95 points

2013 Charles Heidsieck Millésimé Vintage Brut

Tom Hewson, Decanter, April 2023

“An alluring, detailed aroma that is reserved and layered rather than hugely outgoing at present. There’s some maturity though, a measured weight of light apricot, ripe pear and pale strawberry fruit. Delicacy is the main theme, though, with touches of blossom, white peach, and only a quiet praline and caramelised apple richness. Less austere than the 2008, more focused than the 2012 and already quietly harmonious, this superb 2013 closes with chalkiness and verve. This could well prove the most finely-tuned of the recent Charles Heidsieck vintage releases.”

94 points

2019 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto

Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, November 2023

“Strawberry, cherry, rose, juniper, wild herbs and mineral combine in this complex, elegant Barolo, which is backed by lively acidity and a solid spine of tannins. Overall, this is balanced and long, with a reserve that should serve it well over the long term. Best from 2027 through 2047. 225 cases imported.”

94 points

2007 Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires

Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator, November 2023

““Sleek and linear, with racy acidity defining the up-front impact on the palate, but then the plushly creamy texture deftly delivers woven aromas and flavors of apricot and ripe white raspberry, pickled ginger, white blossoms and salted Marcona almond, allowing them to expand through to the mineral-laced finish. Disgorged 2021. Drink now through 2030. 259 cases imported.” -”

94 points

2012 Charles Heidsieck Millésimé Vintage Rosé

Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, December 2023

““Impressively young, this Champagne also has great maturity. This balance and tension gives it crisp fruit along with touches of spice. The wine, aged for 10 years on its lees, is now ready to drink.” ”

94 points

2019 M. Chapoutier Les Bécasses

Anna-Christina Cabrales, Wine Enthusiast, December 2023

“Luxurious aromas of dried cranberries, fresh strawberries and rhubarb sprinkled with clove lure the nose. The palate is dried by youthful tannins, which reveal a layer of stone, followed by black cherries, violets, saffron and garrigue. Enjoy now decanted or through 2035 before revisiting. — Anna-Christina Cabrales”

94 points

2019 M. Chapoutier La Bernardine Rouge

Anna-Christina Cabrales, Wine Enthusiast, December 2023

“A bold and opulent profile of black and blue fruits, cherries, plum, flint and garrigue sits with dormant energy, wanting to explode in the glass. Its drying tannins are balanced by ample refreshing acidity, cellar through 2030+ before revisiting should result in remarkable integration and greater complexity. — Anna-Christina Cabrales”

94 points

2020 Ricasoli Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG

Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, September 2023

“One of the estate's most important and successful bottles, the Barone Ricasoli 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Brolio is plump and rich with warm-vintage layers of blackberry, juicy cherry, spice and soft earth. It ages in tonneaux for 22 months, of which only 30% is new oak, yet that is more than enough to impart savory tones, soft tannins and rich textural support to this full-bodied Sangiovese. Production is 33,000 bottles.”

94 points

2020 Isole e Olena 'Cepparello' Toscana IGT

James Suckling, James Suckling, April 2023

“Attractive red and dark berries with dried flowers, nutmeg and cocoa powder. Dried orange peel and wet earth, too. Medium- to full-bodied, toned and steady with fine-grained tannins that are slightly chalky. Polished and even with a lingering finish. Try after 2026.”

94 points

2019 Donnafugata Fragore

James Suckling, James Suckling, August 2023

“Dried roses and spices with dried cherries and other flowers. Some honeysuckle. Medium to full body, with firm and polished tannins and a creamy texture and delicious finish. Drink now.”

94 points

2014 Rare Millésimé Rosé

Claire Nesbitt, James Suckling, July 2023

“The fourth vintage of Rare Rosé, showing notes of cherry blossom, rose hips, black currants, cherry stones and some balsamic alongside star anise. Lovely perfumed character on the palate, with roses coming to the forefront. Soft bubbles. Bright and open red fruit. 60% chardonnay, 40% pinot noir, mostly from Montagne de Reims, with 12% red wine from Les Riceys. 9g/L dosage. Delicious now. - Claire Nesbitt.”

