Decanter (100)

It is an absolute stand-out wine that is just seamless, with a purity of dark fruit flavours and spices balanced by threads of distinct minerality, freshness, and tension. Pure blackberry and black cherry fruit notes are tinged with bright capsicum. The depth and intensity of this wine are just as bewildering as the freshness conveyed on the palate. The dusty tannin backbone, a classic quality of the Beckstoffer Dr. Crane vineyard in St. Helena, frames a panoply of savoury spices, crushed herbs, liquorice and black ironstone minerality, delivering a perfect Cabernet Franc in the heady, rich, opulent and mineral-driven style Lithology is known for, but with tremendous energy in the 2021s, which conveys a real elegance to match this wine’s intensity.

Decanter (99)

Lithology’s Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Franc is a riveting, opulent, flashy red, embodying everything there is to love about a full-flavoured California red wine. Loaded with blue fruit that will surely mellow with age, but for classicists looking forward to a finesse-driven Cabernet Franc, look elsewhere. This is larger-than-life Cabernet Franc, and there’s no denying the delicious factor, fueled by layers of blueberry, plum, and boysenberry fruit tinged with sweet cedar spices. A generous dose of minerality overtakes the mid-palate, and dusty tannins build on the finish, which gains in savoury saline edges. One can see a window into the future of this wine, which is bright and more refined as it will eventually shed some of its youthful exuberance.

Wine Advocate (97)

The site-specific 2018 Malbec Appellation Gualtallary comes from specific soils, two plots that they believe transmit the maximum expression of limestone to Malbec, giving a structured wine with fine-grained tannins but a little wild. The vines are on stony and gravelly soils with a high percentage of limestone and sand with around 3% clay at 1,300 meters in altitude. The grapes fermented in small concrete vats with indigenous yeasts at some 25 degrees Celsius for 15 days. It matured in untoasted 3,500-liter French oak foudres for 18 months and no less than 12 months in bottle. This comes from sandy soils and very low yields that give it chalkier tannins and a savage way. This has a slightly rustic touch, vertical and with some lightness. There's always a fresh touch of aromatic herbs (thyme and rockrose), with a textured palate and very tasty and clean flavors in the finish. 20,600 bottles were filled in September 2019.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

Another perfect wine from Jim Binns is the 2019 No 8, a blend of 88% Syrah, 9% Mourvèdre, and 3% Viognier. This full-bodied powerhouse of a wine has that rare mix of richness and elegance as well as a stunning array of red, blue, and black fruits along with notes of ground pepper, violets, and spring flowers. The balance is as good as it gets, it has ultra-fine tannins, and again, a mix of power and finesse that's something to behold. It's unquestionably approachable today yet should benefit from a few years of bottle age and keep for 15+.

Jeb Dunnuck (99)

I loved the 2020 No 9 from barrel and this beauty does not disappoint from bottle. Based on 89% Syrah, 9% Mourvèdre, and the rest Viognier that was only 50% destemmed, it spent 22 months in 65% new French oak. A wine that demands lots of air to show at its best, it reveals a deep plum/purple hue as well as a brilliant bouquet of red, blue, and black fruits, ground pepper, iodine, crushed violets, and wild sagebrush. With incredible purity and precision aromatically, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, concentrated mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's a big, rich wine from Binns, but if anything, it shows another level of finesse and stays light on its feet and graceful. This world-class Syrah will benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and evolve nicely over the following two decades. It's clearly one of the wines of the vintage in Santa Barbara, if not one of the greatest 2020s in the state.

Antica Terra Aurata Chardonnay 2021 is the epitome of finesse and precision in craftsmanship, a testament to the boundless prowess yielded by Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Carefully produced by respected winemaker Maggie Harrison, a descendent of the distinguished Burgundy wine tradition, every essence of this Chardonnay exudes harmony and elegance. The grapes used are meticulously handpicked from nutrient-dense, marine sedimentary soils, then fermented using wild yeasts in the cellar.

A masterful display of winemaking technique, the Antica Terra Aurata Chardonnay 2021 offers a tantalising nose of crisp apples, white flowers, and a hint of toasted hazelnut. This reflects the vibrancy and intricate layering of flavours on the palate, well-supported by acidity, presenting an impressive balance between richness and minerality. Further ageing potential leaves enthusiasts eager for the continued evolution of this wine’s depth and complexity. A perfect accompaniment to a refined dining experience, the Antica Terra Aurata Chardonnay 2021 is a beacon of remarkable Willamette Valley viticulture.

Experience the exquisite elegance of Antica Terra Pinot Noir Botanica 2021, a lauded embodiment of viticulture artistry. Crafted in Oregon's esteemed Willamette Valley, this harmonious blend exhibits unparalleled sophistication and depth. Acclaimed winemaker Maggie Harrison expertly guides the ingenious production, with each grape meticulously handpicked to ensure only superior quality is included. The cool ripening season, influenced by the Pacific Ocean, contributes to the unique character of this prestigious wine.

