Wines

96 Points! The 2019 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet shows a deep, ruby colour. It is a beautifully compact wine that delivers complex and nuanced aromas of Bing cherry and black raspberry with tobacco, currant leaf, and cedarwood laced with dried sage. Focused and linear on the medium to full-bodied palate, showing expressive dark berry character and exotic oak spices with a firm backbone of fine-grained structured tannins. Cool raspberry, cherry, and blackberry fruit are perfectly represented, and the lengthy finish is crisp, lively, and energetic. No doubt, this is one to cellar. Exhaustive oak seasoning experiments led by winemaker Nate Weis resulted in the discovery that the American oak they age Silver Oak in when seasoned for 24 months and toasted for 90 minutes, marks the point at which the oak imparts more vanillin character and delivers better tannin integration. By contrast, the 2018 vintage was aged in American oak, seasoned for 16 months and toasted for 60 minutes. Weis explains that their experiments showed that underseasoned American oak imparts a dill character, while overseasoning results in coconutty notes, but finding a sweet spot delivers that vanillian quality winemakers look for in French oak. Taste the 2018 and 2019s side by side if you can, and note the subtle differences and shift to a more savoury profile in the 2019 vintage, with a very precise integration of oak tannin. It will be exciting to follow their progression in the cellar and see how subsequent vintages shape up in healthy and challenging harvest years. - Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter Magazine

96 Points! This is extremely perfumed, with violets, lavender, forest fruit and beeswax. Medium- to full-bodied with creamy, round tannins. It’s delicious already with a lovely balance, showing dark fruit, meat and chocolate with a hint of smoke. Straight and driven, it has a long finish for the vintage. 63% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. From organically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but even better in a year or two. - JamesSuckling.com

95 Points! The 2021 Smith Haut Lafitte, a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot reveals a deep, complex bouquet of dark berries, spices, licorice, pencil lead and flowers intertwined with hints of menthol. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and seamless, it's suave and concentrated, with velvety, elegant tannins and a refined, penetrating finish. - William, Kelley, robertparker.com

100 Points! Looking at the Grand Vin, the 2022 Château Smith Haut Lafitte checks in as a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that was raised in 60% new French oak. Reminding me of a more elegant version of the 2010, it has a dense purple hue to go with a rich, powerful, full-bodied, sensationally complex nose of cassis and darker berries interwoven with woodsmoke, scorched earth, chocolate, and chalky minerality. Concentrated, deep, and layered on the palate with ripe, velvety tannins, it's a sensational, absolutely heavenly effort that will keep for 40-50 years. Along with the 2009, 2010, and 2020, this is one of the greatest wines to ever come from this address. Don't miss it. - Jeb Dunnuck

100 Points! Deep and evocative, this bursts with blackcurrants, milk chocolate and floral perfume. Instantly captivating, the palate is silky yet structured, with tannins seamlessly supporting vibrant red and black berries. Broad and powerful, yet it glides, showcasing Cabernet’s structure, Merlot’s generosity and cool spiced fruit. A mineral core adds complexity, with flint-like nuances. A masterclass in power and balance – and unmistakably Smith. 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Organic. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter.com

98 Points! The vivid fruit character here is so impressive for this hot and dry vintage. It's medium- to full-bodied, showing gorgeous crushed grapes and dark berries. With density, clarity and beauty, it really speaks of great cabernet sauvignon. The tannins are integrated and go long, taking you deep and complete on the palate. 64% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot, 3% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. Seems almost drinkable now but needs at least five years of bottle age. - JamesSuckling.com

97+ Points! The 2022 Smith Haut Latte is silky, elegant and nuanced. It's all there. A wine of precision and class, the 2022 is so impressive. Rened, supple tannins wrap around a core of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, espresso and mocha. I nd the 2022 a bit buttoned up today, but that is probably a very good thing for its long-term prospects. I look forward to seeing it age. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

94 Points! A rich and round style, this red boasts plum, cherry and black currant flavors, with accents of earth, iron and menthol. Well put-together, even if the tannins are dense and assertive on the finish. Delivers earth and spice notes that linger. Best from 2025 through 2045. - Wine Spectator

96 Points! A fabulous wine, and one of the two greatest Talbots of the last 50 years, this wine still has a very murky garnet/plum/purple color and a spectacular nose of sweet creme de cassis intermixed with freshly ground pepper, melted road tar, herbes de Provence, and beef blood. It is followed by an enormously concentrated wine of full body, layers of concentration and sweet tannin. The wine seems to be just hitting its plateau of maturity, where it should last for at least 10-15 more years. A prodigious Talbot. Anticipated maturity: Now-2020. Last tasted, 6/02. - Robert Parker, robertparker.com

