#1
DUNN VINEYARDS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY, HOWELL MOUNTAIN
‘EL CAMINO’ 2018
$300 | 100 POINTS
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When it comes to tradition and world-class winemaking in Napa Valley, not many producers come to mind before Dunn. Today, Randy and Mike Dunn continue to live up to that reputation with each and every vintage. The wines are always some of the most impressive we taste, but every now and then we taste one that is extraordinary. That is the case with the 2018 ‘El Camino’ Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. This is an extremely spectacular bottling, and only the second time the they have released the ‘El Camino’. While this won’t be as available as the traditional Napa Valley or Howell Mountain releases, it more than worth the effort to track one down. This is an utterly stunning wine from this legendary Howell Mountain winery.
#2
CHATEAU PALMER
MARGAUX 2019
$350 | 99 POINTS
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Located in the heart of Margaux, Chateau Palmer is one of the premier estates in all of Bordeaux. The chateau has a rich history in the region and a reputation that backs that as well. At Chateau Palmer they are committed to that tradition, but also look for ways to innovate and improve without jeopardizing their respect to the land and the centuries of viticulture and vinifications. The 2019 vintage was remarkable for the Chateau, and the result is evident in the wine. This is a wine that collectors will want to have at least one bottle of in the cellar, as it is a sensational release that flirts with perfection now, but will go on to age beautifully over the coming decades.
#3
REALM CELLARS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY, OAKVILLE
BECKSTOFFER TO KALON 2019
$350 | 99 POINTS
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Realm cellars is recognized as one the benchmark producers and one of the most collectible wines in Napa Valley. They consistently produce world-class wines across their entire portfolio range and strives for perfection with every wine. Winemaker Benoit Touquette makes sure the proof is in the product, as their wines regularly top the charts every year. There is no exception with their 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Beckstoffer To Kalon vineyard, which is one of Napa most iconic and historic sites, located in the heart of Oakville and commonly referred to as the ’Tenderloin of Napa’. The 2019 is a monumental wine that left a lasting impression and was one of the most impressive wines we tasted all year. It is a certainly a must have for lovers of modern Napa Valley Cabernet.
#4
PIERRE-YVES COLIN-MOREY
MEURSAULT CHARMES 1ER 2019
$250 | 97 POINTS
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After working with his father Marc Colin for more than a decade, Pierre-Yves Colin established his own label in 2005. Since then, Pierre-Yves Colin Morey ( better known as PYCM) has taken the wine world by storm and risen to become not only one of Burgundy’s premier producers, but one of the top producers in the entire world. Now with his sons joining him, things have come full-circle and the wines are as stunning as ever across the entire portfolio. Whether it is one of his more accessible wine from Saint-Aubin or one of his Grand Cru bottling’s, there is never a disappointing moment when the cork is pulled on a bottle of PYCM. The 2019 Meursault Charmes is a wine that certainly lives up to that statement, as it is truly a stunning wine that delivers the quality and pedigree we have all grown to love from PYCM over the years.
#5
CAYUSE
SYRAH, WALLA WALLA
‘BIONIC FROG’ 2019
$120 | 100 POINTS
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What more can we say about the winemaking of Christophe Baron. Year after year his wines are recognized amongst the best in the world and they have even earned a spot as our #1 Wine of the Year back in 2017 with the 2014 ‘God Only Knows’ Grenache. His wines have continued on an upward trajectory, and his recent release of the 2019 ‘Bionic Frog’ Syrah has set a new bar, even for Christophe. The wine is simply striking and one if the finest expressions of Syrah readers will find from anywhere in the world. Anyone lucky enough to have a bottle of this in their collection should be thrilled, as it is truly a special wine.
#6
TENUTA SAN GUIDO
BOLGHERI SASSICAIA
'SASSICAIA' 2019
$250 | 100 POINTS
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When the conversation comes up about iconic Italian wine, it usually starts with Sassicaia, which is one of, if not the most recognized wine from Italy. Steeped with so much history, it has it own region named after it, DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia. 2019 was a remarkable vintage for Sassicaia, the wine was as impressive as any from the past decade, including the highly praised 2015 and 2016. However, the 2019 Stands out on its own, the elegant and refined expression is accessible now, but it’s also a wine built to age for decades. The quality winemaking, exceptional terroir, and long tradition, are all part of the reason Sassicaia has earned its iconic reputation, and the 2019 is a testament to that.
#7
PIERRE PETERS
CHAMPAGNE BRUT
‘CUVÉE SPÉCIALE LES CHÉTILLONS’ 2015
$150 | 98 POINTS
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The wines of Pierre Peters are always some of most adored wines from Champagne, and the ‘Les Chétillons’ Blanc de Blancs is always one the most sought after releases. Located in the Grand Cru village of Les Mesnil sur Oger. Rodolphe Peters has run the estate since 2008 and the wines have been as fabulous as ever. ‘Les Chétillons’ stands out for its finely tuned precision, focus and overall quality of fruit, which is evident in every bottle. Year after year the ‘Les Chétillons’ is one of the finest wines from Champagne, but the 2015 was extraordinary and also comes from an excellent vintage that is turning out to look a very special year for Champagne. ‘Les Chétillons’ may be difficult to find due to its limited production and high demand, but this is a vintage that you will certainly want to be on the look out for.
#8
FE WINES
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY, SPRING MOUNTAIN 2019
$175 | 100 POINTS
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There is a new kid on the block when it comes to high-end Napa Valley Cabernet. FE wines, on only its second vintage has burst on to the scene, and now with a perfect 100 point score on its resume things are only looking brighter. Fe’s winemaking duties are lead by Aaron Pott, who has the reputation as one of Napa valley’s premier winemakers. Aaron has now produced two consecutive exceptional vintages for Fe. The 2019 looks to be even just as if not more impressive then the outstanding 2018, which came out on top in a blind “tournament style” tasting held by our team of writers where it faced some stiff competition, including the high-rated 2018 releases from Opus One, Dominus, Diamond Creek, Spottswoode, Tusk, Schrader and Kinsman Eades. Fe is on an incredible trajectory and this is a wine that should be on everyone’s radar.
#9
CASANOVA DI NERI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO ‘CERRETALTO’ 2016
$350 | 100 POINTS
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The Neri family is a leading producer in Montalcino and the list is very short when it comes to wines that have received as many high accolades as Casanova di Neri’s Cerretalto brunello de Montalcino. The Neri family produce some of the best wines from Montalcino, and all of Italy for that matter, and the Cerretalto brunello is the crown jewel. 2016 was an exceptional vintage in Montalcino and the Neri’s excelled with all their releases. However, there was something extra special about Cerretalto, it stood out amongst the rest showing all the components of a perfect wine. this is a fantastic wine to tuck away in the cellar and watch it age gracefully for years to come.
#10
REYNVAAN
WHITE WINE, THE ROCKS
‘QUEENS ROAD WHITE’ 2019
$70 | 96 POINTS
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Washington isn’t well-known for their white wines, but Matt Reynvaan is changing that perception quickly with the striking white wines that he produces out of Walla Walla, Washington. The Queen’s Road White Wine is a Rhone style white which gifts a perfect full-bodied blend of Viognier and Marsanne that is richly textured and flaunts wonderful characteristics of apricot, honey, and wet stone minerality notes. Matt Reynvaan is a benchmark producer in the region and this is a truly magical wine that everyone should have the chance to experience.