttori del Barbaresco 2021 Barbaresco R
Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont
The Produttori del Barbaresco 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello shows greater richness and structure on the mid-palate, with ripe and supple flavors of red and purple fruit that give the wine an especially generous personality. This is a concentrated expression of Nebbiolo, yet it remains direct, sharp and beautifully focused, fully living up to the reputation of this highly collectible vintage. The added depth of fruit is balanced by freshness, creating a wine that is both powerful and elegantly c
Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont
The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Muncagota is laced with strong floral and savory notes. Brisk acids and beams of supporting tannin give the 2021 its driving, tense personality. I expect those qualities will be positives for the future, but today the Muncagota is pretty forbidding. Give this time. This is one of the most tense editions of this wine I can remember tasting. Antonio Galloni, Vinous 95 PointsFrom a warm and well-ventilated 4.5-hectare site, the Produttori del Barbaresco 2021 B
Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont
The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Pajè is deep, dense wine. Strong spice and balsamic notes wrap around a core of dark-toned fruit. A brooding, packed powerhouse, the Pajè needs a number of years to be at its most expressive. This is classic Pajè all way, dialed up to eleven. Time in the glass brings out the wine's complex, dynamic personality and overall breadth. Antonio Galloni, Vinous 96 PointsFrom a two-hectare site rooted in limestone soils, the Produttori del Barbaresco 2021 Barbar
Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont
The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is a dense, hulking wine. Powerful and dense to the core, the Montestefano is a big, broad-shouldered wine that is going to need a few years to be at its most expressive. Dark-toned fruit, new leather, spice, menthol are all amplified in this potent Barbaresco.Antonio Galloni, Vinous 97One of the bottles in this lineup that falls on the darker and bolder side of the spectrum, the Produttori del Barbaresco 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano i
Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont
The 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Montefico is a tense, vibrant wine. Whereas in most vintages the Montefico can be a touch austere, the 2021 has plenty of energy, but also the textural depth to pull it all together. In that sense, the Montefico is a terrific example of the vintage here. Its concentration and persistence are the stuff dreams are made of Hints of sage, graphite, chalk and mint explode on the back end. Antonio Galloni, Vinous 97 Points KO 99*Limit 2
Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont
Based on growing intensity, the Produttori del Barbaresco 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà was tasted last in this series. It is beautifully defined by a distinctive mineral note of crushed chalk and flinty stone. There is plenty of elegant fruit with wild berry, sour cherry and blue flower aromas, but everything is framed by that precise dusty-mineral signature that gives the wine its strong sense of identity. The balance between fruit and minerality is especially compelling, with neither elemen
Red Blend from Clare Valley, South Australia
AP Birks Wendouree Cellars produce some of the very few wines I’ll buy without tasting! The wines are something special. A celebration of an incredible old vineyard with plantings from the late 1800s. Tony & Lita are custodians of something truly special!Around 30% Malbec and comes from 1975 Central, 1920 Eastern, and 1989 Western vineyards.The blend of Cabernet and Malbec is well known throughout the world. Along with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, they are two of the va
Chardonnay from Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte du Beaune
“The 2023 Chassagne-Montrachet Village comes from three lieux-dits and was bottled in August. This has a bright citrus peel-, fresh pear- and sea spray-scented nose that leans a little toward Puligny in style. The palate is well balanced with a slightly creamy texture. It's a little spicier than other Chassagne Villages, with touches of quince and white pepper on the finish. Enjoy this over the next six to eight years.” Neal Martin, Vinous 89 PointsA touch of matchstick charac
Shiraz/Syrah from Clare Valley, South Australia
AP Birks Wendouree Cellars produce some of the very few wines I’ll buy without tasting! The wines are something special. A celebration of an incredible old vineyard with plantings from the late 1800s. Tony & Lita are custodians of something truly special!A straight Shiraz from the original Central vineyard bush vines (block 24B) planted in 1893.
Shiraz/Syrah from Clare Valley, South Australia
AP Birks Wendouree Cellars produce some of the very few wines I’ll buy without tasting! The wines are something special. A celebration of an incredible old vineyard with plantings from the late 1800s. Tony & Lita are custodians of something truly special!A Straight Shiraz from 1919 Eastern vineyard plantings.
