2020 Thierry Laffay Chablis Burgundy France

2020 Thierry Laffay Chablis Burgundy France

with No Comment $30-$40BurgandyChablisFranceKevin Vogt

Thierry Laffay

Chablis 2020
Burgundy, France

2020 Thierry Laffay Chablis Burgundy France

Nestled amidst the serene slopes of the Serein River Valley, the vineyards of Chablis flourish upon a rare and storied terroir: Kimmeridgian marl, a sedimentary clay rich in limestone that imparts the wines with their signature bright, mineral character. This soil, coupled with the valley’s Atlantic-tempered climate, creates a harmonious balance. The cool air slows the ripening of the grapes, preserving the vibrant, racy acidity that defines Chablis wines.

Since 1978, Thierry Laffay has meticulously cultivated this remarkable landscape, nurturing just over 17 acres of Chardonnay. For Laffay, it’s not merely about growing grapes—it’s about embracing simplicity and authenticity and sharing the fruits of his labor. His family-run estate adheres to traditional methods, aging wines exclusively in stainless steel tanks and bottled a year after harvest, ensuring the purity of flavor. The 2020 growing season, marked by ideal weather conditions, yielded wines of exceptional quality with the potential for graceful aging.

The 2020 Thierry Laffay Chablis, a standout in recent tastings, exemplifies the brilliance of the vintage. With its vibrant acidity and elegant minerality, it showcases precisely what makes top-tier Chablis so captivating—an unforgettable expression of both land and craftsmanship.

Thierry Laffay
Chablis 2020
Burgundy, France

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“The Theirry Laffay 2020 Chablis opens with notes of chalky minerality, crushed seashells, chamomile, pears, and quince. On the palate, the wine is lively with a silky mouthfeel and flavors of golden apples, apricots, grapefruit, and lemon custard. The wine has a near-creamy texture balanced by fresh, vibrant acidity and a crisp, stony finish.”

95 Points

2020 Idi Di Marzo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Italy

2020 Idi Di Marzo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Italy

with No Comment $30 and underBrunelloItalyKevin VogtMontalcinoPiedmont

Idi Di Marzo

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Abruzzo, Italy, 2020

2020 Idi Di Marzo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Italy

The Idi di Marzo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo from De Cerchio is more than a wine; it’s a testament to the Abruzzo region’s rich viticultural heritage. Crafted from sustainably farmed Montepulciano grapes, this wine embodies the essence of the region’s rugged landscape, where vines flourish between the Adriatic coast and the Apennine Mountains. Each sip reveals the terroir’s mineral-rich soul, imparting a depth and complexity that is truly remarkable.

For four generations, the De Cerchio family has refined the art of winemaking, each vintage building upon the passion and knowledge passed down. Their commitment to excellence is evident in the 2020 Idi di Marzo, which has garnered acclaim from renowned Italian wine critics James Suckling and Luca Maroni.

The 2020 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo showcases a perfect balance of tradition and innovation, offering layers of dark fruit, spice, and earthy undertones. This wine is not merely a reflection of the land but a testament to the De Cerchio winemaking team’s passion and expertise poured into every bottle.

Idi Di Marzo
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
Abruzzo, Italy, 2020

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“The nose is savory, but in a warm, comforting way, like a mountain cabin in autumn, with aromas of chocolate, berries, leather, soil and herbs. On the palate, grilled, peppery meat underscores the herbaceousness, but lingering berries bring brightness and levity. Great value, especially considering this wine bears the top sustainable certification.”

90 Points

2020 Domus Aurea Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley

2020 Domus Aurea Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley

with No Comment $70-$80Cabernet SauvignonChileKevin VogtMaipo Valley

DOMUS AUREA

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
MAIPO VALLEY 2020

2020 Domus Aurea Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley

Clos Quebrada de Macul, a venerable Chilean vineyard founded in 1970, is nestled upon a rugged, low-yielding hillside that demands meticulous cultivation. Isabelle and Ricardo Peña established the estate, primarily planting Cabernet Sauvignon alongside smaller parcels of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, which flourish in this elevated, distinctive terroir. Initially, their coveted grapes were highly sought after by Chile’s premier wineries, commanding premium market prices. This success inspired the Peñas to embark on a new venture, founding their own winery.

