Jeb Dunnuck (98-100)

The 2018 Côte Rôtie La Turque offers meatier, more savory, mineral-driven aromatics yet has an incredible core of pure cassis and darker fruits. A straight-up massive wine, it has a stacked mid-palate, terrific freshness, and again, a purity of fruit that’s just off the chart. Despite its overall size and richness, it’s weightless and as graceful as a ballerina. It always needs more time to come around compared to the La Mouline and generally starts to drink beautifully a decade after the vintage.

Jeb Dunnuck (98-100)

The 2018 Côte Rôtie La Turque offers meatier, more savory, mineral-driven aromatics yet has an incredible core of pure cassis and darker fruits. A straight-up massive wine, it has a stacked mid-palate, terrific freshness, and again, a purity of fruit that’s just off the chart. Despite its overall size and richness, it’s weightless and as graceful as a ballerina. It always needs more time to come around compared to the La Mouline and generally starts to drink beautifully a decade after the vintage.

Jeb Dunnuck (98-100)

The 2018 Côte Rôtie La Turque offers meatier, more savory, mineral-driven aromatics yet has an incredible core of pure cassis and darker fruits. A straight-up massive wine, it has a stacked mid-palate, terrific freshness, and again, a purity of fruit that’s just off the chart. Despite its overall size and richness, it’s weightless and as graceful as a ballerina. It always needs more time to come around compared to the La Mouline and generally starts to drink beautifully a decade after the vintage.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

Built for the long haul, the 2018 Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc is a majestic, noble white that could only come from this incredible, south-facing hillside in Hermitage. Revealing a light gold hue as well as notes of quince, honeyed minerality, toasted spices, orange marmalade, and spring flowers, this deep, rich, and full-bodied white has absorbed just about every trace of its oak élevage and has a concentrated, rich, yet focused and lengthy style. This cuvée had a more oaky, opulent style in the past, but today it comes across as a much more pure, elegant wine while not giving an inch with regard to density, texture, and concentration. As with just about every top Hermitage Blanc today, this offers plenty of immediate pleasure with its pure, fresh, mineral-laced style. Don't discount how much pleasure these wines can offer in their youth and always ignore the "always too young" crowd. This 2018 is going to evolve gracefully and drink brilliantly for 5-7 years, then (maybe) go into a closed, almost oxidative stage, only to emerge after 5-7 years and evolve for decades.

The Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Marie Beurrier 2018 hails from the illustrious Rhône Valley, crafted by the legendary winemaker, Henri Bonneau. Known for meticulous, artisanal winemaking, Bonneau only releases his wines when they reach maturity. Produced from old vine Grenache, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Marie Beurrier 2018 showcases captivating complexity and depth.

Ripened under the Provençal sun, the 2018 vintage flaunts seductive aromatics of red and black fruits, intermingled with notes of spice, earth, and leather. On the palate, it exhibits superb structure enhanced by precision, balance, and a lingering finish.

Bonneau's commitment to traditional viticultural techniques guarantees the maintenance of natural acidity and a picturesque representation of the terroir. His methodology includes manually harvesting, whole cluster fermentation, and aging in ancient oak casks for a minimum of 36 months. Each bottle serves as a testimony to Bonneau's reputation as a venerated wine custodian.

Revelling in beauty and elegance, the Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Marie Beurrier 2018 is a beacon of excellent Southern Rhône winemaking.

The Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Marie Beurrier 2018 hails from the illustrious Rhône Valley, crafted by the legendary winemaker, Henri Bonneau. Known for meticulous, artisanal winemaking, Bonneau only releases his wines when they reach maturity. Produced from old vine Grenache, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Marie Beurrier 2018 showcases captivating complexity and depth.

Ripened under the Provençal sun, the 2018 vintage flaunts seductive aromatics of red and black fruits, intermingled with notes of spice, earth, and leather. On the palate, it exhibits superb structure enhanced by precision, balance, and a lingering finish.

Bonneau's commitment to traditional viticultural techniques guarantees the maintenance of natural acidity and a picturesque representation of the terroir. His methodology includes manually harvesting, whole cluster fermentation, and aging in ancient oak casks for a minimum of 36 months. Each bottle serves as a testimony to Bonneau's reputation as a venerated wine custodian.

Revelling in beauty and elegance, the Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf-du-Pape Marie Beurrier 2018 is a beacon of excellent Southern Rhône winemaking.

A showpiece for true connoisseurs, the Jean Pierre Villa Cote Rotie Fongeant 2018 is an idyllic embodiment of the Rhône Valley's acclaimed winemaking skills. Crafted by the esteemed Jean Pierre Villa, this wine radiates profound articulation of the terroir and intense grape character. With an emphasis on manual harvesting and traditional vinification, Villa inspires a minimalist philosophy, allowing the grapes and their unique characteristics to shine.

