100 points Wine Advocate

I fussed over scoring this wine more than I'd like to admittasting through three samples under different conditions at various intervals and testing my impressions blind against wines in its peer group. Most importantly, I tasted this 2016 vintage against the 2015 vintage over and over again. I confess to a few nights of restless sleep as a result. Ultimately, my decision to award 100 points to the 2016 Solaia came on impulse and with the most natural sense of purpose. I had also given the 2015 vintage a perfect score, and intellectually, it seemed impossible not to pick a favorite among these two stunning expressions. I will also state, outright, that the wines are very different, principally because the 2015 vintage shows more overall opulence and sweetness that extends to the pronounced textural richness of the mouthfeel. The 2016 vintage, on the other hand, is more chiseled and sharp with mineral shadings of campfire ash and graphite at the rim of its dark fruit. The mouthfeel is more streamlined and tight at its core, suggesting that the wine will unfold and soften beautifully with time. I feel like 2015 is the Dolce & Gabbana of the situation and the 2016 is the Armani Priv. The personalities of the two wines are distinct, yet my admiration for each is identical.

The Albert Bichot Domaine du Pavillon Les Santenots Volnay Premier Cru 2019 is a notable red wine from the Volnay appellation in Burgundy, France. This wine showcases a classic Pinot Noir flavor profile with notes of ripe red berries, subtle earthiness, and hints of spice, characteristic of its terroir.

This wine pairs elegantly with a variety of dishes, including roasted chicken, duck, and lamb. It also complements rich mushroom risottos and creamy sauces, making it a versatile choice for gourmet cuisine.

100 points Wine Advocate

There is a magical infinity, a continuous loop of compatibilities, between the icon wines of Tuscany and the 2015 vintage. The stunning 2015 Solaia is solid evidence of this perfect alignment. This was a warm vintage that shows less favorably in my opinion in different parts of Italy and with other grapes that render their most elegant performances in the cooler vintages. I would put pure expressions of Nebbiolo and Sangiovese in this category. However, Tuscany and many of her great blended reds (made partially or fully with international grapes) operate according to a different logic. To me, their maximum expression comes when you can taste that Tuscan sunshine beaming from within. Its rays are brilliant and warm. They shine across the senses with opulence and intensity. The very name Solaia evokes the concept of sunshine and this unique Tuscan wine archetype I am referring to. With the 2015 vintage, Solaia is liquid sunshine not just in name but also in fact. The bouquet is immediately soft and sensual with dark fruit, spice and sweet tobacco. The mouthfeel shows intensity and power, but you don't get any heavy residue from the dry extract (measured at 33 grams per liter). Indeed, the wine feels glossy, tonic and fresh. It is composed of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese and a tiny part Cabernet Franc. There is a bit of crunch or snap that comes thanks to the more acidity-prone Sangiovese grape (the wine measures 3.5 in pH). Finally, the tannins are beautifully sweet and ripe. This wine is meticulously executed, and the 2015 vintage lives up to an ideal of what we imagine Solaia to be. It will be released about a week after this review is published.

The wine’s complex flavors of black currants, clove and mocha are topped o by licorice. Its full-bodied, rich mouthfeel carries these flavors for a long, lingering finish that loves seared steak, Gorgonzola gnocchi, beef bourguignon and ratatouille.

93 points Wine Advocate

The team at Ink Grade favors east and north-facing blocks for their own label, including the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in a variety of different-sized oak vessels, the nose features scents of vanilla, cedar and cassis, with a gentle minty overtone. Full-bodied and firm but not lacking flesh or richness, this wine is dense and concentrated but lively and taut, with a long, dusty finish framed by fine-grained tannins.

92 points Wine Advocate

A candidate for wine of the vintage, the gorgeous 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Madrona Ranch (93% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) boasts an inky/purple color as well as a sumptuous perfume of violets, blackberries, blueberries, and coffee offered in a medium to full-bodied, supple-textured, accessible style. Unlike Abreu's biggest vintages, the 2000 is already delicious, and promises to evolve for 12-15 years.