Antica Terra employs meticulous, minimal intervention methods that allow for an eloquent expression of terroir. The Antica Terra Pinot Noir Botanica 2021 displays a captivating palate of layered complexity, where red fruit undertones are beautifully balanced by a cool minerality. The nose reveals floral hints of rose petals woven with the aromatic richness of wild strawberries. This wine promises remarkable ageing potential, making it a coveted gem for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Get captivated by the enchanting charm of Antica Terra Pinot Noir Botanica 2021.

Indulge in the prestigious Antica Terra Pinot Noir Ceras 2021, a masterful fruit of Oregon's mist-kissed landscapes. Epitomising class and finesse, this wine stands as an icon of the Antica Terra estate, celebrated for producing world-beating Pinot Noirs. Traversing the diverse terroirs of Eola-Amity Hills, at an elevation of 350 to 500 feet, the vineyard's 11 acres unfurl in an enchanting labyrinth of vines.

Winemaker Maggie Harrison, formerly of Sine Qua Non, meticulously champions an artisanal approach. This particular bottling wine is crafted from meticulously hand-picked fruit. The 2021 Ceras unfurls layers of dark cherries and crispy, refined tannins, underpinning a symphony of silken textures. The finesse of the palate is a testament to its biodynamic farming and native yeast fermentation. With age, it promises to evolve even more complexity.

The Antica Terra Pinot Noir Ceras 2021 embodies the sublime union of earth's bounty and human touch, a must-have addition to every fine wine admirer's collection.

Wine Advocate (95)

Medium ruby, the 2018 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley bursts with pure cranberries, black cherries, charcuterie, loamy earth and blood orange aromas. Medium-bodied, it has pleasing graininess and bursts of freshness to support the full, ripe fruits and flavorful finish. This cuvée offers classic Russian River fruit in a very classy frame.

Wine Advocate (98)

The austere and tight 2021 Selección de Parcelas Los Primos Chardonnay feels very young. It was harvested the second week of April, keeping very good freshness and acidity, with 13% alcohol, and there was part of the wine that he did not add any sulfur. He used 35% new 400-liter barrels, and the used ones are still 228-liter ones that eventually will be replaced with the used 400-liter ones in future years. There is great purity and symmetry; the oak is neatly integrated; and there's nuance, detail and a superb juiciness in the palate and citrus acidity that makes you salivate. The palate is dry and mineral, serious, less Meursault and more Chablis... It's persistent and long and has all the ingredients and balance between them to develop nicely in bottle. There was some frost, and only 3,480 bottles were produced. It was bottled in August 2022.

Wine Spectator (93)

Tight, firm and focused, with a trim, concentrated, structured mix of blackberry, wild berry, currant, mineral, cedar and sage. Full-bodied, then clamps down on the finish, where this shows its cedary cigar box edge. To be released spring 2011. Best from 2012 through 2022. 1,200 cases made. -JL

James Suckling (97)

This is one of the most direct and clear Caros in a long time with blue-fruit, violet and sandalwood aromas and flavors. Crushed-stone, too. Full-bodied, yet tight and contracted with a level of shyness to its strength. The length derives from the excellence of the cabernet. One for the cellar. Blend of 74% malbec and 26% cabernet sauvignon. Try after 2023, but exciting to drink all the same.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (98)

Let the aromatics slowly unfurl out of the glass, really give it time. Crushed raspberries and tobacco, fresh flowers, salty crackers, oyster shell. The weight, the texture, the acidity are all in balance, playing off each other, and this is just a wonderful wine that stops you in your tracks. Located at 1,450m, from a 1.4ha limestone plot, particularly rich in microorganisms (as we learnt through their brilliant recent terroir studies). It’s a place where phenolic ripeness happens slowly, and the complexity builds as a result. A spring frost reduced yields by about 20%, fermented with 50% whole cluster between concrete vats and oak casks. 4800 bottles produced.

James Suckling (99)

This is made from over 100-year-old vineyards and offers blackberries with blue fruit and dark chocolate. Shows bark and black truffle undertones, too. Tight and more focused than in past vintages. The quality of the tannins is more precise and fine. Blackberries and black truffles at the end. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (99)

This is made from over 100-year-old vineyards and offers blackberries with blue fruit and dark chocolate. Shows bark and black truffle undertones, too. Tight and more focused than in past vintages. The quality of the tannins is more precise and fine. Blackberries and black truffles at the end. Drink or hold.

