90+ Point Wines: 2020

Opening to earthy tones of brimstone and petrichor, the Altesino 2020 Brunello di Montalcino shows the character of a house style that is easily recognized. This elegant wine offers a polished and smooth mouthfeel with finely... Read More

This is a traditional Australian shiraz in the best sense, with a wealth of black, red and ripe orange fruit. Deep and rich, with a stunningly fine tannin structure and a lovely blood orange freshness at the long, structured and... Read More

The 2020 Reserva Única comes from the COVID-19 (and mildew) year and tries to combine the primary character with the complexity of the older wines. It's mostly from one vineyard that has some Graciano (maybe 3%) that... Read More

Fine oak spices and cocoa powder to the ripe cherries, cassis, black cherries and warm stones. Full-bodied and polished on the palate with tightly wound tannins that seep through the compact fruit. Good balance between tight structure... Read More

A fruity and mellow red with dark berries and mild spices on the nose, as well as hints of blood orange and moist earth. Medium-bodied with a juicy, slightly fluid mid-palate and silky tannins. Spiced and mineral on the finish.... Read More

Darkly alluring, the 2020 Nobile di Montepulciano lifts from the glass with rosemary and sage, complicating dried black cherries and hints of dark chocolate. This is pure elegance, soft and enveloping, flaunting its ripe vintage... Read More

This Barolo is a warm day walking through a forest, discovering the last of the ripe cherries hanging on the tree. The aroma of these lush cherries is complemented by a delightful contrast of floral notes and fresh green herbal... Read More

Roasted herbs, olives, black plums and licorice on the nose. It’s medium- to full-bodied, with savory and spicy undertones and fleshy tannins.

Fresh, vibrant and juicy with elegant oak tones that waft from the glass, the 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain is instantly impressive. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is mineral-driven with succulent oak and brown baking... Read More

So much purity and definition, this is a beautiful wine with clarity of flavour. Touches of grilled almond and rosemary, mocha, smoke and coffee bean, there is so much freshness, with juice rushing in between the muscles and a... Read More

This estate has produced a densely textured wine, rich in tannins and packed with dark, concentrated black fruits. There is a muscular character, structured and with fine promise for longterm aging.
Barrel Sample: 92-94... Read More

A profound wine with vibrancy and complexity, exuding restrained cherries and raspberries, together with touches of ash and fresh orange peel. Leafiness and meaty minerality add an extra dimension. The attack is lush and ripe,... Read More

The 2020 Brunello di Montalcino Pianrosso (with 43,000 bottles made along with some larger formats) is a little overdone in my opinion in terms of ripeness and its powerful 15.5% alcoholic content. The bouquet reveals dark fruit... Read More

There is a rustic, iron-like, rugged quality to this full-bodied and firmly tannic wine that will mellow somewhat with time. But enjoy it for the balsam, tar and red cherry aromas that lead to a meaty, mineral palate. Best from... Read More

A polished, full-bodied cabernet that has an inviting array of ripe plums, black cherries, olives and sweet spices on the nose. It’s firm and well-structured with a sturdy tannin frame and a compact core of dark fruit. Drink... Read More

Dark fruits and wild cherries take center stage, their hightoned notes captivating the senses and intermingling with enticing spices. The mouthfilling palate is well-crafted, showcasing a harmonious balance between the abundance... Read More

Herbal and well-detailed on the nose, the 2020 Barolo boasts a medium ruby hue and opens with notes of fresh rosemary, juniper, cranberries, menthol, and dried roses. Medium-bodied, it’s lifted with bright acidity, fine,... Read More

A discrete and savory nose of blackcurrants, tobacco leaves, coffee beans and dried herbs. The palate is full-bodied with silky tannins, bright acidity and notes of dark cherries, olives and beets. A blend of 83% cabernet sauvignon,... Read More

A cascade of violets and lavender give way to stone dust, crushed chalk and blackberries as the 2020 Brunello di Montalcino blossoms in the glass. Cool-toned, soft and plain, this displays sleek red and black fruits, guided by... Read More

A classical, typical Rioja Alta red with elegant notes of vanilla, coconut, smoked spices and strawberries. Refined and suave, with fine tannins and a long, creamy finish. Juicy and elegant. Really approachable now, but give it... Read More

Mulberries, cooked plums, stewed strawberries and cinnamon stick on the nose. Fruity and full-bodied with stemmy tannins. Ripe while retaining tangy zesty elements and spicy complexity. Drink now.

This is a smashing deal every vintage, and this year's blend of 58% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre and 3% Tempranillo doesn't disappoint. Fresh but savory aromas of roasted red fruit and baking spice drop into... Read More

This has a toasty character with hints of cardamom, cloves and crushed walnuts with ripe red fruit, plum skins and red flowers in the background. It’s full-bodied with firm, chalky tannins and steady acidity to give it freshness.... Read More

Bright and fruity, offering cherry, strawberry, rose and Mediterranean scrub flavors. Shows no shortage of structure, remaining balanced and long. Reveals tobacco and mineral elements on the finish. Best from 2025 through 2042.... Read More

Savory and complex nose with a meaty, earthy undertone to the orange rind, iron, baking spices, leather and ripe plums. Juicy and firm on the palate with a medium to full body and abundant, mealy tannins. Long and caressing finish.... Read More