98 Colin Hay - The Drinks Business

A wine of richness and classical depth, opening with aromas of sweet spice, dark berry and stone fruits, delicate dried florals, patchouli, violet, and an authentically Italian saline character. On the palate, it shows dynamic, tactile tannins that begin soft and spherical but develop a granularity guiding the fruit across the mid-palate, underpinned by an iron-tinged, slightly bloody richness that firmly places it in Tuscany. Hay emphasizes the vintage character, calling it a very “solaire” or sunny expression of Solaia, yet remarkably balanced with its lower 13.5% alcohol content, the first time in a decade it has fallen below 14%, ultimately finding it a deeply impressive and expressive wine of the vintage.

98 James Suckling - Jamessuckling.com

More elegant than powerful and more approachable than usual, with stunning concentration and complexity. Aromas of subtle cassis, toast, herbs and a refreshing balsamic touch. Firm on the palate, with a full body, velvety texture and moderate acidity but not at the expense of its great balance. Sleek, polished aftertaste with sweet tobacco flavors. Drinkable now, but best from 2026.

98 James Button - Decanter Magazine

The drought and heat of 2022 pushed vines in Tuscany to their limits, and the outcome in many cases are wines of density and concentration but with a vein of freshness – and that's exactly what we see here in the 2022 Solaia. It opens with cool aromas of damp earth, woodland berries, red fruit coulis and a waft of balsamic herbs. In the mouth it is immediately very fleshy, almost voluptuous but holding its shape. Balsam-infused black cherry and dark berries are deepened by chocolatey wood, while succulent acidity brings out the top end and leads to a long, bright, energetic and fresh finish which is full of promise for the future.

96 Kerin O'Keefe - kerinokeefe.com

Blueberry, black currant, eucalyptus and lavender aromas delicately waft out of the glass on the stunning 2022 Solaia along with whiffs dark spice. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignion, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Sangiovese, the structured, linear and savory palate delivers ripe black cherry, raspberry, red currant and layers of dark exotic spice accompanied by taut, close-grained that give the finish some grip. Drink 2027–2037.

96 Antonio Galloni - Vinous

Antinori’s 2022 Solaia opens with scents of graphite, lavender, espresso, menthol, plum and blackberry. Cabernet Sauvignon is so magical here, especially in its aromatic profile. Deep and layered on the palate, but in the mid-weight style of the year, the 2022 impresses with its poise and long, resonant finish. The 2022 is not a big wine, but it exudes striking balance. Its persistence is especially of note. Solaia is a highlight in a vintage that has plenty of ups and downs. The blend is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Sangiovese, a bit less Sangiovese than in most years.

94 Owen Bargreen - OwenBargreen.com

"Entirely sourced from the high elevation ‘XL Vineyard’ in the Walla Walla Valley, the 2015 ‘Fianchetto’ was aged in 60% new French oak for 30 months and also saw two years of bottle age before release. The flavor density is outstanding considering the challenges that presented themselves in this exceedingly warm vintage, as ripe dark currants collide with cherry cordial, Earl Grey tea and exotic spices on the palate. Super refined and elegant, this has a long way to go. Drink 2021-2033"

92 Stephen Tanzer - Vinous Media

"Dark red-ruby. Aromas of cassis, black cherry, dark raspberry, licorice and bitter chocolate complemented by sexy spicy oak tones. Fine-grained, very ripe and classically dry, combining serious alcoholic clout and surprising energy. Plush, concentrated red berry flavors are lifted by a floral element that's rare for such a ripe Bordeaux blend. This powerful wine finishes with broad, dusty tannins and serious sweetness. Constant wind at this site typically results in small, thick-skinned berries, and Naravane noted that the tannins here can easily get out of whack. He presses the wine before it's fully dry and allows the fermentation to finish in barrels. (15.3% alcohol; aged for 28 months in 80% new Tronçais oak; from SeVein vineyards)"

