94 points

2020 Ricasoli Colledilà Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG

Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck, January 2024

“With a gorgeous nose and a jeweled ruby color, the 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Colledila takes on a more floral and primary pure profile with its notes of framboise, candied roses, anise, and fresh pine. Medium-bodied and juicy, with ripe tannins, refreshing acidity, and a rounded mid-palate, it reveals floral notes that last through its fairly long finish. It’s a gorgeous offering with tons of immediate appeal, although it will be another age-worthy wine to enjoy over the next 10-12 years.”

88 points

2021 Donnafugata Lighea

Eric Guido, Vinous, July 2022

“A nostalgic-inducing mix of lime Jell-O, white smoke and confectioners' spice wafts up from the 2021 Zibibbo Lighea. This is all about citrus tension, as it cakes the palate with saline minerals, and a burst of zesty acidity keeps the expression wildly fresh. A salty flourish defines the finale, as the Lighea tapers off fresh and perfumed. ”

91 points

2020 M. Chapoutier La Bernardine Rouge

Jeb Dunnuck, Jeb Dunnuck, November 2022

“The entry level release from Chapoutier, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Bernardine (80% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvèdre) shows the supple, charming, pretty style of the vintage and has medium-bodied aromas and flavors of ripe cherries, framboise, and peppery herbs. This rounded, forward, front end-loaded beauty is perfect for drinking over the coming 7-8 years or more.”

92 points

2020 M. Chapoutier Chante-Alouette Blanc

Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, January 2022

“Chapoutier's blended Hermitage blanc is the 2020 Hermitage Chante-Alouette, which was bottled at the end of August 2021. Almost entirely Marsanne, it boasts scents of gently toasted marshmallow, pear and citrus on the nose. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied and less concentrated than the selections parcellaires wines, but it’s charming and nicely focused, finishing long, vibrant and refreshing.”

95 points

2020 M. Chapoutier Chante-Alouette Blanc

James Suckling, James Suckling, May 2023

“Shows impressive concentration, with a layer of melon, quince and heather supported by a foundation of wet stone. Lightly honeyed and well defined, the palate shows beautiful integration and drive. Reveals echoing notes of dried verbana, white tea tannins and salted, buttery brioche on the lingering finish.”

93 points

2019 M. Chapoutier Chante-Alouette Blanc

Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, January 2022

“Blended from the lieux-dits of Les Murets, Le Méal and the loess portion of L'Ermite, the 2019 Hermitage Chante-Alouette is a ripe, rich wine marked by notes of toasty oak, pear, pineapple, melon and citrus. Medium to full-bodied, it's silky in feel across the mid-palate, then long and zesty-briny on the finish. It can be consumed young or after a decade of cellaring.”

95 points

2019 M. Chapoutier Quatuor

James Suckling, James Suckling, February 2022

“Complex nose of smoked bacon, leather, bitter chocolate and pepper, the fruit growing with aeration. Much more blackberry character on the palate than in the nose, and this enables it to easily carry the rather firm structure, the mineral acidity lifting the long finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Good aging potential. Drink or hold.”

92 points

2020 M. Chapoutier Les Granilites Blanc

James Suckling, James Suckling, February 2022

“Quite fragrant nose for a white Rhone, with a range of citrus aromas, plus positive touches of smoke and flint. Medium-bodied with nice tension on the mid-palate between retrained richness and mineral acidity. Silky finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.”

90 points

Piper-Heidsieck Essentiel Extra Brut

Christy Canterbury, January 2024

“Deep yellow in color, this smells of Wasa flatbreads, roasted apples, nougat, bone broth and warm crème fraiche. The body is rather full-ish—for Champagne—with a pleasantly dry crunch and raspy finish. Such a classic!”

90 points

Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut

Christy Canterbury, New Wine Review, January 2024

“Smelling of white chocolate, apricots and tree blooms, this is very pretty and fresh. Some hints of pastry crust pop up on the nose as the wine sits in the glass. This is juicy on the palate with oodles of orchard fruits and spring flowers. The finish has notable sweetness and fruitiness. Modest in layers of flavors, this is easy-going.”