98 points James Suckling

Subtle aromas of flowers, currants, dried shiitake mushrooms and perfumes. Full-bodied, yet polished and very refined. Wonderful length and consistency on the refined and polished palate. Chewy yet elegant tannins. Goes on for minutes. Love the balance and length. Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (72%), Cab Franc (18%), Petit Verdot (8%) and Merlot (2%).

99 points James Suckling

Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and lead pencil. Fresh and dried flowers and iron shavings. Full bodied, layered, tight and solid. Beautiful and very poised and thoughtful. Hints of fresh herbs, from lavender to lemon grass. Compressed. Great length and focus.

99 points James Suckling

The purity of fruit is so inspirational here with blackcurrants, licorice, tar and violets. Full-bodied, layered and extremely long. Juicy and so intense. Quality of tannins is beautiful with a chewy and savory finish. Fantastic. Needs at least four to five years of bottle age. Blend of cabernet sauvignon (53%), cabernet franc (21%), petit verdot (14%), malbec (6%) and merlot.

96 points Wine Advocate

The nose exhibits abundant floral notes intermixed with notions of blueberries, black raspberries and licorice-infused cassis. Graceful, elegant, and close to full maturity, it is drinking beautifully, displaying secondary nuances, a supple, full-bodied texture and a lush, layered mouthfeel.

96 points Wine Advocate

Abreu's first venture with Cabernet Sauvignon was from the Madrona Ranch, which is essentially the lower hillsides of Spring Mountain, just northwest of St. Helena. The dense purple-colored 2006 Madrona Ranch (55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot) is extraordinary. Its nose of charcoal, espresso roast, blackberries, cassis, crushed rocks, and white chocolate is followed by a ripe, pure wine with a fabulous mid-palate texture (a characteristic of all these wines), and good balance as well as length. It will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and keep for 30 years. 

99 points Wine Advocate

The 2014 Madrona Ranch Proprietary Red is deep garnet-purple in color and sings of crushed blackcurrants, warm plums and black raspberries with menthol, potpourri, chocolate box and licorice nuances—compelling. The palate is full-bodied, firm and grainy with great freshness, finishing very long with mineral notions. This will be extremely long lived!

98 points Jeb Dunnuck

One of the gems in the lineup is the 2014 Thorevilos and this awesome wine comes from a site on the eastern side of the valley, just behind the luxury Meadowood Estate, and is comprised of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 14% Petit Verdot, and 4% Malbec. Notes of crème de cassis and blue fruits intermixed with spicy oak, spring flowers, and graphite all emerge from the glass and this crazy good 2014 offers a full-bodied, powerful, yet graceful, elegant style on the palate. It's a gorgeous 2014 that shows the more sexy, approachable style of the vintage ... David Abreu and superstar winemaker Brad Grimes continue to fashion some of the most powerful, concentrated, yet seamless Bordeaux blends in the valley.

100 points Wine Advocate

The classic 2002 Thorevilos, which comes from the white tufa volcanic ash soils of this site, exhibits notes of barbecue smoke, bouquet garni, incense, Christmas fruitcake and gobs of blue and black fruits. It is voluptuously textured and full-bodied, with sweet tannin as well as a flawless integration of acidity, tannin, wood and alcohol. Both of these wines are tour de force performances from David Abreu and Brad Grimes. They appear set for 25 to perhaps 50 or more years of cellaring. If you can find them - buy them!

18.5+/ points Jancis Robinson

Snugger, deeper-toned notes compared with the Peak Attelas. Rocky earth aromatics and flavors of resinous trees. Delicious, herbal, tree character here that gives a savory depth to the wine and again that mountain rock element throughout. The mid palate opens to flavors with a richer hue without falling into excess or dehydration. Notes of molasses and the savory note that comes from the salt-and-pepper caramelized crust of a cooked roast just out of the oven. Ultra long, savory finish. Fine, persistent tannin and mouth-watering acidity. Nicely done. 

