Refined and structured, offering plenty of graphite and herbal notes up front that give way to a dark chocolate–coated blackberry and spiced plum center, with a twinge of cassis underneath. The tannins show some grip, but...

One of the darker wines of the vintage, its blend of 70% Mourvedre, 20% Grenache and 10% Syrah works well this year. Smoke, flowers, spice, meat, espresso, incense, and dark red fruits in the nose get even better on the...

This is ripe, but with subtle refinement, as the gently mulled plum, currant and black cherry fruit glides along, with a structure that is both silky and loamy in feel. Hints of warm paving stone, alder and sweet tobacco...

Crafted from 50% purchased and 50% estate-grown grapes, Thibaud Boudignon’s 2021 Anjou Blanc is a real success, with aromas of lemon oil, pear, spices and herbs, followed by a medium to full-bodied, satiny and incisive...

Blackberry and black cherry compote flavors bring a restrained juiciness, while floral, singed apple wood and black tea notes fill in liberally. The finish extends nicely, with a long, underlying chalky minerality. An...

Brought up all in tank, the 2021 Côtes De Provence Rosé has a Bandol-like vibrancy and more mineral-laced style. Light salmon-hued, with notes of orange blossom, chalky minerality, and a great finish, it's going to shine...

The Mazzei 2021 Concerto di Fonterutoli shows a lifted bouquet with floral aromas of lavender, iris and delicate earthy tones at the back. There is plenty of primary fruit over well-integrated oak and soft tannins...

This wine is graceful and delicate, with a clarity and beauty showing aromas of mushrooms, bark, forest floor and violets. Cherries and raspberries, too. Medium-bodied with silky, ultra-fine tannins, it runs long and...

This is so delicious, with lovely focused cherries, flowers, dried sandalwood and some Indian spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and just a touch of wood to the pure fruit and a subtle and refined finish. 40% merlot...

Reminiscent of the 1995 Lafite but modern, this wine is extremely aromatic, showing lead pencil, currants, blackberries, black olives and smoke with some gunpowder. Notes of iodine, stone, blood and ink. It is...

A classic Leoville Las Cases with blackcurrants, blackberries, stone, graphite and lavender aromas that follow through to a medium body with firm and refined tannins and a juicy finish. Plenty of subtle flavor at the end...

This is beautifully crafted and very perfumed, with ultra-fine tannins and vivid dark fruit such as blackcurrants, as well as dark chocolate, hazelnuts and hints of forest floor, mushrooms, tar, matchstick and oyster...

The 2021 Savennières Clos de Frémine opens with aromas of pear, rose, green mango, ripe orchard fruits and spring flowers. It is a full-bodied, intense and bright wine with a chiseled, crystalline, elegantly tense palate...

The 2021 Cornas Chaillot outperforms the rustic 2020 I tasted on the same occasion. Ripe black fruit, graphite, cedar, stemmy facets and peppery nuances are all amplified in the glass. Intense and expressive, the medium-...

Pronounced blood orange, black cherry jam, blackcurrant, dried violet, pencil shaving and cedar notes introduce the 2021 Cornas Reynard. Stemmy funk adds more complexity to the mix. Hitting the full-bodied palate with...

Crafted by Michel Friou from a legendary vineyard in Puente Alto, this is a precise red blend that balances opulence with elegance. The nose delivers blackcurrant, cherry, redcurrant and liquorice aromas with hints of...