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Inventory updated: Sun, Jul 26, 2026 12:42 PM cst
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Le Carillon de l' Angelus |
2014 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$653.99 |
10 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML) 
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$636.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (2/2019): From the team at Angélus yet from a separate terroir, the 2016 Carillon d’Angélus comes from 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, all of which spent 14-16 months in 50% new oak. This medium to full-bodied effort has some true Angélus character in its rocking nose of cassis, dried herbs, graphite, spice box, and chocolate-laced aromas and flavors. This gives way to a seamless, balanced, impressively textured wine that’s already drinking nicely yet promises to evolve for 10-15 years. |
|
| Ch. Beauregard |
2016 |
Pomerol (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$885.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| JS 93-94 (4/2017): Tight and linear on the palate with a lovely depth of fruit and polished tannins. Medium to full body and an attractive, fine-grained texture. |
|
| Ch. Branaire-Ducru |
2023 |
St. Julien (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$360.99 |
50 |
|
| |
JD 93-95 (4/2024): Located just across from Château Beychevelle, the 2023 Château Branaire-Ducru reveals a dense ruby/purple hue as well as absolute classic notes of red and blue fruits, spring flowers, sappy, and cedarwood. It's medium to full-bodied, has a supple, layered, elegant mouthfeel, remarkable purity, and ultra-fine tannins. It's one hell of a classy, balanced 2023 that will have 20+ years of prime drinking.
VM 92-94 (4/2024): The 2023 Branaire Ducru was picked from September 12, on the same day as last year, albeit with a longer harvest, as they finished on October 4. Yields were 53hL/ha, and the blend is almost the same as the 2022. This is the second vintage made in the new winery. My sample came from a new-oak barrel, but the final blend will include 60%. Lucid purple in color, it has a charming, very pure bouquet, perhaps less opulent than some of its Saint-Julien peers, yet precise. Delicate floral scents permeate the predominant red fruit, never bursting from the glass but unfurling with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly edgy tannins that impart tension, veering slightly more to black fruit on the mid-palate. This is certainly one of the most elegant Branaire-Ducru vintages to date, but it has more weight on the finish (something that has been addressed in recent years.) Understated and sapid, it should be open for business a little earlier than others, but it will age well over 20 to 25 years. Antonio Galloni.
WA 93-94 (4/2024): The 2023 Branaire-Ducru has turned out beautifully, wafting from the glass with classy aromas of dark berries, plums, pencil shavings and licorice, followed by a medium to full-bodied, cool and layered palate that's seamless, complete and enveloping, with terrific depth and vibrancy of fruit, refined tannins and a long, suave finish. At 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5.5% Cabernet Franc and 3.5% Petit Verdot, it's almost the same blend as the 2022, though at 13.1% alcohol and a pH of 3.63, it's more classically proportioned. Harvest began on September 12 and dragged on through October 4, parcel by parcel, with the vintage's healthy yields meaning the team could use their new winery, equipped with 63 smaller tanks, to keep all those components separate.
JA 94 (4/2024): Bright fruits, slate tannins, peony florals, black tea, tobacco and tons of St Julien finesse. Cabernet dominant in aroamtics and fruit character, a delicious Branaire. 53hl/ha yields. |
|
| Ch. Dassault |
2016 |
St. Emilion (3.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$243.99 |
5 |
|
| |
| JS 91-92 (4/2017): A layered and pretty young red with blackberries, blueberries and hints of chocolate. Medium-bodied, polished and velvety. Shows balance and potential. |
|
|
2016 |
St. Emilion (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$140.99 |
5 |
|
| |
| JS 91-92 (4/2017): A layered and pretty young red with blackberries, blueberries and hints of chocolate. Medium-bodied, polished and velvety. Shows balance and potential. |
|
| Clos l' Eglise |
1998 |
Pomerol ex-Chateau |
$139 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (4/2001): A classic Pomerol, the 1998 boasts a superb, complex bouquet of mocha fudge, vanilla, black cherries, roasted coffee, smoke, and berries. The dazzlingly explosive aromatic display is followed by a creamy-textured, medium to full-bodied, beautifully-layered wine with no hard edges. A supple texture leads to a finish with notes of caramel and spice that lingers for over 40 seconds. This is a gorgeous, complex Pomerol. |
|
|
2001 |
Pomerol ex-Chateau |
$139 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (6/2004): The 2001 offers a huge spectrum of aromas, including notes of smoke, mocha, chocolate, coffee, and loads of blackberry, cherry, and currant fruit. The superb aromatics are followed by an elegant, medium-bodied, deliciously supple-textured, expansive, fleshy, beautifully pure, well-delineated Pomerol. It is a brilliant effort as well as one of the candidates for the wine of the appellation in 2001. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2014.
