Wine Spectator Grand Tour

Having attended the Wine Spectator Grand Tour tasting event at the Las Vegas Resorts World Hotel last year (Wine Spectator Grand Tour Las Vegas 2024), we were very pleased to learn that Las Vegas would be one of the three cities selected to host the event in 2025. This year it was held at the Wynn Resort, a Forbes Five-Star hotel at the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip. As was the case last year, we elected to make the event a "staycation" by booking a room for the night.





Organized similar to the Grand Tasting events in New York, there are two options from which the attendees can choose when booking their reservation for the tasting: VIP or General Admission. The former allows access an hour early, which we elected to do. While this gave us a head start, those who entered an hour later were still easily able to access and taste as many wines as a humanly possible.



A total of 235 wineries were represented, each pouring a wine that had been rated as 90 points or above by Wine Spectator reviewers. Tasters could freely walk around and easily access any wine that they desired. In addition, the perimeter of the large ballroom was set up with delicious food stations and dining tables, allowing attendees the opportunity to eat and relax any time they desired.




I was able to critically taste 33 wines, with my notes being outlined below. These are not listed in the order tasted, but instead are listed by country and region, in alphabetical order.

• 2021 Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec Fortuna Terrae Adrianna Vineyard 94 Points

  Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Gualtallary

  Comprised of 100% Malbec, this wine was sourced from the 12-acre Fortuna Terrae ("Luck of the Land") parcel within the Estate's Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary. Deep-to-opaque ruby in color, it serves up a rich package of blackberry and black cherry fruit that is augmented with brown spices, violets, crushed rocks and savory herbs. Full-bodied, fresh and with well-integrated alcohol (13.9%), it buttresses the flavors with plentiful polished tannins and a judicious amount of oak. Layered on the midpalate and long on the finish, this is an upscale Argentinian Malbec that should age gracefully. Drink now-2036.

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• 2021 Finca Sophenia Malbec Estate Reserva 89 Points

  Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco, Gualtallary

  This opaque ruby wine, comprised entirely of Malbec, offers an aromatic profile of black cherries, dark plums, licorice, violets, vanilla and underbrush. Full-bodied, fresh and without any heat from its 14% alcohol, it delivers ripe black fruit and spice flavors that are framed with toasted oak and plentiful fine-grained tannins. Dense in the middle and medium-to-long on the back end, this is a well-priced red that would be a worthy companion to a grilled steak. Drink now-2031.

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• 2019 Penfolds Shiraz RWT Bin 798 92 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley

  Comprised entirely of Shiraz that was aged for 18 months in French oak hogsheads (57% new, 43% once-used), the 2019 version of RWT/Bin 798 is an opaque ruby wine that is packed with black, red and blue bramble fruits, augmented with bittersweet chocolate, baking spices, espresso, licorice and black olive tapenade. Full-bodied, medium in acidity and with will-integrated alcohol (14.5%), it wraps its flavors with an abundance of sweet tannins and toasted oak. Dense on the midpalate and long on the back end, this wine is set up for success. Give it additional time in the cellar so that the oak and tannins can better assimilate. Drink 2028-2044.

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• 2021 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor 95 Points

  Chile, Maipo Valley, Puente Alto

  Last tasted a year ago at the same walk-around event, this wine appears to be heading in the right direction. A blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 3% Merlot that was aged for 15 months in French oak barriques (68% new), it remains a deep-to-opaque ruby in color and continues to offer an intense aromatic profile of cassis, kirsch, licorice, baking spices, violets, mint and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, freshly acidic and seamlessly alcoholic (14.8%), it delivers flavors mirroring the aromas and stays solid on the midpalate. Compared with my last tasting 5/4/2024, the oak and tannins are better integrated, but still have a way to go. Long and lifted on the finish, this is a terrific Cab that will reward patience. Drink 2028-2051.