(OWC) Original Wood Box with each 3 bottle purchase

The Racing Series Mixed 4-Pack Includes:

(1 Bottle) 2019 Adobe Road “Apex” Proprietary Red

(1 Bottle) 2019 Adobe Road “The 24″ Proprietary Red

(1 Bottle) 2019 Adobe Road “Shift” Proprietary Red

(1 Bottle) 2018 Adobe Road “Redline” Proprietary Red

The Racing Series from Adobe Road winery was inspired by moments on the race track and fueled by professional race car driver and team owner Kevin Buckler and his wife, Debra. Racing at the highest level takes extreme focus, attention to detail, and a drive for perfection, and those qualities are an advantage in the wine industry. The four-bottle series captures the adrenaline rush of a podium finish, and the exceptional packaging is a trophy for your cellar. Each individualistic red blend in Adobe Road’s Racing Series was created from premium vineyards in Sonoma and made in a petal-to-the-metal style, with powerful flavors at every turn and a stunning finish. The four-bottle set includes one bottle each of Apex, Redline, Shift, and The 24, shipped in a gorgeous museum-quality four bottle box.

94 points Wine Spectator

Marked by notes of mint and dusty earth, plus plenty of dark-berried fruit, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard is a ripe, rich wine, imbued with ample concentration and weight. Yes, it's full-bodied and tannic but also soft and plush, those smoothly buffed tannins leaving a velvety trail on the palate that lingers easily on the lengthy finish.

The carbon fiber briefcase, inspired by spy movies, will have you porting your collection in style. The details are stunning! This pack oozes sophistication and innovation. Limited quantities available.

Redline - Ultra Premium Red Wine Blend, 2021 Our 2021 Redline roars out of the glass with dark ripe plums, licorice, and warm toasted oak. The rich mouthfeel is incredibly smooth, showcasing chocolate-covered blueberries with wafts of hardwood charcoal grill. Silky tannins frame the long finish.

The 24 - Ultra Premium Red Wine Blend, 2019 The 24 blend features fresh, fruity Grenache, mixed with an almost equal portion of dark, spicy Mourvedre. Syrah holds the backbone of smooth tannin and velvety mouthfeel. A dash of Malbec and Petite Sirah make the whole thing burst with intensity!

Shift - Ultra Premium Red Wine Blend, 2019 Shift comes roaring out of the glass with dark red fruits. Zinfandel brings the strawberry compote and Tempranillo balances with dark plums and structure. Syrah adds a touch of everything that’s good about food off the grill, and Petite Sirah is all about length and depth.

Apex - Ultra Premium Red Wine Blend, 2019 The 2019 pours a deeply saturated violet in the glass. Expressive aromas of dark cherries, anise, and toasted baking spices take the lead. On the palate, velvety tannins and cocoa nibs are balanced with savory cast iron details into a very long finish.

Carbon - Ultra Premium Red Wine Blend, 2018 Dark, strong, and full bodied yet approachable, Carbon comes charging off the line with opaque black color in the glass. Aromas of black cherries, licorice, and deeply toasted oak seamlessly transition to flavors of ripe plum and crushed blackberries, finishing with sculpted tannins and violet accents.

66 - Ultra Premium Chardonnay Wine Blend, 2021 66 is a Rhone-inspired blend of Chardonnay, Marsanne and Viognier. In the glass this wine shows ripe pear and honeysuckle, with coriander and clove adding detail. Juicy acidity is balanced with a touch of toasty oak and tropical fruit richness.

98 points Wine Advocate

Very deep purple-black colored, the 2013 Syrah Lorraine Vineyard emerges from the glass with the most beguiling floral and lifted black fruit notes imaginable! Strutting an incredibly sexy fragrance of roses, chocolate-covered cherries, wild blueberries, sandalwood and eucalyptus with underlying Chinese five spice, hoisin and Sichuan pepper suggestions, it hits the palate with full-bodied, rich, sultry black fruit preserves and menthol laced flavors, supported by very fine, pixelated tannins and finishing with incredible length and depth. 

95 points Decanter

Alain Serveau, Bichot's long-term winemaker, owns this parcel (lucky man) and sells the grapes to his employer, so it's almost a domaine wine. It's comparatively powerful for Les Amoureuses, with a touch of subtle reduction in barrel. Sappy, grippy and well-defined, it displays rose petal and potpourri scents, spicy berry fruit flavours, and a long, harmonious finish.