VM 91 (6/2004): Medium ruby. Compelling aromas of candied currant and cherry, tobacco and roasted nuts. Suave, silky and sappy, with smoky berry and plum flavors framed and intensified by harmonious acidity. Dense, sweet, rich and seductive. Finishes ripely tannic, subtle and long. Delicious, archetypical Pomerol. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Ch. L' Evangile |
2019 |
Pomerol (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$918.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96-98 (6/2020): The 2019 L'Evangile is composed of 83.5% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc and 0.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested from the 13th of September to the 3rd of October. The alcohol comes in at 14.6%. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose hits the ground running with opulent scents of ripe black cherries, dried mulberries, baked plums and warm blueberries plus hints of candied violets, licorice, molten chocolate and wild sage with just a drop of hoisin. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is wonderfully concentrated with seductive layers of exotic spice-laced black fruit preserves and a velvety texture, finishing long and with just enough freshness. Tantalizingly moreish!
VM 91-93 (6/2020): The 2019 L'evangile was picked from 13 September, expediting the picking of the young Merlot that was threatened by hydric stress, the Cabernet Franc picked 22-27 September. This is the first vintage to include a "pinch" of Cabernet Sauvignon from the newly planted plot, for now just 0.5% of the blend. Matured in 75% new oak instead of the usual 100%, it has a rich and opulent bouquet with mulberry and blueberry fruit. I am seeking just a little more delineation and nerve vis-à-vis its peers, more clarity and terroir expression. The palate is medium-bodied with soft, rounded tannins that impart a seductive creamy texture, a leitmotif of this Pomerol cru and vintage. I would prefer more Cabernet influence towards the finish that would lend more dimension and personality. It is a sensual Pomerol but the oak still seems superfluous and detrimental to clarity on the finish. Neal Martin
JD 96-98 (6/2020): A rocking bouquet of blue fruits, dark chocolate, damp earth, and violet emerges from the 2019 Château L'Evangile, a slightly fresher yet still deep, concentrated expression of this château. Full-bodied, with beautiful tannins, a great mid-palate, and certainly no shortage of length on the finish, it has the silky, seamless style of the vintage, yet I'd still give bottles a solid 7-8 years in a cold cellar. It's a slightly changed style but still gorgeous.
JS 97-98 (6/2020): Lots of black-olive, crushed-berry and wet-earth aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, yet polished with a very fine, velvety texture from the tannins. It’s long and structured with a blue-fruit and stone undertone to the palate. Some sage, too. More balanced than in the past. Extremely persistent on the palate. 83.5% merlot, 16% cabernet franc and 0.5% cabernet sauvignon. |
|
| Ch. La Fleur Petrus |
2016 |
Pomerol (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,685.98 |
13 |
|
| |
JD 98 (2/2019): The 2016 Château La Fleur Petrus is more regal and elegant, with an incredibly floral quality in its red and blue fruits, crushed rock, forest floor, and graphite-tinged aromas and flavors. This medium to full-bodied, rich, layered effort has notable structure, integrated acidity, beautiful balance, and a rock star finish. This is pure class and a thrilling La Fleur Petrus that needs 4-5 years of bottle age and will cruise for 2-3 decades. (Drink between 2023-2053)
VM 97 (1/2019): The 2016 La Fleur-Pétrus soars out of the glass with striking aromatics. Light on its feet yet also quite fleshy, the 2016 has so much to offer. Blood orange and floral notes add brightness to the red-toned fruit in this silky, beautifully nuanced Pomerol. The 2016 is rich, dense and spectacularly beautiful, with a persistent, saline-drenched finish that makes it hard to resist a second taste. (Drink between 2026-2056) Antonio Galloni.