90 Mark Squires - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The NV Vértice Cuvée Espumante Bruto, formerly known as the NV Cuvée (which, in turn, was formerly a vintage-dated wine), is a non-vintage wine disgorged in April 2022 after some 35 months on the lees, a big drop from the last version. About 50% of the blend is reserve wine aged in used French oak for 48 months. It comes in dry and with 13% alcohol. It is mostly a blend of typical Douro grapes but dominated by Gouveio (60%) and Touriga Franca (13%), then smaller dollops of other local grapes. Finally, it is also a blend of three vintages (25% each from 2013 and 2015, with the rest unoaked from 2020). As is always the case on this wine, the disgorgement date is on the label. Very well done, this is fresher than last year's version, but it's also more complex and toastier than the regular NV Branco Espumante. I love the combination of mouthfeel, fruit and complexity here. It is a nice value. This is only sold in magnum, to which the price applies.

93 Luis Gutierrez - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2022 Viñedos en San Vicente de la Sonsierra was produced in the same way as the 2021 that I tasted next to it, trying to express finesse and purity in a warmer and ripe year. The wine has similar parameters, 13.9% alcohol. It's surprisingly fresh and harmonious for a 2022, close to the 2021 from the same village, with some floral hints and a seamless palate, juicy and with round tannins. 15,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in September 2024.

93 Joaquín Hidalgo - Vinous Media

Hailing from Rioja Alta, the 2022 José Gil Viñedos en San Vicente de la Sonsierra presents a unique blend of 75% Tempranillo with 20% Garnacha and 5% white grapes. Fermented with 15% whole clusters, this purple wine exhibits a distinctive aroma of orange peel, accompanied by notes of blue and blackberry. Hints of elderflower and violets add further complexity. On the palate, it is dry, lean and intense, with a delicate and juicy character that lingers with refreshing ripeness. This wine offers an alluring and savory profile, infused with inspiration from the approach to Pinot Noir found in Burgundy.

95 Erin Brooks - Robert Parker's the Wine Advocate

The 2022 Estate Pinot Noir Westside Farms is the inaugural release of Pinot Noir from the Ramey family's Westside Farms ranch. It comes from vines planted in clay-loam soils along the Russian River in 2001. The grapes were harvested on August 18 and 19, before the Labor Day heat wave, and only free-run juice was included. It was fermented in tank with 25% whole clusters and matured for 18 months in 45% new French François Frères barrels. It has a pale ruby color and open, inviting aromas of cranberry sauce, rhubarb, blood orange, allspice and Angostura bitters. The medium-bodied palate surprises with its highly concentrated, layered flavors and is lent complexity by emerging earthy nuances. It’s structured by lacy tannins and vibrant acidity and has a very long, layered finish. It will benefit from several years in the cellar. It will be released in September of 2025.

91 Antonio Galloni - Vinous

The 2021 Lessona is the most aromatic of the five wines I tasted from Noah, but that is not surprising, as it is 100% Nebbiolo. Crushed flowers, herbs, mint, iron and white pepper lead into a core of brilliant red-toned fruit. Savory and floral notes are very present. At times, those nuances lean into the realm of the slightly vegetal. Otherwise, this is nicely done.

94 Jeb Dunnuck - jebdunnuck.com

The flagship 2021 Trilogy from this estate checks in as 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, and the rest Malbec, all raised in mostly (all?) new oak. This medium to full-bodied, ripe, concentrated, satisfying effort has lots of blueberry and darker raspberry-like fruit, some chocolaty oak and dusty minerality, ripe tannins, and a great finish. I love its overall balance, it has notable purity, and I see no reason it shouldn't evolve for 15-20 years.

93 Joe Czerwinski - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec, Flora Springs's 2021 Trilogy offers up an intriguing bouquet of ripe cherries, fine sandalwood and a hint of mint too. While not a huge blockbuster wine, it's medium to full-bodied, nicely proportioned and silky in feel, with a lingering finish.

98 Kerin O'Keefe - kerinokeefe.com

Firmly structured and loaded with finesse and energy, the chiseled Pajè Vecchie Viti 2019 is another stunner from Luca and Alfredo Roagna. It has great intensity and layers of aromas and flavors including woodland strawberry, red cherry, anise and cool mint set against tightly wound, fine-grained tannins. Bright acidity keeps it vibrant but also balanced even at this primary stage. This is still in its infancy and needs time. Drink 2032–2059.

