THE 100-TASTING 2025

Legends in the Glass: A 100-Wine Journey Through Time and Terroir

There are wine tastings, and then there are moments when time itself bends, when decades and continents converge in a single room. In Helsinki, over two extraordinary days, sixteen tasters from nine countries gathered not for just another tasting, but for a pilgrimage: one hundred of the world’s greatest wines, poured side by side, blind, their secrets waiting in the glass.

Some spoke with quiet elegance, others roared with immortal power. Château Latour 1945 was one such roar, still iron-clad after nearly eight decades, a fortress of Pauillac that refused to fade. Its counterpart, Château Lafite 1953, whispered instead—silken, cedar-laced, hauntingly persistent, proof that grace can be as commanding as strength.

From Champagne came revelations of another kind. Salon 1961 shimmered with crystalline energy, citrus and chalk lifted as if frozen in time, while Krug 1959 was all generosity and depth—honey, brioche, roasted nut—hedonism distilled into liquid gold.

The New World reminded us that greatness is not confined to Europe. Screaming Eagle 1997 unfolded with velvet allure, pure cassis and violets wrapped in Napa’s sunlit power. Bryant Family 1997 mirrored that triumph, Pritchard Hill’s voice rising in dark fruit and graphite elegance. From the Southern Hemisphere, Penfolds Grange 1990 stood tall, its dark spice and muscular frame a declaration that Australia belongs in any conversation of icons.

Italy and Spain sang in their own accents. Sassicaia 1990 was warm Bolgheri refinement, a Bordeaux soul under Tuscan skies. Conterno Monfortino 1997 was a monument of Nebbiolo, stern yet transcendent, a wine that silenced the room with its gravitas. And Vega Sicilia Único 1962 carried the hush of time itself: red fruit, leather, tobacco—a story whispered rather than told.

Some bottles defied categories entirely. Château d’Yquem 1921 glowed like liquid amber, apricot and spice suspended in eternal harmony. Château Musar 1961 offered resilience and beauty against the odds, a living fragment of history. And Niepoort Garrafeira 1927 revealed Port’s magic: profound, weightless, seemingly infinite.

By the last pour, what lingered was not just flavor but a sense of communion—with history, with artistry, with terroirs scattered across the globe. These hundred wines were more than legends; they were voices across generations, still speaking, still alive, still reminding us why wine at its highest form is not a drink but a revelation.

 

50 pairs of legends

 

Caymus Special Selection 1978 (Magnum) – Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Now over four decades old, the 1978 Caymus Special Selection shows the hallmarks of a fully mature Napa Cabernet, though its best days are clearly behind it. The nose opens with dried cherry, stewed plum, cedar, and old leather, touched by notes of tobacco leaf and faint spice. On the palate, the fruit has largely faded, giving way to earthy tones, soy, and a slightly rustic edge. The structure remains intact, with lean tannins and acidity providing some lift, but the wine lacks the depth and vibrancy of great bottles from this era.

While still drinkable and carrying the charm of maturity, the 1978 Special Selection feels tired, with limited complexity and a drying finish. A piece of Napa history, but not a standout—88 points.

Caymus Special Selection 1991 (Magnum) – Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
From one of the great early vintages of Caymus, the 1991 Special Selection in magnum format is a revelation. The bouquet is expansive and beautifully defined, offering layers of blackcurrant, ripe plum, graphite, cedar, and dark chocolate, interlaced with hints of tobacco leaf and dried violets. The palate is seamless and complete—opulent yet finely balanced—with generous dark fruit framed by silky tannins and a vibrant core of acidity that keeps the wine fresh and alive. The magnum bottling has preserved remarkable energy, giving the wine both depth and lift.

The finish is long, harmonious, and resonant, echoing cassis, spice, and subtle earth tones. At more than three decades of age, this is a benchmark showing of Caymus at its best: polished, powerful, and effortlessly graceful. 97 points.

 

 

Krug Vintage Champagne 1959 – Reims, France
A rare glimpse into Krug’s mid-century mastery, the 1959 Vintage has aged with remarkable dignity. The bouquet opens with deep tertiary notes of toasted brioche, hazelnut, dried apricot, orange peel, and toffee, layered with truffle, honey, and a subtle oxidative edge. The palate is rich and vinous, still carrying echoes of baked apple and candied citrus, wrapped in a nutty, caramelized complexity. The mousse has largely softened, but a gentle persistence of acidity provides lift and balance.

Though past its peak of vibrancy, the wine remains captivating—mature, autumnal, and texturally engaging, with a long, nut-driven finish. A historic Champagne that still delivers depth and character. 93 points.

 

Krug Vintage Champagne 1961 – Reims, France
The 1961 Krug is a striking example of how great vintages can carry profound depth across decades. The nose is expansive and layered, with aromas of roasted hazelnut, honeycomb, dried apricot, candied orange peel, and brioche, accented by hints of mushroom, truffle, and fine tobacco. On the palate, it is broad and vinous, showing remarkable concentration for its age—ripe stone fruit and caramelized citrus interwoven with toasted almond and spice. The acidity remains lively, giving the wine tension and lift, while the texture is creamy and richly evolved.

The finish lingers gracefully with nutty, honeyed tones and a whisper of salinity. Mature but still vibrant, the 1961 Krug is a regal Champagne—complex, harmonious, and deeply satisfying. 95 points.

 

 

Louis Roederer Cristal 1955 – Reims, France
The 1955 Cristal is a magnificent example of mature Champagne at its most elegant, carrying both depth and remarkable vitality. The bouquet is hauntingly complex, with layers of dried apricot, quince, orange peel, and candied ginger, framed by roasted almond, brioche, honey, and a fine oxidative patina. On the palate, the wine is expansive yet poised—silky and richly textured, offering flavors of baked apple, citrus oil, nougat, and hazelnut, lifted by a still-present thread of acidity that keeps it fresh and alive.

The finish is long and seamless, echoing notes of dried fruit, honey, and chalky minerality. At nearly seventy years of age, this Cristal remains dazzling—an unforgettable expression of finesse, harmony, and graceful longevity. 96 points.

Louis Roederer Cristal 1962 – Reims, France
A rare and deeply evocative Champagne, the 1962 Cristal captures the elegance of its vintage with remarkable grace. The bouquet is mature yet vibrant, unfolding layers of dried apricot, candied citrus, quince, and honeycomb, intertwined with roasted hazelnut, brioche, and a delicate oxidative nuance. The palate is supple and refined, showing a beautiful balance between vinous richness and lingering freshness—flavors of baked apple, caramelized lemon, and almond cream glide across a silky, harmonious texture.

The finish is long and resonant, with notes of honey, citrus oil, and chalky minerality echoing softly. At over sixty years of age, this Cristal remains poised and captivating—an elegant, timeless expression with both history and soul. 95 points.

 

 

Dom Pérignon 1949 – Épernay, France
The 1949 Dom Pérignon is a profound example of how truly great vintages can carry both power and grace across more than seven decades. The bouquet is hauntingly layered, with aromas of dried apricot, fig, orange peel, and candied ginger, enriched by honey, roasted almond, caramel, truffle, and a whisper of tobacco. On the palate, it is expansive yet impeccably balanced—silken in texture, with evolved notes of baked apple, citrus marmalade, toasted brioche, and hazelnut, carried by a surprising thread of acidity that still gives the wine lift and definition.

The finish is long, nutty, and honeyed, resonating with echoes of dried fruit and chalky minerality. Mature yet remarkably alive, the 1949 Dom Pérignon is a regal, deeply complex Champagne—a rare treasure that tells its vintage story with timeless elegance. 95 points.

 

Dom Pérignon 1962 – Épernay, France
The 1962 Dom Pérignon is a masterclass in mature Champagne, showing both remarkable vitality and layered complexity. The nose is captivating, offering aromas of dried apricot, candied citrus, quince, and apple compote, seamlessly woven with notes of toasted brioche, hazelnut, honey, truffle, and a touch of spice. On the palate, it is broad and richly textured, yet strikingly precise—the interplay of ripe orchard fruit, citrus oil, roasted nut, and mineral depth creates harmony and tension in equal measure.

The finish is long, elegant, and endlessly layered, echoing with honeyed fruit, chalk, and delicate oxidative nuances. At more than six decades, this 1962 retains extraordinary finesse and energy, standing as one of the truly great mature expressions of Dom Pérignon. 97 points.

 

 

Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 1966 – Reims, France
The 1966 Comtes de Champagne is a brilliant and unforgettable expression of late-disgorged maturity, showcasing the timeless finesse of Blanc de Blancs at its peak. The bouquet is dazzling, with layers of candied citrus, white peach, quince, and dried apricot, interlaced with toasted almond, brioche, honey, chalk, and a delicate note of truffle. On the palate, it is both expansive and ethereal—silken in texture yet driven by a vibrant line of acidity and minerality that keeps the wine astonishingly fresh after more than half a century. Flavors of citrus oil, nougat, roasted hazelnut, and honeyed fruit unfold in perfect balance.

The finish is endless, pure, and shimmering with chalky precision. Profoundly elegant yet full of vitality, the 1966 Comtes de Champagne is a benchmark vintage—radiant, timeless, and close to perfection. 98 points.

 

Taittinger Comtes de Champagne 1973 – Reims, France
The 1973 Comtes de Champagne shows the graceful maturity of an aged Blanc de Blancs while retaining surprising freshness. The bouquet unfolds with notes of dried citrus peel, quince, honey, roasted almond, and brioche, accented by hints of chamomile and chalk. On the palate, the wine is supple and elegant, offering flavors of baked apple, candied lemon, hazelnut, and nougat, framed by a gentle acidity that lends balance and lift.

The mousse has softened but still provides a delicate texture, carrying the wine to a nutty, honeyed finish with lingering mineral tones. Mature, refined, and quietly complex, the 1973 Comtes remains a beautifully composed Champagne with both charm and depth. 94 points.

 

 

Château Palmer 1961 – Margaux, Bordeaux
The 1961 Palmer is one of the great legends of Bordeaux, and even today it continues to astonish with its depth, elegance, and vitality. The bouquet is majestic, offering soaring aromas of blackcurrant, plum, cedar, violets, cigar box, and graphite, seamlessly layered with hints of truffle, leather, and dried rose petals. On the palate, it is rich yet perfectly balanced—silken in texture, with concentrated dark fruit and savory complexity carried by refined tannins and a persistent freshness.

The finish is long, harmonious, and hauntingly complex, leaving echoes of cassis, tobacco, and spice. Now more than six decades old, the 1961 Palmer remains a benchmark for Margaux—opulent, poised, and unforgettable. 97 points.

 

Château Palmer 1966 – Margaux, Bordeaux
The 1966 Palmer is a superb expression of classic Margaux elegance, still vibrant after more than half a century. The bouquet is refined and complex, with aromas of blackcurrant, red cherry, cedar, violets, and graphite, intertwined with subtle notes of leather, cigar box, and forest floor. On the palate, it is medium-bodied yet beautifully concentrated, offering silky fruit framed by fine, resolved tannins and a lively backbone of acidity that brings lift and precision.

The finish is long and graceful, echoing with cassis, dried herbs, and earthy spice. Mature but far from fading, the 1966 Palmer is a great example of the château’s finesse and consistency—elegant, balanced, and deeply satisfying. 95 points.

