Vinous (92-94)

The 2022 Chambolle-Musigny Les Gruenchers 1er Cru has a spicy bouquet that takes time to cohere in the glass. Dark cherries, pain d'épice and dried flowers unfold in the glass. The palate is perhaps the most marine-influenced of the cuvées. Rather foursquare perhaps: it's tightly wound and slightly conservative towards the finish, yet feels long in the mouth. Very fine…but you must be patient.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (89-91)

Mid crimson ruby in colour, with softly ripe fruit on the nose. Attractive mid strawberry fruit, quite ripe though not heated, needs a touch more tension. Drink from 2028-2032. Tasted Nov 2024.

Vinous (94)

The 2019 Chablis Vosgros 1er Cru was showing just a small reduction on the nose, though it could not disguise the scents of yellow plum and honeysuckle and touches of wet limestone. The palate is very well balanced, taut and fresh, pinned down by a fine bead of acidity and very intense on the minerally finish. This fulfills the potential I found last year out of barrel.

Wine Advocate (93)

Unwinding in the glass with scents of citrus oil, oyster shell, fresh pastry and light reduction, the 2020 Chablis 1er Cru Vosgros is medium to full-bodied, satiny and incisive, with a racy spine of acidity and a long, mineral finish. This is another impeccably balanced, precise wine from Didier Picq.

Burghound (93)

(from 40+ year old vines aged in 100% stainless). A more citrus-suffused nose speaks of green apple, sea breeze and algae hints along with a hint of crushed anise. The rich, full-bodied and very generously proportioned medium-bodied flavors exude evident minerality on the nicely dry, moderately austere and focused finale. This lovely effort is built to reward up to a decade of improvement, yet it should also be reasonably approachable young if desired. This is, in a word, terrific. Buy this as well.

Vinous (92-94)

At the moment, the 2022 Chablis Au Dessus des Carrières is stoic on the nose compared to Picq's other cuvées, despite both of us giving our glasses vigorous swirls. The palate is where the action is: great concentration and depth, hints of white peach and nectarine, the power loaded at its back end. Give this two or three years in bottle.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

Bigger and richer, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Gallimardes is mostly Grenache (there’s 10% Syrah) all from incredibly old vines in the Les Gallimardes lieu-dit located in the southern part of the appellation. This estate owns a tiny parcel here, and this cuvée is incredibly limited, with just 250 cases made. Possessing a huge, incredible nose of blackberries, black raspberries, crushed rocks, garrigue, melted licorice, and cured meats, this full-bodied 2016 has a wealth of fruit and richness, no hard edges, building tannins, and awesome purity of fruit. It’s the finest example of this cuvée ever made and a perfect wine. Don’t miss it!

Ascend to the zenith of viticultural excellence with the tantalising Giraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition 2020. This stellar vintage emerges from the esteemed house of Giraud, a family-run estate headquartered in the historic, sun-drenched vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France. Remarkably, the Giraud siblings’ dedication to organic viticulture yields grapes of supreme quality from their old Grenache vines. Superior manual harvest and rigorous berry selection culminate in a wine that exudes impeccable purity.

Fortuitously, the 2020 vintage marks a feat in the winemaking world with its profound concentration and balance. Burgeoning with dark berry flavours and sprinkles of spice, the Giraud Chateauneuf-du-Pape Tradition 2020 tastefully acknowledges its terroir's earthy and stony streaks. Veering towards full-bodied, its palate-coating, silky tannins and vibrant acidity add to the harmony. Aged predominantly in old oak foudres, this French red encapsulates the beauty and finesse of the Southern Rhône valley, offering a wine experience par excellence in every sip.

James Suckling (96)

Plenty of violets and dark berries on offer here. This has a striking sense of purity as well as an energetic, regal palate. The structure is impressively groomed with effortless depth and length. A standout wine. Try from 2022.

James Suckling (96-97)

Lots of deep blue fruit with blackberries and grape skins, as well as tar and asphalt. Lead, too. It’s full-bodied, yet very tight with powerful, defined tannins, surrounded by attractive ripe fruit. Serious. Reminds me of the excellent 1975. A blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon and 35% merlot.

James Suckling (96-97)

Lots of deep blue fruit with blackberries and grape skins, as well as tar and asphalt. Lead, too. It’s full-bodied, yet very tight with powerful, defined tannins, surrounded by attractive ripe fruit. Serious. Reminds me of the excellent 1975. A blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon and 35% merlot.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94-96)

The 2021 Giscours is fabulous. In fact, the 2021 is one of the best Giscours in recent memory. Silky and impeccable in its balance, the 2012 possesses magnificent elegance that brings out its pedigreed personality. Rose petal, lavender, spice, gravel and black cherry all come together, framed by silky tannins that wrap it all up. The 2021 is less aromatic than most recent vintages, but the depth here is considerable, as is the potential. Taste two times.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94-96)

The 2021 Giscours is fabulous. In fact, the 2021 is one of the best Giscours in recent memory. Silky and impeccable in its balance, the 2012 possesses magnificent elegance that brings out its pedigreed personality. Rose petal, lavender, spice, gravel and black cherry all come together, framed by silky tannins that wrap it all up. The 2021 is less aromatic than most recent vintages, but the depth here is considerable, as is the potential. Taste two times.