In 1996, the Peñas introduced their inaugural vintage of Domus Aurea, which has since become the vineyard’s flagship wine and a celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon. Year after year, Domus Aurea garners international acclaim for its exceptional quality.

The 2020 vintage perpetuates this legacy, offering a wine of extraordinary power and depth. Featuring seamlessly integrated tannins, captivating complexity, and a remarkably enduring finish, it is a testament to the vineyard’s unique terroir and the expert craftsmanship of the Peña team.

DOMUS AUREA
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
MAIPO VALLEY 2020
Retails at: $90

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“Domus Aurea comes from the historic Parcela 10 at the Clos Quebrada de Macul property, near the foot of the Andes, in Maipo Alto. That 16-hectare parcel was planted in 1970, and this wine corresponds to a selection of vines that produced a warm, generous, succulent, and voluptuous wine in 2020. The nose maintains the area’s classic notes of menthol, herbs, and eucalyptus. The palate is generous in everything: in tannins, in alcohol, in tones of candied red fruits, and in herbs. This is a big and powerful mouth-filling wine.”

96 Points

2020 Pesolillo Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Filari In Costa Italy

2020 Pesolillo Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Filari In Costa Italy

with No Comment $30 and underItalyKevin Vogt

PESOLILLO

MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO
FILARI IN COSTA
ABRUZZO ITALY 2020

2020 Pesolillo Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Filari In Costa Italy

Established in 1961, the Pesolillo Estate thrives in a hilly area known as “Colle Rotondo” in the Abruzzo region of Italy, where Montepulciano is the star grape variety. There, Montepulciano flourishes from an ideal balance of sun, wind, rainfall, and clay soils, and the rules state that it makes up at least 85% of red wines labeled Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.

The estate’s southern-facing vineyards receive maximum sunlight, allowing for full ripeness, sugar development, and aromatic complexity, resulting in thrilling wines. 

The fruit for the 2020 vintage was destemmed, crushed, and fermented at controlled temperatures before spending five to six months in a combination of oak and stainless steel, ensuring a seamless integration of flavors and tannins with a delightful, velvety texture.

PESOLILLO
MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO
FILARI IN COSTA
ABRUZZO ITALY 2020

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“The wine’s creamy fruit is dense, mature, powerful, and full of blackberry and raspberry flavor. The tannins are strong and well-integrated, adding structure and complexity. The fruit and spice flavors are perfectly balanced, with a clean and refreshing finish. The alcohol is high, but not overpowering, and adds a rich, velvety texture. Overall, this is a great wine with a complex and expressive flavor profile.”

94 Points

2020 Domaine Eden Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains

2020 Domaine Eden Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains

with No Comment $30-$40Central CoastKevin VogtPinot NoirSanta CruzSanta Cruz MountainsUSA

DOMAINE EDEN

PINOT NOIR 2020
SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS

2020 Domaine Eden Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains

One of Santa Cruz Mountains’ most esteemed producers, Domaine Eden, was modeled after Mount Eden Vineyards and specializes in crafting exceptional Pinot Noir from a selection of Dijon clones 777, 667, and 828, alongside historical California clones like Mount Eden, Calera, and Swan.

Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the winery thrives in a cool climate with diverse soils ideally suited for nurturing Burgundian varieties. The vineyard team adheres to rigorous sustainable farming practices, yielding limited yet intensely concentrated fruit that embodies the region’s identity. 

With a commitment to purity and site expression, the wines of Domaine Eden undergo fermentation with indigenous yeast, remaining unfined and unfiltered. The 2020 vintage emerges as a standout expression, capturing the region’s essence and delivering a beautifully harmonious fusion of fruit, earth, and minerality.