 

 

Château Latour 1945 – Pauillac, Bordeaux
The 1945 Latour is one of the crown jewels of Bordeaux history, a wine that defines power, structure, and longevity. The bouquet is profound and deeply layered, with aromas of blackcurrant liqueur, dried plum, graphite, cedar, tobacco leaf, leather, and truffle, accented by hints of smoke and spice. On the palate, it is monumental yet refined—dense and muscular, with an extraordinary core of dark fruit still pulsing with life. The tannins are firm but polished, integrated seamlessly with vibrant acidity and Pauillac’s signature mineral edge.

The finish is endless, echoing with cassis, cedar, and earthy complexity. Nearly eighty years on, the 1945 Latour remains a towering, majestic wine of legendary stature—immensely powerful yet impeccably balanced. 98 points.

 

Château Latour 1961 – Pauillac, Bordeaux
The 1961 Latour is one of the greatest wines ever crafted in Bordeaux, a timeless monument of Pauillac power and precision. Having revealed its brilliance consistently over dozens of tastings, it remains an astonishing study in both strength and harmony. The bouquet is majestic—cassis, blackberry, graphite, cedar, and tobacco leaf interwoven with truffle, leather, and earthy spice, all delivered with breathtaking purity. On the palate, it is massive yet supremely balanced, its concentration of dark fruit still vivid after six decades. The tannins are silky but firm, carrying immense depth and structure, while a vibrant thread of acidity ensures freshness and lift.

The finish is near-endless, resonating with cassis, cedar, and savory complexity that lingers for minutes. A wine that transcends time, the 1961 Latour is not only a benchmark for Pauillac, but one of the defining legends of the 20th century—monumental, ageless, and unforgettable. 99 points.

 

 

Château Lafleur 1961 – Pomerol, Bordeaux
The 1961 Lafleur is a rare and compelling expression of one of Pomerol’s most enigmatic estates, showing both power and remarkable finesse. Having tasted it several times, its consistency is striking—the nose reveals a captivating mix of black truffle, dried violets, graphite, tobacco, and cedar, layered with dark plum, cassis, and subtle gamey undertones. On the palate, it is concentrated yet supremely elegant, with a velvety texture and finely resolved tannins supporting a core of mature black fruit and earthy complexity.

The finish is long and resonant, marked by notes of truffle, spice, and mineral lift. While less monumental than the greatest wines of 1961, Lafleur delivers its own brand of intensity and nuance—hauntingly complex, deeply refined, and one of Pomerol’s timeless treasures. 96 points.

 

Château Lafleur 2009 – Pomerol, Bordeaux
From one of Bordeaux’s truly great modern vintages, the 2009 Lafleur is a profound expression of Pomerol’s power and grace. The nose is deep and magnetic, revealing layers of ripe black cherry, plum, cassis, and blueberry, laced with graphite, violets, licorice, and exotic spice. On the palate, it is rich and expansive yet impeccably balanced—dense dark fruit framed by velvety tannins and a vibrant undercurrent of freshness that prevents any sense of heaviness. The texture is opulent but controlled, gliding into a finish of extraordinary length and purity.

A wine of remarkable depth and harmony, the 2009 Lafleur captures the generosity of the vintage while remaining true to the estate’s hallmark precision and minerality. Already seductive, but with decades of evolution ahead. 98 points.

 

 

Dominus 1990 – Napa Valley, California
The 1990 Dominus, from one of Napa Valley’s great early vintages, stands today as a benchmark of the estate’s Bordeaux-inspired style. The bouquet is complex and beautifully mature, opening with layers of blackcurrant, plum, cedar, graphite, and cigar box, accented by dried herbs, leather, and a touch of truffle. On the palate, it is seamless and refined—rich dark fruit framed by silky, resolved tannins and lifted by vibrant acidity that keeps the wine fresh and precise.

The finish is long, graceful, and harmonious, echoing cassis, spice, and earthy nuance. Now over three decades old, the 1990 Dominus remains a magnificent example of age-worthy Napa Cabernet—a wine of depth, elegance, and timeless class. 97 points.

 

Dominus 1994 – Napa Valley, California
From one of Napa Valley’s most celebrated vintages, the 1994 Dominus is a dazzling expression of balance, depth, and longevity. The bouquet is expansive and beautifully layered, with aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and blackberry liqueur, interwoven with graphite, cedar, cigar box, dried herbs, and a touch of mocha. On the palate, it is rich and authoritative yet impeccably poised—dense dark fruit framed by polished tannins and a vibrant spine of acidity that lends both energy and precision. The wine’s texture is seamless, gliding into a finish of extraordinary length and complexity.

At nearly three decades of age, the 1994 Dominus remains youthful in spirit, combining Napa’s ripeness with Bordeaux-like structure. A benchmark wine from a superb vintage, it is both powerful and elegant, and will continue to evolve for years. 98 points.

 

 

Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Landonne 1990 – Rhône Valley, France
The 1990 La Landonne is a towering expression of Côte-Rôtie and a benchmark for Syrah in one of the Northern Rhône’s most legendary vintages. The bouquet is explosive and deeply complex, with blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum liqueur interwoven with smoked meat, leather, black olive, violets, and exotic spice, underpinned by graphite and mineral tones. On the palate, it is powerful yet supremely elegant—dense layers of dark fruit and savory nuances carried by firm but polished tannins and vibrant acidity.

The finish is immense, echoing with cassis, pepper, smoked game, and a lingering mineral edge that speaks of La Landonne’s terroir. Now fully mature yet still vigorous, the 1990 stands as a profound, near-legendary wine—majestic, complex, and unforgettable. 98 points.

 

Guigal Côte-Rôtie La Landonne 2018 – Rhône Valley, France
The 2018 La Landonne is a bold and brooding expression of Syrah, reflecting both the warmth and generosity of the vintage. The nose is intense and tightly packed, offering layers of blackberry, cassis, smoked meat, black olive, licorice, and violet, framed by hints of graphite, pepper, and dark spice. On the palate, it is powerful, concentrated, and richly textured, with massive dark fruit supported by firm, muscular tannins and a deep mineral core that speaks of its terroir.

The finish is long, savory, and resonant, with echoes of smoked game, spice, and cassis lingering for minutes. Still youthful and tightly coiled, the 2018 La Landonne is a monumental Syrah with structure and depth that will carry it gracefully over decades. 97 points.

 

 

Ornellaia 1990 – Bolgheri, Tuscany
The 1990 Ornellaia is a superb expression of early Super Tuscan brilliance, showcasing both richness and refinement from this great vintage. The bouquet is complex and inviting, with aromas of ripe blackberry, cassis, plum, and dried cherry, layered with tobacco, cedar, leather, and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it is broad and velvety, delivering generous dark fruit framed by polished tannins and a lively thread of acidity that keeps the wine fresh and balanced. Subtle earthy and spicy undertones add depth and nuance.

The finish is long and harmonious, echoing with cassis, herbs, and savory complexity. At more than three decades old, the 1990 Ornellaia has matured beautifully—elegant, powerful, and deeply satisfying, a benchmark of its era. 95 points.

 

Ornellaia 1997 – Bolgheri, Tuscany
From one of Tuscany’s most celebrated vintages, the 1997 Ornellaia is a glorious expression of richness and refinement. The nose is opulent yet precise, with aromas of ripe blackberry, black cherry, cassis, and plum, lifted by notes of graphite, tobacco, cedar, and sweet spice. On the palate, it is lush and layered, with waves of dark fruit framed by velvety tannins and balanced by a vibrant undercurrent of acidity. The wine’s concentration is matched by its elegance, delivering both immediate charm and structural depth.

The finish is long, polished, and harmonious, echoing cassis, herbs, and fine spice. At its peak, the 1997 Ornellaia captures the warmth and generosity of the vintage while retaining the estate’s hallmark finesse—a benchmark wine of its era. 97 points.

 

 

Penfolds Grange 1978 – South Australia
The 1978 vintage was not among the strongest in South Australia, yet Grange once again rose above expectations, delivering a wine of remarkable presence and longevity. The bouquet is mature and deeply layered, with aromas of blackberry compote, dried plum, espresso, licorice, and leather, complemented by savory notes of soy, smoked meat, and eucalyptus. On the palate, it remains powerful and expansive, with concentrated dark fruit wrapped in firm, slightly rustic tannins. Secondary flavors of spice, earth, and game add depth and intrigue.

The finish is long and savory, showing the trademark Grange intensity, though with less polish than in the great vintages. Still, the 1978 is a testament to the house style—structured, complex, and ageworthy. A very impressive wine from a challenging year. 95 points.

 

Penfolds Grange 1990 – South Australia
The 1990 vintage is widely celebrated as one of the greatest in South Australian history, marked by a long, dry, and consistent growing season that produced wines of outstanding depth, balance, and longevity. The 1990 Grange is a monumental expression of that year—opulent yet impeccably structured. The bouquet soars with blackberry, mulberry, and plum compote, layered with licorice, espresso, dark chocolate, smoked meat, and a touch of eucalyptus. On the palate, it is rich and commanding, with concentrated dark fruit framed by firm but velvety tannins, all carried by remarkable freshness and balance.

The finish is immensely long and complex, resonating with spice, mocha, and savory nuances that linger for minutes. Now fully mature but still vibrant, the 1990 Grange is a benchmark of the estate’s style—power, intensity, and refinement seamlessly fused. A true icon of Australian wine. 98 points.

 

 

Pétrus 1959 (Magnum) – Pomerol, Bordeaux
The 1959 vintage in Bordeaux ranks among the greats of the 20th century, marked by a warm, dry season that yielded rich, opulent wines of extraordinary longevity. From magnum, the 1959 Pétrus is nothing short of majestic. The bouquet is expansive and beautifully mature, with layers of ripe plum, blackcurrant, and fig, seamlessly woven with truffle, cedar, tobacco, graphite, and exotic spice. On the palate, it is broad, velvety, and deeply concentrated, showing both power and grace. The tannins are fully resolved yet still supportive, while a vibrant core of acidity carries the wine with remarkable freshness.

The finish is long, seamless, and hauntingly complex, echoing cassis, dark chocolate, and earthy nuance. Over six decades on, this magnum shows the pedigree of both estate and vintage—a monumental, harmonious Pétrus that continues to captivate. 97 points.

 

Pétrus 1962 (Magnum) – Pomerol, Bordeaux
The 1962 vintage in Bordeaux was a classic year of balance and elegance, producing wines of remarkable harmony and longevity—wines that have aged far more gracefully than many once predicted. In magnum, the 1962 Pétrus is simply breathtaking. The bouquet is profound and endlessly layered, with soaring aromas of black truffle, plum, cassis, graphite, cedar, and violets, lifted by subtle notes of leather, tobacco, and spice. On the palate, it is both powerful and refined—dense yet weightless, with silken tannins framing waves of ripe dark fruit, savory earth, and mineral precision.

The finish is near-endless, echoing with cassis, truffle, and sweet spice, unfolding in graceful layers long after the last sip. More than sixty years on, this Pétrus in magnum form remains a masterpiece of depth, elegance, and timeless grandeur. An unforgettable expression of both estate and vintage. 99 points.

 

 

Château La Fleur-Pétrus 1961 – Pomerol, Bordeaux
The 1961 vintage is legendary across Bordeaux, widely regarded as one of the greatest of the 20th century. Low yields from coulure and millerandage created wines of exceptional concentration and structure, particularly in Pomerol and Pauillac. At La Fleur-Pétrus, neighboring both Lafleur and Pétrus, the 1961 delivered a wine of grace and depth that has aged with remarkable dignity.