95 Points! This lively red is round in profile, exhibiting red fruit flavors of cherry, raspberry and pomegranate. Iron and licorice notes chime in as this gives way to dense, lightly chewy tannins on the finish. Cabernet Franc. Best from 2026 through 2040. - Wine Spectator

96 Points! This vintage shows a remarkable aromatic profile of Mediterranean herbs, cassis, black cherries, leather and earth with a kind of gamey depth. Full-bodied, it shows velvety, slightly sandy tannins with a firm structure, refreshing integrated acidity and a savory cedar finish. Drinkable now, but best in one or two years. - JamesSuckling.com

97 Points! 70% Pinot Blanc, 25% Chardonnay, 5% Sauvignon Blanc A joyous sotto voce nose of spring meadow flowers sprinkled over the unbridled purity of ripe pineapple, Meyer lemon and green apple fruit. Saline elements infuse the structure and acidity and proceed towards the lengthy finish. - Decanter World Wine Awards

96 Points! Elegant and vibrant with white pepper and flinty minerality, lemon peel and white flowers. Full-bodied, it shows tension and crisp acidity combined with citrus flavors and a tight-knit structure full of savory notes. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

96 Points! The fifth vintage release of Timeless from the Duncan family of Silver Oak continues to showcase its hallmark style—where elegance meets Napa mountain muscle. This Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant proprietary blend is crafted by winemaker Nate Weis using grapes from the Duncan family's Soda Canyon Ranch Vineyard, an estate spanning 45.7 hectares in the benchlands of the Vaca Mountains just north of Napa. Unlike Silver Oak, which is aged in American oak, Timeless is aged entirely in French oak. The 2021 vintage exudes alluring blackberry and black cherry fruit, lifted by toasty cedarwood, rose petals, and dried apricots. Ripe and powerful tannins frame the wine, which displays remarkable concentration and depth, with a darker fruit profile than previous releases. Those tannins build through the full-bodied finish, making 2021 the most powerful and structured vintage yet while still retaining a thread of freshness and vibrancy. The blend includes 5.6% Petit Verdot. - Jonathan Cristaldi, Decanter

96 Points! This seductive wine rolls up all the velvety appeal of Oakville Cabernet in a bottle that's comparatively affordable for what many consider Napa's best AVA for Cab. Plump dark plums, black currants, dark chocolate and cinnamon come to mind while savoring this full-bodied but gentle wine. Tannins are profuse but silky, so the wine is enjoyable already. - Wine Enthusiast

95 Points! A very firm and polished red with currants, chocolate and salted almonds. Terra-cotta. Medium body. Juicy and flavorful with extremely polished tannins. Very creamy textured. Give it two or three years to come around. Drink after 2025. - JamesSuckling.com

93 Points! Checking in as 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot, all from Oakville, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville sports a dense purple hue to go with straight-up textbook Oakville notes of darker fruits, iron, black olives, and tobacco, with just a kiss of background spring flowers. It's medium to full-bodied, round, textured, beautifully balanced, and has tons of classic varietal character. It's a brilliant value to enjoy any time over the coming 15 years. - Jeb Dunnuck

96 Points! The 2021 Descendant is often termed as the "Baby Runrig," which, as we all know, is a bit of a myopic way to view things, but it gets the point across. This is Shiraz fermented on Viognier skins (8% by weight, no liquid) and decidedly floral on the nose, with marmalade and orange peel, pink peppercorns and blood plums. The wine is dense and velvety, with loads of tannin; the Viognier, while contributing floral aromatics, textural silk and flow, also contributes tannin, and it is felt here. There is no new oak, which helps with the tannin expression and core of red and purple fruit. The signature Barossan red dirt and ironstone show through the finish. It's really good! Excellent wine.- Erin Larkin, robertparker.com

96 Points! So much black fruit, black walnuts, blueberries, wet earth, black truffles and some graphite. Medium to full body with lots of tension and focus. It runs very long with a salty undertone and some bitter, burnt lemon. Yet ever so subtle and refined. - JamesSuckling.com

96 Points! The 2020 Château Tour Saint Christophe showed spectacularly well, and based off past vintages, this shouldn't surprise anyone. Based on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc raised in 40% new barrels (the balance is in second- and third-fill oak), it offers a full-bodied, incredibly pure, balanced style revealing subtle oak, terrific darker, almost blue fruits, lots of chocolate, leafy herb and mineral nuances, and gorgeous tannins. It's worth pointing out that this will be the last vintage made by the talented Jérôme Aguirre. This terrific Saint-Emilion will evolve for two decades. - Jeb Dunnuck

PLEASE BE AWARE, THIS IS A PRE-ARRIVAL WINE - YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED SHIPPING FEES UNTIL THE WINE(S) ARRIVE

