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.

James Suckling (98)

This is a selection of the estate-vineyard pinot noir that is planted on a solid sheet of parent rock. It has an air of restraint from the first impression of crushed roses and violets with some sappy, fresh and attractive leaves and succulent plant notes and plenty of finely fragrant spices, cocoa, blueberry and dried dark cherry. The palate has a very smooth-honed tannin texture with cherry-pip flavor and a very silky, polished mouth feel. The grain of tannin is super tight and lustrous. The core of this intense tannin creates a sensation of enlivened tension that sets this wine apart, not only in the Antica Terra family, but from the vast majority of wines per se. It is so expressive, within a focused spectrum of characters, and has such energy and presence. A striking expression of pinot noir. Try from 2024.

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 (97-99)

Produced from Montrachet Clone vines (what Mark Aubert calls “the citrus circus clone") grown in Rutherford AVA, the 2018 Chardonnay Sugar Shack comes bounding out of the glass with a sit-up-and-beg nose of candied lemon peel, green mango, guava and lime leaves plus hints of honeysuckle, toasted almonds, crushed stones and nutmeg. Full-bodied, the palate is electric with concentrated citrus and tropical fruits and the most amazing tension, featuring a satiny texture and very long, pristine finish.

James Suckling (98)

Blackberry, blackcurrant and mint with some sage and crushed-stone undertones. Full-bodied with chewy tannins that are in-check and nicely polished. Smoke, toasted oak and bark at the end, complementing the fresh yet ripe fruit. Drink after 2024.

James Suckling (100)

Wow! The aromas to this are really exceptional, with a tangerine edge to the blackcurrants, graphite, lead pencil, flowers and wet earth. It changes all the time. So expressive and refined. Full-bodied with great intensity and depth of fruit. The ultra-fine tannins display millions of layers. The texture on the palate is superb and lasts for minutes. This is the new 1974 George de Latour, which was a legend. Real Napa Valley red here. Drinkable now, to understand it, but truly great in five to six years and onwards. Benchmark.

Wine Advocate (96)

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is built from completely different sources. Sixty-six percent came from the St. Helena Home Ranch, 18% from the Chabot Vineyard, and the rest from Beringer’s estates in St. Helena, Rutherford and Coombsville. It is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that came in at 14.6% natural alcohol with a pH of 3.8. Perhaps the greatest Beringer Private Reserve since the 2007, 2005, 2002 and 2001, the 2010 offers up notes of lead pencil shavings, creme de cassis, subtle smoke, wet rocks and background oak. Full-bodied, rich and impressive, it can be drunk now or cellared for two decades.

Wine Advocate (97)

One of the great efforts of recent years, and not surprisingly so, is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve, a blend of 81% from Howell Mountain, 11% from St. Helena and the rest Calistoga and Mount Veeder. It is a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot aged 20 months in 84% new French oak. At 15.2% natural alcohol, this is a big boy, but also classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon with crème de cassis, graphite, licorice, and a touch of spicy oak. Winemaker Laurie Hook, who has since departed as winemaker, really hit a home run with this beauty. The wine could benefit from 7-10 years cellaring and probably last 30 to 40. When all is said and done, this is an instant classic, the wine full-bodied with oodles of crème de cassis, pen ink, graphite and baking spices. It is multi-dimensional, layered, and one of the all-time great Beringer Private Reserves – and there have been many.

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

A blend put together by Bevan from the single vineyards, the Ontogeny cuvée is year-in, year-out one of the greatest values in Cabernet Sauvignon. His 2019 Ontogeny is no exception, revealing a dense purple hue as well as rock star notes of crème de cassis, violets, tobacco leaf, and chocolate. It’s a big, classic Bevan wine and has remarkable purity, silky, polished tannins, and not a hard edge to be found. Don’t miss it!

Jeb Dunnuck (98-100)

The same 60/40 split of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, brought up in new oak, the 2018 Tench Vineyard EE Red Wine is another incredibly pure, complex, yet powerful 2018. Rocking levels of crème de cassis, spring flowers, chocolate, and graphite give way to a full-bodied, pure, and seamless wine that has incredible potential.

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

Jeb Dunnuck (96)

The 2014 Pinot Noir Mills Vineyard is about as classic example of Calera Pinot Noir as you can find. Loads of sweet black raspberries, sassafras, plums, Asian spice and ginger notes emerge from this ripe, full-bodied, sexy, concentrated 2014 that has plenty of mid-palate depth, nicely integrated acidity, fine tannin and a big finish. It’s a forward, pleasure-bent beauty that shares some similarities to the Selleck Vineyard, and will keep for two decades or more.

