This has a wild and perfumed nose of dried thyme, sage, blackberries, cocoa, graphite and white and green peppercorns. Then dried flowers. Full-bodied with firm, tight and precise tannins. Vibrant. There’s so much character and structure. A new benchmark for this winery. More cabernet franc than in the past. Best yet? 65% cabernet sauvignon, 25% cabernet franc and 10% merlot. Try from 2025.

The 2019 Guado al Tasso is a model of total refinement. Deeply pitched spice, mocha and leather nuances meld into a core of plush dark fruit as the 2019 reveals its considerable charms. The aromatics alone are mesmerizing, but the 2019 has so much more to offer. I admire the wine's balance and allure, both of which it has in spades. Like so many 2019s, Guado al Tasso is a wine more of energy and persistence than volume. Clean, bracing mineral notes linger on the sublime finish. The 2019 spent 18 months in barrel, 90% new.

#60 TOP 100 CELLAR SELECTIONS 2022 This gorgeous, full-bodied red opens with layers of aromas including camphor, pipe tobacco, oak-driven spice and ripe black-skinned fruit. Boasting structure and finesse, the intense palate delivers ripe black plum, juicy cherry, licorice and menthol framed in ultrarefined tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2026–2039.

Smooth and opulent, with black currant, blackberry and plum fruit accented by cedar, vanilla and iron notes. Dense and complex, yet accessible, this is balanced and persistent on the lingering aftertaste. Decant now or wait another year or two. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2024 through 2040.