Alexandre scored this wine: 88/100

Although Barossa wines are not my favorite style out there (and yes, I have tasted Grange), this one does have the merit of being very typical of the region. This is Australia's heartland of production, and many top estates are producing wines from here. Nevertheless, it's hot, and it's dry, displayed in the wine's stewed black fruit and dried prune aromas. Chocolate and smoked charcoal complete the mix, but the finish is warm, which is to be expected. Concentrated and powerful.

Alexandre scored this wine: 93/100

Well, color me surprised. 'Finesse' and 'elegance' were not words I used to associate to Napa Chardonnay, but they're clearly swinging back the pendulum away from excess oak and over-ripened fruit. What a beautiful wine, hence my superlative comments. Ripe yellow orchard fruit wrapped around a custard cream core, with judiciously applied American oak giving its usual coconut, vanilla and nuttiness. Fragrant, complex and balanced, this wine boasts a very fresh, natural acidity. Very well done.

Alexandre scored this wine: 92/100

What a beautiful wine. Barbera is a variety that's naturally low in tannins, and some winemakers like to make up for this characteristic by putting it in small, new-ish oak barrels to supplement the tannin. This is not the case (oak is used, but large, neutral barrels). Although it contains a touch of Nebbiolo, the king of tannic grapes, the tannins are light and velvety, and it's the brilliant acidity that comes to the fore. Bright, very juicy red cherry and red plum fruit greet you on the palate, and see you out with a lovely long finish. This is what Barbera is all about, in my opinion. I love this producer, who gives the grapes only what they need, and lets them speak for themselves. Try his Barbaresco (great value) and Barolo (obviously).

Alexandre scored this wine: 93/100

Now we're getting into some serious Australian Cabernet! Very elegant, with aromas of cassis, leather, tobacco and a clay-like minerality. It's not often that New World wines display a notion of terroir, and this one is a refreshing take on the concept. Well-made.

Alexandre scored this wine: 92/100

In 2000, 2005 and 2010, even the lesser-known appellations in Bordeaux were producing blockbuster wines. This one is no different, with ripe aromas of sweet red cherry and black raspberry liqueur combine with toasty oak and powerful, albeit still grippy tannins. The 14.5% alcohol is surprisingly well-balanced by the structure and concentration of the wine. Drink this in a few years.