2017
Anwilka Red Blend 2017
"Riding the line between the New World and Old World expressions, the 2017 Anwilka begins with aromas of dusty blackberry, ripe plum, cedar and cigar spice before notions of graphite, sage and wet river rocks waft from the glass. Medium to full-bodied, it has a ripe yet rustic mouthfeel, energetic acidity and fine-grained tannins that lift the mid-palate. As the wine sits in the mouth, it continues to somersault and reveal its elegance and complexity over the persistent and elongated finish. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot rested for 19 months in French oak, of which 50% were first fill. It's drinking great now, but just give it one more year in the bottle and drink through the middle of the next decade." - Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate
Poggio di Sotto Brunello di Montalcino 2017
"Made with certified-organic fruit, the 2017 Brunello di Montalcino is an impossibly graceful wine from a challenging vintage. This bottle defies the odds—and the dry heat of the growing season—to reveal soft layers of cherry, cassis and more vibrant fruit. It glides clear over the palate with silky momentum, and you only notice the tannins at the very end. Even those should soften and integrate as this collectible wine continues it bottle evolution. Production is 19,000 bottles." - Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate
Keermont Pondokrug Cabernet Franc 2017
"Pondokrug sits on the cooler side of the valley and is located on water-retaining clay soils, this is a site that's “hammered by the wind and the baboons", according to Alex Starey. Fermented with 10% whole bunches, this is textured, floral and refined, with lovely oregano and dill aromas, granular tannins and racy black fruit." - Tim Atkin MW
Keermont Topside Syrah 2017
Keermont Single Vineyard Series Topside Syrah 2017, "Topside is all made with the 470 clone and hails from a single vineyard with a westerly aspect that sees very little sunshine in the mornings. Denser and firmer than its stablemate Steepside, this a dark, inky, brooding Syrah with fig, damson and Asian spice flavours and lots of stony grip." - Tim Atkin MW
Keermont Steepside Syrah 2017
"The 2017 Syrah Single Vineyard Series Steepside is matured for 20 months in seasoned oak. There is a slight reduction on the nose with dark berry fruit and light violet scents. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, well balanced and definitely a more elegant and understated Syrah with long and tender finish. Lovely." - Neal Martin, Vinous
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Grand Cru “Chambertin” 2017
Domaine Bouchard Père et Fils Chambertin Grand Cru 2017, "Deep and intense on the nose developing flavours of fruit and spice entwined with subtle oaky hints. Perfect marriage between grace and liveliness, strength and finesse. A superb wine displaying exceptional persistence and of great ageing potential. " - Winemaker's notes
Domaine Bouchard Père & Fils Grand Cru “Chambertin-Clos de Bèze” 2017
"From the same grape supplier as Chapelle-Chambertin. Here the colour is a little bit fresher and the nose too is not so uniformly black – more a dark red approach. This retains some elegance, with a classy full-bodied red fruit across the piece, some subtlety to the detail, ripe coulis de framboise, a faint appearance of acidity and very good length. A little limestone coolness behind. More discretion, which is to be welcomed." -Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy
Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits-Saint-Georges “La Perrière” Premier Cru 2017
Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits-Saint-Georges “La Perrière” Premier Cru 2017, "Residual hints of the malolactic fermentation, sulfur and wood are all that are discernible today. Otherwise the sleeker and more mineral-driven flavors possess lovely drive on the intense, focused, linear and serious finish. Note that my rating assumes that the nose will clean up as the sulfur and wood are absorbed." - Allen Meadows, Burghound