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• 2022 Château Lascombes 94 Points

  France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux

  Offered at a walk-around event, this tasting proved to be confirmatory of my 3/3/2025 impressions. An opaque crimson blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot (with the remaining 3% being comprised of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc), it was aged for 18 months in 60% new French oak. Loaded with ripe fruit, it offers aromas and flavors of cassis, blackberries, Morello cherries, pencil shavings, bittersweet chocolate, baking spices and savory herbs. Full-bodied, fresh and seamlessly alcoholic (14%), it wraps its flavors with plentiful powdery tannins and a generous dose of creamy oak. Dense in the middle and long on the finish, this young Margaux will benefit from additional cellaring. If the oak and tannins integrate as anticipated, a higher score will be merited. Drink 2030-2052.

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• 2021 Paul Jaboulet Aîné Hermitage La Maison Bleue 91 Points

  France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage

  Jaboulet's 2021 Maison Bleue was sourced from 30-70 year-old, organically farmed vines located on the eastern side of the Hermitage hill. Matured for 12 months in French oak barrels (15% new), it is a medium-to-deep ruby wine that is aromatically effusive of red bramble fruits, dried cherries, Asian spices, white flowers and smoke. Medium-to-full-bodied, freshly acidic, proportionately oaked and without alcoholic heat (13.5%), it delivers flavors mirroring the nose and stays solid on the midpalate. The medium-weight tannins are silky-textured, making for a soft landing on the lengthy finish. This easy-drinking Syrah is ready for consumption anytime over the next ten years. Drink now-2035.

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• 2021 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape 94 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Last tasted at the same event almost exactly one year ago, Beaucastel's 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape remains deep ruby in color. A blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, 10% Counoise and 5% Cinsault, with the remaining 10% comprised of permitted red and white varietals (Vaccarèse, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Clairette, Picpoul, Picardan, Bourboulenc and Roussanne), it offers an aromatic profile of dark bramble fruits, Bing cherries, Provençal herbs, white pepper, bittersweet chocolate, pipe tobacco and shaved truffles. Medium-to-full-bodied, fresh, softly oaked and with well-integrated alcohol (14.5%), it delivers flavors in alignment with the aromas, adding a component of black olive tapenade. Albeit plentiful, the tannins are silky smooth, making for soft textures on the dense midpalate and lengthy finish. Well-cellared bottles should age gracefully for many more years. Drink now-2041.

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• 2021 Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-du-Pape 93 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  This deep red/garnet wine is a blend of 39% Grenache, 33% Mourvèdre, 25% Syrah, 2% Cinsault and 1% other permitted varietals that was aged for 12 months in a combination of conical vats (40%), foudres (35%), new French oak barriques (15%) and neutral French oak barriques (10%). Flaunting beautiful aromatics, it offers scents of Montmorency cherries, dried cranberries, Provençal herbs, black olives, white pepper and pipe tobacco. Medium-to-full-bodied, fresh, seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%) and judiciously oaked, it delivers flavors mirroring the nose, wrapped with plentiful fine-grained tannins. Layered in the middle and long on the back end, this Châteauneuf is easy to drink by virtue of its soft textures. Enjoy it over the next 8-10 years. Drink now-2035.

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• 2021 Famille Perrin / Perrin & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Sinards 90 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Sourced primarily from young vines at Beaucastel (under 20 years old), this wine also includes contributions from two other vineyards; Clos de Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Le Grès (2.5 miles from Beaucastel). Grenache-dominant (with unspecified lesser amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre), it is a medium-to-deep ruby wine that sports an aromatic array of red bramble fruits, dried cranberries, Provençal herbs, allspice, graphite and tobacco. Medium-bodied, fresh, lightly oaked and with well-integrated alcohol (14.5%), it delivers flavors in line with the aromas, wrapped with medium-weight, powdery tannins. Solid in the middle, it ultimately concludes with a medium-length finish. Although lacking the depth of Beaucastel's more esteemed bottlings, this is an enjoyable Châteauneuf that should provide pleasure for several more years. Drink now-2031.

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• 2020 Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco 93 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  This 2020 version of Ratti's "workhorse" Barolo flaunts an intensely floral nose, with scents of rose petals and lavender potpourri that are augmented with dried cherries, mandarin oranges, red licorice and allspice. Medium-bodied, beautifully lifted and without alcoholic heat (14.0%), it delivers red fruit and spice flavors that are buttressed with plentiful powdery tannins and a proportionate aliquot of oak. Layered in the middle, it ultimately concludes with a protracted, earthy finish. This delicious Barolo represents good value. It is early in its drinking window at this point and should easily reach its twentieth birthday if properly cellared. Drink now-2020.