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is darkly inward in its youthful state, brooding and tense with tobacco, minty herbs, cedary spice, plum and nuances of black cherry. Soft textures wash across the energetic palate as mineral- inflected red berry fruits saturate. Structured and incredibly long, the 2021 leaves the cheeks puckering amidst fine-grained tannins and a contrasting accent of sour citrus.Eric Guido, Vinous 95 PointsThe Conti Costanti 2021 Brunello di Montalcino shows fine
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
The Fuligni 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is an elegant expression with layers of dark fruit and blackcurrant that give way to pressed rose, grilled herb and petrichor, recalling rocks bathed in hot sunlight. The wine is chiseled and refined, owing to the classic nature of the vintage and the restrained, non-extractive house style that distinguishes Fuligni, a historic estate based just outside the village of Montalcino on higher-elevation sites. The wine shows precision with fine tannic tension a
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
Brunello di Montalcino comes in a vast array of guises from the super bold structured ones with oak (not my cuppa), the dark rich yet mid-weight with a line of substantial yet refined tannins, & the perfumed, poised, delicate Brunellos with plush fine tannins. At this, Burgundian end, we see Poggio di Sotto and Soldera. Today we add one more to that list Gorelli. It's not yet in the league of it's two peers. Thankfully, neither is it's price. It's heading in the right direction, definitely o
Pinot Noir from Gippsland, Victoria
"This 2024 Premium Pinot Noir has a strong whole bunchy feel with beautifully composed layers of dark cherry and woody herbs with a lining of Szechuan pepper and licorice. Complex and a little wild showing strong meaty, earthy and cola tones. Most notable is the firm structure thanks to chewy tannins and vibrant, balanced acidity which builds to a strong finish. A wine built with cellaring in mind. 2030-2040."Angus Hughson, Wine Pilot 94 Points HH 97
Pinot Noir from Nuits-Saint-Georges, Côte-de-Nuits
“The 2023 Nuits Saint-Georges Mont des Oiseaux ler Cru, matured in 35% new oak, has an elegant, quite mineral-driven bouquet that is vivacious and charming (like the 2022). The palate is silky smooth on the entry, very well balanced and unerringly pure, with a light yet energetic finish that has just the right amount of piquancy. This is an underrated cuvée from the Domaine that should not be overlooked.”Neal Martin, Vinous 91-93 Points
Chardonnay from Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte du Beaune
“The 2023 Chassagne-Montrachet Virondot 1er Cru is a worthy follow-up to the impressive 2022. Very complex and harmonious on the nose, it just could not be from anywhere but Chassagne, combining very subtle yellow fruit notes with stirring mineralité. The palate is beautifully balanced with a fine bead of acidity. It's quite energetic at the moment, which will hopefully be captured in the bottle. There's a very sustained spicy aftertaste that completes a great Chassagne.”Neal Martin, V
Chardonnay from Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte du Beaune
A suggestion of herbal tea lurks in the background of the fresh and bright aromas of citrus zest, acacia blossom and passion fruit. There is a lovely sense of underlying tension to the slightly less concentrated but seductively textured flavors that conclude in a balanced and lingering finish. This could use better depth so at least a few years of keeping are in order. Drink: 2028+Allen Meadows, Burghound 91 Points ♥ OutstandingThe 2023 Chassagne-Montrachet Vergers 1er Cru has to
Chardonnay from Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte du Beaune
“The 2023 Chassagne-Montrachet Les Caillerets 1er Cru has more mineralité on the nose than other Premier Crus from the domaine. Crushed chalk and flinty scents permeate the subtle yellow plum and jasmine aromas. The palate is tensile from the start, with intense orange pith and apricot notes and a complex, quite persistent finish. There is a sense of completeness here that is already present. Bon vin.”Neal Martin, Vinous 92-94 PointsDiscreet wood influence is present on the
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
The J. G. Benda 2021 Brunello di Montalcino opens with aromas of rosewood, spice and dark fruit sourced from sandstone soils near Il Greppo. A pretty mineral note frames the bouquet but remains secondary to the ripe, primary fruit that drives the wine, and the palate leans into a mild, supple mouthfeel with finely powdery tannins. Living and expressive in character, this is a fleshed-out and well-balanced Brunello produced in a limited quantity of just 2,450 bottles.Monica Larner, The Wine A
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
The J. G. Benda 2021 Pietrafocaia di Sopra is more reserved and introspective than the Brunello di Montalcino, trading immediacy for greater depth and textural complexity. The wine takes time to unfold, revealing a pronounced crushed-stone minerality that adds verticality and structure, while powdery, elegant tannins support an open-knit yet composed drinking style. Produced in only 2,444 bottles, this is a quietly compelling wine that rewards patience in the glass. Fruit comes from old vines pl
Pinot Noir from Nuits-Saint-Georges, Côte-de-Nuits
The 2022 was the most profound Clos des Forêts I've had from Arlot! I can't wait to try their benchmark Nuits from 2023.Paul Kaan, Wine Deocded“The 2023 Nuits Saint-Georges Clos des Forêts Saint Georges 1er Cru has a detailed and complex bouquet with a mixture of red and black fruit, a subtle estuarine influence and light graphite scents that surface with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with dark berry fruit. This is the most opulent and richest of the cuvées from the Do
