95 Decanter

The NV18 is largely a base blend of the 2018 vintage with additional vintages blended in, typically the previous two. Aged two years in neutral French oak. It's good to know, for those who know, that these wines are often incredibly savoury, yet this is fairly bright and ripe-fruited, with hints of dried straw grass, dried tobacco, loamy earth, tar, and incense. Gentle tannins create a soft palate expression, building with a full-bodied richness of darkberry fruit, and brown baking spices on the mineral-scented finish.

98-99 James Suckling - Jamessuckling.com

"A very classic Yquem. Breathtakingly wide spectrum of floral honey, exotic fruit (passion fruit, mango and pineapple), caramel and marzipan aromas. But none of this is a jot too much. In fact, the wine is extremely precise and finely nuanced. Wonderful freshness and textural complexity, in spite of the considerable concentration and extravagance. Very suave and sensual finish that goes on and on. Drink or hold."

95-97 Neal Martin - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2016 Château d'Yquem was picked over four tries through the vineyard, commencing on 27 September and finishing on 4 November. The crucial pass through the vines took place between 18-22 October when over half the crop was picked. In fact, 75% of the crop was picked during the final two weeks of the harvest. It has 14.2% alcohol and a residual sugar level of 135 grams per liter, a pH of 3.80. A classic blend of 75% Sémillon and 25% Sauvignon Blanc, it has a comparatively nuanced bouquet compared to Yquems that I have encountered at this stage. It opens gradually with light honeyed aromas, white flowers, apple blossom and just a touch of honeysuckle, although it does not possess the bravura personality of the astounding 2015. The palate is medium-bodied with a viscous opening, a subtle spice note leaving the mouth tingling. This is a fresh Yquem, tensile with moderate weight and delivering, perhaps belatedly, fine attack on the finish lined with subtle lemongrass notes. It will be interesting to plot the progress of this Yquem throughout its barrel maturation. This is an excellent Yquem no doubt, though I was missing that nerve, the labyrinthine complexity that can mark a top-tier Yquem even at this premature stage. I suspect that this will drink earlier than others, but age in a style only it knows."

96 Wine Enthusiast

"95–97. Barrel Sample. The bouquet opens with aromas of honey and citrus, offering richness and freshness at the same time. The mouthfeel is opulent, with honeyed flavors. There is some acidity underneath, although decadence and concentration are its defining attributes. It will age for decades."

98 Decanter

James Button - Solaia sings in 2023. It's supremely vertical with already-integrated sandy tannins, its tall frame adorned with crunchy, sapid forest berries, chocolate, menthol, iodine and floral top notes. Generous and finessed, it's drinking surprisingly well at this early stage and will continue to prosper for the next two decades at least.

97 Antonio Galloni - Vinous

The 2023 Solaia has gained a measure of weight since I first tasted it a few months ago. Inky dark fruit, crème de cassis, blackberry, graphite and dried herbs soar from the glass. Cabernet Sauvignon speaks with notable eloquence and character. There's gorgeous purity and restraint here.

97 James Suckling - Jamessuckling.com

A big Solaia with lots of fruit and spices as well as mint and spearmint. Aromatic. Full-bodied with lots of fruit and chewy tannins. Muscular and juicy for a modern Solaia. Needs three to four years of age to come together. Best after 2028.

91 International Wine Challenge

"Low aroma, light and fruity, with undertones of black currant, finishing crisp and clean."

97 Monica Larner - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The Domenico Clerico 2020 Barolo Ginestra Ciabot Mentin shows really great balance in terms of the oak integration. For the first time, the estate has decided to use large oak casks (removing the barrique entirely), and the results are extraordinary. There is a lot of dark fruit, like cranberry and currant, that holds tight and defines the wine throughout. There is black tea and spice, but these tones work with the fruit not against it. It finishes smooth, with glossy tannins, pretty acidity and a much brighter and lighter overall personality. Only 5,000 bottles were made."

