Looking at the Grand Vin, the 2022 Château Smith Haut Lafitte checks in as a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that was raised in 60% new French oak. Reminding me of a more elegant version of the 201...
The magnificent Merlot in the blend has pushed up the alcohol, while also giving a velvet touch and power to the wine. This estate is now on top form, producing this generously ripe, black plum flavored wine. It is lifted by acidity while powering the wi...
Reminding me, like the 2019, of a modern-day version of the lovely 1990, the 2022 La Lagune bursts with aromas of dark berries, cassis, licorice and violets. Medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy, it's a broad, sensual wine with velvety tannins and a s...
A wine that transcended both my lofty expectations and anything produced at this address in the last 50 years, the 2022 Troplong Mondot realizes all the potential of this striking terroir. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of dark berries, cherries, exot...
The 2019 Barolo Margheria is a classic Serralunga Barolo. Deep, savory and wonderfully complex, the Margheria offers up a compelling mix of red/purplish fruit, sage, menthol, licorice, dried flowers, graphite and melted road tar. Muscular tannins wrap ...
The 2019 Barolo Parussi is Massolino's sole Barolo from Castiglione Falletto. A wine of total grace and refinement, the 2019 is pure seduction. Freshly cut flowers, mint, sweet red berry fruit, orange peel and rose petal soar out of the glass. Readers ...
The 2020 Barbaresco Albesani has more substance and depth than the straight Barbaresco. The differences between the two wines today aren't that marked at the outset, but that comes with aeration. Macerated cherry, plum, spice, lavender, rose petal and ...