Pinot Noir Perfection and More California Classics

Two perfect-rated pinot noirs lead our latest Weekly Tasting Report of 696 wines from six countries: a fresh and vivid wine from Argentina’s Patagonia region, the Chacra Pinot Noir Patagonia Treinta y Dos 2025, and a legendary grand cru from Burgundy, the Domaine de la Vougeraie Musigny Grand Cru 2023.

Both come from old vines. The Chacra is from pinot noir planted in 1932, hence “Treinta y Dos” in Spanish, while the Musigny comes from vines planted in 1970 and 1989. “The old vines are definitely a factor in the depth of fruit and character we have even though we pick at low alcohols,” said Piero Incisa della Rocchetta, the owner of Chacra.

James, who met with Incisa della Rocchetta in Miami during the Great Wines of the World event on March 5, described the Chacra wine as “ethereal, superfine” and “polished.” It will not be released until early 2027.

Two 99-pointers from Chacra are already on the market: the Chacra Pinot Noir Patagonia Treinta y Dos Sin Azufre 2025, which is made without added sulfur, and the Chacra Chardonnay Patagonia 2025. The latter was made with Meursault’s Jean-Marc Roulot.

Staff Writer and Critic Ryan Montgomery tasted the Musigny in Napa during a tasting with Jean-Charles Boisset of the wines he makes around the world, including in France. Ryan described the perfect-rated Musigny as “taut and energetic, with firmly framed tannins and bright acidity that bring tension and persistence.” He added that it has “a luscious, silken mouthfeel and an endless, luxurious finish.”

Ryan tasted a total of 17 red and white wines from Domaine de la Vougeraie. Also worth noting are two 99-pointers: the deep and powerful Domaine de la Vougeraie Bonnes Mares Grand Cru 2023 and supremely balanced Domaine de la Vougeraie Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru 2023

James also thought it was a good idea to include the recently released wines from Bordeaux’s legendary first growth Chateau Latour: the Chateau Latour Pauillac 2019 and Les Forts de Latour 2020. The former, a top grand vin rated 99 points, reminded James of the 1990 for its “refinement but strength.” Both wines appear to have been well received in the market, with the 2019 Latour selling for about $750 a bottle.

Three 99-point cabernet sauvignons closer to home for readers in the United States are the Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley St. Helena Estate 2023, Quintessa Napa Valley Rutherford 2023 and Colgin Cellars Napa Valley IX Estate 2023. All highlight the exceptional quality of the 2023 vintage as well as the distinct character of their respective terroirs.

Continuing the string of California classics this week are Robert Mondavi Winery’s top red, the Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Oakville To Kalon Vineyard The Reserve 2023 (97 points) and more than a dozen outstanding old-vine, vineyard-designated zinfandels from the Robert Biale Winery.

Biale winemaker David Natali dialed in the individual terroirs in 2024 to a greater extent than we can remember. The Robert Biale Vineyards Zinfandel Napa Valley Coombsville R.W. Moore Vineyard 2024 (96) shows the cool, supple character of the 120-year-old vineyard.

The Robert Biale Vineyards Zinfandel Moon Mountain Monte Rosso Vineyard 2024 (95) captures the racy raspberry character of this Sonoma County, dry-farmed, mountain-top vineyard planted in the 1890s.

And also check out a deep, dark and complex Barolo that Senior Editor Aldo Fiordelli tasted, the Sandrone Barolo Le Vigne Sibi et Paucis 2016 (98) as well as a Lombardy sparkling wine from the same decade that he also rated 98 points, the Barone Pizzini Franciacorta Bagnadore 2017.

– James Suckling and Jim Gordon contributed reporting.

The list of wines below is comprised of bottles tasted and rated during the past week by the JamesSuckling.com tasting team. They include many latest releases not yet available on the market, but which will be available soon. Some will be included in upcoming tasting reports.

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