SEPT. 30, 2019 • WINE SPECTATOR 81Highly Recommended
The issue’s most impressive wines. Includes
top-scorers and wines that represent optimal
purchases based on their combination of score,
price and availability.97
Le Macchiole Toscana Messorio 2015
$235 ITALY Seductive, yet packs a serious punch.
Blackberry, black currant, cedar, iron, coffee and vanilla
flavors unravel as this builds on the palate to a long fin-
ish. All the elements are in the right place. Merlot. Best
from 2022 through 2043. 1,016 cases made, 85 cases
imported.—B.S.97
Rotem & Mounir Saouma Châteauneuf-du-
Pape Omnia 2016 $107 FRANCE Sublime, with
a beguiling mouthfeel to the layers of cherry puree, steeped
plum and warmed raspberry coulis fruit flavors, melded
with rooibos tea, bergamot, incense and jasmine notes.
The long finish features subtle minerality and remarkable
persistence, seeming to move with grace. Grenache, Syrah
and Mourvèdre. Best from 2021 through 2045. 125 cases
imported.—J.M.95
Aubert Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast UV-SL
Vineyard 2017 $85 CALIFORNIA Rich and ex-
pressive, featuring concentrated boysenberry, plum tart
and dark cherry flavors that are flush with crunchy acid-
ity. Minerally midpalate, with a long, plush finish that
offers flinty and meaty overtones. Drink now through- 791 cases made.—K.M.
95
San Giusto a Rentennano Sangiovese
Toscana Percarlo 2015 $140 ITALY Rich, with
black currant, plum, iron, earth, tobacco and tar aromas
and flavors, backed by vibrant acidity and fine tannins.
This leaves plenty of room for the flavors to stretch out.
Harmonious, with the potential to age. Best from 2021
through 2035. 1,250 cases made, 375 cases imported.—B.S.94
Burn Cottage Pinot Noir Central Otago
Moonlight Race 2016 $45 NEW ZEALAND
Generous, stylish, spicy and expressive, with plump black-
berry, clove and plum flavors wrapped around a thread of
black licorice. The texture is smooth and lush, while the
tannins provide appealing traction on the finish, where
a fresh green sage note comes in. Drink now through 2033.
2,600 cases made, 300 cases imported.—M.W.93
Loveblock Pinot Noir Central Otago 2018
$35 NEW ZEALAND This displays an impressive
presence, smooth and succulent, with vibrant cherry,
raspberry and apricot notes and touches of white pepper,
anise seed and toasted cumin. The texture is smooth,
with firm tannins that add an appealing traction on the
finish. Drink now through 2033. 4,500 cases made, 3,500
cases imported.—M.W.Collectibles
Wines that will improve most from additional
bottle age and that show the greatest potential to
gain in value.98
Ramonet Montrachet 2016 $1,750 FRANCE
Floral, citronella, peach and honey aromas burst
from the glass here. Plush and harmonious, featuring
peach, apple, lime blossom and buttered pastry flavors.
The finish goes on and on, echoing the fruit, floral and
toasty oak elements, all tied together with vibrant acid-
ity. Majestic. Best from 2021 through 2033. 28 cases
imported.—B.S.97
Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-
Pape 2016 $107 FRANCE Youthfully reticent,
but warm and polished in feel, with a large core of cassis,
raspberry and cherry puree notes lying in wait for now.
Threads of red licorice, warm stone and singed mesquite
and cedar emerge steadily through the lengthy finish as
the fruit unwinds slowly. Concentrated yet precise. Sock
this away in the cellar. Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah,
Mourvèdre and Counoise. Best from 2023 through 2040.
6,250 cases made, 3,500 cases imported.—J.M.97
Masseto Toscana 2016 $795 ITALY A flashy
style, featuring concentrated yet fluid flavors of
blackberry, plum, violet, cedar and iron, wrapped in
toasty, vanilla-scented oak. The acidity is vibrant and
refined, but dense tannins provide support as this cruises
to a long finish. Best from 2022 through 2045. 330 cases
imported.—B.S.SPECTATOR SELECTIONS
Buying Guide cover photograph by Andréa Johnson