92 Jeb Dunnuck - jebdunnuck.com

A blend of Grenache and Syrah brought up in tank, the 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Sainte Cecile Philippe is a beautiful Southern Rhône with tons to love. Revealing a vivid yet translucent ruby, as well as a sweet nose of red and black fruits, peppery garrigue, leather, and some meaty, olive notes, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, terrific mid-palate depth, and a great finish. Drink this classic, complex, utterly satisfying 2022 over the coming 7-8 years. Give it an hour in a decanter if drinking any time soon.

83 Cellar Tracker

Based on 30 notes and 29 scores from 24 users on Cellartracker.com as of 6/11/15.

95 Billy Norris - Vinous Media

The 2023 Lytton Springs is powerfully aromatic and expressive from the jump. It explodes from the glass with dark blue fruit, lavender and blood orange peel, framed by mocha-like richness and a wave of exotic spice. The texture is pure silk, wrapping the palate with seamless contours and lifted freshness courtesy of the cool growing season. A blend of 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro, the 2023 shows remarkable persistence and poise. If you know Lytton, you know these wines can age for decades—this one is clearly built for the long haul.

94 Erin Brooks - Robert Parker's the Wine Advocate

The 2023 Lytton Springs is a blend of 76% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 7% Carignane, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mataro that matured for 16 months in 19% new air-dried American oak. It’s especially elegant and expressive this year, offering pure aromas of black cherry, blueberry, damp earth, sage, violet and cast iron. The full-bodied palate features concentrated, fragrant flavors. It’s framed by fine, chalky tannins and vibrant acidity and has a long finish replete with soaring floral perfume. It should be long lived in the cellar.

96 Beverage Dynamics

Mesmerizing toasted brioche aromas leap from the glass, while fl avors of caramel apple, orange, lemon zest and honey dance on the palate. Tasting blind, one could be fooled into thinking this is Champagne. A remarkable wine that overdelivers for its price.

98 Mark Squires - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2009 Quinta de Vargellas Vinha Velha Vintage Port is a typical field blend aged in used French oak vats. It comes in with 98 grams per liter of residual sugar. One of the fleshiest wines in the vertical—from a very warm year—this has plenty of power and fine depth, hallmarks of the vintage. This was not always received as well as some lusher vintages, but it was likely also far more closed when young. This is a relative powerhouse even now, stern and dramatically different than the lusher and sexier 2007, for instance. For me, always obsessed with structure, it rings the bell. Laced with herbs and dried fruits, this is mightily impressive on its own terms, though. It adds a long finish, but it shows no trace of maturity anytime in the near future. The fruit is sappy but very dry. For all of its power, it retains some elegance, and it is vaguely approachable. The key word there is "vaguely." Do you want to enjoy it or just fight off the tannins? This is another brilliant Vinha Velha, even if often underrated, probably thanks to its somewhat brooding demeanor. Even now, it is a relatively backward one that needs much more time to express itself. Drink it if you must now, but you'll probably regret it.

92 Wine Enthusiast

Very rich and concentrated but also well structured, this wine achieves good balance and an appetizing mouthfeel. Red and black cherries, cinnamon, cedar and toasted oak all contribute to its tasty flavor complexity. Best from 2026–2036.

94 James Suckling - Jamessuckling.com

Very hot iron and cloves with green pepper to the dark fruit. Full-to medium-bodied with firm, silky tannins and a fresh, spicy finish. Lots going on, with lots of flavor and character. 100% tintilla.

94 Wine Enthusiast

Black plum, dried mushroom and bruised-blackberry aromas fill the nose followed by smoked meat and damp earth. The palate is reserved with medium-intensity flavors suggested on the nose that flirt with worn leather and dried black-cherry skin. Drink with grilled steak, kebabs and pot roast. — Reggie Solomon

92 Wine Spectator

A Zin with pizzaz and an easy-going personality, this serves up lively cherry, cranberry, grilled sage and black pepper flavors that end on a perky note. Drink now through 2031. 9,509 cases made.