94 points

2012 Charles Heidsieck Millésimé Vintage Rosé

Tom Hewson, Decanter, April 2023

“This is the same as the 2012 blanc save for the 9% red wine addition. It’s a later disgorgement, though, and the effect is noticeable – this hasn’t yet developed all the patisserie richness of its sibling, instead seeming detailed and more subtle with peach, raspberry and quince flavours sitting with a gentle praline richness. Touches of dark spice and toasted nuts are creeping in, too. Refined, long and balanced, this is approachable, succulent and subtly layered.”

94 points

Piper Sonoma Brut Reserve

Michael Schaefer, Beverage Dynamics, September 2023

“Nearly all chardonnay, with a balancing dollop of pinot noir added, the wine is brilliant gold in the glass, with a touch of green. The nose is dominated by bright tropical and citrus fruit, with hints of spice. In the mouth, the elegant sparkling wine is refreshing and delicious. A versatile, lovely wine.”

94 points

2021 Oberon Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles

Michael Schaefer, Beverage Dynamics, September 2023

“Oberon has been producing outstanding wines from Napa Valley for decades. Their first release from Paso Robles demonstrates that given good fruit, they can create a great wine from other regions. The nose and palate share a spicy dark fruit character, with subtle hints of baking spices and cocoa. A lovely example of classic cabernet.”

93 points

2013 Charles Heidsieck Millésimé Vintage Brut

Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator, November 2023

““Features flavors of crème de cassis, lemon curd, poached apricot and smoked almond framed by well-cut, crunchy acidity, lending fine definition and vibrancy. A broad-shouldered Champagne that's lacy in texture, with a long finish of spices and grapefruit zest. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged 2022. Drink now through 2028. 100 cases imported.””

93 points

Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs

Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator, November 2023

““Rich and fragrant, with chopped hazelnut, toasted brioche and smoke notes accenting poached apricot and spun honey flavors. Remains fresh and focused, thanks to lively lemony acidity, which carries the expressive profile on the lingering finish. Disgorged 2021. Drink now through 2028. 235 cases imported.””

93 points

Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve

Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, December 2023

““This nonvintage Champagne shows the hallmark of the producer. With its 50% reserve wines to bring out maturity, the wine is full of fruit, touched by toast. Drink this fine bottling now.” ”

93 points

2019 Donnafugata Fragore

Wine Enthusiast, October 2023

“Sweet strawberries and cherries push back against warm, spicy notes of cinnamon, chili pepper and coffee grinds on the nose. The palate becomes more indulgent with macerated cherries and salted dark chocolate, contoured by sturdy tannins and substantial heat and acid.”

93 points

2020 Ricasoli Roncicone Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG

Danielle Callegari, Wine Enthusiast, November 2023

“A savory nose brings to mind a calming coffee shop, with notes of balsamic vinegar and herbs and a gentle fruitiness blooming over the smell of the beans. The palate's velvety texture is balanced by a sharp edge of acidity and a peppery kick on the finish.”

93 points

2013 Charles Heidsieck Millésimé Vintage Brut

Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate, April 2023

“The bouquet of the 2013 Brut Millésimé is compellingly fresh and minty, complicated by notes of white fruit—notably pear and apple—citrus and gentle spices, as well as a light touch of smoke. With aeration, elegant pastry notes come to the fore. On the palate, this is a structured, tension-filled but airborne Champagne with racy acidity, fleshy and charming texture and a long, penetrating finish. It should age well over the next eight to 10 years. Disgorged in 2022 with nine grams per liter, this is a blend of 57% Pinot Noir and 43% Chardonnay.”

93 points

2020 Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG

Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, September 2023

“In the bottle with the black label, this is a very pretty, relatable and well-priced wine from Tuscany. Made with 100% Sangiovese, the 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Brolio offers blueberry, plum and sweet spice thanks to 18 months of tonneaux aging. I especially appreciate the wine's pronounced mineral signature that gives the wine a salty or savory side, which is perfect for food pairing. Some 75,000 bottles were made.”