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• 2020 Vietti Barolo Monvigliero 93 Points

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

  The 2020 iteration of Vietti's Barolo Monvigliero is a medium red/garnet wine with an intense aromatic profile. Scents of blood oranges, Montmorency cherries, dessicated cranberries, pressed flowers, tobacco and dry earth are followed by similar flavors on a medium-bodied palate. Beautifully fresh, seamlessly alcoholic (14%), lightly oaked and with medium-weight, fine-grained tannins, it stays solid in the middle and concludes with a lengthy, silky-textured finish. Already approachable, this delicious Nebbiolo should be at its best over the next 10-12 years. Drink now-2037.

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• 2022 Planeta Etna Rosso 88 Points

  Italy, Sicily, Etna DOC

  Comprised of 100% Nerello Mascalese that was sourced from two high-altitude vineyards within Castiglione di Sicilia, Planeta's 2022 Etna Rosso was fermented in a combination of wooden vats and stainless steel tanks, followed by eight months of aging in the same vessels. Light-to-medium red/garnet in color, it offers aromas and flavors of Montmorency cherries, dried cranberries, allspice, orange blossom and black tea. Medium-bodied, nicely lifted, minimally oaked and without any heat from its 14% alcohol, it has medium-weight tannins that pack a deceivingly astringent punch. Dense in the middle and medium-to-long on the back end, this is a bit angular but does not have the overall depth to reward extended cellaring. Drink now-2029.

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• 2019 Altesino Brunello di Montalcino 94 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

  This medium garnet wine flaunts an intense aromatic array of red currants, dessicated cranberries, dark plums, orange zest, pickling spice, tobacco and dried earth. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic and without alcoholic heat (14.5%), it delivers flavors congruent with the aromas and stays solid on the midpalate. At this stage, the oak and medium-weight tannins have assimilated well, accounting for smooth textures from attack through lengthy finish. Well-cellared bottles of this elegant Brunello should provide many more years of enjoyment. Drink now-2039.

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• 2020 Argiano Solengo Toscana IGT 93 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  Argiano's 2020 Solengo is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot, 20% Merlot and 5% Sangiovese, aged for 18 months in French oak barriques (60% new, 40% second-use). Deep ruby in color, it offers a rich package of dark bramble fruits, Luxardo cherries, bittersweet chocolate, exotic spices, licorice and savory herbs. Full-bodied, freshly acidic, proportionately oaked and seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%), it slides down the throat quite easily as a result of its silky-textured tannins. Layered in the middle, it ultimately concludes with a persistent, lifted finish. Tasted from magnum, this is a terrific Super Tuscan that is structured for many more years of enjoyment. Well-cellared magnums should easily reach their twentieth birthday with grace. Drink now-2040.

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• 2020 Brancaia Il Blu Toscana IGT 93 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  Last tasted at the same walk-around event a year ago, this wine has changed very little. Comprised of 80% Merlot, 10% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, each varietal (and vineyard source) was aged separately for 18 months in French oak barriques (two-thirds new). The final blend was then aged for three months in uncoated concrete tanks prior to bottling. Still deep ruby in color, it continues to offer a core of red and black fruits that are augmented with allspice, earth, savory herbs, tobacco, vanilla and bittersweet chocolate. Medium-to-full-bodied, freshly acidic, judiciously oaked and with seamless alcohol (14.5%), it wraps its flavors with plentiful powdery tannins. Dense on the midpalate and long on the finish, this is drinking beautifully and should continue to do so for many more years. Drink now-2040.

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• 2021 Caiarossa Caiarossa Toscana IGT 94 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  Sourced entirely from biodynamically-farmed vineyards, this wine is a blend of 30% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Sangiovese, 6% Petit Verdot and 2% Grenache, aged for 14 months in French oak barriques (30% new). Deep-to-opaque ruby in color, it is aromatically effusive of dark bramble fruits, Luxardo cherries, allspice, licorice, tobacco and lavender. Full-bodied, beautifully fresh and seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%), it delivers flavors congruent with the aromas. The wine's spicy oak and plentiful powdery tannins have not yet fully integrated, becoming increasingly prominent on the midpalate and protracted finish. Additional time in the cellar should pay dividends. I suspect that an even higher score will be merited as this wine fleshes out. Drink 2028-2041.

