Giacomo Fenocchio Roero Arneis 2023
Giacomo Fenocchio Barolo Cannubi 2021
Giacomo Fenocchio Barolo Cannubi 2021
The wine is described as elegant rather than overtly muscular — refinement and finesse are emphasized (rather than sheer power).
Aromatic complexity is strong: violets, red cherries, strawberry/raspberry, herbs and forest floor/earth.
Texture is composed of ripe yet structured tannins, good acidity and a “chiseled” build that signals long-term potential.
Several critics highlight a “nervous energy” or tension in the finish — a sign of ageworthy Nebbiolo from a top Crus like Cannubi.
The finish is firm: with grip, defined tannins, mineral/earthy undertones, citrus/blood-orange lift.
James Suckling: 95 pts — “A restrained Barolo with red currants, red cherries, bright violets and a balsamic touch on the nose. More elegant than powerful… medium- to full-bodied with thick yet ripe tannins, crisp acidity and cherry stones in the finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2027.”
Jeb Dunnuck: 95 pts — “Lovely floral and fruity perfume with raspberry liqueur, wild strawberries, fresh violets, candied licorice… moves to a juicy, somewhat approachable feel then a more compact structure and energy through the mid-palate and finish. Refreshing acidity, well-defined ripe tannins, and a nice element of nervous energy … aging ability unmistakable.”
Kerin O’Keefe: 95 pts — “Rose, camphor, forest floor and spice aromas shape the fragrant nose… full-bodied, ripe Morello cherry, strawberry compote, blood orange and star anise… taut, close-grained tannins give the finish grip. Give this time to fully unwind. Drink 2031-?.”
Vinous (Antonio Galloni): 95 pts — “Aromatic and lifted, 2021 is classic Cannubi. Bright acids cut through a core of sweet red-toned fruit, mint, orange peel, cinnamon and new leather. This chiseled, nuanced Barolo is a winner.”
Decanter: 94 pts — “Based in Monforte d’Alba but bottled from the family’s 0.5ha slice in Cannubi Boschis… Striking scents of rhubarb compote, cherry bark, toasted hazelnut and warm, dusty earth. Full, dense and even a bit chewy… tannins build with dry, sandy texture, crisp citrus-acid finish. Certainly requires cellaring.”
Petrolo Galatrona 2022
Petrolo Galatrona 2022 is a 100% Merlot from Tuscany, Italy, noted for its attractive and approachable style. It is a medium- to full-bodied wine with tasting notes of dark berries, plum, lavender, spice, and hints of orange peel. The vintage is praised for its freshness, with fine tannins and a long finish, although some critics note it may lack the depth of top vintages.
Varietal: 100% Merlot
James Suckling, 100 points
“The floral aromas are spellbinding, with violets, lilacs, orange peel, raspberries, rose petals, and some oranges. It’s medium- to full-bodied with crunchy and open-grain tannins that are creamy and caressing. It’s endless in the finish. Crunchy and energetic. A wine that is thoughtful and gives you such great pleasure. Such purity. It’s like eating perfectly ripened grape must. Pure Merlot. Drinkable in many ways, but will come together beautifully. A new reference point for Merlot in Italy. Drink after 2028.”
Bouchard Finlayson Crocodile Lair 2023
Sleek and refined, a most enjoyable spicy lemon drop aroma announces white peach, nectarine and pear on the palate. A refreshing salinity graces a lasting finish.
James Suckling – 93 Points
“A complex, elegant and cedary Chardonnay with attractive aromas of flint, lemon peel, cedar, white apricots, and macadamia nuts. Medium- to full-bodied with a creamy texture and plenty of freshness in a long finish. Drink or hold.”
Tignanello 2022
Tignanello 2022 a flagship wine from Antinori is intensely ruby red in color with purple hues. The wine opens impressively with aromas of cherries, ripe black cherries and pomegranate seeds with delicate notes of violets that lead to fresh balsamic hints. The bouquet is completed by elegant hints of vanilla and cotton candy. Supple savory tannins impart a dynamic impact on the palate, dense yet fresh. The wine closes with a lengthy finish that echoes aromas perceived on the nose.
✅ Critical Scores & Highlights
James Suckling gives it 96 points, commenting:
“There’s extraordinary energy in this wine. It displays a dark nose of black cherries, bramble fruit, violets, forest, licorice, bark, carob and leather. Density and tension dominate the full-bodied palate, with firm, velvety tannins. It’s slightly austere in the finish at the moment, yet it’s crunchy and full of potential. Try from 2026.”
