Daily Reviews: Die Welt der Spitzenweine

Jane Anson - 9. September 2024

2019 Château Kirwan - 95 Punkte

Delivers power, balance, and juice, stretches out through the palate, less exuberant than the 2018, instead it is moreish, mouthwatering, classically balanced, with oyster shell salinity, slate tannins, blackberries, crushed rapsberry with white pepper and sage spice. First one to have a touch of Carmanère in the blend. 50% new oak for ageing, 50hl/h yield. Eric Boissenot consultant, Philippe Delfaut director.

2020 Château Kirwan - 94 Punkte

Another exceptional vintage after a run of them, with cloves on the opening beats reflecting a dry year where the concentration is clear. A brilliant mix of 2018 and 2019, juicy with lift through the palate, elivering great punch of black pepper and spiced plum, blackberry puree, campfire smoke and fresh mint leaf on the finish. Still young and coiled but this is impressive. 50% new oak for ageing, 33hl/h yield. Eric Boissenot consultant, Philippe Delfaut director.

(Review date: 09/2024, Reviewed by: Jane Anson , Source: https://www.janeanson.com/)

Carnasciale Toscana il Caberlot 2020 | 97 Punkte

Full, rich and elegant, featuring black currant, black cherry, violet, iron, cedar and tobacco aromas and flavors. Boasts purity, finesse, terrific balance and a long, palate-staining aftertaste. This red is drinkable now yet should be even better in a year or two. Caberlot. Best from 2026 through 2045. 620 cases made, 120 cases imported.

2021 Sine Qua Non Syrah Distenta III | 100 Punkte

The 2021 Syrah Distenta III is sourced from The Third Twin (51%), Cumulus (26%), and Eleven Confessions (23%) vineyards. The blend is 81.7% Syrah with 11.3% Grenache, 3.3% Mourvedre, 2.1% Petite Sirah, 0.9% Petit Manseng, and 0.7% Muscat. It was made using 21% whole clusters and then aged around 23 months in 53% new French oak, 43.1% one- to three-year-old barrels, and 3.9% concrete. Deep purple-black colored, it needs some coaxing and swirling before the nose erupts with a mushroom cloud of blackberry preserves, kirsch, and red roses scents, giving way to hints of bacon fat, tar, and espresso, plus a touch of wild sage. Full-bodied, the palate is incredibly bright and vibrant with beautifully defined black and red fruit flavor layers, supported by very fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and shimmery. Stunning. 1877 cases and 600 magnums were made.

2021 Château d' Yquem

James Suckling: 100 Punkte

"Dreamy, subtle aromas of dried fruit such as apricots and mangoes, but also fresh lemons and pears. Then there are caramel and tart tatin undertones with some bananas, pineapple, tangerines and other tropical fruit. Full-bodied, yet it remains vivid and compact, giving it a lightness even though it is really structured. The tannins are throughout the palate but blend in perfectly, giving it a solid presence, like a a diamond. It’s tight at the end, but you know that it will linger for ages, with a lightly chewy and intellectual finish. Touches of sweetness, cloves and bitterness to make it interesting. Dynamic. About 54,000 bottles made. Relatively small harvest. 148 g/L residual sugar." (04/2024)

Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore 2021 | 98 Punkte

An intense red, defined by lively acidity and framed by dense, ripe tannins that showcase its black currant, blackberry, violet and toasty oak aromas and flavors. Iron and wild herb accents emerge as this plays out on the finish. Though expressive at this stage, this youthful version will benefit from time in bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2027 through 2046. 2,300 cases imported. - Bruce Sanderson (06/2024)