Wine Advocate (95)

The heady and ripe 2020 PS follows the house style and the profile of the regular Aalto from the same vintage, with slightly higher ripeness, more creaminess and toastier oak. It's predictable and very good at it, with abundant, slightly dusty tannins and some chalkiness in the pungent, intense and oaky finish. It has 15% alcohol and mellow acidity. For fans of oaky and ripe Tempranillo. 35,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in September 2022 after 21 months in new French oak barrels.

Hailing from one of Spain's finest wineries, Aalto Ribera del Duero PS 2021 is an exquisite embodiment of masterful winemaking. This elite Tempranillo hails from the region's highest-altitude vineyards, meticulously crafted by the venerable Aalto Bodegas y Viñedos. Originating in Quintanilla de Arriba in Ribera del Duero, it speaks to the superior terroir of its birthplace.

Aalto Ribera del Duero PS 2021 bestows a complex bouquet of black berries, dark chocolate, and tobacco, layered with earthy and spicy tones. It's an alluring narrative of Ribera's classical back vintage, benefiting from two years of judicious maturation in French and American oak barrels, creating a weighty balance between fruit and structure.

Aalto, established in 1999 by Mariano García and Javier Zaccagnini, has evolved into a pillar of the Ribera del Duero's vinous landscape, and their 2021 PS is proof indeed. Experience authentic, premium vinification with this compelling essence of Spanish viticulture.

Wine Advocate (93)

The 100% Tempranillo 1996 Cuvee Campanario represents a blend of the finest parcels of Tempranillo. The wine was aged in 100% new French Limousin oak for 16 months, then bottled without filtration. It reveals a saturated purple color, and is more backward both aromatically and on the palate, as well as more impressive. The wine's bouquet falls in the black fruit spectrum of aromas - blackberries, black raspberries, and overripe cherries. Full-bodied and tightly-knit, with intriguing mineral notes, this powerful, rich, layered wine could easily pass for a top-class Bordeaux in a blind tasting. The result of 28 days of maceration, the high tannin is sweet and well-integrated in the wine's framework. However, I would not recommend drinking this offering for 2-3 more years. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2020. Congratulations are in order for this impressive new winery that is already turning out wines of exceptional quality.

Wine Advocate (93-96)

The 1996 Pago Negralada was to be bottled approximately a month after I tasted it. Made from a single Tempranillo vineyard, planted more than 2100 feet above sea level, the alluvial and clay soil mixture gives the wine a distinctive character. This is unquestionably a spectacular effort, displaying a saturated purple color, and a knock-out blackberry, chocolate, licorice, and earthy-scented nose. Exquisitely balanced, this full-bodied wine is crammed with fruit, yet it does not come across as heavy or overbearing. This wine has benefited from having its malolactic take place in barrel (which tends to integrate the wood into the wine earlier, and, some say, more effectively than when it is done in tank). The layers of fruit are ripe, the wine's purity impeccable, and the overall balance impressive. This stunningly rich, potentially brilliant wine will admirably showcase the heights that Tempranillo can achieve. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2018. Congratulations are in order for this impressive new winery that is already turning out wines of exceptional quality.

Vinous (94)

Bright, dark ruby. Sappy, pungent, superripe aromas of cassis, black cherry, clove, mace and mint. Supersweet and extraordinarily concentrated; expands to take over the mouth. Thick but lively chocolatey fruit is huge but not at all heavy. The utterly suave and ripe tannins spread out to coat the entire palate. Superb persistence of flavor. An extraordinary pure cabernet from Spain. Incidentally, the '97 fruit from these vines was blended into the Cuvee El Palomar from that vintage.

Experience the intoxicating richness of Adrien Renoir Coteaux Champenois Blanc 2020, a wine borne out of the revered terroir of the Coteaux Champenois region in Champagne, France. Crafted by the accomplished fifth-generation vigneron, Adrien Renoir, this exquisite white wine embodies the meticulous virtues of tradition and precision. Each grape is individually handpicked, attesting to the artisanal quality rooted in its creation.

Aging in oak barrels uncovers an elegant harmony of vibrant citrus, persuading pear notes, and subtly earthy undertones, manifesting in a full-bodied, gastronomic delight. The standout 2020 vintage finds a charismatic balance between formidable acidity and decadent ripeness. Adrien Renoir Coteaux Champenois Blanc 2020 is a testament to the inimitable strength of the Chardonnay grape, proving itself as a formidable ambassador for the potential of still wines from the illustrious Champagne region.

The Adrien Renoir Coteaux Champenois Rouge 2020 is a distinct, ethereal vintage from one of France's eminent winemaking regions, the Vallée de la Marne. This elegant red wine masterfully epitomises the traditional artisanal methods the Adrien Renoir vineyard upholds. Produced from 100% Pinot Noir grapes, a meticulous manual harvest ensures only the finest selections. Aged in seasoned French oak for a year, its refined complexities are enhanced.