WA 97 (11/2018): Blended of 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc, the medium garnet-purple colored 2016 la Fleur-Petrus reveals stunning Black Forest cake, redcurrant jelly and wilted roses scents with underlying suggestions of pencil shavings, yeast extract, dark chocolate and cloves. Medium to full-bodied, the mid-palate possesses superb intensity and depth with layers of perfumed black fruits and loads of red fruit sparks framed by firm, ripe, grainy tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing on a lingering earthy note. |
|
| Ch. Grand Puy Lacoste |
2015 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$455.97 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (2/2018): The 2015 Grand Puy Lacoste is just as compelling from bottle as it was from barrel. Sensual, polished and refined, the 2015 is all class. Silky tannins, perfumed aromatics and beautifully delineated fruit are some of the signatures. The natural richness of the year comes through nicely, but without overpowering the wine's mid-weight sense of structure. This is a fabulous example of the year. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ch. Latour |
2007 |
Pauillac (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,695.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92+ (4/2010): The 2007 Latour (the first wine made in the newly renovated cellars) exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet, expansive bouquet of black fruits and spring flowers interwoven with a striking minerality. The wine’s dense, medium to full-bodied flavors are surprisingly evolved, with soft tannins, an ample, generous mouthfeel, and an endearing texture. Undoubtedly one of the longest lived wines of the vintage, the 2007 Latour should last for two decades or more.
VM 92 (8/2010): Good bright ruby-red. Rather backward nose hints at cassis, black cherry, shoe polish, graphite, minerals and spices. Sweet, broad and rich, but with enticing fresh minerality giving energy to the rather full-bodied middle palate. The wine's cassis fruit is complicated by an almost decadent floral element. Finishes perfumed and very long, with wonderfully lush, supple, fine-grained tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Ch. Leoville Barton |
2010 |
St. Julien (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,892.98 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 97 (3/2013): Aromas of pure blackberries and violets follow through to a full body, with super velvety tannins and a delicious balance of sweet fruit, light vanilla and nuts. Really savory and beautiful. Superb wine. I like this better than 2009. Try in 2018.
WA 96+ (2/2013): A splendid showing, much stronger from bottle than it was from barrel, the Leoville Barton is one of the spectacular wines of the vintage. Inky purple to the rim, its huge tannin gives this wine real potential for 30-50 years of longevity. It is a classic, powerful Bordeaux made with no compromise. A superstar of the vintage, the wine has notes of pen ink and creme de cassis, good acidity, sweet, subtle oak, and massive extraction and concentration. I thought it was one of the most backward wines of the vintage two years ago, and nothing has changed in the ensuing upbringing of the wine in cask except that the wine now seems even richer, denser and fuller than I previously thought. The beautiful purity, symmetry, and huge finish of nearly a minute make this one of the all-time great classics from Leoville Barton. Anticipated maturity: 2028-2065+.
VM 94+ (8/2013): Deep ruby. Very ripe, powerful aromas of blackberry, cassis, licorice and bitter chocolate. Sweet, dense, ripe and deep, with Outstanding purity and intensity to its plush black fruit and spice flavors. This has the sweetness of a great Napa Valley cabernet along with buns of steel. Finishes with penetrating fruit and Outstanding verve and persistence. For all its creamy richness, this should be extremely long-lived. |
|
| Ch. Margaux |
2005 |
Margaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$9,527.99 |
5 |
|
| |
JS 100 (11/2010): The nose on this seems more concentrated than the 2000, and the purity of fruit is stunning, with blueberries, raspberries, fresh flowers, and hints of licorice. This is perfect and complete. Full bodied, with notes of forest berries and wild raspberries, this is thick and velvety with perfectly polished tannins. You can really feel the density on this, more than the tannic structure. This is a sleeping beauty that will be utterly captivating when it awakes. Don't touch this until after 2015.