Pinot Noir from Nuits-Saint-Georges, Côte-de-Nuits
“The 2023 Nuits Saint-Georges Clos de l'Arlot ler Cru has a vibrant bouquet that one might mistake for containing some stems-slightly darker fruit, with a touch of seaweed The palate is medium-bodied with a saline entry, very well balanced and elegant in style, with a harmonious and persistent finish. Quite seductive.”Neal Martin, Vinous 92-94 Points
Nebbiolo from Barbaresco, Piedmont
The Produttori del Barbaresco 2021 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello shows greater richness and structure on the mid-palate, with ripe and supple flavors of red and purple fruit that give the wine an especially generous personality. This is a concentrated expression of Nebbiolo, yet it remains direct, sharp and beautifully focused, fully living up to the reputation of this highly collectible vintage. The added depth of fruit is balanced by freshness, creating a wine that is both powerful and elegantly c
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
The Fuligni 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is an elegant expression with layers of dark fruit and blackcurrant that give way to pressed rose, grilled herb and petrichor, recalling rocks bathed in hot sunlight. The wine is chiseled and refined, owing to the classic nature of the vintage and the restrained, non-extractive house style that distinguishes Fuligni, a historic estate based just outside the village of Montalcino on higher-elevation sites. The wine shows precision with fine tannic tension a
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
The 2021 Brunello di Montalcino is darkly inward in its youthful state, brooding and tense with tobacco, minty herbs, cedary spice, plum and nuances of black cherry. Soft textures wash across the energetic palate as mineral- inflected red berry fruits saturate. Structured and incredibly long, the 2021 leaves the cheeks puckering amidst fine-grained tannins and a contrasting accent of sour citrus.Eric Guido, Vinous 95 PointsThe Conti Costanti 2021 Brunello di Montalcino shows fine
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
There is something here that takes Sangiovese to a special place, the perfume, the lovely linear shape of fruit, that deceptive depth and length that builds! Defined by a noble mineral precision that remains subtly in the background, the Poggio di Sotto 2021 Brunello di Montalcino delivers beautiful clarity to the bouquet and freshness to the palate. Within that framework, the wine reveals layers of cassis, red rose and grilled rosemary, offering impressive complexity inside a full-bodied but el
Pinot Noir from Vosne-Romanée, Côte-de-Nuits
The 2023 Vosne-Romanée Les Suchots ler Cru has a floral bouquet, with wilted rose petals infusing the vivacious red cherry/crushed strawberry fruit and just a touch of incense. Very poised, the palate is medium-bodied with smooth tannins. It is slightly ferrous toward the finish that lingers nicely. This is not a powerful Vosne-Romanée, but it will drink well for 12 to 15 years. Very fine.Neal Martin, Vinous 92-94 Points
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
The 2016 vintage was one of the greats in Brunello. Stella's 'Rosa' justified Riserva treatment with 43 months in botte and 64 months in bottle prior to release, making for a total of 9 years. Stella describes it as a rich, clear and bright vintage. I couldn't agree more and would describe it as a vintage that offered fresh, ripe fruit and tannins, complexity with balanced refreshing acidity. Combined making for complete wines.Why did Stella call it "Rosa?" 1. For the wine's aromas 2. It
Nebbiolo from Castiglione Falletto, Barolo
’The 2021 Barolo Monprivato is a wine of pure and total sensuality. Crushed flowers, wild red berry, orange peel, mint and white pepper all grace this delicate, nuanced Barolo. The 2021 is naturally an infant, but its balance is sublime. It's one of the most refined young Monprivatos I can remember tasting’Antonio Galloni, Vinous 97 PointsKO 99
Chardonnay from Chassagne-Montrachet, Côte du Beaune
An exuberantly floral-suffused nose is replete with notes of spicy white orchard fruit, petrol, citrus confit and barely perceptible wood influence. There is better volume and power to the broad-shouldered that possess good if not special mid-palate density before terminating in a citrus-influenced finish that is compact, long and impeccably well-balanced. This too would benefit from developing better depth so at least 5 to 7 years of keeping would be the roughly expected minimum. Drink: 2033+
Sangiovese from Montalcino, Tuscany
The 2016 vintage was one of the greats in Brunello. Stella's 'Rosa' justified Riserva treatment with 43 months in botte and 64 months in bottle prior to release, making for a total of 9 years. Stella describes it as a rich, clear and bright vintage. I couldn't agree more and would describe it as a vintage that offered fresh, ripe fruit and tannins, complexity with balanced refreshing acidity. Combined making for complete wines.Why did Stella call it "Rosa?" 1. For the wine's aromas 2. It
Pinot Noir from Vosne-Romanée, Côte-de-Nuits
“The 2023 Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru has a gorgeous bouquet that blossoms in the glass. Dark cherries, touches of violet and iodine just soar with aeration—wonderfully delineated. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins and a killer line of acidity, very harmonious through the linear and poised finish. This is quite understated for an RSV. Lovely.”Neal Martin, Vinous 94-96 Points