Tasting notes describe the Adrien Renoir Coteaux Champenois Rouge 2020 as balanced, with luscious red fruit undertones, a tang of spiced oak, all underlined with seductive minerality. A lingering finish leaves an unforgettable impression as quintessentially Champenois. The unparalleled dedication of Adrien Renoir to his vineyard's crafting results in an embodiment of sublime quality and authenticity that true connoisseurs will appreciate. This 2020 vintage is a resplendent exemplar of Coteaux Champenois Rouge's sophisticated character.

Wine Advocate (93+)

Aromas of pear, orange oil, freshly baked bread, toasted almonds and white flowers introduce the NV Extra-Brut Grand Cru Le Cépage (2020 base), disgorged in January 2023. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and suave, it's fleshy and enveloping, with a ripe core of fruit, bright acids and a saline finish.

Wine Advocate (93)

Disgorged in January 2023, the NV Extra-Brut Grand Cru Le Terroir (2020 base) is following hard on the heels of its 2019-base counterpart. A little more reserved out of the gates, it unwinds to reveal notes of pear, citrus oil, white flowers and almond paste, followed by a medium to full-bodied, pillowy and precise palate that's fine-boned, bright and mineral.

Savour the quintessence of exquisite French winemaking with Adrien Renoir Les 2 Terroirs Rose d'Assemblage Grand Cru NV. Produced in the prestigious Champagne region, this extraordinary wine is a true testament to artisanal viticulture. Adrien Renoir, prominent for his meticulous endeavours in cultivating and blending regional varietals, masterfully combines Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier into a symphony of flavours.

Each grape is nurtured in the Grand Cru vineyards of Verzenay, absorbing the nuances of its rich, chalky soil, producing a distinct aromatic complexity. Post-harvest, a rigorous selection protocol ensures only the finest berries contribute to the assemblage. A significant dosage of reserve wine is added, followed by an extended bottle-ageing process, resulting in the wine's exceptional maturity and depth.

The Adrien Renoir Les 2 Terroirs Rose d'Assemblage Grand Cru NV is a rhapsody of fine acidity, plump red fruit tones, and a lingering, mineral-rich finish. Revel in the elegance of this exceptional Rose.

Epitomising vigorous finesse, the Adrien Renoir Les Montants Grand Cru 2018 delights the senses with its unparalleled richness. Nurtured in the heart of Côte des Blancs, a premier region known for creating incredible Chardonnays, this opulent vintage bears an impressive reputation. This Grand Cru, fashioned from meticulously hand-harvested grapes, ideally illustrates Adrien Renoir's expertise. An exquisite champagne, the wine seduces with its lush pear, apple pastry and candied ginger flavours.

Crafted through the traditional "méthode champenoise," it ensures fine effervescence and delicate texture. A reposing maturation period of 3 years on lees rewards it with complexity and depth. Renoir's dedication to sustainable viticulture is also manifested in this superior quality Grande Cru.

The Adrien Renoir Les Montants Grand Cru 2018 is slightly mineral in its finish – a signature of its chalky soils - offering an eloquent rage to the last sip. This is more than a drinking experience – it is a testament to France's time-honoured wine tradition.

Adrien Renoir Les Montants Grand Cru 2019 is a sterling expression of the Champagne region's terroir. Harvested exclusively from old vines in the esteemed Les Montants vineyard, this Grand Cru redefines elegance and purity. It’s a Blanc de Blancs made entirely from Chardonnay grapes using traditional vinification techniques. Adrien Renoir, a third-generation winemaker, demonstrates unmatched craftsmanship through delicate vinification in oak barrels, embodying passion and tradition of his Champagne house.

The 2019 vintage brims with a scintillating fusion of zesty lemon, crisp green apple notes, and nuanced minerality. Maturation on lees underpins its rounded mouthfeel and noteworthy complexity. The quintessential effervescence perfectly complements the wine's vivacious persona, leaving a lingering finish, which connoisseurs would cherish.

If you're seeking to sample the paragon of Champagne's Grand Cru, look no further than the Adrien Renoir Les Montants Grand Cru 2019, a signature of quality and refinement in a bottle.

Vinous (94)

The NV Extra Brut Grand Cru Complantée emerges from a parcel in Avize interplanted with Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Arbane, Petit Meslier and Chardonnay. Exotic and beguiling in the glass, the Complantée is absolutely gorgeous. Kirsch, red plum, rose petal and spice give the wine striking aromatic intensity and lovely inner perfume. The red grapes seem especially expressive in this release. The Complantée is not an obvious wine, rather it is a Champagne of translucent finesse. This release is a blend of equal parts 2017 and 2016, vinified in neutral oak. Dosage is 5 grams per liter. Disgorged: April, 2020.

