Italian / French Halloween Party Set

96 Jeb Dunnuck

2023 Massetino

The 2023 Massetino, composed primarily of Merlot with 9% Cabernet Franc, pours a jeweled red hue and opens with an expressive bouquet of mint, eucalyptus, balsamic, dark chocolate, cedar, currant, and red berry fruit. Full-bodied, it is elegant and fresh, with a refined, floating texture and excellent finesse. Notes of red apple and sandalwood emerge on the palate, alongside a subtle Mediterranean, savory quality. The tannins show a chalky depth, and the finish is long and balanced. Aged for 12 months in 50% new and 50% second passage barrique, followed by four months in concrete, it offers more breadth and richness compared to the more vertical profile of Masseto, while coming impressively close in overall quality. Drink 2027-2047.

96 Jeb Dunnuck

Egly-Ouret NV Grand Cru

The NV Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut is incredibly expressive and complete aromatically. It pours a golden hue and has a perfume of red flowers, kirsch, brioche, and a delicate touch of smoke. This is a wine that evolves in the glass and develops almost espresso-like richness with time. It is full-bodied but remains elegant, with good concentration and a long finish. It feels sunny. It spent 72 months on the lees before disgorgement in July 2021.