James Suckling (98)

Stunning aromas of blackcurrants, dark mushrooms and black cherries with forest-floor notes. Full body that fills your mouth with fine, caressing tannins and dark, flavorful fruit. The tannins are very intense and structural, spreading across the palate in layers and giving intensity and energy. Plenty of energy and verve here. This has gravity, too. 64% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 3% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc. Best after 2029.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)

The 2023 Giscours is a potent, brooding wine. Black cherry, plum, new leather, dried herbs, chocolate and gravel infuse the palate with notable depth and intensity. This has really shut down post-bottling. Giscours is usually much more charming in its youth. Today, the stress of a vintage marked by heat and low yields of just 30 hectoliters per hectare comes through in the wine's tannic profile and overall feel.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)

The 2023 Giscours is a potent, brooding wine. Black cherry, plum, new leather, dried herbs, chocolate and gravel infuse the palate with notable depth and intensity. This has really shut down post-bottling. Giscours is usually much more charming in its youth. Today, the stress of a vintage marked by heat and low yields of just 30 hectoliters per hectare comes through in the wine's tannic profile and overall feel.

Experience the refined elegance of Glandien L'Ouverture Blanc 2021, an exquisite work of vinicultural artistry hailing from the terroirs of France. This world-class white wine epitomises the dedication and passion of the Glandien family, renowned guardians in the world of fine wines. Crafted from the finest hand-selected grapes, this Blanc 2021 vintage offers an aromatic bouquet of green apple, fresh pear, and subtle almond undertones for a crisp yet smooth finish.

The Glandien L'Ouverture Blanc 2021 exudes a deep radiance with a hue of polished gold, a testament to its meticulous vinification process. Undertaken under optimal weather conditions, the white grapes are allowed to bask in prolonged summer sunshine enriching them with superior fruit consistency. This, along with careful cellaring, culminates in a wine that is a testament to its pedigree.

In your hand, a glass of Glandien L'Ouverture Blanc 2021 is not merely a wine, but an ambassador of a grand tradition of craftsmanship and heritage.

From the renowned French vineyard, the exquisite Glantenay Volnay 1er Cru Les Ronceret 2020 is a testament to the exceptional terroir of Volnay in Burgundy. Hailing from the 2020 vintage, the fragrant, vivid red fruits of this Pinot Noir are beautifully complimented by its mineral nuances and velvety tannins. Predominantly grown in calcareous-clay soils, the grapes are hand-picked, de-stemmed, then gently pressed, allowing extraction of sublime flavours and holding back excessive tannins.

This wine has spent 18 months maturing in oak barrels, crafted by the talented Glantenay family, who have been making wine in Volnay for several generations. With its deep ruby hue and the balance of fruit, spice, and earthy notes, Glantenay Volnay 1er Cru Les Ronceret 2020 is a captivating expression of its unique origin. Expertly crafted and reflecting the passion and dedication of its makers, this is a wine for true connoisseurs.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)

The 2016 Gloria is one of the undisputed stars of this vintage. Rich, deep and explosive, the 2016 possesses tremendous intensity in all of its dimensions. Sweet red cherry, tobacco, menthol, licorice and dried rose petal all add complexity. In 2016 Gloria is a real head-turner. It should be a fabulous value as well. There is not much else to say.

Jancis Robinson (18)

Tasted blind. Complex nose with savoury layers. Aromatic ink. Smooth and polished. Lovely balance with really lively energy. Nothing forced. Very long. Almost pretty!

Vinous - Neal Martin (95)

The 2020 Gloria is another Saint-Julien with an unapologetically backward nose, yet it has razor-sharp delineation and superb mineralité. It's just tightly coiled at the moment. Very harmonious, the palate is medium-bodied and satiny in texture, with sapid black fruit and a precocious yet beautifully controlled and persistent finish. Outstanding. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

Falstaff (97)

The nose of the golden wine immediately radiates creaminess, a soft richness that is reminiscent of freshly baked apricot and almond tart and red apple flesh, laced with fine, heady notions of freshly zested Tarocco orange peel. The palate is as creamy as the nose suggests, yet has the poise and the beautiful, salty depth of 2008. A lovely phenolic edge reminds of bitter almond and apple pip, this sits well with the sinuous, toned and lightly salty richness, the ultra-fine mousse and that lovely streak of ripe lemon zest. Gorgeous.

James Suckling (93)

Deep, dark and rich fruit, from plums to berries. Full bodied, layered, dense and very rich. Best after 2022.

Decanter (97)

Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Counoise, Vaccarèse, Cinsault, Syrah, Muscardin; 14hl/ha yields; 30 months in large barrels before bottling. Already open and expressive, with black pepper and juniper married with liquorice, raspberry, plum and garrigue herbs. It’s full-bodied, but so lively and expressive, with a grand tannic structure and a powerful, grippy finish. It’s generous in alcohol but doesn't taste unbalanced. Just outrageously good.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92+)

Dark cherry, plum, lavender and violet are some of the notes that open up in the 2014 Grand Corbin Despagne. Medium in body, with a classic sense of structure and plenty of tannin, the 2014 is built for cellaring. It shows quite a bit more overall intensity today than it did as a barrel sample, which is quite positive for its long-term prospects.

Wine Enthusiast (93-95)

Powerful tannins and ripe fruits are the main characters here. With a solid, foursquare character, it is generous and opulent. Tannins and concentration are all there, resulting in a wine with serious aging potential.