VM 99 (4/2021): In two recent tastings the 2005 Château Margaux has been nothing less than magnificent. A wine of stunning perfume and inner sweetness, the 2005 gradually opens to reveal layers of red-toned fruit intermingled with floral accents. It's as if all the classic Margaux signatures have been amped up in a huge way. Dehydration on the vine concentrated the fruit, but also the impression of tannin and acid, such that the 2005 retains huge fruit density along with plenty of brightness as well. Vibrant and beautifully layered, the 2005 Grand Vin is off the charts and easily one of the wines of the vintage. Readers who own it or can find it are in for a real treat. Tasted two times. Antonio Galloni.
WA 98+ (6/2015): The first-growth 2005 Château Margaux (85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot), a lavish fragrance of blackcurrants, velvety new saddle leather, spring flowers and spice soars from the glass. The wood is already totally concealed beneath the cascade of fruit in this medium to full-bodied, pure and majestic wine. This concentrated, dense, but nevertheless strikingly elegant, multi-layered wine has a finish of 45+ seconds. It builds incrementally to a crescendo and finale. This is a stunner that can be approached already, but promises to be better in another 5-10 years and last at least 25 or more years. |
|
| Alter Ego de Palmer |
2017 |
Margaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$608.99 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (3/2020): The 2017 Alter Ego is pliant, textured and supple. Expressive floral notes add inner perfume and freshness to a core of dark red berry fruit, mocha, new leather, spice and menthol. A wine of striking textural richness, Alter Ago also remains light on its feet and wonderfully nuanced. The 13% alcohol, low by present-day standards, adds to a feeling of freshness. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ch. Peby Faugeres |
2010 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,274.97 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (2/2013): A very limited production cuvee, the 2010 Peby Faugeres is sold in a specially designed bottle from Silvio Denz, who also owns Lalique Crystal. It comes from the oldest portion of the Faugeres vineyard, which is actually more of a completely separate entity under Denz than it was under the previous owners. The 2010 is 100% Merlot and again 15% natural alcohol. The vines were cropped at 20 hectoliters per hectare, but harvested about a week before the harvest finished for the main Faugeres vineyard. Most observers would tend to look at this wine as a modern-style, massive, intense St.-Emilion, with an opaque purple color, a floral nose shaded by notes of blueberry liqueur intermixed with black raspberries, vanillin, subtle smoke and barrique smells. It is full-bodied and built for two decades of longevity, but should be reasonably drinkable in 5-6 years because of the 100% Merlot content. This is a thrilling wine, as it has been in nearly every vintage where it has been produced. |
|
| Ch. Troplong Mondot |
2020 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,094.99 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 98 (2/2023): The 2020 Troplong Mondot is fabulous. Rich, dark and expansive, the 2020 is wonderfully exuberant right out of the gate. Black cherry, plum, gravel, incense and licorice are all dialed up. There's tremendous breadth and power, but without the excess weight of the past. Even so, the 2020 is a big, big wine that needs the better part of a decade to soften. All the classic Troplong structure is there, but buffered by vibrant acids and tons of supporting minerality. Harvest started on September 5 and finished on October 8, a very wide window for the Right Bank, and a reminder of how different the parcels are. The 2020 was done in 60% new oak, 12% foudres, 28% once-used barrels. Antonio Galloni.
JS 98-99 (4/2021): This has superb depth and intensity with very fine tannins that draw you down. So much black fruit, together with black pepper and salt. Extremely well crafted. Vertical and deep. Chalky and salty with black chocolate.
