"The 2019 Syrah Estate, which was co-fermented with a splash of Viognier, was made with about 35% whole clusters and matured in 35% new 600-liter demi-muids. It has a deep ruby-purple color and gregarious aromas of blue and black berry preserves, cracked pepper, chargrill and purple flowers. The full-bodied palate has a fine, chalky texture and fresh expression, with detailed...

"The 2020 Succession Reserve is a new wine from Bien Nacido and the first time the team has worked with Mourvèdre (there is just half an acre planted on the estate). A blend of Mourvèdre, Syrah and Grenache, it has intense aromas of blackcurrants and cherries, violets, tar and pepper, plus savory accents of charcuterie and olive that come through...

"The 2020 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard comes from across the estate and was matured in about 45% new oak. Grapes were entirely destemmed this year. ""I was really worried about smoke taint,"" winemaker Anthony Avila says. ""It's said that you must discard all the green parts of the plant. It was the right choice, and I'd do it again.""...

"The 2020 Chardonnay Solomon Hills Estate comes from the colder of Bien Nacido's two estates. It's located eight miles west of Bien Nacido and is the westernmost vineyard in the Santa Maria appellation. Vines are planted in beach sand, and there are no mountains to block sea breezes, so it is an especially cold, windy, foggy site. Matured in 40%...

"Initially quite scented, then strangely closed a little in the glass. Subtle tones of cedar, vanilla and dried tobacco, with precision of fresh blackcurrant and a hint of black cherry. There’s an underlying graphite and stone/mineral complexity too. Juicy palate – certainly good acidity here – and a comparatively moderate tannic load, both of which work in harmony to structure...

"A fruity and refined wine with blackberry, black-chocolate and subtle berry and spice character. Medium body, medium tannins and a succulent finish. 65% merlot, 20% cabernet franc and 15% cabernet sauvignon. Mostly from grapes of Castillon with some vats from top estates. Delicious now, but can age." 92, James Suckling

"This year's top-end release from Bruno Giacosa is the 2017 Barolo Riserva Falletto Vigna Le Rocche (in the red label). Bottled in 2019, the wine stands apart thanks to a hot and dry growing season that Bruna Giacosa is very excited about. In fact, she prefers 2017 to 2015, although the two vintages do share similarities. This wine is very...

"Aromas of red fruit, dried flowers, orange peel and walnuts. Medium- to full-bodied with chewy tannins. Dry with a fine texture. Hints of crushed stones and cedar at the end. Better from 2027." 93, James Suckling