92-93 Points! A fresh and solid TL with currants and cherries. Hints of chocolate and spice. Medium to full body. Juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Lovely richness and depth. A blend of 59% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot and 6% petit verdot. - James Suckling

92-94 Points! Dark cocoa, flowers, tobacco leaf, and spicy currants show in the nose. On the palate, the wine is concentrated, lush, deep, and loaded with chocolate coated plums, spice, and cherries. There is richness to the layers of fruit on the mid-palate, and in the finish. The wine sports a new name as it is now known as only Tronquoy. The label has been updated as well with a new, modernized design. 14.5% ABV, 3.8 pH. Drink from 2026-2040. - Jeff Leve, Wine Cellar Insider

94-96 Points! Lots of plums, blue and black fruits, earth, chocolate, and hints of earth all emerge from the 2022 Château Tronquoy, a full-bodied, pure, powerful Saint-Estèphe with impressive tannins and a great finish. It shows more floral and red-fruited nuances with time in the glass, and this is clearly a beautiful wine in the making. It shows the ripeness of the vintage while staying pure, balanced, and seamless. - Jeb Dunnuck

96 Points! The 2014 Troplong Mondot is unquestionably one of the wines of the vintage, and this beauty has more intensity, richness, and exuberance than just about every other wine in 2014. A blend of 90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc brought up in 85% new French oak, it sports a deep purple/plum color as well as a smorgasbord of blackcurrants, blackberries, scorched earth, toasty oak, graphite, espresso, and earth. With full-bodied richness, beautiful purity of fruit, and a rich, yet weightless texture, it’s a big, yet classy, elegant, and seamless wine from Xavier Pariente that should be snatched up by readers. It’s already drinking well but has 20-25 years of prime drinking to go. - Jeb Dunnuck

95 Points! The 2014 Troplong Mondot is medium to deep garnet-brick in color. Scents of cedar and unsmoked cigars are followed by nuances of dried blackberries and plum pudding with a waft of spice cake. The medium-bodied palate is chock full of mature black fruit and spicy layers, support by firm, lightly chewy tannins and great tension, finishing with impressive length. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, TWI, 2024

96 Points! Black berry, pine nut, bark and dark mushroom aromas follow through to a medium body with creamy tannins that caress the palate and give a complexity and subtlety at the finish. Extremely fine velvety texture here. A beauty for the vintage. Drink in three or four years. - JamesSuckling.com

96 Points! Mineral and focused, with aromas of preserved lemons, yellow apples, grapefruit rind, salted nuts and baking spices. The palate features a minerality and focused acidity. The salty, textural mouthfeel has a slight oxidative touch, bringing an interesting third dimension. Drink or hold. - JamesSuckling.com

97 Points! I like the intensity to this, with dark tar and smoky notes followed by graphite, tobacco, bitter cacao and dark fruit. Powerful yet tight and compact, with firm and polished tannins. Structured and so long. Tasted from magnum. - JamesSuckling.com

96 Points! This is at once fresh and elegant on first impression, with lovely hints of fragrant Turkish bazaar spices, game and dried mint lacing the crème de cassis, violet, and black and red licorice notes. Gliding across the palate, buoyed by fresh acidity and sculpted tannins, this expands to show deep notes of tarry smoke, fig cake, espresso and iron alongside the appealing fruit and spice. Long and creamy, offering both power and grace. Tinto Fino and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2037. - Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator

98+ Points! Coming just about all from the Ecotone Vineyard (there's a splash of Georges III in here), the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Mysterons is deep purple-hued, with an insanely good bouquet of red and black fruits, iron, bloody meat, and graphite, and it turns slightly more floral and violet-tinged with air. Classic, quintessential 2021 Napa Valley magic, it's full-bodied and has tons of obvious minerality, a stacked mid-palate, and enough tannins to warrant 5-7 years of bottle age. It will most likely merit a perfect rating at maturity. - Jeb Dunnuck

96+ Points! The 2018 Barolo Lazzarito represents Vietti's interpretation of Serralunga d'Alba, the village often associated with the most powerful wines in the appellation. The Lazzarito completes its secondary fermentation in barrique over three months and is then racked into large oak botti for an additional two years of aging. With some 8,000 bottles produced in this smaller vintage, the wine is very indicative of its geographic origins with tight black fruit, rusty nail, blood orange and earth. Compared to the others in this series, this wine delivers more lasting tannic power. A bit salty and savory now, it is well suited to long aging. - Monica Larner, robertparker.com

97 Points! 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 true. Very crunchy and full of acid tension, this has historical character but is still modern and brilliant. 77% merlot, 20% cabernet franc and 3% cabernet sauvignon. - JamesSuckling.com