JD 96-98 (5/2021): I’d wager the finest vintage here since the 2015, then the 2009, the 2020 Château Troplong Mondot is a blend of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Cabernet Franc. It offers a dense purple hue as well as powerful, unevolved aromas and flavors of pure crème de cassis, black cherries, graphite, gravelly earth, and tobacco. Coming from the highest elevation vineyard in the appellation and deeper, clay soils (which excelled in 2020), it’s medium to full-bodied and has a dense, thick mid-palate, building tannins, and a great finish. It’s not for the instant gratification crowd out there, but it’s going to be incredibly long-lived. Hats off to the team at Troplong Mondot as well as oenologist Thomas Duclos.
WA 95-97+ (5/2021): The 2020 Troplong Mondot is composed of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, harvested from 4th September and lasting for about three weeks. The pH is 3.53, the IPT (tannin index) is 75 and the alcohol is 14.5%. Opaque purple-black colored, it opens with a vivacious burst of black fruits—stewed plums, baked blackberries and boysenberries—giving way to a fragrant undercurrent of licorice, ground cloves, cinnamon stick and lilacs, with a touch of bouquet garni. The full-bodied palate is chock-full of plump, juicy black fruits and savory sparks, framed by fantastically ripe, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and opulent. |
|
| Ch. Trotanoy |
2018 |
Pomerol (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,676.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Trotte Vieille |
2022 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$586.99 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 95-97 (5/2023): My rough note on the 2022 Château Trotte Vieille included more than one expletive, and this beauty is straight-up gorgeous. Vivid blue fruits, violets, flowers, and chocolate all make an appearance on the nose, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a seamless, layered texture, perfect tannins, and nicely integrated oak. Based on 50% Cabernet Franc, 45% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, it remains to be seen if this will ultimately match the magical 2020, but we're not far off. This is a château readers need to have on their radar.
VM 94-96 (5/2023): The 2022 Trotte Vieille is a hugely intriguing wine. The aromatics alone are wonderfully alluring. Sweet red-toned fruit, mint, blood orange, spice, licorice and rose petal infuse the 2022 with compelling inner perfume. Layered and complex, with tons of character, Trotte Vieille is shaping up to be terrific. In 2022, Trotte Vieille is not as bombastic as it has been in some recent years, and that is a positive. Antonio Galloni.
WA 94-96 (5/2023): The quality of the 2022 Trotte Vieille took me by surprise, but clearly more diligent viticulture, combined with a new winery equipped with fully 26 vats for the estate's 11 hectares of vineyards, is beginning to pay off, as this is the most complete, integrated young wine I have ever tasted at this address. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of dark berries, rose petals, violets and incense, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with a deep core of vibrant fruit, beautifully refined tannins and a long, saline finish. A blend of fully 50% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot, it derives exclusively from Trotte Vieille's historic clay-limestone walled vineyard.
JA 95 (5/2023): Even with its location on the heart of the Asteries limestone plateau the colour is insanely dark, a clear imprint of the vintage. This is the second vintage in Trottevielle's new cellars, and it's totally gorgeous, rich and creamy in its delivery of blackberry and blueberry fruits, feels complete, compelx and balanced, with the chocolate and damson core given lift and finesse by a salted cracker and saffran finish. 100% new oak, beautiful wine from the team here, owned by Philippe Casteja. |
|
| | Bordeaux White |
| Ch. Suduiraut |
2015 |
Sauternes (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$259.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. d' Yquem |
2017 |
Sauternes (6x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,228.98 |
4 |
|
| |
JS 99 (12/2019): This is a great Yquem, delivering thrilling purity and intensity. The nose offers intense aromas of fresh and dried apricot and peach pastry, as well as freshly baked creme brulee, candied and fresh orange and kumquat. Some marmalade, too. Smooth, glossy texture with flavors of grilled orange, dried apricot and an exceptionally long finish with a powerful, driving push to the end. A flicker of toasty-oak influence arrives late, but this wine has completely consumed the oak. The 2017 Yquem is a very powerful wine from a very rich and exceptional vintage. The acidity has a big hand in balancing the richness. Pithy finish. The phenolics deliver some great depth. Rain at the beginning of September prompted an extensive infection of noble rot. The harvest lasted from September 26 to October 13. Great quality and one of the best since the legendary 2001. Drink or hold.