The bouquet is captivating and mature, with aromas of dried cherry, redcurrant, and plum layered with truffle, leather, cedar, tobacco, and subtle floral tones of rose and violet. On the palate, it is medium-bodied yet profound, with silky, resolved tannins and a vibrant thread of acidity supporting lingering red fruit and earthy complexity. Secondary notes of spice, cigar box, and iron-rich minerality reflect both terroir and vintage pedigree.

The finish is long and elegant, echoing dried fruit, spice, and truffle. While not as monumental as its neighbor Pétrus, the 1961 La Fleur-Pétrus remains a glorious expression of Pomerol in a legendary year—refined, soulful, and immensely rewarding. 95 points.

La Fleur-Pétrus 2003 – Pomerol, Bordeaux
The 2003 vintage in Bordeaux was marked by record summer heat, yielding powerful, concentrated wines of richness and intensity. In Pomerol, however, the clay soils helped preserve freshness, and La Fleur-Pétrus is a standout example. The bouquet is opulent and seductive, offering layers of ripe black plum, blackberry, fig, and crème de cassis, laced with truffle, cocoa, and exotic spice. On the palate, it is lush and expansive, with velvety tannins and a dense core of dark fruit, balanced by surprising vibrancy and a polished mineral edge.

The finish is long, seamless, and resonant, echoing ripe fruit and savory spice. At two decades, the 2003 La Fleur-Pétrus has evolved into a wine of remarkable depth and refinement—capturing the power of the vintage while retaining the estate’s hallmark elegance. 97 points.

 

 

Masseto 2004 – Bolgheri, Tuscany
The 2004 vintage in Tuscany was defined by a long, even growing season with moderate conditions, producing wines of superb balance and refinement. The 2004 Masseto reflects this beautifully, offering an elegant, poised expression of Merlot from the estate’s famed clay soils. The bouquet is refined and inviting, with aromas of ripe blackberry, plum, and black cherry, layered with violet, graphite, mocha, and a touch of Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it is polished and harmonious—medium to full-bodied with supple tannins, vibrant acidity, and a core of juicy dark fruit framed by savory mineral nuances.

The finish is long, graceful, and refined, echoing cassis, spice, and a touch of cocoa. While not as massive as some warmer-year Massetos, the 2004 is all about balance, purity, and finesse—a beautifully composed wine with both charm and aging potential. 95 points.

 

Masseto 2015 – Bolgheri, Tuscany
The 2015 vintage in Tuscany was warm and dry, producing wines of opulence, concentration, and remarkable ripeness—conditions that suited Merlot at Masseto perfectly. The 2015 is a rich yet finely sculpted wine, opening with a seductive bouquet of ripe plum, blackberry, and black cherry, layered with violet, graphite, sweet spice, cocoa, and a touch of Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it is full-bodied and powerful, with dense fruit wrapped in velvety tannins, balanced by a lively acidity and a subtle mineral backbone that prevents excess weight.

The finish is long, polished, and resonant, echoing ripe dark fruit, spice, and a touch of mocha. Already impressive in its youthful generosity, the 2015 Masseto also possesses the structure and depth to age gracefully for decades—a superb expression of both estate and vintage. 97 points.

 

 

Château Haut-Brion Blanc 2005 – Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux
The 2005 vintage in Bordeaux was one of the greatest of the modern era, producing whites of exceptional ripeness, balance, and longevity. The 2005 Haut-Brion Blanc is a magnificent expression, marrying the richness of ripe Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon with the estate’s hallmark elegance. The bouquet is expansive and layered, offering aromas of white peach, candied citrus, quince, and acacia blossom, interwoven with honey, lanolin, crushed stone, and a touch of toasted almond. On the palate, it is powerful yet seamless, with dense fruit and waxy texture carried by a vibrant spine of acidity and minerality.

The finish is long, precise, and resonant, leaving lingering notes of citrus oil, stone fruit, and saline freshness. A wine of extraordinary depth and balance, the 2005 Haut-Brion Blanc is a true reference point for dry white Bordeaux—opulent, structured, and built for decades of graceful evolution. 98 points.

 

Château Haut-Brion 1995 – Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux
The 1995 vintage in Bordeaux was the first of two excellent back-to-back years, producing structured, ageworthy wines marked by concentration and freshness. The 1995 Haut-Brion is a brilliant expression of this classic style—still youthful in energy yet showing the complexity of nearly three decades of evolution. The bouquet is deep and evocative, with layers of blackcurrant, plum, and blackberry, mingling with graphite, cedar, tobacco leaf, leather, and earthy spice.

On the palate, it is full-bodied and firmly structured, with polished but still assertive tannins framing a core of ripe dark fruit and savory nuance. The wine’s hallmark minerality and vibrant acidity bring precision and lift, leading into a long, resonant finish of cassis, cedar, and subtle smoke. Powerful, refined, and enduring, the 1995 Haut-Brion remains a superb example of the estate’s finesse and longevity. 96 points.

 

 

Promontory 2010 – Napa Valley, California
The 2010 vintage in Napa Valley was shaped by a cooler, longer growing season punctuated by late heat, yielding wines of striking precision, freshness, and depth. The 2010 Promontory exemplifies these qualities with remarkable clarity. The bouquet is dark and brooding, layered with blackberry, cassis, graphite, licorice, and crushed stone, accented by hints of tobacco leaf, violet, and subtle spice. On the palate, it is powerful yet finely chiseled—dense dark fruit carried by firm, sculpted tannins and a vibrant line of acidity that brings lift and energy.

The finish is long, mineral-driven, and resonant, echoing black fruit, graphite, and savory earth. Both monumental and refined, the 2010 Promontory combines the structure of a great vintage with the estate’s hallmark precision—a wine built for decades of graceful evolution. 97 points.

 

Promontory 2019 – Napa Valley, California
The 2019 vintage in Napa Valley was marked by a long, even growing season with moderate weather, allowing for wines of precision, freshness, and harmony. The 2019 Promontory is a superb reflection of both vineyard and vintage, marrying depth with refinement. The bouquet is pure and expressive, opening with blackberry, cassis, and blueberry, layered with graphite, violet, tobacco leaf, and subtle spice. On the palate, it is powerful yet finely tuned—dense, concentrated fruit framed by firm but polished tannins, all lifted by a mineral backbone and vibrant acidity.

The finish is long, resonant, and seamless, echoing dark fruit, earth, and stony minerality. A brilliant expression of the estate’s rugged terroir, the 2019 Promontory combines clarity, balance, and grandeur, promising decades of evolution. 97 points.

 

 

Château Cheval Blanc 1947 – Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
The 1947 vintage in Bordeaux is one of the most extraordinary of the 20th century, defined by extreme summer heat and an early harvest that produced opulent, richly textured wines of immense concentration. The 1947 Cheval Blanc has become the most celebrated expression of that remarkable year—a wine of legend. The bouquet is kaleidoscopic, soaring with ripe black plum, fig, and kirsch, interwoven with exotic spice, chocolate, truffle, and sweet tobacco, all carried on a wave of hedonistic richness.

On the palate, it is lavish, velvety, and almost surreal in texture—dense with ripe fruit yet lifted by an underlying freshness that defies its age. The tannins are silky and fully resolved, allowing the wine’s flamboyant fruit and savory complexity to shine without restraint.

The finish is endless, echoing with layers of spice, cocoa, and dark fruit that linger long after the last sip. More than 75 years on, the 1947 Cheval Blanc remains one of the greatest achievements in Bordeaux history—seductive, profound, and unforgettable. 99 points.

 

Château Cheval Blanc 1961 – Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
The 1961 vintage is one of the most celebrated in Bordeaux history, marked by low yields and exceptional concentration across both banks. While the year produced many of the century’s greatest wines, Cheval Blanc 1961—famously featured in films—shows a distinctive blend of power and refinement. The bouquet is captivating, with aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and dried cherry, layered with cedar, tobacco leaf, graphite, and truffle, accented by hints of spice and dried flowers.

On the palate, it is elegant and finely textured, with silky tannins supporting a core of mature dark fruit, savory earth, and subtle mineral tones. The wine retains impressive freshness and balance despite its age, gliding into a long, harmonious finish of cassis, cedar, and spice.

Now fully mature, the 1961 Cheval Blanc is a graceful, complex, and memorable wine—less monumental than the legendary 1947, but a superb expression of one of Bordeaux’s greatest vintages. 96 points.

 

 

Henschke Hill of Grace 1976 – Eden Valley, Australia
The 1976 vintage in South Australia is remembered as one of the classics of the decade, with warm, dry conditions yielding wines of concentration, ripeness, and long-lived structure. The 1976 Hill of Grace is a legendary expression of old-vine Shiraz—profound, complex, and still vibrant after nearly half a century. The bouquet is layered and evocative, with blackberry compote, plum, and mulberry interwoven with smoked meat, leather, licorice, pepper, and eucalyptus, lifted by hints of dried flowers and spice.

On the palate, it is powerful yet beautifully balanced, showing dense dark fruit, savory undertones, and finely integrated tannins. The texture is velvety and expansive, with a mineral edge that adds definition and lift.

The finish is long, resonant, and deeply complex, echoing dark fruit, spice, and earthy nuance. A benchmark vintage of Hill of Grace, the 1976 remains both a piece of Australian wine history and a timeless, world-class Shiraz. 97 points.

 

Henschke Hill of Grace 1991 – Eden Valley, Australia
The 1991 vintage in South Australia was outstanding, delivering long, even ripening conditions that produced wines of great purity, concentration, and balance. The 1991 Hill of Grace is a brilliant example of the estate’s old-vine Shiraz, showing both power and refined elegance. The bouquet is expressive and layered, with ripe blackberry, plum, and mulberry interwoven with black pepper, licorice, cedar, and hints of smoked meat, leather, and eucalyptus.

On the palate, it is full-bodied and deeply structured, with concentrated dark fruit framed by firm yet velvety tannins. Savory nuances of spice, earth, and graphite add depth, while a vibrant acidity lifts the richness and carries the wine with precision.

The finish is long, resonant, and complex, echoing dark berries, spice, and a touch of game. At more than three decades, the 1991 Hill of Grace remains a superb expression of the vintage—powerful yet balanced, and a true testament to the pedigree of Australia’s most iconic single-vineyard Shiraz. 96 points.

 

 

Château Mouton Rothschild 1973 – Pauillac, Bordeaux
The 1973 vintage in Bordeaux was modest in quality, yielding lighter wines than the surrounding great years, yet it marked a historic turning point for Mouton Rothschild: the year it was officially elevated to First Growth status. The wine itself reflects both the challenges and charm of the vintage. The bouquet is soft and evolved, with notes of red currant, dried cherry, cedar, tobacco leaf, leather, and forest floor, accented by faint graphite and spice.

On the palate, it is medium-bodied and supple, with mature red fruit flavors framed by gentle tannins and a touch of earthiness. The acidity keeps it balanced, though the concentration is lighter than in the château’s finest years.

The finish is graceful but modest, echoing with cedar, dried fruit, and savory spice. While not a powerhouse, the 1973 Mouton Rothschild carries immense historical significance and offers a charming glimpse into Bordeaux history. 92 points.

 

Château Mouton Rothschild 1985 – Pauillac, Bordeaux
The 1985 vintage in Bordeaux was a warm, harmonious year, producing wines of charm, balance, and immediate appeal, many of which have aged with grace. The 1985 Mouton Rothschild is a superb example, both refined and expressive. The bouquet opens with cassis, blackberry, and redcurrant, layered with cedar, graphite, cigar box, and a touch of roasted coffee and spice. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins, ripe fruit, and a polished texture, all lifted by vibrant acidity and Pauillac’s signature minerality.

