James Suckling - Top 100

98 Punkte

"An intense chardonnay with aromas of chalk, warm bread, brioche, seashells, stones and lemon zest. Less limey and a bit riper than usual, with a medium- to full-bodied palate and a chalky, mouthwatering finish. The zesty citrus and green apple flavors are strong. This is more complete and less austere and crystal clear than many of their previous vintages, with a richer mouthfeel. Saline and pithy in the finish, with length that’s all about pure lemon zest and seashells. Extension of lees contact to around six months helps increase the texture, with around 35% malolactic fermentation. Drink or hold." - Zekun Shuai (02/2025)

98 Punkte

"Stunning aromas of blackcurrants, dark mushrooms and black cherries with forest-floor notes. Full body that fills your mouth with fine, caressing tannins and dark, flavorful fruit. The tannins are very intense and structural, spreading across the palate in layers and giving intensity and energy. Plenty of energy and verve here. This has gravity, too. 64% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 3% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc. Best after 2029." (01/2025)

100 Punkte

"The brain-rattling concentration, smokiness and flinty energy of this unique dry pinot gris don’t fit in any box on this planet. Definitely not full-bodied, but how could you say it is medium-bodied with this intensity of expression? In spite of the power, it shoots almost weightlessly up into the heavens and pulls you with it. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drinkable now, but best from 2027." - Stuart Pigott (05/2025)

98-99 Punkte

"So many aromas of dried apricots, turmeric, pine nuts and botrytis. Full-bodied with 190 grams of sugar and incredible length and richness. The salted caramel, light nuts and dried fruit go on for minutes. 100% semillon. A great sweet wine. Drinkable already but will age for ages. Better in three or four years but already gorgeous." (01/2025)

99 Punkte

"This cabernet sauvignon really shines, with subtle paprika, tobacco ash and vibrant red currants on the nose. Nuanced blackberries, blueberries, fine spices and a hint of cigar box. This fresh, lovely Sena comes from a warmer year than 2021 or 2022, with softer tannins. It’s super refined but driven, long and flavorful. More approachable and less structured and direct this year, with impeccable drinkability. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 19% malbec, 15% carmenere and 6% petit verdot. 18 months of aging, of which 90% is in French oak barrels, including 70% new and around 10% in foudres. Drinkable now, but it’s built for the next 20 years." - Zekun Shuai (04/2025)

100 Punkte

"Crushed dark berries are complemented by violets and underbrush with a gentle touch of tobacco. The sophisticated palate shows exceptional definition and polished tannins that are seamlessly integrated into a core of vibrant, restrained fruit. It’s all held together by a linear freshness characteristic of the vintage. This wine has depth, persistence and an incredibly stylish profile. Firm yet with an underlying tenderness. Beautiful now but will continue to evolve. Drink or hold." - Jacobo Garcia-Andrade Llamas (07/2025)

100 Punkte

"Astonishing, with all the hallmarks that make great Grand Cru Burgundy adored around the world. Expressive and ethereal aromas of lemon confit, salted nuts, lanolin and beeswax with oyster shells, honeysuckle, toffee, nori and flint. The unctuous, refined palate has a fine line of acidity and a creamy, mouthwatering and long mouthfeel. The intense, never-ending finish is driven by its mineral core. World-class, this is as close to perfection as one could achieve from this excellent vintage. Drink or hold. Screw cap." (07/2025)

99 Punkte

"This is one of the wines of the vintage in the Nahe. That starts an explosive nose of Amalfi lemons, white and yellow peaches, lychees and kiwis. Incredible concentration and vibrancy on the tightly focused, medium-bodied palate. A spring-like lightness is married to awesome density, the two so tightly wound that they’re inseparable through the almost endless finish. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold." - Stuart Pigott (08/2025)

99 Punkte

"Amazing aromas of honeysuckle, grapefruit, heather, rosemary, Meyer lemon and hints of blanched almonds. It’s medium- to full-bodied with a creamy texture and nougat flavors, as well as esters and lavender honey. Hint of beeswax, too. Burgundy method with ancient trebbiano vines. New standard for Italian whites. From organically grown grapes. Drink and enjoy." (07/2025)

99 Punkte

"Dill, limes, green ginger and crushed stones on the nose. The palate is extreme, marked by intense mineral tension, pronounced salinity and a delicious severity that sets this wine apart from even the greatest chardonnays of the world. Incredibly fresh and mouthwatering. Spectacular. Drink or hold." - Jacobo Garcia-Andrade Llamas (04/2025)

99 Punkte

"What a perfume: deep, rich and complex. Minerals are chiseled into the opulent, minty blackberries, black licorice and tamarind with a touch of balsamic. Judicious oak, integrated sandalwood and dark chocolate as well. Full-bodied with a lot of refined, small-grained tannins. A persistent finish that lingers and goes on and on. 79% cabernet franc and 21% cabernet sauvignon. Concentrated, but will soften more in two or three years." - Zekun Shuai (05/2025)

99 Punkte

"What a fabulous young wine from this tiny vineyard of four hectares. Aromas of black cherries, graphite, flint and brambleberries. Hints of fresh herbs such as bay leaves. The palate is medium-bodied, showing a fantastic depth of fruit and racy tannins. The purity and complexity are exceptional. A very minerally, vineyard-driven wine with an abundance of character and subtle power. 84% merlot, 10% cabernet sauvignon, and 6% cabernet franc. Best after 2029 but hard to resist." (01/2025)