VM 97 (11/2019): The 2017 Yquem was tasted instead of the 2018 since owners LVMH no longer show the wine en primeur. This vintage has just been released onto the market and so I have included it in this report. The estate suffered no frost damage in 2017 and a warm period between May and July, 3° Celsius above average meant the vines' growth cycle was a month in advance. Then, 65mm of rain between 1 and 16 September was the catalyst for botrytis formation. The fruit was picked in two dry and warm windows between 26 September and 14 October, during which concentration came easily so that the bunches achieved even levels of ripeness. The vineyard team selected the best parcels to pick at 21 degrees potential alcohol and in a draconian measure, the rest was sold, some 50% of the crop. Winemaker Sandrine Garbay described it as "A vintage of puissance and richness." It has a charming and very pure bouquet with dried honey, acacia, apricot blossom and touches of crushed stone that gradually unfurls in the glass. The palate is viscous on the entry, beautifully balanced with impressive weight and substance, though sans the multi-dimensional complexity of the very greatest vintages. Honey, hints of lemongrass, marmalade and quince combine on the extremely harmonious finish that lingers. This is a seriously good Yquem. Neal Martin. |
|
| | Burgundy Red |
| Dom. Y. Clerget |
2016 |
Volnay 1er Cru Clos du Verseuil (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$775.99 |
3 |
|
| |
BH 91-93 (4/2018): Much more discreet, if not invisible, wood sets off pure, cool and restrained aromas of red currant, raspberry and soft floral wisps. There is really lovely vibrancy to the detailed, sleek and refined medium weight flavors that brim with both minerality and dry extract that serves to buffer the distinctly firm tannic spine shaping the lingering and beautifully balanced finale. This too is really quite good and worth considering.
VM 87? (10/2019): The 2016 Volnay Clos des Verseuil 1er Cru has a very perfumed, almost over-scented bouquet that feels very floral, rather obscuring the fruit profile underneath. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chewy tannins, grippy and firm in the mouth with some dry wood tannins that are marring the finish at the moment. This is a tricky one to assess and it may just be suffering a closed down stage of its evolution. Neal Martin. |
|
| Dom. Faiveley |
2018 |
Chambertin Clos de Beze Les Ouvrees Rodin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,950.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Jean-Marie Fourrier |
2013 |
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Chaumes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,247.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Henri Gouges |
2023 |
Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Chaignots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$684.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Jean Grivot |
2019 |
Vosne Romanee Les Rouges (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,086.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Suchots (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,330.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Hubert Lignier |
2023 |
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,087.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Baudes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,221.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Baudes (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$456.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
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2023 |
Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Aux Combottes (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$527.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Morey St. Denis 1er Cru Les Chaffots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$879.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Morey St. Denis 1er Cru Vieilles Vignes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,160.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Lignier Michelot |
2023 |
Morey St. Denis Vieilles Vignes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$403.99 |
10 |
|
| |
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|
2023 |
Chambolle Musigny Vieilles Vignes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$403.99 |
10 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. JF Mugnier |
2020 |
Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Clos de la Marechale
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$332.99 |
30 |
|
| |
BH 93 (1/2023): An exceptionally pretty, indeed even perfumed, nose reflects aromas of dark currant, poached plum, newly turned earth and subtle anise hints. The refined and intense flavors possess good if not special density along with a beguiling sense of underlying tension that carries over to the dusty, youthfully austere, compact and lingering finish. This is unusually powerful, if a bit less refined, compared to its usual understated character and overall, it is really quite impressive.