Vinous (95)

The NV (2014) Blanc de Blancs Experience is another very beautiful and expressive Champagne from Agrapart. Silky and nuanced, the Experience is quite vinous, with a very subtle mousse and tons of freshness. Experience is a blend of fruit from Les Robards and Les Bionnes. Pascal Agrapart added unfermented 2015 juice to a base of 2014 wine for the secondary fermentation, an approach that yields a Champagne that is both unique and compelling. Non-dosé. Disgorged: July 2018.

Vinous (95)

The NV (2015) Brut Nature Exp. '15 is another highly intriguing release. The Exp. is a 2015 wine, all Chardonnay, from the Robards and Bionnes lieux-dits in Avize. Pascal Agrapart uses unfermented juice from the following harvest, in this case 2016 (rather than sugar), to create the secondary fermentation in bottle, also known as prise de mousse, in which still wine becomes Champagne. The Exp. '15 is done entirely without sulfur and is bottled with no dosage. It is one of the most unique and distinctive wines in Champagne. Disgorged: April, 2020.

Wine Advocate (93)

Based on the 2019 vintage, but with a preponderance of reserve wines from 2018, Agrapart's NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Terroirs delivers notes of citrus oil, white flowers, freshly baked bread and hazelnuts, followed by a medium to full-bodied, creamy and satiny palate that's bright, lively and chalky. Wines from Oger dominate the blend.

Vinous (94)

All of the natural power and breath of Avize come through in the 2013 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru L’Avizoise. Graphite, crushed rocks and dried flowers are woven throughout a core of rich, super-expressive Chardonnay fruit. The 2013 is ample, savory and intensely mineral, but it will be even better in another few years, once all the elements have time to fully meld together. The 2013 is such a gorgeous and expressive Champagne. These 50+ year-old vines in the Les Robards and La Voie d’Epernay confer real depth and pedigree. Dosage: 5 gr/L. Disgorged: May, 2019.

Vinous (95)

The 2014 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru L’Avizoise, from old vines in the Les Robards and Voie d'Epernay lieux-dits, is a wonderfully complex wine. Rich, ample and mineral but also intensely perfumed, the Avizoise has so much going on. Vinification in oak and aging on the cork seems to really bring out soft contours to match the wine's sculpted, translucent feel. This is an especially refined, aromatic expression of Avize, and also one of the most sublime, elegant wines I have tasted from Pascal Agrapart. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: April, 2020.

Wine Advocate (93)

Based on the 2019 vintage and disgorged in April 2022, Agrapart's NV Brut 7 Crus wafts from the glass with scents of crisp green apple, freshly baked bread, white flowers and buttery pastry. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, it's an ample, incisive wine, with racy acids and a saline finish. When the range begins like this, you know you're in the presence of one of Champagne's greatest producers.

Wine Advocate (95)

Disgorged in April 2019 with three grams per liter dosage, the 2012 Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut Minéral is showing brilliantly, bursting from the glass with aromas of ripe citrus fruit, warm bread, green apples and crushed chalk. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, chiseled and incisive, with a tensile, chalky core that displays considerable concentration and structuring dry extract, as well as a racy spine of acidity. This comes warmly recommended.

Vinous (94)

The 2013 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Minéral is powerful, ample and generous. All of the natural richness of 2013 comes through in this striking, layered exquisitely beautiful Champagne that melds together the essence of top sites in Avize (Les Champboutons) and Cramant (Les Bionnes). Dried citrus, lemon oil, almond and savory herbs add striking shades of nuance throughout, but what is most remarkable about the Minéral is the interplay of textural richness and energy. A Champagne of total seduction, the 2013 simply has it all. Dosage: 5 gr/L. Disgorged: May, 2019.

Vinous (94)

The 2014 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Minéral is a powerful, intense Champagne that captures all of the natural power of these old vines in Avize and Cramant. Aptly named, the Minéral is infused with tremendous mineral and soil inflections that give a real feeling of gravitas. Crushed rocks, slate, chalk and citrus accents are some of the many nuances that emerge with a bit of time in the glass. This release is fabulous. It is also a reticent wine, though, so at least a year or two in bottle will help soften. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: April, 2020.

Vinous (94)

The 2015 Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Minéral Grand Cru is bracing, taut and wiry. Crushed rocks, mint, white pepper and lemon peel drive this blend. The Minéral is especially fine in 2015. There is a bit of youthful austerity, but nothing a few years in bottle can"t take care of. The Minéral is one of the finer 2015s I have come across so far. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: May, 2021.

James Suckling (96)

Sharp and focused with very fine bubbles. Precise. Lots of almonds, lemon peel, crushed stones, white pepper and apricot stones, as well as white pears. This has captured so much energy, with a long and refined finish. 100% chardonnay. 3g/L dosage. Disgorged May 2022. Drink or hold.