95 points Wine Spectator

Floral, cherry, raspberry, mineral and spice aromas and flavors are the hallmarks of this silky red. Graceful and persistent in a subtle way, this is long and harmonious, with the emphasis on fruit and floral elements right through the finish. A picture of finesse and detail. Best from 2025 through 2042.

97 points Vinous

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Alejandro Bulgheroni, a blend of the best barrels in the cellar, is seamless and enveloping from the very first taste. Spice, new leather, tobacco, cedar and chocolate meld into a core of black cherry/plum fruit. The winery does not disclose the vineyards in this blend, but my guess is that there is a fair bit of both To Kalon and Piedras here.

Part of the Alkina Polygon series, which are their pinnacle wines drawn from tiny blocks, this one from only 200 vines. This is a beautifully stylish example of modern Barossa Grenache where complexity and detail are prized over raw power. Bright mid cherry red in colour, it is beautifully fragrant and draws you in quickly with its haunting aromas of mixed spice and charcuterie with an earthy, mineral quality with pretty reds fruits coming along for the ride. The palate is then quite understated, but with great drive and energy, delivering dark, savoury fruits with firmish but balanced tannins helping to support a lingering finish. It has not quite all come together and really probably needs at least a couple of years in bottle to really start hitting its straps.

A deep and thoughtful wine that at the same time manages to be fresh and expressive. The nose is complex displaying red fruit, amaro hints and forest floor notes with decaying roses. The palate is awash with ripe cranberry and pomegranate and is chalky and energetic in its texture. A seamless wine with amazing ageing potential.

On the nose: Bright alluring fruit aromas of ripe black cherry, raspberry and blackberry preserves are further enhanced by notes of sarsaparilla, fig, violets, dark earth, cured bresaola and toasted French oak. On the palate: A youthful, textural mouthfeel supports intense berry and plum fruits that coalesce with flavors of cocoa, new leather, cedar and fresh forest floor. Blended 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot to create this vibrant expression of Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon. 

96 points Wine Advocate

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon ERA delivers evocative notes of crème de cassis, plum preserves and wild blueberries with touches of tobacco leaf, pencil lead, clove oil and lilacs, plus a hint of crushed rocks. Full-bodied, taut and muscular with exquisitely ripe, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness to support tightly wound flavors, it finishes long and perfumed.

98 points Vinous

Antinori’s 2018 Solaia captures all of the elegance of this important vintage. The bouquet alone is mesmerizing. It speaks to the stunning beauty and pedigree of Cabernet Sauvignon as grown at the Antinori family’s Tignanello property. Sweet scents of crème de cassis, lavender, graphite, mint, spice and espresso lead into a fine, delineated palate. Bright and energetic, Solaia is decidedly medium in body in 2018, with striking purity and exceptional beauty. I can’t remember ever tasting a young Solaia with this much sheer appeal and balance in the early going. In 2018 Solaia is 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 7% Cabernet Franc. Production is down to around 60,000 bottles because of strict selection.

97 points James Suckling

Extremely aromatic with sage, lavender, blackberries and currants. Full-bodied with chewy and very polished tannins that melt into the wine. Foursquare and slightly austere. Fresh and well framed. A wine that needs five to six years to soften and come together completely. Try after 2025.

95 points Vinous

Antinori's 2007 Tignanello is wonderfully ripe and seductive in its dark cherries, flowers, spices, tobacco, sage, cedar, mint and minerals. This is as opulent a Tignanello as I have ever tasted but there is just enough acidity and structure from the Sangiovese to keep things from going over the top. The wine's richness and warmth are such that in a blind tasting I mistook the 2007 Tignanello for a wine from Maremma! The dense, muscular fruit follows through to an impeccable finish with no hard edges and impossibly fine, silky tannins. Simply put, the 2007 is a magnificent Tignanello.

98 points Vinous

Antinori's 2010 Tignanello is stunning, as it has been since I started tasting the component wines in 2011. Firm yet sweet, silky tannins form the backbone for this gorgeous, vivid wine. Dark red cherries, plums, cloves, mint and sage inform a Tignanello that impresses for its delineation, nuance and power. Clean, saline notes support the mineral-drenched finish. The 2010 isn't huge, but rather is a vertical wine endowed with tremendous energy and vibrancy. I can't remember a Tignanello with this much crystalline tension and pure energy. Simply put, the 2010 Tignanello is a magnificent, towering wine from Antinori.