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• 2021 Fattoria di Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Rancia 94 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

  Upgraded from Riserva to Gran Selezione status with this vintage, the 2021 Rancia does not disappoint. Comprised of 100% Sangiovese, it is a deep ruby wine that is aromatically effusive of red bramble fruits, black cherries, blood oranges, brown spices, tobacco and dry earth. Medium-bodied, beautifully lifted, seamlessly alcoholic (14%) and proportionately oaked, it delivers flavors in line with the nose, adding notes of iron and savory herbs. The plentiful fine-grained tannins flex some grip on the dense midpalate and lengthy finish, making me believe that this will get even better with a bit of cellaring. Drink 2027-2041.

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• 2021 Tenuta Guado al Tasso (Antinori) Bolgheri Superiore 96 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri, Bolgheri Superiore

  Guado al Tasso's 2021 Bolgheri Superiore is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc and 13% Merlot that was aged for 14 months in French oak barriques (80% new). Deep ruby in color, it serves up an intense aromatic array of dark bramble fruits, cassis, desiccated cherries, baking spices, graphite, violets and savory herbs. Full-bodied, fresh, seamlessly alcoholic (14.5%), proportionately oaked and with plentiful powdery tannins, it delivers flavors mirroring the nose. Layered on the midpalate, the wine ultimately concludes with a lengthy, lifted finish. This well-crafted Super Tuscan is already drinkable and will have substantial longevity. Drink now-2046.

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• 2022 Tenuta San Guido Guidalberto Toscana IGT 91 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  Tenuta San Guido's 2022 Guidalberto is comprised of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon that was aged in a combination of 95% French and 5% American oak barriques (with 40% of all barrels being new). On the nose, it offers a moderately intense array of cassis, dried cranberries, savory herbs, allspice, tobacco and graphite. Medium-to-full-bodied, fresh, proportionately oaked and without any heat from its 13.5% alcohol, it wraps its flavors with abundant fine-grained tannins that are pervasive on the dense midpalate and lengthy finish. This will benefit from additional cellaring. Although enjoyable, it did not reveal as much as when last tasted 2/23/2025, likely because this bottle was served without any aeration. Drink 2027-2042.

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• 2022 Tenuta Sette Ponti Oreno Toscana IGT 93 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT

  The 2022 iteration of Sette Ponti's Oreno is a blend of 45% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. On the nose, it offers an intense array of black currant, dark cherry and plum fruit that is complemented with bittersweet chocolate, baking spices, graphite, violets and dried herbs. Full-bodied, fresh, judiciously oaked and with well-integrated alcohol (14.5%), it delivers a flavor payload that mirrors the aromatic profile. At this young stage, the tannins are quite plentiful and carry some grip that is pervasive on the midpalate and lengthy finish. Give this a bit more time in the cellar if you can resist. Drink 2027-2040.

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• 2010 Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino 95 Points

  Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino

  Sampled from a bottle that had been decanted off of its sediment and allowed two hours of air, this medium garnet wine is aromatically effusive of dried cherries, orange zest, red currants, allspice, pressed flowers and dry earth. Medium-bodied, beautifully lifted, seamlessly alcoholic (14%) and proportionately oaked, it delivers flavors that are comparable to the aromas, adding notes of cocoa and black tea. The wine's residual powdery tannins flex enough grip to make their presence known on the dense midpalate and lengthy finish. Well-cellared bottles of this superb Brunello should provide pleasure for another decade or more. Drink now-2035.

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• 2023 Astrolabe Wines Sauvignon Blanc 89 Points

  New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough

  This limpid, pale yellow wine offers a moderately intense aromatic profile of gooseberries, passion fruit, lime zest, honeydew and lemongrass. Light-to-medium-bodied, crisply acidic, unoaked and without noticeable alcohol (listed as 13.5%), it delivers flavors in line with the nose, adding notes of mango and spice. Solid in the middle and medium-to-long on the back end, this is an enjoyable white but does not necessarily stand out from the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc crowd. Bottled under screwcap. Drink now-2026.

