Decanter (95)

The Marsannay Clos du Roy from Pataille is consistently among the top wines of the northern Côte de Nuits. The 2022 features soulful, super-ripe cassis and bramble fruit aromas with a savoury, smoky edge. The texture is dense and concentrated, with abundant tannin and enough freshness to drive this to an impressively long finish. The grapes are from Pataille's parcel of more than two hectares of mature vines planted in this south-east facing site's limestone pebbles and clay soil. It is slightly closed at present, but it should open in three to five years and drink well for at least another 20 years after that.

Jancis Robinson (17)

Assemblage of different parcels and lieux dits. Cask sample. Deep ruby; round, rich fruit with peppery spice. Complexity. Much more open and giving than Le Chapitre.

Exude sophistication while delighting your senses with the Sylvain Pataille Marsannay l'Ancestrale 2022. Sacrosanct from the fertile soil of Marsannay, one of the finest wine-producing regions in France, this masterpiece defines the artistry and expertise of renowned winegrower, Sylvain Pataille. This illustrious vintner crafts each bottle through meticulous manual sorting, complete de-stemming, followed by a 15-20 day vatting. This intricate process assures the preservation of the wine's authenticity and unparalleled quality.

Delve into the depth of the wine's complex profile with elegant aromas of red berries, luscious earthy underpinnings and a subtle mineral finish. The Sylvain Pataille Marsannay l'Ancestrale 2022 provides an unforgettable experience of balanced acidity paired with velvety richness. Enjoy the depth and finesse of this exquisite wine, a thoughtful creation that guarantees to enhance any dining experience with an unforgettable palate adventure.

Vinous (91-93)

The 2019 Marsannay Les Longeroies comes from the middle of the vineyard on clayey soils. It is quite high-toned on the nose with Morello cherry, crushed strawberry and sea cave aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with very good depth, rather spicy with a liberal sprinkling of cracked black pepper on the vivacious finish. There is good persistency here - this is a superb Marsannay.

The Sylvain Pataille Marsannay Rouge Le Chapitre 2019 is an impressive first-rate French wine hailing from the Marsannay region in Burgundy. Expertly crafted by renowned winemaker Sylvain Pataille, known for resurrecting lesser-known Burgundian appellations, this wine represents the epitome of his masterful technique. Showcasing a complex and delightful balance of fruit, the Sylvain Pataille Marsannay Rouge Le Chapitre 2019 is a testament to the region's diverse terroir.

A refined blend of Pinot Noir grapes, this opulent wine boasts vibrant red fruit aromas, subtle hints of spices and an elegant tannin structure. Fermented using native yeasts and subject to delicate elevage, it is aged in oak barrels lending a smooth, distinct character. This wine is emblematic of Pataille's dedication to organic and biodynamic practices, as it presumes low-intervention in the winemaking process, revealing the unadulterated qualities of the terroir and grape. To be indulged now or aged, this bottle offers pure enjoyment for discerning wine enthusiasts.

Discover the exquisite Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Rouge Le Chapitre 2021, a celebration of skilled winemaking from the heart of Burgundy, France. Crafted by Sylvain Pataille, one of the region's most innovative winemakers, the attention to detail is evident from the first sip. A champion of organic viticulture and non-interventionist cellar practices, Pataille's precise cueillette and vinification methods create a harmonious marriage of Pinot Noir's nuanced flavours.

This vintage boasts of deep crimson hues and a seductive nose of red and black fruits, enhanced by a subtle hint of earthiness and spice. The palate echoes these complex aromas with balanced acidity and supple tannins, leading to a lingering, elegant finish. Grown on limestone-clay soils, the fruits have imbibed the terroir's unique character.

A bottle of Sylvain Pataille Bourgogne Rouge Le Chapitre 2021 stands as an undeniable testament to the sophistication and finesse of Burgundian wines.