Vinous (95+)

The 2014 Pinot Noir Ryan Vineyard is a powerful, bombastic wine with huge fruit and equally imposing tannins that demand patience. Waves of dark, deeply sketched fruit hit the palate in a virile Pinot Noir that is going to need at least several years to truly come into its own. By no means a shy wine, the Ryan also has tremendous potential. In 2014, the Ryan was done with 70% whole clusters, which is a bit lower than normal.

Vinous (92)

The 2015 Pinot Noir Ryan Vineyard is dense and powerful in the glass, with a real sense of gravitas that gives the wine its somber feel. Vertical in construction and yet also dense, the Ryan is another wine that is going to need bottle age to be at its very best. There is plenty of potential though, that much is obvious, although the elevated ripeness and hints of slightly roasted fruit are impossible to fully escape.

Tim Atkin MW (97)

One of my wines of the vintage in 2015, this is the best release yet from this joint venture between Domains Baron de Rothschild (Lafite) and the Catena family, launched in 2000. Combining Malbec with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, mostly from Paraje Altamira in the Uco Valley, but with some support from Las Compuertas in Luján de Cuyo, it's a stunningly complex wine, which marries the richness of Argentinian flavours with the finesse and nuance of a top Left Bank Bordeaux. The fruit is bright and luminous, the oak scented and well integrated, the tannins silky and caressing. What a red! 2020-30.

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.

Vinous (93)

The 2019 Pinot Noir Cincuenta y Cinco was fermented in whole bunches and half aged in used barrels and the rest in concrete. The aromas are a little murky with earth and a whiff of mushroom over fresh plum and cherry. With tangible grip from the stems, the expression is skinny but finely grained. The complexity lies in how the fruit is challenged by other flavors without getting overwhelmed. An interesting 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.

James Suckling (98)

Perfumed and floral aromas of rose petals, rose hips, wild strawberries, raspberries, sliced mushrooms and orange zest. Bright and succulent with a medium body and very fine, firm tannins. Delightful citrus and crunchy red-fruit character with pretty rose-petal notes throughout. Drink from 2024. From biodynamically grown grapes.

James Suckling (98)

Red cherries, strawberries, spiced plums, violets, cloves, dried herbs, undergrowth and a touch of smoke on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with firm, tight-grained tannins. Firm, mineral and tea-like tannin quality. Very focused and structured. Needs time. Try after 2025. From biodynamically grown grapes.

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.

James Suckling (99)

Super refined and beautiful with flowers, spices, dried fruit and hints of stones. Medium to full body with very fine tannins and a gorgeous finish. Shows great finesse and depth. Savory character, as always, but in check. Drink in 2022.

James Suckling (100)

This is the greatest Cheval des Andes ever. Discrete aromas of blackberries, flowers, stone and licorice. So perfumed. The integration of fruit, tannins and acidity is fantastic. Full-bodied, tight and solid with beautiful depth and integrity. Extremely long and exciting. Complex and compelling with such refinement and length. A blend of 62% malbec and 38% cabernet sauvignon. Available in September 2020. Better after 2024.

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.

Wine Advocate (95)

Possessing mere splashes of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon has a beautifully expressive crème de cassis nose with underlying black cherries, chocolate box, star anise and violets plus touches of pencil shavings and beef drippings. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers a quiet intensity of black fruits and restrained earthy layers supported by chewy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long with mineral and savory nuances. It has lovely elegance and depth. It needs another 2-3 years in bottle, then it should cellar gracefully over the next 20+ years. 1,000 cases were made.

Vinous (94)

The 2018 Le Petit Clos is a blend of 53% Carménère, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot from Apalta, Colchagua. Dark garnet in hue. The complex nose offers plum jam, hints of smoke, herbs and pepper against a backdrop of cigar box and graphite. A ripe, broad, full-bodied red with precise acidity and a juicy, grippy flow (quite accomplished for the style), it ends with an intense, ripe finish. A red to hold on to.

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 (99)

Blackberries, dark wet soil and blackcurrants. Graphite, too. So aromatic. Pure fruit. Full-bodied with superbly polished, fine tannins that draw you down through the center of palate. Extremely layered and the texture is so curated, giving wonderful persistence. Real plushness and fine, velvety texture. 50% cabernet sauvignon, 37% cabernet franc, 7% petit verdot and 6% merlot. Better after 2026.