Glass-staining ruby. An expansive bouquet evokes blue fruit preserves, potpourri and olive paste, and a hint of smoky bacon builds in the glass. A vibrant mineral nuance adds energetic lift to sappy boysenberry...

(95+ points) The 2016 Almaviva was showing really well, quite subtle and austere, less showy than the 2017 and 2018 vintages. It has less alcohol than either of the following two vintages, and it's perhaps a slightly...

Enticing inky depths to the colour, slate tannins that are fully in control, adding precision and power to the cassis fruits. As it opens, the austerity recedes and sweet blackberry and loganberry fruit appear, along with...

Sun-baked garrigue and smoky notes of iron and earth accent intensely ripe black cherry and cassis in this wine. Made from 100% Syrah, it's a hulking powerhouse of black-fruit flavors but finessed by firm acidity and...

The 2016 Baga Poeirinho, sourced from Bairrada, underwent carbonic maceration and aged for up to 19 months in large barrels. With a garnet hue, the nose reveals ripe, Port-like aromas, featuring marmalade, chutney and...

The floral, aromatic and citrusy 2016 Espectacle del Montsant has unusual finesse and freshness. It's a powerful Garnacha that feels light on its feet but with great inner strength, refined tannins and great acidity...

The 2016 Cheval Blanc is blended of 59.5% Merlot, 37.2% Cabernet Franc and 3.3% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, the nose is incredibly youthful yet not so shy as some other 2016s at this stage, giving...

Intense aromas of black cherry, pomegranate and tamarind mark this juicy red. Smooth, with well-integrated tannins lending a dusty feel as the finish plays out. Already harmonious, this should develop well over the next...

This palate staining gem serves up its blend of crushed rocks, flowers, ripe, sweet, plums, cherries, licorice, smoke and dark cocoa with little effort. Long, concentrated, full bodied and opulent, there are layers of...

This is a compact cylinder of ripe and fresh fruit with currant, fresh-herb and dry-earth character on the palate. So solid. Full-bodied yet refined and checked in every way. Well-defined, formed and perfect. Just a hint...

(95+ points) The 2016 Almaviva was showing really well, quite subtle and austere, less showy than the 2017 and 2018 vintages. It has less alcohol than either of the following two vintages, and it's perhaps a slightly...

This is the best wine from the Becot family yet! The wine is sexy, fleshy, opulent, polished and packed with all the fresh, ripe, silky, pure red fruits you need. The crushed rock, thyme and floral accents make this even...

This nearly 200-acre estate lies in the south of the Margaux appellation. The wine is another great success in a series of superb years. It is rich but the structure and finely textured fruit give it style and longevity...

(94-97 points) Bright medium ruby. Initially closed nose opened somewhat with air to reveal powerful aromas of dark berries, black cherry, menthol, crushed rock, tobacco, violet and peat. Extremely primary and deep but...

Pure red berry fruit leads from the glass intermixed with heady cedar spices. Full-bodied, revealing a fantastic mid-palate depth of concentration with a spectacular vein of crushed stone minerality. The ripe, bright, red...

Inky ruby. Black and blue fruit and pungent floral qualities on the perfumed, spice-accented nose. Smooth and open-knit, showing very good clarity and a touch of smokiness to the sweet boysenberry, cassis and candied...

As to the reds, the 2016 Domaine de Chevalier is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc that saw an extended maceration, malo in barrel, and 18 months in just 35%...

A prototypical Médoc wine with very good depth and beautiful harmony. I love the long, moderately dry and savory finish that pulls your hand instinctively back to the glass. A blend of 50 per cent cabernet sauvignon and...

(91-94 points) Subtle wood influence easily allows the ripe and very earthy cassis, spice and black raspberry aromas to be appreciated. The rich, full-bodied and enveloping middle weight plus flavors possess a suave yet...

The flagship release, the 2016 Syrah Royal City is all from the Stoneridge Vineyard on the Royal Slope (not far from the Frenchman Hills). It was not destemmed and spent 27 months in 60% new French oak. Offering a...

(95+ points) The 2016 Almaviva was showing really well, quite subtle and austere, less showy than the 2017 and 2018 vintages. It has less alcohol than either of the following two vintages, and it's perhaps a slightly...

The second wine of Château Pavie is dense with dark tannins and superripe fruit. Bold and concentrated it still highlights the fruitiness of the vintage. Although it has big tannins and great potential, the wine also...

A dense and layered red with ripe plums and blueberries, as well as hints of wet earth and moss. Full-bodied, velvety and layered with fantastic fruit and creamy, velvety tannins. Plush and deep. Great wine. Try from 2023.

Exotic aromas of blackberries, truffle, earth and cedar follow through to a full body, rich and layered tannins and a long, long finish. Shows so much here. Exotic. Give it at least three or four years of bottle age...