James Suckling 2020

In “Top 100 Italian White Wines for the Summer,” Jo Cooke selects 100 outstanding whites that are perfect for warmer summer months. Included among the recommendations:

Vigna AU Chardonnay Riserva 2016 – 94 points (#60 out of 100)
“This has very complex aromas with flinty and chalky pears and lemons, leading to a palate that delivers such intense, concise and complex flavors and textures. Smooth and gently creamy. Some pithy grapefruit cut, too. This is good. A world-class, Italian chardonnay.”
TURMHOF Sauvignon Blanc 2018 – 93 points (#78 out of 100)
“A very fresh array of limes, melon and grassy wild herbs lead to a palate offering white peaches that are also very fresh, as well as vibrant and juicy.”

In “Weekly Tasting Report (Aug 2-7): Australia, France, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia, South Africa, USA,” James Suckling reviews his most recently tasted wines. Among them:

LINTICLARUS Lagrein Riserva 2017 – 94 points
“A powerful, layered lagrein with blackberries, black chocolate, black licorice and black coffee. It’s full-bodied with layers of ripe, round tannins and a flavorful finish. Drinkable now, but will be really something in a year or two.”
LINTICLARUS Pinot Noir Riserva 2017 – 94 points
“A rich pinot noir, highlighting the richness and ripeness of the vintage with ripe strawberries and hints of raspberries and light vanilla. Tar, too. Full body. Creamy texture. Fresh acidity at the end.”
MERUS Chardonnay 2019 – 93 points
“A steely chardonnay with sliced apples and pears and some vanilla character. It’s medium-to full-bodied. Layered and tangy at the finish from the energetic acidity.”
LINTICLARUS Cuvée Riserva 2017 – 92 points
“A big, rich red with slightly stewed fruit, but it comes out fresh on the palate with a full body, nicely framed fruit and ripe tannins. Flavorful finish with bark, dark chocolate and black truffle. Needs time to come together.”
TOREN Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 – 92 points
“Plenty of herbs and morello cherries with some orange undertones here. Soft palate of tannins and acidity. It’s full-bodied and round-textured with a tangy finish.”
MERUS Pinot Bianco 2019 – 92 points
“A steely pinot blanc with flinty, minerally undertones to the sliced green apple character. Medium to full body. Bright and creamy finish.”
TURMHOF Lagrein 2018 – 90 points
“A savory red with black-fruit, sweet-tobacco and flower-leaf undertones. Medium-bodied with round tannins and a flavorful finish.”

In “Weekly Tasting Report (Aug 23-30, 2020): Australia, Austria, France, Italy, South Africa, USA,” James Suckling reviews his most recently tasted wines. Among them:

TARDUS Gewürztraminer 2016 – 95 points
“A beautifully sweet gewurz with toffee, cooked-apple and apricot-tart aromas and flavors It’s medium-to full-bodied and medium-sweet with a lively finish and a smoky and praline aftertaste.”

In “Weekly Tasting Report (Nov 16-22): Small-Batch Wines Come to the Fore,” Nick Stock reviews:

VIGNA RACHTLS Sauvignon Blanc Riserva 2017 – 93 points
“This is a smoky, complex expression of sauvignon blanc with plenty of nettles, grapefruit pith and zest, alongside smoke and crushed stone. It’s medium-to full-bodied with bright acidity, wonderful texture and a long finish. Hints of pralines.”
VIGNA AU Chardonnay Riserva 2017 – 92 points
“Pronounced toast, smoke and hawthorn notes on the nose with pineapple and lime zest. Herbal hint, too. It’s full-bodied with strong flavor intensity and lingering notes of hay and toast on the finish.” 

In “Weekly Tasting Report (Nov 23-Dec 6): Italy’s Diversity on Full Show,” Nick Stock reviews:

FELDMARSCHALL VON FENNER Müller Thurgau 2018 – 94 points
“A wonderful white with so much lime, mineral and green-papaya character. It’s full-bodied and layered with gorgeous fruit and flavors. Really tangy. Best Muller in the world! Goes on and on.”