James Suckling (99)

This is made from over 100-year-old vineyards and offers blackberries with blue fruit and dark chocolate. Shows bark and black truffle undertones, too. Tight and more focused than in past vintages. The quality of the tannins is more precise and fine. Blackberries and black truffles at the end. Drink or hold.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)

A sit up and take notice wine. Inky colour, smooth tannins, still young and crouched but already combining subtlety and confidence. On the palate, you get a wall of liquorice, crushed cardamom, rosemary, cassis, liqueur, all expertly delivered by winemaker Fernando Buscema. Sensational wine. Tasted twice, same impression each time, of a wine full of life and interest. Bottled unfiltered and unfined.

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

Leading off the Syrahs and showing gorgeously, the 2019 Syrah Cailloux Vineyard offers a seamless, layered, multi-dimensional style in its sweet black raspberry, currant, leafy herb, charcoal, spring flower, and violet-laced aromas and flavors. More medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has flawless balance, ultra-fine tannins, a thrilling core of sweet fruit, and one hell of an impressive finish. Rocks Syrah doesn't get much better.

James Suckling (97)

There’s real direction and clarity to this white with sliced dried apples, crushed stones and minerals on the nose, as well as hints of biscuit and praline. Some honeysuckle and lemon-grass undertones, too. It’s full-bodied, yet very tight and lively with a line of fresh acidity running through the palate, providing energy and depth. From the owner of Chacra and Burgundy’s Jean-Marc Roulot. Drinkable now, but much better in three to four years. Try after 2023.

James Suckling (98)

This is probably the finest answer to Puligny or Meursault in Argentina and it will be hard to pass by. Beautiful brioche notes give a fine creaminess with mineral, fine reduction, beeswax and a hint of white sesame to the lemon curd. Extremely textured and tense on the palate with fresh, medium acidity and a long, long finish. This is all about texture and purity. Also intellectual. Drink or hold. From biodynamically grown grapes.

Vinous (95)

The 2020 Chardonnay Mainqué was made in partnership with the Burgundy winemaker Jean Marc Roulot with grapes from an old vineyard in Mainqué, Río Negro. Seventy-three percent of the wine was aged in mostly used French barrels, the rest in concrete tanks for 11 months. Yellow in the glass. The clear, expressive nose presents notes of acacia, hawthorn and honey with hints of pear and apple. Subtle aromas from the aging process enhance the complexity. Saline with expressive freshness, the flow is delicate while ginger notes develop at the back of the mouth. A rich, nuanced, vibrant wine.

James Suckling (98)

Extremely perfumed and beautiful with ripe strawberries and citrus fruit, as well as aromatic flowers. Full-bodied with plenty of fruit and creamy, chewy tannins that are polished and very impressive. Long and linear. One of the best of this bottling. Drink after 2023, but already a gorgeous bottle.

Vinous (94+)

The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is dark, ample and totally seductive. Black cherry, mocha, plum, spice, new leather and tobacco all meld together. Pliant and supple, the 2016 is already incredibly delicious. This is an especially mid-weight wine and style. Accordingly, the 2016 Estate will drink well with minimal cellaring. The Estate was bottled just two months before this tasting. I imagine it will put on some weight with further time in bottle. All the elements appear to be in the right place for that to happen.

Tim Atkin MW (97)

Right up there with the best Chardonnays Chile, and South America, has ever produced. This stunning wine comes from five specific blocks within the Quebrada Secain Limarí. Tangy, chiselled and refined, with very stylish oak. It’s the kind of thing that could embarrass a range of Puligny-Montrachet Premiers Crus in a blind tasting. Simply stunning

James Suckling (98)

This is a red with extremely creamy tannins that are fine and polished, giving length and definition to the wine. Full-bodied, yet tight and compact with plenty of currants and fresh herbs. Extremely long and flavorful. Drinking beautifully now.

James Suckling (98)

Very perfumed and aromatic with blackcurrant, sweet-tobacco and Spanish-cedar character. Full-bodied with ultra fine tannins that build on the palate and take the fruit and other flavors to an endless finish. More refined than the perfect 2018 and almost as compelling. Drink in 2023 or after.

Vinous (95)

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Ballard Vineyard is fabulous. Rich and voluptuous in the glass, with striking presence, the 2019 is the sort of wine that will disappear at the dinner table in an instant. Silky tannins wrap around a core of dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal and mocha, with bright Spring Mountain acids that extend the finish effortlessly. This sumptuous, open-knit Cabernet is a real head-turner.

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

A deep yet bright ruby, the 2021 Pinot Noir Bressay Estate Vineyard is lifted with notes of cinnamon, highly floral notes of candied roses, red berries, and wild strawberries. Medium-bodied, it offers tremendous energy, with seamless acidity, fine tannins, a stony texture, and more layers that unfold with orange peel and saline.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)

The 2021 Chardonnay DuMOL Estate Vineyard is a powerful, phenolic, driving wine. Sage, crushed rocks, lemon peel, mint, white pepper and dried herbs infuse the Estate with tremendous complexity. High-density plantings of Mount Eden clone Chardonnay on this site yield a wine of tremendous distinctiveness and vibrancy.