The wine is sourced from the famed Fongeant vineyard, located on Côte Rôtie, a southwestern slope enriched by granite and schist soils. The Syrah grape, the wine's primary varietal, provides a symphony of smoky, black fruit flavours, framed elegantly by refined tannins, showcasing the epitome of the Cote Rotie style. A captivating marriage of strength and fine-grained elegance, the Jean Pierre Villa Cote Rotie Fongeant 2018 is a testament to outstanding viniculture and the excellence of Villa's winemaking prowess. Its understated complexity promises an impressive ageing potential.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

I was blown away by the 2018 Hermitage from barrel, and it unquestionably doesn't disappoint from bottle. Reminding me slightly of the 2009, it possesses off-the-charts richness and depth, but like all great wines, stays pure, balanced, and light on its feel. Extraordinary notes of cassis, blue fruits, graphite, violets, and flowers define the bouquet, and this full-bodied, layered, multi-dimensional beauty has ripe tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. This is pure Hermitage magic. Given its extravagant richness and texture, it should be relatively accessible in just a handful of years yet evolve for three decades or more.

Vinous (94)

Inky violet color. Displays ripe dark fruit, licorice, olive, potpourri and cracked pepper aromas, plus a smoky mineral flourish that adds an energetic lift. Sappy and broad on the palate, offering appealingly sweet black and blue fruit, cola, licorice and exotic spice flavors that show impressive depth and vivacity. Finishes very long and precise, with a lingering floral quality and dusty, slowly building tannins.

Vinous (94)

Inky violet color. Displays ripe dark fruit, licorice, olive, potpourri and cracked pepper aromas, plus a smoky mineral flourish that adds an energetic lift. Sappy and broad on the palate, offering appealingly sweet black and blue fruit, cola, licorice and exotic spice flavors that show impressive depth and vivacity. Finishes very long and precise, with a lingering floral quality and dusty, slowly building tannins.

Wine Enthusiast (96)

This inky, intensely plummy Syrah balances rich, pulsating black-fruit flavors against lip-smacking cassis and accents of tapenade, charcuterie and blood. Sourced from 90-year-old vines and aged 22 months in oak (15% new), the penetrating wine is framed by fine, firm tannins and lingering notes of vanilla, chocolate and earth.

Vinous (96-97)

Intensely perfumed, mineral-accented aromas of dark fruit liqueur, pungent flowers and licorice show excellent clarity and energetic lift. Juicy blackberry, boysenberry, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors deepen slowly through the midpalate while picking up a spicy nuance. Broad and chewy in texture, with a strikingly long, floral-driven finish that features well-knit tannins and an echo of exotic spices. Made with 50% new oak.

Vinous (96)

Opaque ruby. Displays potent, smoke-accented, dark fruit preserves, licorice, exotic spice and dark chocolate qualities on the powerful, mineral-accented nose. Broad and fleshy on the palate, offering deeply pitched black and blue fruit, black cardamom, candied violet, olive and bitter chocolate flavors that become sweeter as the wine opens up. Youthfully chewy tannins add grip to a very long, smoky finish that echoes the black fruit, licorice and spice notes.

Vinous (96)

Opaque ruby. Displays potent, smoke-accented, dark fruit preserves, licorice, exotic spice and dark chocolate qualities on the powerful, mineral-accented nose. Broad and fleshy on the palate, offering deeply pitched black and blue fruit, black cardamom, candied violet, olive and bitter chocolate flavors that become sweeter as the wine opens up. Youthfully chewy tannins add grip to a very long, smoky finish that echoes the black fruit, licorice and spice notes.

Jeb Dunnuck (94)

Moving to the three Cornas releases, the 2018 Cornas is brilliant and certainly in the same ballpark as the 2016 and 2017. Lots of red and blue fruits, smoked earth, graphite, iron, violets, and gamey notes define this full-bodied Cornas. With ample tannins, fabulous balance, and a big finish, it's going to need 4-5 years of bottle age at a minimum yet should drink fabulously well over the following 15 years.

Jeb Dunnuck (99)

There are two special cuvées from this estate. Looking first at the 2018 Cornas Cuvée Jana, it tastes like the essence of Cornas with its meaty, bloody aromas and flavors of scorched earth, ground pepper, rare steak, iron, cedar, and dark, almost blue fruits. Tight, tannic, and concentrated on the palate, this full-bodied effort packs incredible intensity and power yet stays lively, elegant, and weightless. It's a brilliant, brilliant Cornas, yet certainly not for those seeking instant gratification. It actually reminds me slightly of the incredibly age-worthy wines from Domaine Clape, and I suspect it will have a similar evolution. Hide bottles for 7-8 years and enjoy over the following two decades.

Jeb Dunnuck (98)

Only made in top vintages, the 2018 Cornas Mère Michel is a tribute to Johann's wife and a play on the French song "La Mere Michelle." Brought up in a new demi-muid, it's a richer, broader wine compared to the Cuvée Jana yet still has incredible Cornas style in its red, black, and blue fruits as well as notes of toasted spice, roasted meat, chocolate, and wild herbs. Rich, full-bodied, and opulent, it has a touch more upfront appeal and should be drinkable in just 4-5 years yet also evolve for two decades.