The finish is long and elegant, echoing cassis, cedar, and fine spice, showing the poise and harmony of the vintage. A wine of finesse rather than sheer power, the 1985 Mouton is drinking beautifully now, though it retains further life in bottle. 96 points.

The label was painted by Belgian surrealist Paul Delvaux (1897–1994), famed for his dreamlike compositions of classical architecture, moonlit landscapes, and nudes—his ethereal style perfectly capturing the elegance and allure of this vintage. The 1985 thus marries a graceful Bordeaux with a label by one of Europe’s most distinctive 20th-century artists, making it as captivating visually as it is in the glass.

 

 

Vega Sicilia Único 1962 – Ribera del Duero, Spain
The 1962 vintage in Spain is remembered as one of the finest of the 20th century—an ideal growing season that delivered wines of great structure, depth, and longevity. The 1962 Único is a legendary expression of Vega Sicilia’s timeless style, combining power with haunting elegance. The bouquet is profoundly complex, opening with blackcurrant, dried cherry, plum, and fig, seamlessly interwoven with tobacco, cedar, truffle, leather, and exotic spice, underpinned by earthy and floral nuances.

On the palate, it is expansive and layered, with concentrated dark fruit carried by silky, resolved tannins and a vibrant thread of acidity that keeps the wine remarkably fresh after six decades. The texture is velvety and harmonious, unfolding into waves of savory, mineral, and spicy detail.

The finish is endless, echoing cassis, dried flowers, and truffle in a lingering tapestry of flavors. A true monument of Ribera del Duero, the 1962 Vega Sicilia Único is both history and masterpiece in a glass—profound, elegant, and unforgettable. 99 points.

 

Vega Sicilia Único 1973 – Ribera del Duero, Spain
The 1973 vintage in Spain followed a challenging, uneven growing season, yet Vega Sicilia’s meticulous winemaking and long elevage transformed it into a refined and ageworthy Único. The bouquet is elegant and fully mature, opening with aromas of dried cherry, redcurrant, and plum, layered with cedar, tobacco leaf, leather, truffle, and a touch of spice. Subtle floral and earthy notes add complexity and depth.

On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and graceful, with resolved tannins and a silky texture supporting a core of mature red fruit, savory nuance, and gentle mineral tones. There is balance and poise here rather than sheer power, carried by a fresh line of acidity that keeps the wine lively even after five decades.

The finish is long, harmonious, and refined, echoing dried fruit, spice, and forest floor. A testament to the estate’s consistency, the 1973 Único is a beautifully aged classic—less monumental than the great vintages, but elegant, complex, and deeply satisfying. 95 points.

 

 

Château Montrose 1945 – Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux
The 1945 vintage stands as one of the greatest in Bordeaux history, born from a warm, dry season that yielded wines of immense power, structure, and longevity. The 1945 Montrose captures the vintage’s legendary character with remarkable presence. The bouquet is profound and complex, offering aromas of cassis, dried plum, cedar, leather, cigar box, and graphite, layered with truffle, smoke, and earthy spice.

On the palate, it is full-bodied and commanding, with dense, mature fruit framed by firm, resolved tannins and a vibrant backbone of acidity that has carried it effortlessly across nearly eight decades. The wine reveals both power and precision, its savory and mineral undertones adding depth to the dark fruit core.

The finish is long and resonant, echoing cassis, cedar, and tobacco in graceful persistence. A formidable yet elegant wine, the 1945 Montrose is a historic expression of Saint-Estèphe—structured, enduring, and profoundly satisfying. 96 points.

 

Château Montrose 1990 – Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux
The 1990 vintage in Bordeaux was one of the truly great years of the late 20th century—warm, even, and generous, producing wines of ripeness, structure, and remarkable longevity. For Montrose, it was a watershed moment: the estate delivered a wine of such power and precision that it became the first vintage to earn 100 points from Robert Parker, elevating its status among the Médoc’s elite.

The bouquet is majestic, with profound aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and blackberry compote, interwoven with cedar, graphite, cigar box, licorice, and earthy spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied, dense, and richly layered, yet remarkably balanced—ripe fruit framed by velvety tannins and lifted by a fresh mineral backbone. The wine’s concentration and complexity are matched by finesse, leading into an expansive finish of cassis, tobacco, and truffle that lingers for minutes.

More than three decades on, the 1990 Montrose remains monumental—still youthful in energy, yet fully revealing its depth and grandeur. A benchmark Saint-Estèphe and one of the château’s greatest achievements. 98 points.

 

 

Harlan Estate 1990 – Napa Valley, California
The 1990 vintage in Napa Valley was warm and consistent, producing generous, structured wines with excellent aging potential. For Harlan Estate, it was historic—the first official release from Bill Harlan’s now-iconic “First Growth of California.” Even in its debut, the estate’s vision is clear: to craft a wine of power, elegance, and timeless character.

The bouquet is expressive and mature, with layers of blackberry, cassis, and plum, mingling with cedar, graphite, tobacco, leather, and hints of eucalyptus. On the palate, it is full-bodied and harmonious, showing ripe dark fruit supported by velvety tannins and balanced acidity. Secondary flavors of earth, spice, and cocoa reveal themselves with air, adding depth and complexity.

The finish is long and refined, echoing cassis, cedar, and savory nuance. More than three decades on, the 1990 Harlan Estate remains a beautiful, historic expression—not as monumental as later vintages, but already displaying the DNA of one of Napa’s greatest estates. 95 points.

 

Harlan Estate 2010 – Napa Valley, California
The 2010 vintage in Napa Valley was defined by a cooler growing season with late heat spikes, producing wines of precision, freshness, and remarkable structure. For Harlan Estate, it is a standout year—combining the estate’s trademark opulence with a lifted, finely etched profile.

The bouquet is deep and expressive, offering layers of blackberry, cassis, and blueberry compote, interlaced with graphite, violets, tobacco, cedar, and a touch of dark chocolate. On the palate, it is powerful yet tightly focused, with concentrated dark fruit wrapped in firm but polished tannins. A vibrant line of acidity and a mineral-driven backbone give energy and definition, ensuring both immediate appeal and long-term potential.

The finish is long, resonant, and impeccably balanced, echoing cassis, spice, and earthy complexity. A brilliant expression of a cooler Napa year, the 2010 Harlan Estate delivers depth, elegance, and longevity—already stunning, but built to evolve for decades. 98 points.

 

 

Gaja Sorì Tildìn 1971 – Barbaresco, Piedmont
The 1971 vintage in Piedmont is legendary, producing Nebbiolos of depth, structure, and longevity—wines that helped redefine the region’s global reputation. For Gaja, it was particularly historic: this was only the second release of Sorì Tildìn, one of the single-vineyard bottlings that would go on to cement Angelo Gaja’s status as a modern pioneer in Barbaresco.

The bouquet is beautifully evolved yet still vibrant, with aromas of dried cherry, plum, rose petal, tar, and truffle, accented by leather, cedar, and earthy spice. On the palate, it is elegant and finely structured, with mature red fruit carried by silky tannins and a lively thread of acidity that keeps the wine fresh despite more than five decades of age. Layers of savory, floral, and mineral nuances unfold with remarkable finesse.

The finish is long and graceful, echoing dried fruit, spice, and rose in a haunting persistence. A historic wine from a landmark vintage, the 1971 Sorì Tildìn shows both the promise of its early years and the timeless beauty of great Nebbiolo. 96 points.

 

Gaja Costa Russi 1978 – Barbaresco, Piedmont
The 1978 vintage in Piedmont ranks among the greats of the 20th century, producing Nebbiolos of power, purity, and extraordinary aging potential. For Gaja, it was historic: the first release of Costa Russi, completing the trio of single-vineyard Barbarescos that would establish Angelo Gaja as a modern master of the Langhe.

The bouquet is captivating, with classic Nebbiolo character—dried cherry, plum, and redcurrant interwoven with rose petal, tar, truffle, and hints of cedar, tobacco, and earthy spice. On the palate, it is structured yet elegant, with vibrant acidity and firm, resolved tannins framing layers of mature red fruit, savory notes, and mineral precision. The texture is silky but still commanding, showing both depth and refinement.

The finish is long and hauntingly complex, echoing dried flowers, spice, and earthy undertones. A landmark wine from a monumental vintage, the 1978 Costa Russi not only represents a piece of Gaja history but also stands as a timeless, world-class Nebbiolo. 97 points.

 

 

Château Margaux 1961 – Margaux, Bordeaux
The 1961 vintage in Bordeaux is one of the most legendary of the 20th century, defined by tiny yields and wines of exceptional concentration, structure, and longevity. The 1961 Château Margaux is a dazzling expression of that fabled year—both regal and profoundly elegant.

The bouquet is intoxicating, with soaring aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and dried cherry, interwoven with violets, cedar, graphite, tobacco leaf, leather, and truffle. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet supremely graceful, showing layers of dark fruit and savory nuance framed by fine, resolved tannins and a vibrant spine of acidity. There is both power and perfume here, delivering the quintessential Margaux balance of strength and finesse.

The finish is endless, echoing cassis, cedar, and floral tones in a haunting persistence. At over six decades, the 1961 Margaux remains a monumental claret—one of the estate’s greatest achievements and a timeless benchmark of Bordeaux elegance. 98 points.

 

Château Margaux 2005 – Margaux, Bordeaux
The 2005 vintage in Bordeaux was warm, dry, and near-perfect, producing wines of exceptional concentration, balance, and longevity. At Château Margaux, it resulted in a wine of breathtaking depth and refinement—an archetype of the estate’s signature style.

The bouquet is profound yet precise, opening with cassis, blackberry, and ripe plum, layered with violets, cedar, graphite, tobacco leaf, and subtle spice. On the palate, it is powerful and full-bodied, with densely packed fruit framed by ultra-fine tannins and a vibrant backbone of acidity. Despite its richness, the wine remains supremely elegant, carrying Margaux’s hallmark perfume and grace.

The finish is long, pure, and resonant, echoing cassis, floral notes, and a touch of minerality. Still youthful, the 2005 Château Margaux is a grand vin of both power and finesse—destined to evolve beautifully for decades. 98 points.

 

 

Le Pin 2008 – Pomerol, Bordeaux
The 2008 vintage in Bordeaux began cool and unsettled but was saved by a beautifully dry and sunny September, allowing estates with top terroirs and meticulous care to produce wines of purity, balance, and precision. Le Pin crafted a brilliant expression—silky, perfumed, and utterly seductive.

The bouquet is strikingly pure, with aromas of ripe raspberry, black cherry, and plum, lifted by violets, graphite, mocha, and subtle Asian spice. On the palate, it is seamless and supple, with opulent fruit framed by ultra-fine tannins and a vibrant thread of acidity that lends tension and focus. The texture is polished and graceful, gliding effortlessly into a finish of great length, marked by dark fruit, truffle, and mineral nuances.

A superstar wine from a vintage of select triumphs, the 2008 Le Pin shows both immediate charm and the balance for long-term evolution—an exquisite example of Pomerol at its most refined and captivating. 98 points.

 

Le Pin 2012 – Pomerol, Bordeaux
The 2012 vintage in Bordeaux was shaped by a cool, damp spring and a challenging summer, yet a warm, dry September saved the harvest, yielding wines of charm, freshness, and supple textures—particularly successful in Pomerol. Le Pin crafted one of the stars of the vintage, a wine of polish, purity, and immediate appeal.