Vinous (93)

The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos Saint-Jacques 1er Cru is dense and forward on the nose, slightly more concentration and just a little more confit in style. The new oak becomes more prominent with aeration. The palate is sweet and slightly candied on the opening with blood orange infused black fruit, grippy and quite bold. Not a subtle Clos Saint-Jacque, but it retains delineation throughout, finishing with cracked black pepper and mineral notes. This will need several years in bottle. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2018 red tasting.

Tim Atkin MW (97)

Very few recent South African releases have been as eagerly awaited as this 2018 red from the old Cordoba property on the flank of the Helderberg. And it doesn't disappoint in the slightest. Cabernet Franc-centred, with 24% Merlot and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, the new crescendo is a beautifully refined, detailed red from 21-year-old vines. Violet and cut grass aromas lead into a palate that is fresh, bright and comparatively low in alcohol with filigree tannins, subtle wood, fine tension and the focus and balance to age. What a début!

Tim Atkin MW (98)

Could Schalk-Willem Joubert do it again in 2019 after such an impressive maiden release? You bet he could and he has even improved on that predecessor. This is more precise and nuanced, presenting a seamless assemblage of Cabernet Franc with 26% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon from the windy western corner of the Helderberg. Complex, layered and restrained, with perfumed 35% new wood, graphite, red berry, blackcurrant leaf and tarragon flavours and fresh, sea breeze-kissed finish.

Wine Advocate (93)

The Taaibosch 2020 Stellenbosch Crescendo is a blend of 49% Cabernet Franc, 36% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in a combination of foudre, 225-liter French oak barrel and cement egg. The 2020 is the third vintage released under the Taaibosch name. The wine reveals savory Cabernet aromas with medium-rich concentration, blackberry, exotic spice and hints of dry sage. A smoky side comes through with barbecue and campfire ash. The wine is elegant, and the fine tannins are well managed. All the fruit comes from the estate, and 40,000 bottles were made.

Tim Atkin MW (96)

Payen is a fantastic, co-fermented blend of Syrah with 7% Cabernet Franc that expresses the quality of one of Chile's genuine Grand Cru sites. Dense, concentrated and full bodied, with blood, damson and blackberry flavours, intense minerality, lots of savoury grip and some sweet spices and toast from 20% new oak. 2023-30

Tim Atkin MW (98)

Overall Red Wine of the Year - Chile 2022 Special Report. Well, well, well. Who would have anticipated this? My best Chilean red wine of the year is a Malbec - and not just any Malbec. Roca Madre is an incredible, world-class red from the volcanic soils of the Río Hurtado vineyard, located at 1,600 metres in the remote Limarí Andes. Racy, tangy, grippy and intensely perfumed, it's an incredible expression of the variety, with violet, plum and black cherry concentration, fine-grained tannins and a pithy, energetic, mineral-etched core.

Tim Atkin MW (97)

Roca Madre is a remarkable Malbec from an extreme site in the Limarí Andes, located at 1,600 metres on volcanic soils. Intense, focused, herbal and refreshing, with well-handled coffee bean oak, stylish tannins, lots of energy and zip, a violet top note and intense raspberry, plum, blueberry and black forest gâteau flavours.

James Suckling (94-95)

Very attractive core of pretty fruit and polished yet chewy tannins. Medium to full body, integrated tannins and a driven finish. One of the best Talbots in a long time.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)

Such precision and elegance, showcasing savorury blue fruits and a ton of Cabernet signature, Just a hugely classic and brilliant Talbot, and one where it is stretching its muscles, standing up to take its place among the great St Juliens. This is the best for me in the line up, with clear ageing potential, liqourice and rich blueberry and blackberry fruits with waves of cinnamon, cocoa bean, cloves edging, and smoked coffee beans. 60% new oak for ageing, Jean-Michel Laporte director.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)

Such precision and elegance, showcasing savorury blue fruits and a ton of Cabernet signature, Just a hugely classic and brilliant Talbot, and one where it is stretching its muscles, standing up to take its place among the great St Juliens. This is the best for me in the line up, with clear ageing potential, liqourice and rich blueberry and blackberry fruits with waves of cinnamon, cocoa bean, cloves edging, and smoked coffee beans. 60% new oak for ageing, Jean-Michel Laporte director.

