Americas
The North American wine producing reputation can largely be attributed to the global fame and success of Napa Valley and Sonoma County in the United States. Although technically ‘new world’, its wines have the same devoted fan base (and often first-growth prices) as many classic European wines. Free from the shackles of European winemaking law, one can find a variety of cooler climate Cabs, Merlots, Pinots, Chardonnays and Rieslings that will entice all wine lovers.
South America is an exciting new melting pot of styles and flavours with a range of soils types and altitudes – taking international varietals and finishing with French winemaking techniques, or in the case of Argentinian Malbec, adopting a largely unloved grape and making it their own.
Americas
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Mendoza | 1 | 98 (VN) | HK$2,475.00 | |||||
Vinous (98)A blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon from Altamira, 48% Malbec from Altamira and Las Compuertas and 3% Petit Verdot from Las Compuertas, the 2021 Cheval des Andes showcases a blend in peak form, both in terms of varieties and origins, all from Mendoza. In many ways, 2021 was a Bordeaux-like year for a region as dry and sunny as Mendoza. The wine reflects this, offering delicate cherry and blackberry fruit along with a touch of wild herbs, layered with hints of ash and orange petit-fours. Dry, with fine-grained, lightly reactive tannins, the palate is juicy and enveloping. Though leaner than in previous years, it remains equally refined. Long and nuanced, this is such an elegant wine. |
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Mendoza | 100 | 98 (VN) | HK$3,165.00 | |||||
Vinous (98)A blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon from Altamira, 48% Malbec from Altamira and Las Compuertas and 3% Petit Verdot from Las Compuertas, the 2021 Cheval des Andes showcases a blend in peak form, both in terms of varieties and origins, all from Mendoza. In many ways, 2021 was a Bordeaux-like year for a region as dry and sunny as Mendoza. The wine reflects this, offering delicate cherry and blackberry fruit along with a touch of wild herbs, layered with hints of ash and orange petit-fours. Dry, with fine-grained, lightly reactive tannins, the palate is juicy and enveloping. Though leaner than in previous years, it remains equally refined. Long and nuanced, this is such an elegant wine. |
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California | 1 | 93 (VN) | HK$16,100.00 | |||||
Vinous (93)The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is the first commercial release from Christian Moueix's Oakville property. Sensual and alluring, yet with striking depth, the 2012 is full of sweet red cherry, raspberry jam, wild flowers, all pushed forward in a sexy, layered Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers terrific depth for a wine from this generally uneven vintage. Sweet floral and spiced notes add lift on the finish. I imagine the 2012 will reward readers with a good two decades of fine drinking. |
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California | 4 | 93 (VN) | HK$5,835.00 | |||||
Vinous (93)The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon is the first commercial release from Christian Moueix's Oakville property. Sensual and alluring, yet with striking depth, the 2012 is full of sweet red cherry, raspberry jam, wild flowers, all pushed forward in a sexy, layered Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers terrific depth for a wine from this generally uneven vintage. Sweet floral and spiced notes add lift on the finish. I imagine the 2012 will reward readers with a good two decades of fine drinking. |
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California | 2 | 98 (JS) | HK$7,240.00 | |||||
James Suckling (98)Fabulous subtle aromas of black currants, violets and lilacs with a hot stone undertone. Full-bodied and dense, it shows such wonderful energy and synergy that delivers a firm yet gentle tannin backbone and complex mouthfeel that seduces you. Evolves wonderfully. Second wine from this new estate, which is owned by Christian Moueix of Dominus and Bordeaux. Release is March 2017. |
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California | 1 | 98 (JS) | HK$3,990.00 | |||||
James Suckling (98)The evolution of this wine has been phenomenal since I tasted it in barrel a year ago with the same black cherry, plum and citrus character but with a turn to orange leaf, dark Chinese tea, and mushroom. Full body, fine and velvety tannins with a touch of dust to the texture. So much chocolate and fruit undertones with forest floor and hints of tobacco, too. The mouthfeel and complexity are seductive. Better from 2022 but a joy to taste. Spring 2018 release. |
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California | 3 | 98 (JS) | HK$5,415.00 | |||||
James Suckling (98)The evolution of this wine has been phenomenal since I tasted it in barrel a year ago with the same black cherry, plum and citrus character but with a turn to orange leaf, dark Chinese tea, and mushroom. Full body, fine and velvety tannins with a touch of dust to the texture. So much chocolate and fruit undertones with forest floor and hints of tobacco, too. The mouthfeel and complexity are seductive. Better from 2022 but a joy to taste. Spring 2018 release. |
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California | 3 | 96 (JD) | HK$6,450.00 | |||||
