92 Jim Gordon - JamesSuckling.com

"A layered, spicy, plummy wine that's generous in flavors and backed by light tannins for a slight grip in the texture. Full-bodied, with notes of black plums, dark cherries, cinnamon and cloves. Drink now."

89 Antonio Galloni - Vinous

"The 2023 Pinot Noir (Carneros) is a bold, juicy wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. A burst of dark red cherry fruit opens first, followed by hints of cedar, tobacco, earthiness and new leather that add layers. This is sure to be a crowd-pleaser."

90 Wine Spectator

"A delightfully racy sparkler, with tart apple and floral anise aromas leading to zesty lime and lemon flavors, presenting accents of cinnamon and spicy ginger. Drink now. 25,000 cases made. -T.F." (Reviewed 10/13)

90 Wine Enthusiast

"Another fine sparkling wine from Scharffenberger, this two-thirds Chardonnay to one-third Pinot Noir, made in fairly large quantity but excellently priced. At first it's a swirl of caramel apple, very inviting, before diving into a frothy mousse that's dry and balanced in acidity. -V.B." (03/13)

98 Kerin O'Keefe - kerinokeefe.com

The 2020 Brunello from Le Chiuse is gorgeous, starting with its enticing aromas of forest berry, rose, new leather and Mediterranean herb. Young but already delicious, the palate shows the estate’s hallmark finesse and offers layers of complexity in the making, delivering ripe red cherry, wild raspberry, citrus, white pepper and anise. Taut but extremely refined tannins provide support while fresh acidity keeps it bright, balanced and loaded with energy. Incredible performance. Drink 2029–2040. Abv: 14% Kerin O’Keefe November 2024 ©kerinokeefe.com

94 James Suckling - Jamessuckling.com

Expansive and subtle nose of stone fruit with a touch of candied citrus underlined by leesy complexity. Rich and creamy, but also very fresh on the full-bodied palate. Then comes a terrific creamy and salty finish that lingers very long. Drink or hold.

91 Wine & Spirits

"Christian Seely recently introduced this wine in New York as a rethinking of the super-premium, multivintage Porto style. Black replaces LB, Noval's former entry in this range, and uses top-quality fruit to create a soft, accommodating texture. The aromas are purple-black while the flavors are pure black cherry. Acidity spices it up and adds to the juiciness of the finish. It's plump in the middle and supple all the way through, ending on fruit-skin tannin and a touch of chocolate from oak. At the level of many of the region's best LBVs, this wine may become a staple for a new generation of Port drinkers."

92+ Stephan Reinhardt - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2023 Meddersheimer Rheingrafenberg Riesling Spätlese is already highly stimulating in its very first seconds! This is a savory classic that offers saline and stony aromas intertwined with perfectly ripe and fleshy but not all too lush mango and more yellow stone fruit aromas. Crystalline and savory on the palate, this is a linear and elegant, acidity-driven rather than textured dry Riesling with a long, savory and still-reduced finish. This Riesling is popular in Norway, yet it is probably too sharp and too Nordic for many other export markets. It's age-worthy in any case, with this intense and saline, firmly structured and persistent finish. Screw cap." -Stephan Reinhardt

93 Erin Brooks - Robert Parker's the Wine Advocate

The 2023 Chardonnay Wester Reach is blended from several vineyards including Flax, El Diablo and Heintz. Grapes were harvested September 14 to October 14, and the wine was matured for 11 months in 27% new French oak barrels, followed by four months in tank. It has enveloping aromas of peach, lemon peel, custard, toast and matchstick. The full-bodied palate is satiny and mouth-coating with concentrated flavors. It’s balanced by taut acidity and has a long, luxuriously creamy finish. 4,600 cases were made.