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• 2021 Quinta do Vale Meão Douro 92 Points

  Portugal, Douro

  This deep ruby wine is comprised of 53% Touriga Nacional, 40% Touriga Franca, 5% Tinta Barroca and 2% Tinta Roriz, aged for 16 months in French oak barriques (45% new, 55% once-used). Aromatically, it is flush with dark bramble fruits, graphite, pressed flowers, tobacco, cedar and savory herbs. Full-bodied, freshly acidic and with well-integrated alcohol (14.5%), it delivers flavors mirroring the nose, wrapped with plentiful dusty tannins and a generous aliquot of toasted oak. Solid on the midpalate, it moves on to a lengthy finish that flexes some tannic grip. While this wine is structured for success, patience will be necessary. Drink 2028-2041.

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• 2016 Bodegas Ramon Bilbao Rioja Gran Reserva 92 Points

  Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja

  Sourced from vines more than 60 years of age, this deep-to-opaque ruby wine is a blend of 90% Tempranillo, 7% Graciano and 3% Mazuelo, aged for 30 months in used American oak barriques (followed by 48 months in bottle). Intensely aromatic and flavorful, it serves up a package of black and blue fruits that are augmented with baking spices, cocoa, balsamic, tobacco, tapenade and eucalyptus. Medium-bodied, fresh, proportionately oaked and with well-integrated alcohol (14%), it frames the flavors with dusty tannins that are pervasive on the midpalate and lengthy finish. Despite the wine's tannins, this goes down very easily and should provide plenty of enjoyment over the next 5-6 years. Drink now-2031.

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• 2021 Beaulieu Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour Private Reserve 96 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  This opaque ruby wine is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot, aged for 22 months in French oak barriques (95% new). Intensely aromatic, it flaunts an array of black currants, Bing cherries, dark plums, baking spices, licorice, violets, cedar and tobacco. Full-bodied, beautifully fresh, seamlessly alcoholic (14.7%) and with well-integrated wood, it delivers a flavor profile that aligns with the aromas, adding notes of graphite and bittersweet chocolate. Although plentiful, the tannins are silky smooth in texture. Layered in the middle and long on the back end, this is quintessential Napa Cabernet that represents a wonderful resurgence for this classic label. Already quite drinkable, it will last another two decades or more. Drink now-2045.

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• 2021 Cakebread Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Benchland Select 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Comprised of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is a blend of five clones from two vineyards in the western benchlands of Rutherford and Oakville. Aged for 18 months in 58% new French oak barriques, it is deep-to-opaque ruby in color and offers an aromatic array of cassis, dark bramble fruits, baking spices, bittersweet chocolate, graphite and lavender. Full-bodied, fresh and with well-integrated alcohol (listed as 14.2%), it delivers flavors mirroring the nose, wrapped with plentiful sweet tannins and a generous aliquot of toasted oak. Dense on the midpalate, it ultimately concludes with a lengthy finish that flexes some tannic grip. A bit more time in the cellar will allow the oak and tannins to better assimilate, If it fleshes out as anticipated, a higher score will be merited. Drink 2027-2041.

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• 2022 Lewis Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 89 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  This opaque crimson wine was aged for 19 months in 65% new French oak barriques. On the nose and palate, it is a full-throttle, full-bodied "fruit bomb" that is packed with blackberries, Luxardo cherries, dark plums, baking spices, vanilla, licorice and bittersweet chocolate. Low in acidity and heavily oaked, it somehow avoids flashing excessive heat from its lofty 15.5% alcohol. The tannins are plentiful yet silky, making for soft textures that are pervasive on the dense midpalate and lengthy finish. For my palate, this flirts with being over-the-top, but there are many who will enjoy this ripe, heavily-extracted style. A couple of additional years in the cellar should give the oak a chance to better integrate. Drink 2027-2035.