Jeb Dunnuck (96)Always a more powerful, gravelly, graphite-driven expression compared to the seductive Dominus, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon offers blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, lead pencil, and smoke that give this a Pauillac-like style. Based on primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot and aged 20 months in 40% new French oak, it's full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, with a great mid-palate and outstanding length. It has aged beautifully and will continue drinking well over the coming decade. Drink 2025-2035. |
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California | 1 | 99 (JS) | HK$5,605.00 | |||||
James Suckling (99)Aromas of sweet berries, fresh herbs, currant bush and licorice. Terracotta. Full body, layered and soft, velvety and focused tannins. Breathtaking texture. The focus ad polished is phenomenal. Harmonious. Enticing. Fascinating and thoughtful. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petit verdot. Drink or hold. |
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California | 3 | 96 (JS) | HK$2,325.00 | |||||
James Suckling (96)Extremely aromatic with crushed berries, currants, flowers and hints of uncured tobacco leaf. Carnations. Medium to full body and extremely fine tannins that are firm and polished. Vertical tannins draw you down. Some blanched-walnut character to the blue fruit. Fresh and clean at the finish. Release in spring 2020. So beautiful to drink now. |
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California | 1 | 96 (JS) | HK$5,645.00 | |||||
James Suckling (96)Extremely aromatic with crushed berries, currants, flowers and hints of uncured tobacco leaf. Carnations. Medium to full body and extremely fine tannins that are firm and polished. Vertical tannins draw you down. Some blanched-walnut character to the blue fruit. Fresh and clean at the finish. Release in spring 2020. So beautiful to drink now. |
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California | 1 | 99 (DC) | HK$6,985.00 | |||||
Decanter (99)Christian Moueix's Napa Valley project Ulysses often produces a profound Cabernet, and this 2018 release of their Oakville red is about as profound as they come. A very pretty wine for the typically boisterous Ulysses, this vintage exudes a Margaux-like purity and levity, coupled with incredibly fragrant floral notes that turn savoury and sagebrush-driven, all with a keen sense of serenity. There's power and structure, of course, but with very velvety, fine-grained tannins that are perfectly integrated. With harmony and integrity through and through, this is a gorgeous wine that has been going to the cellar for a very long time. |
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California | 2 | 97 (JS) | HK$7,135.00 | |||||
James Suckling (97)A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029. |
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California | 4 | 97 (JS) | HK$2,080.00 | |||||
James Suckling (97)A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029. |
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California | 1 | 97 (JS) | HK$5,890.00 | |||||
James Suckling (97)A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029. |
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California | 1 | 97 (JS) | HK$13,420.00 | |||||
James Suckling (97)A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029. |
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California | 1 | 97 (JS) | HK$6,640.00 | |||||
James Suckling (97)A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029. |
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California | 1 | 96 (VN (AG)) | HK$11,795.00 | |||||
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry is sensual, powerful and totally alluring. Dark blue fruits, espresso, incense and licorice are beautifully woven together. Poetry is not quite as bombastic as the other two 2015s I tasted for this report, but it's still a pretty heady wine. It has also aged spectacularly well. All the elements are so well balanced. |
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California | 3 | 93 (WA) | HK$8,030.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (93)One of the best-run and now superstar wineries in all of Napa is Cliff Lede. Starting with their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap, a beautiful example of this AVA, the wine has a dense ruby/purple color, floral notes intermixed with crème de cassis , graphite and forest floor. It is full bodied, but with the elegance, finesse and lightness of being, despite its intensity. The wood is pushed to the background, and the wine is beautifully pure and long. Drink it over the next 20 years. |
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Central Valley | 1 | 100 (JS) | HK$985.00 | |||||
James Suckling (100)There is a subtle complexity on the nose with currant, berry, fresh herb and wet earth aromas. Cut fresh flowers, too. Full body, dense and powerful. Incredible character here with such purity and polish. It goes on for minutes. Formed, sculptured yet soulful. A monumental wine for Chile. Unbelievable. More powerful than the 2014 which was 100 points. A blend of 46% carmenere, 30% cabernet sauvignon, 19% merlot and 5% cabernet franc. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. Better in 2022. |
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