The bouquet is radiant and seductive, with aromas of ripe raspberry, black cherry, and plum, accented by violets, mocha, Asian spice, and a hint of truffle. On the palate, it is plush and seamless, with generous fruit framed by ultra-fine tannins and balanced by a lively core of acidity. The texture is silky and caressing, gliding into a long, perfumed finish of red berries, spice, and mineral undertones.

A wine of elegance and sophistication rather than sheer power, the 2012 Le Pin is a beautifully composed Pomerol—seductive now but structured enough to age gracefully. 97 points.

 

 

Screaming Eagle Blanc 2019 – Napa Valley, California
The 2019 vintage in Napa Valley was long, even, and beautifully balanced, producing wines of precision, freshness, and refinement. In this context, the mythical Blanc from Screaming Eagle—a rare Sauvignon Blanc-based cuvée with a touch of Sémillon—achieved a near-perfect expression of purity and elegance.

The bouquet is crystalline and complex, offering aromas of lemon zest, white peach, and green apple, layered with citrus blossom, crushed stone, and a delicate herbal lift. On the palate, it is sleek yet textural, combining ripe orchard fruit with vibrant acidity and a saline mineral core that gives both tension and drive. The wine’s energy and finesse are striking, its richness perfectly balanced by precision.

The finish is long, graceful, and mouthwatering, echoing citrus, stone fruit, and chalky minerality. A rare treasure, the 2019 Screaming Eagle Blanc captures the brilliance of the vintage with dazzling clarity—radiant, sophisticated, and unforgettable. 98 points.

 

Screaming Eagle 2008 – Napa Valley, California
The 2008 vintage in Napa Valley was marked by spring frosts and a smaller-than-usual crop, resulting in low yields and wines of great concentration and purity. The 2008 Screaming Eagle reflects both the challenges and triumphs of the year—a wine of intensity, focus, and elegance.

The bouquet is striking, with layers of blackberry, cassis, and plum, interwoven with graphite, violets, cedar, and a touch of cocoa and spice. On the palate, it is powerful yet poised, showing dense, dark fruit framed by polished tannins and lifted by vibrant acidity. A fine mineral thread runs through the wine, giving it energy and precision while ensuring balance despite its richness.

The finish is long, focused, and resonant, echoing cassis, spice, and floral notes. The 2008 Screaming Eagle is both concentrated and graceful—a rare jewel of the vintage, built for longevity yet already captivating. 97 points.

 

 

Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle 1990 – Rhône Valley, France
The 1990 vintage in the Northern Rhône is considered one of the greatest of the century, delivering Syrahs of immense ripeness, balance, and longevity. The 1990 La Chapelle has become legendary, standing alongside the estate’s mythical 1961 as one of the most profound expressions of Hermitage.

The bouquet is deep and explosive, with layers of blackberry, cassis, and plum compote interwoven with smoked meat, black olive, violets, graphite, licorice, and exotic spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and commanding yet remarkably refined, with dense fruit framed by velvety tannins and energized by a mineral core and vibrant acidity. The complexity builds in waves, combining richness with precision.

The finish is monumental—long, resonant, and endlessly layered with fruit, spice, and savory nuance. At more than three decades, the 1990 La Chapelle remains a towering, timeless Syrah—powerful, harmonious, and unforgettable. 98 points.

 

La Chapelle-Grange 2021 – Penfolds & Domaine Paul Jaboulet Aîné
This bold and unprecedented intercontinental cuvée represents a 50/50 blend of Penfolds Grange (South Australian Shiraz) and Jaboulet La Chapelle (Northern Rhône Syrah), creating a synergy that embraces two hemispheres and two storied winemaking traditions. 

The 2021 vintage in South Australia was characterized by strong ripeness and warmth, while the Rhône side experienced a more mixed year rescued by late-season conditions. This duality gives the blend both richness and precision.

The bouquet is dense and perfumed: blackberries, cassis, black cherry, violet, and crushed herbs precede notes of leather, licorice, subtle cocoa, and smoke. On the palate, it delivers remarkable tension—ripe dark fruit rides atop firm, silky tannins and a line of fresh acidity. The two components interweave: the Australian Shiraz contributing power and plushness, the Rhône Syrah adding freshness, spice, and smoky nuance.  The oak influence is present but deftly handled—adding structure without overwhelming the fruit. 

The finish is long, elegant, and layered—cassis, graphite, spice, and subtle earthy tones persist, with a chalky mineral impression anchoring the wine. The tannins remain fine, and the balance suggests a long and rewarding evolution ahead. 97 points.

 

 

Château d’Yquem 1921 – Sauternes, Bordeaux
The 1921 vintage in Bordeaux is among the most legendary of the 20th century, particularly for Sauternes. A hot, dry summer followed by ideal autumn botrytis conditions produced sweet wines of unprecedented richness, concentration, and longevity. Nearly a century on, the 1921 Yquem remains a mythical reference point—often cited as one of the greatest vintages ever produced at the estate.

The bouquet is extraordinary in its complexity: layers of dried apricot, orange marmalade, quince, and candied pineapple mingle with honey, caramel, roasted nuts, saffron, and exotic spice. On the palate, it is sumptuous and velvety, with immense sweetness perfectly counterbalanced by vibrant acidity and a deep mineral core. Despite its opulence, there is remarkable tension and clarity, carrying the wine into a finish that seems almost eternal.

Hauntingly complex, endlessly layered, and still alive with freshness, the 1921 Château d’Yquem is not just a wine but an experience—an immortal expression of botrytised perfection. 99 points.

 

Château d’Yquem 2009 – Sauternes, Bordeaux
The 2009 vintage in Bordeaux was warm, dry, and generous, producing opulent, fruit-driven wines across the region. In Sauternes, conditions for botrytis were near-perfect, yielding sweet wines of remarkable concentration and purity. The 2009 Yquem is a quintessential expression of this hedonistic year—sumptuous yet beautifully balanced.

The bouquet is rich and layered, with aromas of candied apricot, pineapple, and orange marmalade, accented by honey, vanilla, saffron, and toasted almond. On the palate, it is unctuous and powerful, with waves of ripe tropical fruit and citrus zest wrapped in a silky texture. Despite its richness, a bright core of acidity and mineral tension provides lift and precision, keeping the wine vibrant.

The finish is endless, echoing honey, spice, and candied fruit in a graceful persistence. A dazzling Yquem, the 2009 is both seductive in its youth and destined to evolve for decades. 98 points.

 

 

Niepoort Garrafeira 1927 – Douro, Portugal
The 1927 vintage is one of the greatest ever declared in the Douro, producing monumental Ports of balance, depth, and longevity. For Niepoort, this vintage is nothing short of mythical—crafted in the rare Garrafeira style, where the wine spends years in cask before long maturation in glass demijohns, developing a singular harmony and finesse.

The bouquet is breathtaking, offering layers of dried fig, date, and black cherry alongside orange peel, tobacco, cedar, cocoa, and exotic spice, with lifted floral and herbal nuances. On the palate, it is ethereal yet concentrated, its sweetness perfectly integrated into a silken texture of extraordinary purity. The interplay of fruit, spice, and earth is seamless, carried by a vibrant line of acidity that gives the wine both energy and definition despite its century of age.

The finish is endless—hauntingly complex, echoing dried fruit, spice, and balsamic notes in wave after wave. The 1927 Niepoort Garrafeira is not only a masterpiece of the vintage but also one of the most profound Ports ever made—immortal, transcendent, and utterly unforgettable. 100 points.

 

Niepoort Colheita 1947 – Douro, Portugal
The 1947 vintage in the Douro is remembered as one of the post-war greats, producing Ports of both generosity and structure, with the capacity for extraordinary longevity. In Niepoort’s hands, this Colheita bottling embodies the essence of that legendary year, combining depth with haunting finesse born from decades of slow aging in cask.

The bouquet is profound and endlessly layered, revealing notes of dried fig, date, and raisin alongside caramelized orange peel, roasted nuts, tobacco leaf, cedar, and exotic spice. On the palate, it is rich yet beautifully poised, with a silken texture and remarkable freshness balancing its concentration. Flavors of candied fruit, cocoa, and spice unfold in graceful waves, anchored by vibrant acidity that brings lift and energy.

The finish is long and resonant, echoing dried fruit, nut, and spice in a lingering, elegant persistence. A benchmark of Colheita Port, the 1947 Niepoort is both powerful and refined—an extraordinary wine from a legendary vintage, still vibrant after more than 75 years. 98 points.

 

 

Jim Barry The Armagh 1991 – Clare Valley, Australia
The 1991 vintage in South Australia was excellent, producing Shiraz with both ripeness and balance, marking the early years of The Armagh as one of Australia’s great single-vineyard wines. Sourced from low-yielding vines planted in the 1960s, the 1991 bottling has become a benchmark expression of Clare Valley Shiraz and a defining moment in the estate’s history.

The bouquet is mature and deeply complex, with blackberry, mulberry, and plum layered with leather, cedar, black pepper, licorice, and eucalyptus, accented by hints of mocha and spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and richly textured, with dark fruit carried by supple, velvety tannins and balanced by lively acidity. Secondary notes of earth, smoke, and savory spice unfold gracefully with air, adding depth and dimension.

The finish is long, warm, and harmonious, echoing dark berries, pepper, and subtle oak. At more than three decades, the 1991 Armagh remains a superbly balanced, powerful, and elegant Shiraz—a testament to both the vineyard and the vintage. 96 points.

 

Jim Barry The Armagh 2019 – Clare Valley, Australia
The 2019 vintage in South Australia was warm and dry, with low yields delivering Shiraz of intensity, purity, and concentration. In Clare Valley, these conditions suited the old vines of The Armagh perfectly, yielding a wine of power and finesse that speaks clearly of its storied single vineyard.

The bouquet is vibrant and expressive, with layers of blackberry, mulberry, and plum compote lifted by violets, black pepper, licorice, and subtle eucalyptus. On the palate, it is full-bodied and muscular, yet finely detailed, with ripe dark fruit framed by firm but polished tannins and a vibrant spine of acidity. Hints of graphite, cocoa, and spice emerge with air, adding depth and dimension to its youthful intensity.

The finish is long and resonant, echoing dark fruit, pepper, and savory earth. A superb Armagh—powerful yet balanced—that captures the richness of 2019 while promising decades of graceful development. 96 points.

 

 

Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva 1900 – Rioja, Spain
The 1900 vintage in Rioja is remembered as one of the early great benchmark years, producing long-lived wines that helped establish the region’s international reputation. Crafted in the traditional style, with extended maturation in old oak and bottle, this Gran Reserva has defied time with astonishing grace.

The bouquet is hauntingly complex, offering aromas of dried cherry, redcurrant, and plum alongside tobacco leaf, leather, cedar, vanilla bean, and subtle balsamic notes, accented by rose petal and spice. On the palate, it is ethereal yet remarkably structured, with mature red fruit framed by silky tannins and lifted by a fresh vein of acidity that has kept the wine vibrant for well over a century.

The finish is long, elegant, and layered, echoing dried fruit, spice, and earthy nuance in a whisper of persistence. A living piece of Rioja’s history, the 1900 Riscal Gran Reserva is not only a remarkable survivor but also a testament to the timeless greatness of both estate and vintage. 96 points.

 

Marqués de Riscal Gran Reserva 1962 – Rioja, Spain
The 1962 vintage in Rioja is widely regarded as one of the post-war greats, producing wines of superb balance, structure, and longevity. At Marqués de Riscal, this Gran Reserva reflects the house’s classical style—long oak maturation, meticulous blending, and an elegance that has carried it gracefully across six decades.