Decanter (95)

This is a great Talbot, a real success for the château. Subtle and deft touches throughout, from the smoked turmeric notes that lace the black fruits to the finessed aromatics that accompany the body of the wine. Balance and freshness, and a saline edge to the finish that is extremely moreish. Three years with Jean-Michel Laporte as director and he is doing great work.

James Suckling (94-95)

A medium- to full-bodied red with very fine tannins. It’s firm and structured, showing a bright, dark-fruited character. Focused, with a good center-palate and a lingering finish. Really polished.

James Suckling (96)

There’s freshness galore here i,n the form of orange zest and citrus peel. But this Brunello isn’t short on power either; red licorice, cardamom and dried hibiscus pepper the nose. To support the ripe fruit are layers of sinewy tannins and gliding acidity, making for an altogether sophisticated and edgy impression. Refined and elegant on the long finish. Drink from 2023.

James Suckling (96)

There’s freshness galore here i,n the form of orange zest and citrus peel. But this Brunello isn’t short on power either; red licorice, cardamom and dried hibiscus pepper the nose. To support the ripe fruit are layers of sinewy tannins and gliding acidity, making for an altogether sophisticated and edgy impression. Refined and elegant on the long finish. Drink from 2023.

Wine Enthusiast (97)

Focused and loaded with finesse, this opens with enticing aromas of menthol, graphite, rose and forest floor. Full bodied and delicious, the linear, energized palate features ripe Marasca cherry, licorice, mint and vanilla before a coffee-bean finish. Firm, polished tannins and fresh acidity provide support. *Editors’ Choice* (KO)

James Suckling (100)

This is quite a remarkable wine that prompts a vision of looking out over a vast orchard of glistening red cherries and red plums, weighing down gnarled, bark-scented trunks. Beneath the fragant canopy, luscious clay soils are interspersed with ferrous deposits and fresh grass stirs. Viscous layers of pure red fruit pour into the palate, soaking the mouth from top to bottom in profuse layers of spices and orange zest. The tannins have the muscle of a bodybuilder, but the acidity dances through the mouth like a ballerina. The finish is limitless.

Wine Spectator (98)

Cherry, strawberry, earth and mineral flavors provide immediate appeal up front, while the dense structure indicates this red will evolve steadily over a few decades. Underbrush and tobacco elements seep in around the edges, but the beam of fruit persists. Best from 2025 through 2050. 330 cases made, 60 cases imported.

Vinous (91)

Crushed hard red candies, dusty rose and autumnal spices create a deeply alluring bouquet as the 2020 Rosso di Montalcino opens in the glass. This is soft and round with juicy acidity that further enlivens its ripe red berries as peppery inner florals form toward the close. The 2020 leaves a gentle coating of tannins through the mouthwatering finale. This may possess the more immediate feel of the vintage, but the balance is impeccable.

Burghound (89-92)

(from Les Duresses and Grands Champs). Slightly more elegant aromas include those of poached plum, cassis and newly turned earth. The seductive yet dense and powerful bigger-bodied flavors brim with dry extract that helps to buffer the firm tannic spine shaping the solidly persistent finale where the only nit is a hint of warmth. This moderately rustic effort should reward a decade of improvement and last for twice that. (89-92)/2028+

Vinous (89-91)

The 2020 Chambolle-Musigny Village, matured in around 25% new oak, has quite a perfumed bouquet with red cherries and rose petal scents, quite airy and nicely focused. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, slightly creamy in texture, gaining weight towards the finish that feels quite caressing.

Wine Advocate (93-95)

The 2015 Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru has an expressive bouquet with redcurrant, raspberry coulis, a touch of honey and a hint of Seville orange marmalade. It opens nicely in the glass, though does not slip into fifth gear at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, cohesive in the mouth and quite saline and spicy. There is generosity here, a trait of Charmes-Chambertin, with the mineral core surfacing right at the finish as it fans out. This is an impressive follow-up to the superb 2014 and it should give 20+ years of pleasure.