The Eisele 2019 is already an awe-inspiring thriller following two years of deep time in the cellar prior to release. Built like a thoroughbred, this enthusiastic young Cabernet blend offers a distinguished experience now and will continue to dazzle throughout this decade. The cashmere-like texture introduces notes of voluptuous dark fruit, baking spices, and hints...

This monumentally impressive Cabernet blend is built like a skyscraper, featuring towering levels of complex flavors now (after decanting) that promise to evolve gracefully over the next decade(s). We noted the intense graphite, cigar box, and savory baking spices reminiscent of favorite Bordeaux. Then, exuberant dark fruit (blackberry, plum) join the fun although tightly wound...

This crowd-pleaser packed with fresh tropical fruit, tangy citrus, and oak spices is irresistibly delicious and had us begging for another sip. We loved the aromas of lemon zest, pear, nutmeg, and vanilla and the flavors of spiced apples and toasted brioche that unfold on the palate. A long, mouthwatering finish balances its creamy and...

This remarkable new Grand Cru Montrachet from Burgundy’s highly-anticipated 2020 vintage is monumentally delicious. The texture is silky smooth with bright fruit thanks to this promising vintage. Honeysuckle and gardenia on the bouquet lead to an array of sumptuous flavors including flaky croissant, toasted almonds, crème Brule. Hints of fresh tropical fruit are deftly balanced...

The new Ovid Cabernet blend “Experiment N3.8” 2018 delivers a luxuriously smooth blend of bold and rich dark fruit + delightfully fresh tannins that provide sublime enjoyment now and bode well for pleasure for at least another decade. This Cabernet blend contains a dollop of Merlot which adds rich mocha and baker’s chocolate flavors, as...

The new Continuum Estate 2019 is another awe-inspiring masterpiece from this legendary Napa craftsman. The cashmere-like texture reminds us of the best Harlan and Hundred Acre releases that we’ve sampled while the age-worthy elegance is more akin to a first growth Bordeaux. Intensely satisfying hints of inky dark fruit (currants, plums, blackberry) combine with opulent...

This ultra-polished, velvety smooth Pinot is guaranteed to dazzle fans of California’s rarest {think Sea Smoke or Kistler} as well as Burgundy from top vintages. Offering up alluring aromas of wild strawberry, mint tea and fresh herbs. This boutique gem expresses a sensational intensity of fruit flavors including raspberries, strawberries plus exotic spices and a...

The Vergers 1er Cru 2020 impresses from the start with flashy aromas of gardenia and fresh pineapple. Sensational notes of fresh fruit (honey crisp apple, lemon zest) combine with creamy oak for a virtually irresistible bargain compared to pricier Burgundy neighbors in Chassagne. The spicy finish bodes well for aging if you are patient. This...

The new arrival Morgeot 1er Cru 2020 features an array of beautifully balanced tropical fruit, citrus and mineral notes. Our panel commented, “this is a seriously tasty wine” (+ ‘hard to spit’)! The spicy finish bodes well for aging if you are patient. Enjoy now through 2026. – October 2022

Having judged the last 20 releases of this collector favorite, we believe this is the most seriously age-worthy vintage to date. A bit of inquiry with our friends at Silver Oak revealed this is a reflection of the fact that the 2018 vintage now includes two prominent new Cabernet vineyard sources. This 2018 features a...