The bouquet is mature yet vibrant, offering aromas of dried cherry, redcurrant, and plum, layered with tobacco leaf, cedar, vanilla, leather, and a touch of balsamic spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and harmonious, with silky tannins and a fine thread of acidity supporting layers of evolved red fruit, savory herbs, and subtle earth.

The finish is long, graceful, and quietly complex, echoing dried fruit, cedar, and spice. A superb example of traditional Rioja at its peak, the 1962 Riscal Gran Reserva is elegant, refined, and deeply satisfying. 95 points.

 

 

Sandrone Cannubi Boschis 1990 – Barolo, Piedmont
The 1990 vintage in Piedmont is considered one of the finest of the late 20th century, producing Barolos of generosity, depth, and long-lived structure. For Luciano Sandrone, who had only begun bottling Cannubi Boschis a few years earlier, 1990 was a breakthrough moment—showcasing the potential of his modern, meticulously crafted style.

The bouquet is rich and seductive, with ripe red cherry, plum, and dried strawberry interwoven with rose petal, licorice, tobacco, and hints of truffle and spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and polished, with generous fruit framed by velvety tannins and balanced by lively acidity. The texture is supple yet structured, showing both the warmth of the vintage and the elegance of Cannubi’s terroir.

The finish is long and harmonious, echoing red fruit, floral notes, and earthy spice. A benchmark wine in Sandrone’s early history, the 1990 Cannubi Boschis captures both the opulence of the vintage and the refinement of the producer’s vision. 95 points.

 

Sandrone Cannubi Boschis 1997 – Barolo, Piedmont
The 1997 vintage in Piedmont was warm and sunny, producing Barolos of ripeness, generosity, and early approachability, many of which have aged far better than expected. For Luciano Sandrone, already recognized as a leading modernist, the 1997 Cannubi Boschis represents one of the defining wines of his career.

The bouquet is opulent and layered, offering ripe cherry, plum, and blackberry alongside rose petal, licorice, sweet spice, and a touch of tobacco and truffle. On the palate, it is rich and concentrated yet polished, with velvety tannins and a vibrant core of acidity that keeps the wine balanced and precise. The warmth of the vintage is expressed in the depth and intensity of fruit, but it is beautifully framed by Sandrone’s hallmark refinement.

The finish is long, resonant, and seductive, echoing dark fruit, spice, and floral notes. A brilliant expression of Cannubi in a generous vintage, the 1997 Cannubi Boschis is both powerful and elegant—a modern classic. 97 points.

 

 

Muga Torre Muga 2010 – Rioja, Spain
The 2010 vintage in Rioja is widely considered one of the greatest modern years, producing reds of depth, freshness, and long-term balance. At Bodegas Muga, Torre Muga was a standout—crafted in a modern, concentrated style that still respects Rioja’s traditional elegance.

The bouquet is rich and refined, with black cherry, plum, and blackberry fruit layered over cedar, graphite, vanilla, and exotic spice, accented by floral notes and a touch of smoke. On the palate, it is full-bodied and powerful, yet finely balanced—ripe fruit framed by polished tannins and a vibrant backbone of acidity. The structure is formidable, but the texture remains silky, giving harmony to its intensity.

The finish is long, savory, and resonant, echoing dark fruit, spice, and mineral tones. Still youthful, the 2010 Torre Muga is a superb expression of both vineyard and vintage, combining richness with precision and built for decades of graceful evolution. 96 points.

 

Muga Torre Muga 2019 – Rioja, Spain
The 2019 vintage in Rioja was shaped by a long, dry growing season with cool nights, producing wines of excellent concentration, freshness, and precision. Torre Muga, one of the estate’s flagship modern cuvées, shows the depth and balance that have made it a benchmark for contemporary Rioja.

The bouquet is expressive and layered, offering ripe blackberry, black cherry, and plum, interwoven with cedar, graphite, violet, licorice, and subtle toast. On the palate, it is full-bodied and powerful, with dense fruit framed by firm but polished tannins and lifted by a vibrant backbone of acidity. The wine’s richness is balanced by freshness, showing both intensity and finesse.

The finish is long and resonant, echoing dark fruit, spice, and mineral nuances. A superb expression of the 2019 vintage, Torre Muga combines modern power with classical elegance, promising a long and graceful evolution. 96 points.

 

 

Château Ausone 1947 – Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
The 1947 vintage in Bordeaux is legendary, remembered for its extreme heat, tiny yields, and wines of opulence and flamboyant richness that have become mythical with age. At Château Ausone, the ’47 captures both the vintage’s hedonistic style and the estate’s profound limestone-driven elegance.

The bouquet is kaleidoscopic, unfolding with layers of ripe plum, blackcurrant liqueur, fig, and kirsch, intertwined with truffle, exotic spice, tobacco leaf, and a touch of dark chocolate. On the palate, it is voluptuous yet impeccably balanced, with dense, sweet fruit framed by silky tannins and carried by an underlying freshness that defies its age. The texture is velvety and expansive, showing both power and finesse.

The finish is endless, echoing ripe fruit, spice, and savory earth in haunting persistence. Over 75 years on, the 1947 Ausone remains one of Bordeaux’s most unforgettable wines—sensual, layered, and timeless. 98 points.

 

Château Ausone 1962 – Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
The 1962 vintage in Bordeaux was a fine, classically styled year, producing elegant, balanced wines that have generally aged with grace, though not always with the power of the great surrounding vintages. The 1962 Ausone reflects this character—charming, mature, and refined, though lacking the depth of the château’s finest years.

The bouquet is delicate and tertiary, with aromas of dried redcurrant, cherry, and plum alongside cedar, leather, tobacco, and earthy spice, accented by hints of truffle and dried flowers. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and gentle, with soft fruit framed by resolved tannins and a fresh thread of acidity that carries the wine with understated elegance.

The finish is graceful but modest, echoing dried fruit, spice, and earth. While not a monumental Ausone, the 1962 is a pleasant, well-aged claret that speaks of its vintage—elegant, classic, and quietly satisfying. 90 points.

 

 

Brokenwood ILR Reserve Semillon 2006 – Hunter Valley, Australia
The 2006 vintage in the Hunter Valley was warm and dry, delivering pristine Semillon grapes with concentration and balance, ideal for long-lived wines. Brokenwood’s ILR Reserve—released with extended bottle age—shows the unique evolution of Hunter Semillon, combining youthful vitality with layered maturity.

The bouquet is vibrant and complex, offering notes of lime zest, lemon curd, and green apple, evolving into honey, toast, lanolin, and subtle waxy nuances with air. On the palate, it is crisp and linear yet textured, with racy acidity driving citrus and orchard fruit flavors, while secondary tones of toast, honeycomb, and mineral depth add complexity.

The finish is long, taut, and refreshing, echoing citrus and chalky minerality. At nearly two decades, the 2006 ILR Reserve demonstrates why Hunter Valley Semillon is among the world’s most ageworthy whites—precise, complex, and endlessly rewarding. 95 points.

 

Brokenwood ILR Reserve Semillon 2019 – Hunter Valley, Australia
The 2019 vintage in the Hunter Valley was marked by warm, dry conditions and low yields, producing Semillons of great purity, concentration, and balance. The ILR Reserve, held back for extended maturation before release, showcases the estate’s philosophy of allowing time to reveal the grape’s remarkable complexity.

The bouquet is pristine and tightly focused, with aromas of lime zest, green apple, and lemon blossom, underpinned by wet stone and delicate herbal lift. On the palate, it is razor-sharp and precise, with vibrant acidity framing citrus and orchard fruit, while a subtle waxy texture hints at the evolution to come. Already layered with hints of toast and honey, the wine promises decades of graceful development.

The finish is long, taut, and mouthwatering, leaving impressions of citrus, mineral, and chalk. A superbly structured Semillon from a great vintage, the 2019 ILR Reserve is a brilliant example of Hunter Valley’s most iconic white—vibrant today, but destined for greatness. 96 points.

 

 

Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 1990 – Épernay, Champagne
The 1990 vintage in Champagne was exceptional, one of the warmest and most consistent of the late 20th century, producing rich, powerful, and ageworthy wines. For Pol Roger, the prestige cuvée dedicated to Sir Winston Churchill—crafted in a style he admired, dominated by Pinot Noir with depth and longevity—reached new heights in 1990.

The bouquet is expansive and complex, with layers of baked apple, pear, and dried apricot, interwoven with brioche, toasted almond, honey, spice, and a touch of truffle. On the palate, it is broad and richly textured, with ripe orchard and stone fruit framed by creamy mousse, vibrant acidity, and a firm mineral backbone. The balance between opulence and precision is striking, revealing both the generosity of the vintage and the cuvée’s signature elegance.

The finish is long and resonant, echoing citrus oil, hazelnut, and chalky minerality. At more than three decades, the 1990 Winston Churchill remains a powerful yet graceful Champagne—classic, layered, and deeply satisfying. 96 points.

 

Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 1996 – Épernay, Champagne
The 1996 vintage in Champagne is one of the most celebrated of the modern era, delivering wines of remarkable ripeness balanced by laser-like acidity—built for decades of evolution. In this context, Pol Roger’s Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 1996 stands out as a monumental expression of power and refinement, true to the Pinot Noir-driven style that honors its namesake.

The bouquet is intense and multifaceted, opening with citrus zest, green apple, and quince, layered with brioche, toasted almond, honey, chalk, and subtle smoky undertones. On the palate, it is concentrated and vibrant, with a core of ripe orchard and stone fruit wrapped around piercing acidity and a taut mineral backbone. The mousse is fine and persistent, adding polish to its powerful frame.

The finish is endless, echoing citrus, hazelnut, and chalk in crystalline precision. A towering Champagne, the 1996 Winston Churchill combines depth, freshness, and grandeur in near-perfect harmony—still youthful, but already breathtaking. 98 points.

 

 

Salon Blanc de Blancs 1961 – Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Champagne
The 1961 vintage in Champagne was small in volume but superb in quality, producing wines of rare concentration, purity, and longevity. For Salon, a house that releases vintages only in exceptional years, the 1961 remains one of its mythical bottlings—an ethereal expression of old-vine Chardonnay from Le Mesnil’s chalky soils.

The bouquet is hauntingly complex, with layers of candied lemon, dried apricot, quince, and apple compote mingling with brioche, hazelnut, chalk dust, and a touch of truffle and honey. On the palate, it is both rich and crystalline, combining a silken, mature texture with a precise line of acidity and saline minerality. Despite more than six decades of age, the wine retains stunning vibrancy, evolving in the glass with endless nuance.

The finish is long and resonant, echoing citrus oil, toasted nut, and chalk in haunting persistence. A dazzling Champagne, the 1961 Salon is both a time capsule and a masterpiece—profound, graceful, and unforgettable. 98 points.

 

Salon Blanc de Blancs 2012 – Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Champagne
The 2012 vintage in Champagne was marked by a challenging growing season—spring frosts, hail, and a cool summer—yet a golden September delivered pristine grapes of superb ripeness and balance. For Salon, which releases vintages only in exceptional years, 2012 was declared, underscoring its pedigree as one of the finest modern harvests for Chardonnay.

The bouquet is precise and captivating, opening with lemon zest, green apple, and white peach, layered with acacia blossom, chalk, almond, and subtle brioche. On the palate, it is taut and electric, with crystalline citrus and orchard fruit framed by racy acidity and a profound mineral backbone. The texture is sleek yet elegant, with tension and depth in perfect harmony.