98 Monica Larner - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Asili's ace card is elegance. Montefico has especially fragrant aromas, and Pajè is distinguished by its structure. That textural richness comes from the advanced age and deep roots of 80-year-old vines. The Roagna 2019 Barbaresco Pajè Vecchie Viti was born in an amphitheater of vines on limestone soils. The top part of the vineyard where the mineral signature is more pronounced goes to the Barbaresco Crichët Pajé, and the remaining fruit is used here. The wine shows a combination of sweetness and power with chalky tannins to close. Of the four Vecchie Viti wines (including three Barbarescos and one Barolo), this is the last wine served in the tasting. Luca Roagna makes this choice because the Pajè Vecchie Viti shows the biggest tannic structure. The Vecchie Viti wines will hit the market in January or February 2025.

98 Bruce Sanderson - Wine Spectator

Shows an extra dimension of viscosity and energy, with cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, mineral and licorice flavors. Verging on racy, offering lively acidity and dense yet refined tannins, this red is still on the reticent side, yet with all its components in the right place and superb potential. Best from 2027 through 2047. 285 cases made.

96+ Antonio Galloni - Vinous

The 2019 Barbaresco Pajè Vecchie Viti is a wild, exotic wine. Ethereal and deceptively medium in body, the dark fruit is perfumed. The weight and gravitas of the old vines are palpable, and yet, somehow, the 2019 remains light on its feet. The aromatics alone are beguiling. The 2019 just needs time to be at its most expressive.

98 Antonio Galloni - Vinous

The 2021 Barolo Aleste is off-the-charts gorgeous. Vertical and explosive in the glass, with tremendous energy, the 2021 possesses unbelievable richness married to vibrant energy. Plum, black cherry, gravel, lavender and mocha soar out of the glass. Readers will find a Barolo of stature and breeding.

98 Kerin O'Keefe - kerinokeefe.com

Pine forest, ripe dark-skinned berry, blue flower and carob are just some of the aromas you'll find on the stunning 2021 Aleste. Made with Nebbiolo from the Cannubi Boschis vineyard, it's delicious, full-bodied and shows great verve, delivering layers of ripe Morello cherry, cake spice, licorice, mocha and crushed mint set against a backbone of velvety tannins. Give this time to fully develop. Drink 2031–2046. Abv: 14.5%

97 Jeb Dunnuck - jebdunnuck.com

A reflective red color, the 2021 Barolo Aleste leads with compelling and introspective notes of sandalwood, ripe cherries, hints of truffle, and fresh leather. The palate is supple and has a vibrant spine of acidity, mouthwatering mineral accents, and an underlying noble structure. As I am finding with the top producers in this vintage, the tannins demand time but also have a sweetness to them that makes the wines highly pleasurable to taste now, and they should improve and age very well. Drink 2027-2050.

96 Michaela Morris - Decanter Magazine

A beguiling and expressive nose allures with notes of rose, tobacco, earthy medicinal roots and exotic spice. This has the fruit density of the vintage with layers of elegant, chalky tannins and well embedded oak. Cedar-infused red berries provide lip-smacking tang and the finish is positively salivating. From the original plot in Cannubi Boschis that Luciano Sandrone bought in 1977, along with more recent acquisitions in Cannubi proper. A rechristening in 2013 to Aleste represents a contraction of his two grandchildren names: Alessia and Stefano.

95 Antonio Galloni - Vinous

The 2019 Carema Etichetta Bianca is superb. It's also one of the stars in this part of the vertical. Readers will find a deep, layered Etichetta Bianca, a wine that marries power with finesse like few wines can. I especially admire the wine's breadth and overall presence. Hints of sage, tobacco and incense linger on the sustained finish.

