Reviews

Browse the most recent reviews about producers.

Champagne Ayala Brut Majeur

Champagne

July 09, 2026 - Ayala Brut Majeur perfectly embodies the Chardonnay-focused style of Ayala. This cuvée achieves balance and finesse through low dosage, stainless-steel vinification, and three years of aging on lees. Made from over 70 crus across Champagne’s key regions, including the Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, and Vallée de la Marne, each cru is fermented separately in 120 stainless-steel vats, preserving its unique characteristics. The result is a Champagne of exceptional complexity, capturing the richness and diversity of the region’s terroirs.

90

Wine Spectator - November 30, 2025 "Chiseled acidity is well-integrated with the creamy mousse, plus flavors of wild strawberry and cherry, honey-roasted almond and candied pink grapefruit zest in this vibrant Champagne, with a lasting, mineral-driven…

90

Wine Advocate - October 24, 2024 "Based on the 2020 vintage, complemented with 42% of réserve wines from 2016 to 2019, the NV Brut Majeur offers up a fresh, minty bouquet of lemon oil, pear, white…

90

Wine and Spirits - December 01, 2023

90

Vinous - December 01, 2015 "Dried pear, hazelnut, spice and licorice notes open up in a pretty, toasted NV Champagne to drink now and over the next few years. The Pinot comes through loud and…

Champagne Ayala Rosé Majeur

Champagne

July 09, 2026 - Rosé Majeur is the perfect embodiment of the originality and finesse of the House’s wines. Made predominantly from Chardonnay, it is crafted with the addition of a small proportion of Pinot Noir from the best crus of the Montagne de Reims. A low dosage enables it to express the House style, both feminine and generous, with great elegance. The very high proportion of Chardonnay and the aging process result in a Champagne with remarkable finesse. It ages on the lees for three years, which is more than twice that is required by the appellation.

93

Wine Spectator - November 30, 2025 "Fresh and harmonious, this well-tailored rosé Champagne integrates a rich vein of chalky minerality and finely honed acidity with the raw silk–like mousse and a lovely range of crunchy white…

90

Wine Advocate - October 24, 2024 "the NV Rosé Majeur Brut reveals aromas of red berries, pomegranate, grapefruit and raspberries. Moderately weighted, incisive and taut, it's delicately juicy with a long, saline finish."

90

Vinous - March 01, 2024 "The NV Brut Rosé Majeur is bright, punchy and super-expressive right out of the gate. Floral and mineral accents give this mid-weight Rosé notable verve. Grapefruit, crushed rocks, mint and…

Château Recougne Rouge 2022

Bordeaux Superieur

July 08, 2026 - Legend has it that Château Recougne earned its name in “recognition” by Henri IV in the early 1600s. Wine has been made here for 400 years, yet the estate feels more relevant than ever. As Bordeaux shifts toward freshness and balance, Recougne has quietly stayed the course, producing pure, energetic wines with red and black fruit and earthy complexity. Bottles from the 1950s and ’60s still drink beautifully. Today, fourth-generation winemaker Marc Milhade carries the torch, focusing on vineyard work and maintaining a low-intervention approach in the cellar.

90

James Suckling - January 23, 2025 "Ripe dark berries, ground cloves and licorice on the nose, with a subtle stony character. Tight and chewy, with a medium body, firm tannins and a bitter, spiced, walnuty finish."

Poggio al Tufo Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Maremma

July 07, 2026 - The Poggio al Tufo Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Rompicollo vineyard in Pitigliano, a town near the Tuscan coast known for its volcanic soil which contains a high concentration of tufo, a particular type of volcanic rock. The wine is a deep ruby red and opens with complex aromas of blackberry jam, black pepper, licorice, vanilla, and balsamic herbs. The palate is enveloping and full-bodied, with velvety tannins integrated with a pleasant freshness.

93

James Suckling - June 24, 2026 "Savory and structured, showing tobacco, dried herbs and cedar layered over blackcurrants and dark cherries. Medium- to full-bodied with compact, chalky tannins and a firm, lingering finish."

91

Wine Enthusiast - June 01, 2026 "This wine has bold velvety layers that show bing cherry, green bell pepper, and wild herb. The palate feels soft and powerful with its tannins that hold onto flavors of…

90

Wine Spectator - June 01, 2026 "This red is expressive, offering black currant, blackberry, violet, mineral, tobacco and bell pepper aromas and flavors. Lithe and supple, yet with a line of dense tannins underneath."

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2020

Abruzzo

July 06, 2026 - Villa Gemma Montepulciano Riserva is the wine that put Abruzzo on the map, becoming the iconic benchmark for the region’s potential. In 2000, this wine was awarded "Best Wine in Italy" by Gambero Rosso, marking the first time a Montepulciano had received this distinction, and it has also earned 14 consecutive Tre Bicchieri awards. Villa Gemma showcases the extraordinary depth and complexity of Montepulciano from this area. Rich, ripe fruit is complemented by layers of black and dried fruits, spices, and mineral notes. In a word, this wine is legendary.

94

James Suckling - July 26, 2025 "Deep wine with intense aromas of 70% chocolate, smoky wood and earthy oak bark. Bramble fruits also emerge. Medium- to full-bodied, it shows rich licorice flavors on the palate, complemented…

93

Vinous - May 08, 2025 "Dusty violet and lavender tones blend with wild blueberry and a whiff of crushed stone as the 2020 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Villa Gemma evolves in the glass. This smoothes over…

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