98 points Wine Advocate

First made in 1971, this legendary Italian wine now celebrates its 50th birthday. Happy Birthday, Tignanello! The Marchesi Antinori 2021 Tignanello (made with 79% Sangiovese, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc) pulls on all the heartstrings. To be released in May, the wine shows a quintessentially pretty taste profile with tart fruit flavors, redcurrant, tea leaf, heritage rose, crushed white pepper, licorice, nutmeg, clove and chopped mint. It opens slowly to reveal more richness and exuberance with time, becoming downright voluptuous and heady a short while later. The through line, however, remains the bright freshness and minerality of Sangiovese. Compared to the 2018 vintage (which I also loved), this vintage has more overall fruit weight and volume.

WINE SPECTATOR #3 WINE OF THE YEAR

OWC Box Included

98 points James Suckling

This is very vinous with aromas of iron, strawberries, old roses and geraniums. So aromatic. Full-bodied, really intense and layered with super dryness and depth. Lots of saline and spicy character at the end, such as clove and pepper, as well as hints of flowers and melted butter. Strawberry tart at the end. 17% in aged oak casks. Blend of 55% pinot noir from six villages (Mareuil sur Ay, Ay, Bouzy, Ambonnay, Verzenay and Verzy) and 45% chardonnay from three Grand Crus (Mesnil sur Oger, Cramant and Chouilly). 9% of the blend is red wine from a parcel in the village of Mareuil sur Ay. Bottled June 2009 and disgorged July 2019. Drink or hold.

95 points Decanter

James Doidge MW: Fresh, lifted berry aromas, strawberry and blackcurrant flavours with mint, coffee and chocolate. Medium-bodied, fresh acidity, well balanced and refreshingly elegant. Stefan Neumann MS: Concentration with some serious power and drive. Blue and black berry perfume does a lovely job of taking over on the palate and adding complexity and energy to it. (Panel Tasting)

96 points Wine Spectator

This has the vivid, driven cassis, boysenberry and blackberry fruit of the vintage, but it's well-harnessed, with streaks of racy anise, alder and sweet bay leaf providing focus and precision. There's a long echo of iron and savory through the finish as the fruit lingers, leaving a mouthwatering feel. Understated in style compared with its colleagues, but no less complex.

93 points Wine Advocate

The 2016 Hamel Family Ranch Red Wine (mainly Cabernet Sauvignon) is deep ruby-purple and scented of crème de cassis, graphite, black cherry pie, vanilla bean and sweet spices with notes of earth, dried herbs and blueberries. The full-bodied, rich, powerful palate gives up intense, minerally fruit, with a muscular tannic frame and good freshness to counter the long, dense finish. Give this time in bottle—it should age well.

99 points Jeb Dunnuck

A big step up over the 2003, the 2005 Harlan Estate is still youthful and vibrant with incredible purity and elegance, as well as a huge, opulent, sweetly fruited, irresistible style. Blackberries, blueberries, violets, spring flowers, lead pencil and a remarkable minerality all emerge from this sensational wine that has sweet, present tannin, no hard edges, and a great, great finish.

96 points Wine Advocate

In a vintage that played to its strengths, the terrific 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Martha's Vineyard is a cool, gently herbal wine, loaded with black cherries and cassis, with just a touch of licorice. It's medium to full-bodied, rich and velvety without being heavy at all, concentrated and intense, with a long, tannic but ripe finish.

100 points Wine Advocate

Deep garnet-purple, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Wraith drifts effortlessly out of the glass with compelling scents of Morello cherries, boysenberry preserves and blackcurrant pastilles, plus hints of unsmoked cigars, wild sage, underbrush and pencil shavings. The taut, tightly packed, muscular, full-bodied palate quakes with energy, supported by beautifully ripe, grainy tannins, finishing incredibly long and provocatively perfumed. So lively and layered, this Wraith perfectly captures the captivating vibrancy of this great, great vintage!