Vinous (Antonio Galloni) awards 95 points, stating:
“The 2022 Tignanello is such an elegant, poised wine. Brisk acids cut through a core of red Sangiovese fruit. Crushed flowers, mint, cinnamon, rose petal and a kiss of French oak appear later, adding notable brightness. The 2022 is a decidedly mid-weight Tignanello, but all the elements are very nicely balanced throughout.”
Falstaff gives it 96 points, with tasting notes mentioning rich nose of blackberry, blueberry, marjoram and some mint, precise tannins and density.
Wine Spectator gives around 94 points, describing it as “fresh, elegant and long… give this a year or two to integrate.”
Baigorri Blanco Fermentado en Barrica 2018
Baigorri Blanco Fermentado en Barrica 2018 is an elegant, barrel-fermented white Rioja crafted primarily from old-vine Viura. It opens with aromas of ripe pear, white peach, and citrus zest layered with subtle notes of toasted oak, vanilla, and almond. On the palate, it’s rich yet balanced, showing creamy texture, vibrant acidity, and a lingering mineral finish. This vintage captures both freshness and depth — a fine example of modern white Rioja with character and finesse.
Mullineux Syrah 2022
Antinori Bramito Chardonnay 2024
Antinori Bramito Chardonnay 2024
Taste The baby brother of the iconic Cervaro della Sala is an exceptional wine in its own right, with a tautly structured palate and aromas of apples, citrus and toast.
Press ”Snappy and well-balanced, with a salty, mineral-laced finish.” – 90 points, Wine Spectator, December 2020
Hartenberg Gravel Hill Syrah 2019
Hartenberg Gravel Hill Syrah 2019
95 points Tim Atkin MW
Decanter Gold Medal
TASTING NOTE: On the nose, it reveals underbrush and dried herbs, complemented by an intricate blend of savoury spices, cinnamon, and black pepper. Red fruits and berries dance harmoniously with subtle hints of coriander and smoke. On the palate, its initial elegance gracefully unfolds into a bold and vibrant expression of red berries intermingling with a rich tapestry of warm spice and earthy, savoury notes. With firm tannins promising great ageing potential, this wine is destined to evolve into an even more extraordinary masterpiece over time. Built to age to its betterment for up to 20 years from vintage.
FOOD MATCHING: Fillet of kudu with a red wine jus, rare roast sirloin, wild mushroom risotto.
Salt River Sauvignon Blanc Savage 2024
The 2024 Salt River combines fruit from a 35 year old bushvine vineyard in Stellenbosch. Named for the trendy area of Cape Town that Savage Wines calls home, it's bursting with white pepper sprinkled gooseberries, elderflower, tangy starfruit, white currants, passionfruit and pomelo and its pith. Straight as an arrow, with icy cold Atlantic sea spray freshness.
Keermont Syrah 2019
The Keermont Syrah 2019
On the nose, this Syrah opens with brooding dark fruit—blackberry and black plum—lifted by violet perfume and subtle notes of smoked meat, cracked black pepper, and olive brine. Hints of graphite, roasted herbs, and a touch of mocha emerge with gentle aeration, adding complexity and intrigue.
The palate is full-bodied and richly textured, with concentrated dark fruit framed by lively acidity and well-defined, fine-grained tannins. Spicy black pepper and a savoury streak of leather weave through the fruit core, leading to a long, mineral-inflected finish. Elegant oak influence supports without dominating, allowing the wine’s definition and typicity to shine.
This 2019 presents both power and poise—structured for mid- to long-term cellaring, yet approachable now with decanting.
Keermont Terrasse 2023
The Terrasse 2023 has a light green gold colour. The nose is inviting with notes of spring flowers, ripe apricots and citrus, and hints of barley. The palate is soft and luscious at first, then opens up with lovely fresh acidity and an array of flavours like apricot, peach and quince complimented by richer, spicier and savoury fruit. This follows into a lingering aftertaste with a light phenolic grip. A thin line of salty acidity gives the wine a succulent finish. Drink 2024-2035.
Chenin Blanc 30%
Chenin Blanc 16%
Sauv Blanc 15%
Chardonnay 12%
Chardonnay 3%
Viognier 12%
Roussanne 10%
Marsanne 2%
ACCOLADES
TERRASSE 23: 5 stars PLATTER GUIDE
TERRASSE 23: 90 pts NEAL MARTIN (VINOUS)
TERRASSE 23: 93 pts TIM ATKIN (MW)