DOMAINE EDEN
PINOT NOIR 2020
SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS
Retails at: $45

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“Fresh, with raspberry, damson plum and blood orange notes, carried by finely beaded acidity and backed by rooibos tea and savory notes through the lively finish. Shows taut underlying grip too, giving this a touch of old school. Drink now through 2030.”

91 Points

2020 Dolum Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Cask #3 Oakville Napa Valley

2020 Dolum Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Cask #3 Oakville Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

DOLUM ESTATES

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
CASK #3 OAKVILLE
NAPA VALLEY 2020

2020 Dolum Estates Cabernet Sauvignon Cask #3 Oakville Napa Valley

Dedicated to crafting wines of distinctive character that encompass elegance while effectively reflecting their terroir, Dolum Estate founders enlisted the expertise of winemaker Chad Alexander. Chad’s expertise in soil science and prior experience at renowned wineries, including Hess Collection and Robert Craig, have achieved their objective, resulting in wines with rich, well-balanced flavors and a sense of refinement.

Dolum Estates sources fruit from carefully chosen sub-districts scattered across Napa Valley, and this highly selective approach results in exceptional wines.

The 2020 Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon Cask #3 is supple and rich, coming in at 96% Cabernet Sauvignon with 4% Merlot to slightly soften and round out the mid-palate, which ends with an everlasting finish.

DOLUM ESTATES
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
CASK #3 OAKVILLE
NAPA VALLEY 2020
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“Attractive aromas of blackcurrants and brambleberries with toasted cedar, anisette, cinnamon and tobacco leaf. Ripe and mellow on the palate with a full body and an array of plush, finely polished tannins. Complex and refined with a succulent, bittersweet, dark-fruited finish. Better after 2026.”

95 Points

2020 Erikson And Caradin Cabernet Sauvignon Bilateral Napa Valley

2020 Erikson And Caradin Cabernet Sauvignon Bilateral Oakville Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOakvilleUSA

ERIKSON & CARADIN 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
BILATERAL 2020
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY

2020 Erikson And Caradin Cabernet Sauvignon Bilateral Napa Valley

Erikson & Caradin is a small, innovative winery in Napa Valley that is committed to producing fine wines with a handcrafted approach. The proprietors believe that soil, elevation, and climate play crucial roles in winemaking but that expertise and ambition can take wine to the next level.

The winery’s Innovative Series explores different vine training methods, and the “Bilateral” wine celebrates bilaterally-trained Cabernet Sauvignon vines grown in Oakville. The fruit for the 2020 vintage came from a vineyard across from Screaming Eagle, one of Napa’s most renowned wineries. The bilateral viticultural practices used in this vineyard resulted in grapes with great intensity and concentration, which is reflected in the finished wine.

The 2020 Bilateral Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerful and complex wine with intense flavors and a balanced structure that will surely please Cabernet Sauvignon lovers.

ERIKSON & CARADIN 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
BILATERAL 2020
OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY

Retails at: $140

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“The Erikson & Caradin 2020 Bilateral Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon has fragrant aromas of blueberry pie, black currants, elegant florals, fresh sage, and milk chocolate. The palate continues with ripe blackberries, black plums, Bing cherries, mocha, hints of allspice, and a touch of sweet vanilla. The seamless, lingering palate is very supple, with satiny tannins and a long, refined finish.”

95+ Points

2020 Sor Ugo Super Tuscan Bolgheri Superiore Aia Vecchia Winery

2020 Sor Ugo Super Tuscan Bolgheri Superiore Aia Vecchia Winery

with No Comment $40-$50ItalyKevin VogtProprietary RedTuscany

SOR UGO

SUPER TUSCAN 2020
BOLGHERI SUPERIORE
AIA VECCHIA WINERY

2020 Sor Ugo Super Tuscan Bolgheri Superiore Aia Vecchia Winery
The Pellegrini family members have been prominent growers in Tuscany for several generations, selling their fruit to other wineries, and after replanting their vineyards in 1995, they established their portfolio of small-lot Super Tuscan blends focusing on Bordeaux grape varieties. The Aia Vecchia estate, named after an ancient building standing in the center of the property, is located near the Tyrrhenian coast with a favorable microclimate combined with ideal soils for producing stunning wines. 
 