96 Kerin O'Keefe - kerinokeefe.com

The wine that initially put Domenico Clerico on the map with its debut 1982 vintage, the compelling 2020 Ciabot Mentin has aromas of ripe red berry, blood orange, menthol and oak-driven spice. The aromas carry over to the savory, enveloping palate along with licorice notes while tightly woven, close-grained tannins provide support. Drink 2028–2035. Abv: 14.5%

96 Decanter

Year by year, Ciabot Mentin shines for its remarkable consistency. This 2020 starts a bit closed, with restrained blood orange, but then an exquisite mix of red cherry, violet, leafy lightness and liquorice depth reveals itself. Graphite dominates the palate, along with a hint of yellow fruits, sustained by lifted acidity and velvety, elegant, super-polished tannins. Aldo Fiordelli

96 Wine Spectator

This red is pure and elegant, with rose, cherry, raspberry and mineral aromas and flavors fused to a firm, vibrant structure. Shows fine intensity and verve, with a long, detailed aftertaste of fruit, mineral and spice notes. Best from 2027 through 2046.

95 James Suckling - Jamessuckling.com

Bright ruby color suggesting youth. It has an extremely floral nose of fresh roses, violets, pomegranate, cherry fruit and soft spices. The medium-bodied palate is soft with velvety tannins, refreshing acidity, a bit of vibrancy and a polished finish. A really enjoyable wine, but it needs 10 years of cellaring to develop its potential of complexity. Drink from 2034.

97 Wine Enthusiast

Lifted aromas of flowers, cherry and black plum are supported by accents of mineral and lightly toasted oak. On the palate, an explosion of ripe, pulpy berry fruit and snappy acidity settles with ease and elegance, while this Cabernet Sauvignon from a warm, dry year offers blackberry, cassis and chocolate flavors. There's plenty of depth to a smooth and balanced finish. This is one to hold for many years. Best from 2025–2045. — Michael Schachner

88-89 Jasper Morris, MW - Inside Burgundy

From good vineyards such as Au Pelson, Bons Batons and more. Dense purple. The bouquet impresses for its concentration of a bright zesty fruit, filling the mouth, through to an energetic finish where the fruit swamps the structure but remains well defined. A long finish beyond the norm for this level of appellation. 70% whole bunch vinification. Drink from 2026-2029. Tasted Nov 2024.

84-86 Neal Martin - Vinous Media

The 2023 Bourgogne Rouge contains around 50% whole bunch. I prefer this to the Côteaux Bourguignon this year—there's more freshness and delineation. The palate is balanced with supple tannins. It has fleshy ripe red fruit tones and a sweet, pastille-like finish. Fine.

95 James Suckling - Jamessuckling.com

This is an unusual entry-level wine. The cool side of the peach notes makes itself very clearly felt, pulling you into a web of intense, slatey minerality. Very stony finish, although the acidity is moderate. Excellent aging potential. From vines up to 70 years old. Vegan. Drink or hold.

92 Wine Spectator

Aromas of lime preserves and dried apple rest on a foundation of sorghum and chrysanthemum in this solidly built Riesling. The palate is dense yet graceful as this elegantly coasts through the long finish, which deftly interlaces its savory and stone notes with bright fruit. Drink now through 2038. 60 cases imported.

92 James Suckling - Jamessuckling.com

Vivid, round and juicy, with lemons, limes, fresh herbs and some mild spices on the nose, following through to a medium body with fresh acidity. Lively and succulent, with a delicious finish packed with limes. Drink now. Screw cap.

94 Wine Enthusiast

"A superbly dense, concentrated wine so rich in flavor that it almost has a brooding, dark quality. The hint of medicinal character just gives all this intensity a lift, and goes with flavors of roasted nuts and licorice. The aftertaste has just the right acidity."

93 Wine Enthusiast

Stone and orchard fruits jump from the glass, carried by vibrant acidity and a zingy lemon rind finish. A subtle pithy bitterness adds dimension to its bright and refreshing character. Perfect for a picnic spread of soft cheeses, olives, and crusty bread. — Jeff Porter

94 Sam Kim - Wine Orbit

Varietally expressive and enticing, showing blackcurrant, tobacco, clove and cedar aromas, followed by a splendidly weighted palate offering succulent fruit intensity with refined texture and finely pitched tannins. Wonderfully structured with harmony and persistency. At its best: now to 2034.