Hailing from the prestigious northern Rhône region of France, Julien Pilon Cornas Elegance Caillou 2018 illustrates a master-class in viticulture. Julien Pilon, a distinguished winemaker, leverages 20 years of experience, which shines brilliantly in each bottle. The grapes for this opulent wine are sourced from a single, world-class vineyard within the Cornas appellation.

The 2018 vintage showcases superior winemaking techniques. Grapes were manually harvested at peak ripeness, ensuring a balance of sugar and acid. Post-harvest fermentation and maturation took place in large wooden vats, augmenting the inherent aromas and flavours.

The result? A well-rounded, full-bodied Syrah that brims with succulent blackberry, ripe plum, and a touch of white pepper. Its elegance remains prominent as savoury notes of chocolate and soft spices add depth to its impressive profile. Decant for optimal enjoyment and immerse yourself in the heart of Rhône with Julien Pilon Cornas Elegance Caillou 2018.

Discover an exemplar of French winemaking brilliance with the Julien Pilon Cote Rotie La Porchette 2018. Born in the prestigious Northern Rhone region, Cote Rotie, this distinguished wine pays tribute to old-world winemaking under the ambitious direction of Julien Pilon. With two decades of oenology expertise, Pilon has mastered the crafting of unique, terroir-driven wines from renowned appellations.

The 2018 vintage presents an exquisite blend of Syrah and Viognier grapes, harvested from exceptional, steep granite soils. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, the final product captures the perfect balance between finesse and power. Intense notes of black fruit, liquorice, earthiness and subtle floral undertones unravel on the palate, while the elegant finish lingers enticingly.

With only 600 bottles produced annually, the Julien Pilon Cote Rotie La Porchette 2018 is a highly sought-after gem. This sumptuous full-bodied red epitomises the refined complexity of France's captivating vinous landscape.

Decanter (97)

With cinnamon, orange, nutmeg characters, this is full-bodied but still fresh, with a real depth on the palate. It finishes dry and savoury, with dry spices, rose and a touch of meatiness. There’s some tannin on the tongue on the finish, too. A deeply complex rosé that could only be from Tavel. 24 months in foudres, then 24 months in bottle before release. Gently cloudy, and taking on a slightly orange note to the colour - showing some age.

Decanter (97)

With cinnamon, orange, nutmeg characters, this is full-bodied but still fresh, with a real depth on the palate. It finishes dry and savoury, with dry spices, rose and a touch of meatiness. There’s some tannin on the tongue on the finish, too. A deeply complex rosé that could only be from Tavel. 24 months in foudres, then 24 months in bottle before release. Gently cloudy, and taking on a slightly orange note to the colour - showing some age.

In the world of fine wines, the l'Anglore Vejade 2018 is indeed a splendid example. Produced by Eric Pfifferling in Tavel, Southern Rhône, this wine epitomises the region’s bounty. The organically farmed Grenache and Clairette vines, aged around 50 years, lend an unmatched quality to 2018's harvest. Whereas many choose to age their wines, Pfifferling insists on ageing his for six months in old barrels, preserving the wine's authentic taste and aroma.

The l'Anglore Vejade 2018 exemplifies a blend of lustrous ruby hues and deep fruit flavours, creating an authentic natural wine experience. The nose teases with notes of raspberry, violets and spices, leading into a well-structured palate. In the mouth, it is harmonious and radiant, showcasing its minerality and freshness alongside an impressive longevity.

As an addition to your collection or to enjoy with a sumptuous meal, the l'Anglore Vejade 2018 truly encapsulates the art of exquisite winemaking.

Vinous (93)

Brilliant ruby. A highly expressive bouquet evokes Chambord, cherry cola, smoky minerals and licorice, and a floral note builds as the wine opens up. Sappy, penetrating and energetic in style, offering palate-staining raspberry, cherry pie and lavender pastille flavors that put on weight and become spicier with air. Delivers a suave blend of richness and finesse and finishes spicy, focused and very long, leaving repeating floral and red fruit notes behind.

Vinous (93)

Brilliant ruby. A highly expressive bouquet evokes Chambord, cherry cola, smoky minerals and licorice, and a floral note builds as the wine opens up. Sappy, penetrating and energetic in style, offering palate-staining raspberry, cherry pie and lavender pastille flavors that put on weight and become spicier with air. Delivers a suave blend of richness and finesse and finishes spicy, focused and very long, leaving repeating floral and red fruit notes behind.

Vinous (95)

Dark violet. A deeply perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red/blue fruits, incense and exotic spices, and a floral accent builds as the wine opens up. Sweet and expansive in the mouth, offering lush black raspberry, boysenberry and spicecake flavors that are energized by a core of juicy acidity. Shows excellent clarity and solid, spicy thrust on a long, sweet finish framed by velvety tannins.