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• 2022 Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Olivet Lane Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

  Sourced from vines averaging 50 years of age, this wine was aged for 10 months in 83% new French oak. Medium ruby in color, it flaunts aromas and flavors of Bing cherries, dark bramble fruits, pomegranate, lavender, allspice and black tea. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic and without alcoholic heat (13.7%), it is a soft-textured wine by virtue of its polished tannins and well-woven oak. Solid on the midpalate, it ultimately concludes with a lengthy, mineral-driven finish. This is a terrific New World Pinot that should easily reach its tenth birthday. Drink now-2032.

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• 2021 Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon 93 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder

  This opaque crimson wine is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot, 1% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot, aged for 22 months in 84% new French oak barriques. Intensely aromatic and flavorful, it offers loads of black currant and dark plum fruit, flanked with mulling spices, licorice, ganache, bramble leaf and bark. Full-bodied, freshly acidic and restraining its 15.1% alcohol well, it wraps its flavors with abundant sweet tannins and a generous helping of toasted oak. Plump on the midpalate and long on the finish, this is a terrific Napa Cab that will require a bit of cellaring in order to fully strut its stuff. A higher score will likely be merited as it fleshes out. Drink 2028-2046.

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• 2021 Penner-Ash Pinot Noir Zena Crown Vineyard 93 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills

  Sourced from the cool-climate Zena Crown Vineyard in the southern end if the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, this wine was aged for 10 months in French oak barriques (38% new). Offering a nose of Bing cherries, red currants, blood oranges, cocoa, coriander and black tea, it follows with similar flavors on a medium-bodied, fresh, seamlessly alcoholic (14.2%) frame. Powdery tannins and soft notes of spicy oak encase the flavors throughout the dense midpalate and lengthy finish. This beautifully crafted Pinot should reach its tenth birthday with grace. Drink now-2031.

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• 2021 Stoller Pinot Noir Reserve Dundee Hills 93 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

  Sourced entirely from the Stoller Family Estate Vineyard within the Dundee Hills AVA, this wine was aged for 11 months in 35% new French oak barriques. Medium-to-deep ruby in color, it is an aromatically intense Pinot, flaunting an array of red currants, dried cranberries, pressed flowers, pickling spice, cocoa and bramble leaf. Medium-bodied, beautifully fresh and seamlessly alcoholic (13.5%), it delivers flavors in line with the aromas, wrapped with silky tannins and well-woven oak. Dense in the middle, it ultimately concludes with a lengthy, lifted finish. This beautifully balanced Pinot should provide plenty of pleasure up to (and possibly beyond) its tenth birthday. Drink now-2031.

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• 2021 DeLille Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags 92 Points

  USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain

  This 100% Cabernet offering is sourced from four esteemed Red Mountain vineyards (Grand Ciel, Upchurch, Klipsun and Ciel de Cheval). Aged for 20 months in French oak barriques (78% new), it is an opaque ruby, full-bodied red that is packed with black currant, dark plum and Bing cherry fruit, augmented with notes of bittersweet chocolate, baking spices, licorice and bramble leaf. Full-bodied, fresh and with well-integrated alcohol (14.5%), it wraps its flavors with plentiful sweet tannins and a generous aliquot of toasted oak. Layered on the midpalate and long on the finish, this is a delicious Cab that will get even better as the oak and tannins further assimilate. Give it a couple of additional years in the cellar if possible. Drink 2027-2041.

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• 2020 Klipsun (Terlato) Cabernet Sauvignon Klipsun Vineyard 93 Points

  USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Red Mountain

  Last tasted a year ago at the same walk-around event, this wine remains quite youthful. A blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Merlot that was aged for 20 months in 100% new French oak barriques, it is still opaque ruby in color and still packed with black currants, dark bramble fruits, lavender, Asian spices, bittersweet chocolate, bark and tobacco. Beautifully fresh and without any heat from its 13.9% alcohol, its oak and tannins remain far from integrated, dominating the midpalate and lengthy finish. Let this rest in the cellar for a few more years. Drink 2028-2045.

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The breadth of wines offered at the Grand Tour events is not as expansive as the Grand Tastings at the New York Wine Experience, being underweighted with wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy. However, the selection of Italian wines was outstanding. As such, we embraced the difference and thoroughly enjoyed our tasting experience. Wine Spectator and Wynn Resorts collaborated to stage a first-class event. There is no doubt about our return next year if Las Vegas is again selected as one of the Grand Tour cities.