The Bolgheri DOC, home to Italian legends Ornellaia, Sassicaia, and Tignanello, was established in 1994 but previously gained recognition under the Super Tuscan monikerbecause producers in the region were defying the Italian wine laws by incorporating international varieties, particularly those from Bordeaux. 
 
The Aia Vecchia 2020 Sor Ugo is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, aged 18 months in barriques, plus another six months in the bottle, resulting in a richly layered, powerful red with stunning complexity.
 
SOR UGO
SUPER TUSCAN 2020
BOLGHERI SUPERIORE
AIA VECCHIA WINERY
 
 
 
“The 2020 Sor Ugo is packed with blackberry, cloves, leather, menthol, licorice and chocolate. Rich and resonant in the glass, with tons of energy, Sor Ugo has plenty to offer. The substantial, expansive finish is especially of note. I would prefer to drink this over the next decade or so.”
93 Points
2020 Jayson by Pahlmeyer Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

2020 Jayson by Pahlmeyer Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

with No Comment $90-$100Atlas PeakCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

JAYSON BY PAHLMEYER

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2020

2020 Jayson by Pahlmeyer Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Jason Pahlmeyer was drawn to the rugged terroir of Atlas Peak over 35 years ago to grow grapes with the intense concentration and soulful structure that comes from mountain-grown fruit. His wines became an instant success, and over the years, Pahlmeyer Winery has attracted some of California’s most accomplished winemakers, beginning with Randy Dunn in the inaugural 1986 vintage, followed by Bob Levy of Harlan Estate and Helen Turley, with Katie Vogt taking the reins in 2019.
 
Notably, in the 2020 vintage, the small crop of estate Cabernet Sauvignon typically intended for their flagship wine, Pahlmeyer Red ($240 retail), went into this year’s Jayson Cabernet Sauvignon. Due to the limited yield, winemaker Katie Vogt decided not to produce Pahlmeyer Red and, instead, create a wine with exceptional character and undeniable prestige for a fraction of the price.
 
JAYSON BY PAHLMEYER
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 2020
 
 
 
“Aromas of blackcurrant, sliced plum, coriander and cardamom. Full-bodied with silky tannins. Nicely concentrated, without being overblown. Sweet spice and black fruit wash over the palate, with some black-tea notes coming through as well. I like the subtlety here. Drink or hold.”
93 Points
2020 Andre Brunel Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Les Cailloux

2020 Andre Brunel Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Les Cailloux

with No Comment $50-$60Chateauneuf-Du-PapeFranceKevin VogtRhone Valley

ANDRÉ BRUNEL

CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
LES CAILLOUX 2020

2020 Andre Brunel Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Les Cailloux
This historic estate was established in the 17th century when André Brunel’s family purchased a vineyard plot from the Bishop of Avignon. André took over the reins of this estate in 1971, and his son Fabrice joined the winemaking team in 2012, keeping the family legacy alive by pursuing quality with the highest regard and respect for the environment.
 
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is notorious for its large, round pebbles that absorb the sun’s energy, radiating warmth throughout the night, allowing the grapes to achieve ideal ripeness and incredible complexity. “Les Cailloux” gets its name from the pebbles.
 
The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wine blends 70% Grenache with Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Cinsault from sixty-year-old vines. The 2020 vintage is drinking beautifully now and will continue to delight for the next decade.
 
ANDRÉ BRUNEL
CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
LES CAILLOUX 2020
Retails at: $65
 
 
 
“This traditional style Chateauneuf has a complex nose of leather, dry earth, candied orange peel and licorice. More red-berry fruit on the expansive yet delicate palate, where there’s a wonderful interplay of super-fine tannins and restrained richness through the very long, silky finish. Drink or hold.”
94 Points