99 Joaquín Hidalgo - Vinous Media

The 2022 Cheval des Andes is a significant upgrade to Mendoza’s historic regional blends, combining grapes from Las Compuertas (Luján de Cuyo) and Paraje Altamira (Uco Valley). The 2022 vintage allowed for a slower ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon, which take prominence in this blend alongside 30% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot. Aging was carried out in 40% 225-liter Bordeaux barrels, 35% 400-liter barrels and 25% 2,500-liter foudres, with 50% new oak. A bouquet of bright fruit—raspberry, blueberry and delicate cassis—and complementary bay leaf and mint tones give way to a touch of ash and mild bell pepper. Boasting serious concentration, fine tannins and a slight creaminess, the 2022 has a structure that is firm but never tight, maintaining weight without losing balance. The finish is long, energetic and full of flavor. This is an exceptionally beautiful wine.

98 James Suckling - Jamessuckling.com

Aromas of dark currants, spices, cloves and a touch of elderberries. The palate is elegant and medium- to full-bodied with polished, precise tannins, firm fruit, a juicy backbone and a solid and flavorful finish. 65% cabernet sauvignon and 35% malbec from Lujan and Altamira. Drink from 2027.

98 Georgina Hindle - Decanter

Earthy, savoury nose full of wet soil, peppercorns and blackcurrants alongside violets, chocolate, cherries and raspberries. Well crafted, such a svelte and streamlined expression with real charm and finesse. There’s power for sure but it’s funnelled into one line from start to finish. I love the brightness and opulence here yet there’s super charm and precision too. Great energy, succulence and vibrancy with natural acidity creating a salivating effect that makes you want to come back for another glass. Expertly made with an accumulation of details that make it so enjoyable. The joint project of Château Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes. Winemaker Gérald Gabillet.

98 Jane Anson - Inside Bordeaux

Fragrant, exceptional quality, a standout in the lineup. Concentrated black cherry and damson fruits, nuanced pulses of orange peel and pomegranate, gunsmoke and peony flowers. Gérald Gabillet winemaker, at this joint venture between Cheval Blanc and Terrazas de los Andes. Fermented and aged in a mix of 225l barrels, 400l barrels and 2,500l casks, 50% new oak - almost entirely French, with some Austrian, Slovenian and German.

98 Peter Moser - Falstaff

Dark ruby in colour with purple reflections, and subtle brightening on the rim. Delicately smoky on the nose with tobacco notes, black cherry, inviting ripe plum, a hint of fig, some nougat, and orange zest. The palate is complex and tightly woven with ripe tannins, fine acidity and a core of fine fruit, redolent of cherry and blackberry, mineral and very persistent, very promising. Great.

97 Matthew Luczy - Robert Parkers The Wine Advocate

Soon to be released through La Place de Bordeaux, the 2022 Cheval des Andes opens with an exotic, spice-driven bouquet, supplemented by lifted herbal notes and a vibrantly red-fruited and perfumed backdrop. The palate is similarly energetic, melding an elegantly rich, polished texture with a slender, tensile energy. It concludes with a long, persistent and high-toned finish that gradually unfurls a sturdy structure of supremely refined tannins. This is an excellent counterpoint to the comparatively darker and more open-knit 2021, showcasing a brighter, more tenacious profile while sacrificing none of the grace, nuance and textural attention to detail that has come to define Cheval des Andes. It's a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot.

97 Jeff Leve - The Wine Cellar Insider

Served blind, I'd think this was a top Hermitage due to its smoky character, topped with mint, peppery herbs, barbecued meat, black currants, blackberries, along with a hint of blueberry. The palate is rich, full-bodied, long, fresh, and vibrant, with energetic notes of mint leaf, black cherries, cocoa, chalk, and a range of exotic spices that linger. The wine is produced from blending 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% old vine Malbec, and 5% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2027-2045

89 Jasper Morris, MW - Inside Burgundy

Fresh pale lemon and lime. A return to classicism after the sultry southern style of the last Mâcon. The Bourgogne is really quite chiselled – samples served cool – with a little biscuity touch as part of the prolonged finish. Drink from 2026-2029. Tasted Oct 2024.