99 Punkte

"The carmenere character is more obvious and confidently transparent this year, but in a really complex and layered way. Cedar, black olives, graphite, paprika and hints of pepper and iodine. It’s well rounded, with a light sanguine note to the ripe fruit. The tannins are fine-grained yet polished. The lengthy finish doesn't want to stop. 68% carmenere, 22% cabernet sauvignon and 10% merlot. Drink from 2027." - Zekun Shuai (04/2025)

98 Punkte

"Seductive aromas of flowers, cherries, lemon blossoms and roses. Medium-bodied, crunchy and polished, with firm, silky, ultra-fine tannins. It’s all about structure with finesse. Such energy and tension. Complex and beautiful in the finish. A blend of sangiovese from Olmo and Lamole in Chianti Classico. Give this three or four years to come around." (07/2025)

99 Punkte

"Very complex aromas of pears, persimmons, honey and cooked apples. Mineral undertones. Always subtle and multidimensional. Full-bodied with a tight and dense middle palate that gives a superb mouthfeel. It's lively and flavorful at the end but in a reserved way. Just a hint of bitter lemon and lilac. I really want to drink this, but give it three or four years to reach the right place." (01/2025)

98 Punkte

"Dark and complex wine, earthy and concentrated yet balanced. Vibrant aromas of cassis, violets, licorice, pencil shavings and graphite. Full-bodied, it displays a dynamic palate with dense, velvety tannins, fruit concentration and crisp, integrated acidity, which keeps it in balance. 45% merlot, 30% cabernet sauvignon, 20% cabernet franc, and 5% petit verdot. Gorgeous now, but even better in two or three years and beyond." (07/2025)

98 Punkte

"Aromas of honeysuckle, limes, green apples and a hint of cedar. It’s medium-bodied yet very dense and compact on the palate. It’s like a tight fist with the fruit and fine phenolics. Long finish. A structured and impressive young wine. Drink in two or three years." (02/2025)

98 Punkte

"Aromas of blueberries and blackberries with walnuts and hints of tar that follow through to a medium to full body with plush and velvety tannins and a lovely, caressing mouthfeel. It closes up at the end. Extremely long, pure and structured. Classic 72% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot and 2% petit verdot. From organically grown grapes. Give this at least until after 2030 to open and come around." (01/2025)

98 Punkte

"What fantastic aromas of dark fruits. At the same time, there’s a savory character of mushrooms, lead pencil, violets, bark and wet earth that always remains complex and sophisticated. It's medium- to full-bodied with very tight and fine tannins that run the full length of the wine. Wonderful polish and refinement. Classy. A bottle for your cellar. 50% cabernet franc, 45% merlot and 5% cabernet sauvignon. Best after 2030." (01/2025)

99 Punkte

"A mind-blowing Leoville Poyferre, probably one of the best for a long time. Huge depth and structure, showing a deep matrix of fruit full of fresh blackberries and a dash of ink and lead pencil. Such verticality on the full-bodied palate with beautiful balance and a clear finish that goes on and on for more than a minute. Great potential ahead. This was tasted at the UCGB tasting and was one of the best wines of the day. Drink after 2028. It should improve in the next 10 to 15 years." (01/2025)

98 Punkte

"Aromas of dark currants, spices, cloves and a touch of elderberries. The palate is elegant and medium- to full-bodied with polished, precise tannins, firm fruit, a juicy backbone and a solid and flavorful finish. 65% cabernet sauvignon and 35% malbec from Lujan and Altamira. Drink from 2027." - Jacobo Garcia-Andrade Llamas (03/2025)

99 Punkte

"The concentration of dried herbs such as thyme, sage and mint with blackcurrants and Spanish cedar is mesmerizing. Full-bodied with a dense and intense palate, this has creamy, crunchy tannins and a long and flavorful finish that goes on for minutes. Punchy and rich with lots of power. The real identity of Pontet-Canet comes through despite the hot and dry growing year. 57% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes. Best after 2029." (01/2025)

98 Punkte

"Hyper precision from the crushed-stone minerality here, with berries, spiced dark cherries, hibiscus and fresh plums. Extremely polished, caressing yet vivid, with fibrous, chalky tannins emitting vibrations before dissolving into a lengthy finish drenched with fruit. Concentrated but effortless. Already alluring but better in 3-4 years." - Zekun Shuai (02/2025)

98 Punkte

"Cranberries, dried herbs, underbrush, sage, minerals and violets on the nose. Very aromatic and absorbing. The palate is medium- to full-bodied with precise, linear and elegant fruit. The tannins are firm and balanced tannins, providing a compact, racy finish. Outstanding balance. Better from 2026." - Jacobo Garcia-Andrade Llamas (01/2025)

98 Punkte

"A terrific Lynch from a hot vintage with blackcurrants, mint, dried lavender, graphite and thyme on the nose and palate. Medium- to full-bodied, it shows fantastic tannins with a lovely texture that reminds me of cashmere, becoming slightly chewy in the finish. Give this four to five years of bottle age. Try after 2028." (01/2025)

98 Punkte

"Extremely aromatic and floral, showing dried violets and blackberry and strawberry character. Full-bodied and creamy with very fine tannins that give a caressing, silky texture that is long and persistent. Exotic in many ways but so polished. A wine of contrasts. Made from old vines. 74% merlot and 26% cabernet franc. Drink after 2029." (01/2025)