The finish is long, saline, and shimmering, echoing citrus, chalk, and floral tones. Still at the dawn of its evolution, the 2012 Salon promises decades of refinement—a dazzling, timeless expression of Le Mesnil Chardonnay at its peak. 98 points.

 

 

Yalumba The Octavius 1998 – Barossa Valley, Australia
The 1998 vintage in South Australia is remembered as one of the greatest of the decade, delivering Shiraz of extraordinary ripeness, depth, and longevity. For Yalumba, The Octavius—crafted from old-vine Barossa Shiraz and matured in the estate’s signature small octaves—showed the full potential of the year.

The bouquet is rich and evocative, with blackberry, plum, and mulberry layered with dark chocolate, espresso, cedar, licorice, and a touch of spice and eucalyptus. On the palate, it is powerful yet refined, with dense fruit framed by firm, grainy tannins and balanced by a core of freshness that keeps the wine vibrant despite its richness. Secondary notes of leather, earth, and savory spice add to its evolving complexity.

The finish is long and harmonious, echoing dark fruit, oak spice, and earthy nuance. Now fully mature but still energetic, the 1998 Octavius remains a benchmark Barossa Shiraz—bold, characterful, and deeply satisfying. 95 points.

 

Yalumba The Octavius 2020 – Barossa Valley, Australia
The 2020 vintage in South Australia was defined by low yields due to drought and bushfire pressures, yet it produced concentrated, finely structured wines of great purity. For Yalumba, The Octavius—the Barossa’s flagship old-vine Shiraz—captured the intensity of the year while retaining balance and elegance.

The bouquet is deep and expressive, with blackberry, black cherry, and mulberry laced with violets, licorice, dark chocolate, espresso, and subtle cedar from its maturation in small oak octaves. On the palate, it is full-bodied and muscular yet polished, with ripe dark fruit framed by firm, silky tannins and underpinned by vibrant acidity. Notes of graphite, spice, and earthy minerality add layers of complexity.

The finish is long, resonant, and refined, echoing dark berries, cocoa, and spice. The 2020 Octavius is a concentrated yet poised expression of Barossa Shiraz—powerful, stylish, and destined for decades in the cellar. 96 points.

 

 

Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay Art Series 2012 – Margaret River, Australia
The 2012 vintage in Margaret River was excellent, with a warm, dry growing season tempered by cooling ocean breezes that delivered pristine Chardonnay with concentration and balance. For Leeuwin Estate, the Art Series 2012 captured the region’s hallmark elegance and has become one of the standout vintages of the decade.

The bouquet is refined and complex, with aromas of white peach, nectarine, and citrus zest intertwined with cashew, brioche, struck flint, and subtle vanilla oak. On the palate, it is full-bodied yet beautifully balanced, with ripe stone fruit and citrus framed by creamy texture, vibrant acidity, and a precise mineral thread. The integration of fruit and oak is seamless, giving both power and finesse.

The finish is long, layered, and persistent, echoing stone fruit, hazelnut, and saline minerality. A superb example of Margaret River Chardonnay, the 2012 Art Series is graceful, complex, and drinking at a wonderful stage of its evolution. 95 points.

 

Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay Art Series 2020 – Margaret River, Australia
The 2020 vintage in Margaret River was shaped by a warm, dry summer with low yields, producing intensely flavored but finely structured wines. For Leeuwin Estate, the Art Series Chardonnay 2020 ranks among the estate’s modern greats—combining richness with striking precision.

The bouquet is lifted and detailed, with white peach, nectarine, and citrus zest layered with cashew, toasted hazelnut, brioche, and a subtle struck-flint minerality. On the palate, it is powerful yet seamlessly balanced, with ripe stone fruit and citrus carried by taut acidity and a crystalline mineral core. The oak is beautifully integrated, providing texture and polish without overshadowing the purity of fruit.

The finish is long, elegant, and resonant, echoing citrus oil, nuts, and saline chalkiness. A brilliant Chardonnay that captures both the generosity of the vintage and Margaret River’s coastal finesse—already dazzling, but built for decades of evolution. 97 points.

 

 

Cullen Diana Madeline 2001 – Margaret River, Australia
The 2001 vintage in Margaret River was excellent, delivering steady ripening conditions that produced Cabernet blends of both power and poise. For Cullen, the Diana Madeline—named in honor of the estate’s founder—captured the essence of the year with remarkable elegance and longevity.

The bouquet is complex and beautifully evolved, with cassis, blackberry, and mulberry interwoven with cedar, tobacco, graphite, dried herbs, and hints of violet and truffle. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, with concentrated black fruit framed by fine-grained tannins and enlivened by a vibrant line of acidity. Secondary notes of earth, spice, and cigar box add depth and refinement as the wine unfolds in the glass.

The finish is long, harmonious, and persistent, echoing cassis, cedar, and savory spice. At more than two decades, the 2001 Diana Madeline remains a benchmark Margaret River Cabernet blend—graceful, layered, and built to last. 97 points.

 

Cullen Diana Madeline 2023 – Margaret River, Australia
The 2023 vintage in Margaret River was marked by a dry spell through summer, low yields, and elegant ripeness—ideal conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon to express clarity and finesse.

The blend is described as 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot (with small amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot), matured for 14 months in 40% new French oak. 

In the glass, the color is deep ruby with a garnet rim. The bouquet opens with perfumed notes of black cherry, cassis, cocoa bean, liquorice, and hints of rose petal and violets, framed by subtle cedar and sandalwood. 

On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, with juicy dark fruit—blackberry, plum, and cassis—wrapped in fine-grained tannins that lend structure without harshness. The mid-palate shows chocolate, cedar, and hints of forest floor, with a firm backbone of acidity that carries the wine with poise. The oak influence is present but restrained, integrating with the fruit rather than overshadowing it.

The finish is elegant and lingering, echoing dark fruit, forest spice, and graphite. While still youthful and evolving, this Diana Madeline shows the typicity of Margaret River Cabernet— a blend of power, purity, and refinement.

Estimated score: 94–97 points

 

 

Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 1970 – Tuscany, Italy
The 1970 vintage in Tuscany was a strong and balanced year, remembered for producing structured, ageworthy wines with depth and elegance. At Biondi-Santi—the founding estate of Brunello di Montalcino—the Riserva was only made in the best years, crafted with the house’s hallmark restraint and longevity. More than fifty years on, the 1970 Riserva remains a rare treasure, combining classical austerity with haunting complexity.

The bouquet is refined and layered, with aromas of dried cherry, redcurrant, and plum mingling with tobacco leaf, leather, cedar, balsamic, and hints of truffle and dried rose. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and graceful, with silky tannins and vibrant acidity supporting a core of evolved red fruit and savory, earthy nuance. The balance between freshness and maturity is remarkable, a signature of Biondi-Santi’s timeless style.

The finish is long and persistent, echoing red fruit, spice, and mineral notes in elegant harmony. The 1970 Brunello Riserva is a living monument to tradition—noble, complex, and still very much alive. 96 points.

 

Biondi-Santi Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2010 – Tuscany, Italy
The 2010 vintage in Montalcino is widely regarded as one of the greatest of the modern era, combining perfect ripening conditions with balance, freshness, and the capacity for long-term aging. For Biondi-Santi, the guardian of Brunello tradition, the Riserva was only produced in the finest years, and the 2010 has already entered the pantheon of the estate’s legendary releases.

The bouquet is profound yet precise, with aromas of wild cherry, redcurrant, and plum framed by dried rose, tobacco, leather, balsamic herbs, and mineral undertones. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, with remarkable energy and tension—ripe but never heavy. The fruit is lifted by vibrant acidity and structured by firm, ultra-fine tannins, giving the wine both elegance and authority.

The finish is long, pure, and resonant, echoing red fruit, floral tones, and savory spice. A noble Brunello with decades ahead of it, the 2010 Riserva is a benchmark wine from both estate and vintage—refined, powerful, and built for immortality. 97 points.

 

 

Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino 1941 – Piedmont, Italy
The 1941 vintage in Piedmont was produced under the strain of World War II, when resources were scarce and viticulture severely challenged. Despite these difficulties, the best Nebbiolos from the Langhe showed surprising resilience and produced structured, ageworthy wines in small quantities. For Conterno, the 1941 Monfortino stands as a testament to the family’s uncompromising commitment to tradition even in the hardest of times.

The bouquet is haunting and profound, offering dried cherry, redcurrant, and plum alongside rose petal, tar, leather, cedar, truffle, and earthy spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied but still remarkably vigorous, with firm, resolved tannins and a fine line of acidity carrying flavors of mature red fruit, savory herbs, and mineral undertones. There is an austere elegance to the wine, the purity of Nebbiolo shining through the patina of age.

The finish is long and resonant, echoing dried flowers, spice, and earth. A wine of both history and beauty, the 1941 Monfortino is less about raw power and more about endurance, nobility, and soul—an unforgettable reminder of Nebbiolo’s ability to transcend even the harshest vintages. 97 points.

 

Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino 1997 – Piedmont, Italy
The 1997 vintage in Piedmont was warm and generous, yielding ripe, opulent Nebbiolos with rich textures and immediate appeal. For Giacomo Conterno, however, Monfortino transcended the vintage stereotype—crafted with extraordinary discipline, structure, and depth, it has become one of the benchmarks of the era.

The bouquet is profound, opening with ripe cherry, plum, and blackberry compote layered with rose petal, licorice, tar, tobacco, and truffle. On the palate, it is powerful yet impeccably balanced, with dense fruit framed by monumental but ultra-fine tannins and driven by a vibrant line of acidity. The wine unfolds in waves—fruit, spice, floral, and mineral—delivering complexity and grandeur in perfect harmony.

The finish is endless, echoing dark fruit, dried flowers, earth, and spice with haunting persistence. A legendary Monfortino that captures both the warmth of the vintage and the timeless majesty of Nebbiolo, the 1997 is monumental, soulful, and unforgettable. 99 points.

 

 

Le Macchiole Scrio 1997 – Tuscany, Italy
The 1997 vintage in Tuscany is remembered as a warm, generous year, producing concentrated, opulent wines with plush textures and early appeal. For Le Macchiole, Scrio—their pioneering 100% Syrah first released in 1994—captured both the ripeness of the vintage and the estate’s vision for a Tuscan expression of this Rhône variety.

The bouquet is rich and layered, offering blackberry, plum, and black cherry alongside notes of violet, black olive, licorice, cured meat, and subtle spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, with ripe dark fruit supported by supple tannins and balanced by a thread of freshness that keeps the wine lively. Secondary notes of leather, earth, and smoky herbs add depth as the wine evolves in the glass.

The finish is long and warming, echoing dark fruit, spice, and savory undertones. A bold and characterful expression of Tuscan Syrah, the 1997 Scrio shows both power and personality, aging gracefully while retaining its vintage charm. 94 points.

 

Le Macchiole Scrio 2009 – Tuscany, Italy
The 2009 vintage in Tuscany was marked by a warm, dry summer and an even harvest, yielding wines of ripeness, concentration, and balance. For Le Macchiole, Scrio—their benchmark 100% Syrah—benefited from the vintage’s richness while retaining the estate’s hallmark finesse and aromatic complexity.

The bouquet is opulent and expressive, with layers of blackberry, black cherry, and blueberry compote alongside violet, licorice, cracked pepper, smoked meat, and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it is full-bodied and polished, with dense, ripe fruit wrapped in velvety tannins and energized by a fresh spine of acidity. The texture is both rich and refined, delivering power without heaviness.

The finish is long, savory, and complex, echoing dark fruit, spice, and earthy minerality. A superb expression of Tuscan Syrah, the 2009 Scrio combines depth and elegance in equal measure, promising further evolution while already showing beautifully. 96 points.

 

 

Château Musar 1961 – Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
The 1961 vintage across Europe is regarded as one of the century’s greats, and in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley it produced wines of remarkable structure and longevity. At Château Musar—then still in its early years under Serge Hochar—this vintage marked a turning point, showing the potential of Lebanese terroir to create profound, ageworthy wines that could stand alongside the best of Bordeaux and the Rhône.

The bouquet is hauntingly complex, with aromas of dried cherry, plum, and fig layered with leather, cedar, tobacco leaf, balsamic spice, and truffle. Hints of game, forest floor, and exotic spice add depth and intrigue. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and silky, with mature fruit carried by fine, resolved tannins and a vibrant line of acidity that has preserved the wine’s energy for more than six decades.

The finish is long, savory, and resonant, echoing dried fruit, earth, and spice in a lingering persistence. A rare, historic Musar, the 1961 combines elegance, complexity, and soul—proof of the estate’s greatness even in its formative years. 96 points.

 

Château Musar 2010 – Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
The 2010 vintage in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley was shaped by a long, moderate growing season with cool nights, producing reds of freshness, balance, and elegance. At Château Musar, this translated into a wine that marries the estate’s hallmark complexity with an extra degree of purity and finesse.

The bouquet is vivid and layered, opening with redcurrant, cherry, and plum alongside dried herbs, leather, cedar, and hints of tobacco and spice. Subtle notes of earth, truffle, and wild Mediterranean scrub add distinctive Musar character. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and vibrant, with juicy red fruit framed by fine-grained tannins and lifted by bright acidity. The balance between ripe fruit, savory nuance, and freshness is finely tuned.

The finish is long, graceful, and savory, echoing spice, dried fruit, and earthy minerality. The 2010 Musar is a refined and elegant expression of the estate’s singular style—complex, balanced, and built for decades of evolution. 95 points.

 

 

Philipponnat Clos des Goisses 1961 – Champagne, France
The 1961 vintage in Champagne is one of the most revered of the 20th century, yielding concentrated, structured wines with extraordinary longevity. For Philipponnat, the steeply sloped, south-facing monopole vineyard of Clos des Goissesdelivered a truly monumental wine—one that has become legendary among collectors.

The bouquet is profound and endlessly layered, with dried apricot, quince, and candied citrus peel interwoven with honey, toasted brioche, roasted hazelnut, and hints of truffle and chalk. On the palate, it is both powerful and ethereal, with remarkable depth of fruit carried by racy acidity and a strong mineral backbone. The mousse, though now delicate, lends elegance to the wine’s expansive texture, which balances richness with crystalline precision.

The finish is hauntingly long, echoing citrus oil, nut, honey, and saline minerality. At over six decades, the 1961 Clos des Goisses remains a towering example of vintage Champagne—majestic, complex, and timeless. 98 points.

 

Philipponnat Clos des Goisses 2004 (Magnum) – Champagne, France
The 2004 vintage in Champagne was excellent, producing wines of precision, freshness, and balance—particularly well-suited to long aging. From the south-facing, steep slopes of Clos des Goisses, Philipponnat crafted a wine of both depth and tension, which in magnum format has evolved with exceptional grace.

The bouquet is elegant and complex, with aromas of lemon zest, pear, and green apple layered with acacia blossom, chalk, toasted brioche, and a touch of hazelnut and honey. On the palate, it is taut and vibrant, with citrus and orchard fruit carried by laser-like acidity and underscored by a distinctive saline minerality. The magnum format amplifies its freshness and precision, allowing the fruit to shine while the structure remains finely etched.

The finish is long and refined, echoing citrus, chalk, and subtle nutty notes. A superb Clos des Goisses, the 2004 in magnum highlights the vineyard’s unique power and elegance while showcasing the clarity of the vintage. 96 points.

 

 

Bryant Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1997 – Napa Valley, California
The 1997 vintage in Napa Valley is legendary, producing some of the most opulent and long-lived Cabernets of the modern era. For Bryant Family Vineyard, perched on Pritchard Hill, it was a defining year—their wine emerging as one of the icons of the vintage and a benchmark for Napa’s rise to global prominence.

The bouquet is profound and layered, with cassis, blackberry, and plum interwoven with graphite, violet, cedar, tobacco, and subtle cocoa. On the palate, it is full-bodied and voluptuous yet impeccably balanced, combining ripe, dense fruit with ultra-fine tannins and a vibrant line of acidity. The texture is seamless, gliding across the palate with both power and grace, revealing savory, mineral, and floral nuances as it unfolds.

The finish is endless, echoing dark fruit, spice, and crushed stone in haunting persistence. A near-perfect expression of Napa Cabernet, the 1997 Bryant Family remains monumental—seductive, structured, and destined for further greatness. 99 points.

 

Bryant Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 – Napa Valley, California
The 2019 vintage in Napa Valley was marked by a long, even growing season with moderate conditions, yielding wines of precision, balance, and purity—among the finest of the decade. At Bryant Family’s Pritchard Hill estate, the vintage produced a Cabernet Sauvignon of remarkable elegance and depth, capturing both the power of site and the finesse of the year.

The bouquet is expressive and layered, with blackberry, cassis, and blueberry framed by violet, graphite, tobacco, cedar, and subtle cocoa. On the palate, it is full-bodied and concentrated, yet finely poised, with ripe dark fruit carried by polished tannins and energized by a vibrant spine of acidity. Mineral undertones and savory spice add complexity, while the texture is seamless and refined.

The finish is long, resonant, and graceful, echoing cassis, floral notes, and graphite. A brilliant expression of Pritchard Hill terroir, the 2019 Bryant Family is both powerful and precise—a modern Napa classic built for decades of evolution. 98 points.

 

 

Sassicaia 1979 – Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
The 1979 vintage in Tuscany was relatively cool and classic in style, producing wines with balance, freshness, and finesse rather than sheer power. For Tenuta San Guido, still establishing Sassicaia as a global icon, this vintage highlighted the elegance and Bordeaux-inspired precision that would become the estate’s hallmark.

The bouquet is refined and mature, offering aromas of redcurrant, dried cherry, and plum, layered with cedar, tobacco leaf, leather, graphite, and subtle earthy spice. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and graceful, with delicate fruit supported by fine, resolved tannins and a lively thread of acidity. Savory nuances of herbs, truffle, and mineral add depth to its understated frame.

The finish is long and elegant, echoing red fruit, cedar, and spice in a lingering persistence. While not as monumental as later vintages, the 1979 Sassicaia is a beautifully aged claret-style wine that reflects both its era and its terroir with charm and sophistication. 94 points.

 

Sassicaia 1990 – Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy
The 1990 vintage in Tuscany is considered one of the great harvests of the late 20th century, marked by warm, even conditions that produced ripe, concentrated, and long-lived wines. At Tenuta San Guido, Sassicaia fully captured the vintage’s generosity, offering both depth and elegance in a beautifully composed expression of Bolgheri.

The bouquet is expansive and seductive, with layers of blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum mingling with cedar, graphite, tobacco leaf, leather, and sweet spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and polished, with ripe dark fruit framed by fine-grained tannins and lifted by a fresh spine of acidity. There is richness and warmth to the vintage, but also remarkable balance, allowing the wine to remain graceful rather than heavy.

The finish is long and resonant, echoing cassis, cedar, and savory herbs. A benchmark Sassicaia, the 1990 combines power and refinement—already superbly mature, but still carrying the structure to evolve further. 96 points.

 

 

Monteverro 2013 – Toscana IGT, Italy
The 2013 vintage in Tuscany was relatively cool and balanced, a more classic year following the warmth of 2011 and 2012. This allowed for slow, even ripening and the production of wines with poise, aromatic lift, and excellent aging potential. At Monteverro, on the coastal slopes of southern Maremma, the flagship Bordeaux-style blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot) expressed both depth and finesse.

The bouquet is refined and complex, with aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and wild berry intertwined with graphite, cedar, tobacco leaf, violet, and a touch of cocoa. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, with ripe yet precise fruit framed by polished tannins and enlivened by a fresh spine of acidity. Mineral and herbal undertones add tension and detail, balancing the richness of the dark fruit.

The finish is long and resonant, echoing cassis, spice, and savory notes with elegance. A superb Monteverro, the 2013 combines structure and harmony in a way that reflects the vintage’s classical profile—powerful yet refined, and drinking beautifully with further potential ahead. 95 points.

 

Monteverro 2016 – Toscana IGT, Italy
The 2016 vintage in Tuscany is widely considered one of the greatest of the modern era, marked by a long, even growing season that delivered perfectly ripe fruit, vibrant acidity, and superb balance. At Monteverro, located on the coastal hills of southern Maremma, these conditions produced a flagship Bordeaux blend (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot) of extraordinary precision and depth.

The bouquet is striking in its purity and complexity, offering layers of cassis, blackberry, and dark cherry accented by violet, graphite, cedar, tobacco, and hints of cocoa and spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and seamless, with ripe, concentrated fruit framed by ultra-fine tannins and carried by a lively backbone of acidity. Mineral and herbal nuances add finesse, giving the wine both gravitas and lift.

The finish is long, elegant, and resonant, echoing cassis, spice, and subtle earth. A brilliant Monteverro, the 2016 combines richness with precision and freshness—an iconic expression of the estate and one of its finest achievements to date. 97 points.

 

 

Château Lafite Rothschild 1953 – Pauillac, Bordeaux
The 1953 vintage in Bordeaux is one of the greats of the mid-20th century, producing wines of refinement, balance, and longevity. For Lafite Rothschild, it was a particularly glorious year, yielding a wine that has become a benchmark for elegance and complexity within the château’s storied history.

The bouquet is breathtakingly refined, with aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and red cherry lifted by cedar, graphite, tobacco leaf, sandalwood, and hints of dried flowers and truffle. On the palate, it is medium-bodied yet profound, with silken tannins and perfectly integrated acidity carrying layers of mature fruit, spice, and savory earth. The wine’s texture is seamless, combining delicacy with quiet authority.

The finish is long, harmonious, and hauntingly complex, echoing cedar, cassis, and mineral notes with remarkable persistence. At seven decades, the 1953 Lafite remains a timeless claret of finesse, purity, and grace—an immortal expression of Pauillac. 98 points.

 

Château Lafite Rothschild 1978 (Magnum) – Pauillac, Bordeaux
The 1978 vintage in Bordeaux was modest overall, shaped by a cool summer and improved only by a fine September that saved the harvest. The wines often showed leaner structures and more restraint compared to the opulent years that followed. In magnum format, Lafite’s 1978 has retained freshness and poise, offering a graceful glimpse of its classical style.

The bouquet is delicate and evolved, with notes of redcurrant, dried cherry, and cranberry intertwined with cedar, graphite, tobacco leaf, leather, and subtle forest floor. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and elegant, with light fruit carried by resolved tannins and lifted by refreshing acidity. The wine emphasizes finesse and minerality over depth, true to the character of the year.

The finish is soft and persistent, echoing cedar, dried fruit, and earth. While not among Lafite’s most powerful vintages, the 1978 in magnum offers a refined and quietly satisfying claret experience—classic, understated, and charming. 91 points.