VM 89 (1/2023): The 2020 Nuits Saint-Georges Clos de la Maréchale 1er Cru has a lovely dark plummy bouquet, kirsch and a touch of liquorice, perhaps a little sur-maturité. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, black cherries, hints of peppermint with a cassis finish. Maybe this just doesn't quite deliver the persistency that I anticipated when I tasted this from barrel. Neal Martin. |
|
| Dom. Georges Noellat |
2019 |
Echezeaux Grand Cru
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$679.99 |
1 |
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| |
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|
2019 |
Echezeaux Grand Cru (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,211.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Ponsot |
2022 |
Morey St. Denis Cuvee des Grives (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$696.99 |
2 |
|
| |
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| Dom. de la Pousse d'Or |
2018 |
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,617.99 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Dom. Taupenot Merme |
2019 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru La Combe d’Orveaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,008.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Jean & Jean Louis Trapet |
2013 |
Le Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,634.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| A. & P. de Villaine |
2023 |
Mercurey Les Montots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$360.99 |
3 |
|
| |
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| Dom. Comte de Vogue |
2023 |
Musigny Grand Cru Cuvee Vieilles Vignes (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,040.98 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Burgundy White |
| Dom. Francois Carillon |
2017 |
Puligny Montrachet Enseigneres (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,531.98 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Rene & Vincent Dauvissat |
2022 |
Chablis (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,666.99 |
2 |
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| |
|
| | Champagne |
| Bollinger |
2007 |
R.D. Extra Brut Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$633.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 97 (11/2021): Bollinger’s 2007 R.D. is superb, but it is also a wine that reflects the nature of a unique and challenging growing season. In most vintages the R.D. is marked by the distinct creaminess and breadth of Aÿ Pinot Noir. Two thousand seven, though, was a difficult year marked by very dry weather, rain at the end of the growing season and an early harvest in August, something that was not as common as it has become. Selection was essential. For the 2007, the blend is composed of just 14 villages compared to the more typical 18-25. Verzenay is the main Pinot component while Cramant plays the leading role in the Chardonnays. For these reasons, the 2007 is an R.D. driven by more focus, energy and tension than readers are used to seeing. Lemon confit, dried flowers, sage, mint, crushed rocks, almond and ginger are some of the aromas and flavors that give the 2007 its complex, multi-faceted personality. |
|
| Roses de Jeanne (Cedric Bouchard) |
2018 |
Les Ursules Blanc de Noirs Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,717.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (8/2023): Bouchard's 2018 Blanc de Noirs Les Ursules is a particular success, wafting from the glass with aromas of white flowers, crisp red apple, clear honey, wet stones and crushed mint. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and precise, it's pure, racy and concentrated, with impressive tension and finesse that transcends this frequently blowsy, open-knit vintage. Exigent agronomy and timely harvesting pays off, once again.
VM 94 (5/2022): The 2018 Blanc de Noirs Les Ursules is wild, almost exotic in this release. Intense floral and tropical overtones through a core of Pinot fruit. Creamy and expansive, the Ursules is so giving today. Time in the glass offers layers of orchard fruit, lemon confit, marzipan and dried flowers. The 2018 is super-impressive. Disgorged: 2022. (Drink between 2023-2033). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2020 |
Les Ursules Blanc de Noirs Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,384.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom Ruinart |
2013 |
Blanc de Blancs Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,319.99 |
4 |
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| |
|
| | Chile |
| Concha y Toro |
2018 |
Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$661.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Germany |
| Weingut Hermann Donnhoff |
2022 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$429.97 |
8 |
|
| |
|
| | Italy |
| Argiano |
2010 |
Brunello di Montalcino (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$455.97 |
1 |
|
| |
| JS 98 (12/2014): An unforgiving and powerfully structured wine with fabulous grilled meat and granite stone character with dried berry and flower petal. Full body, chewy and intense. Great structure and extremely long and intense. Sexy austerity. Gets the juices going. Best ever from here. Reminds me of the great Argianos of the 1970s but now! Better in 2017 or 2018. |
|
| Azelia |
2017 |
Barolo Margheria (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$536.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| G.B. Burlotto |
2017 |
Barolo Monvigliero (3.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,189.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ceretto |
2018 |
Barolo Bricco Rocche (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$461.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Angelo Gaja |
2022 |
Barbaresco (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,797.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Elio Grasso |
2017 |
Barolo Gavarini Chiniera (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$403.99 |
4 |
|
| |
VM 96 (2/2021): Grasso's 2017 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera is fabulous. In fact, the Gavarini is easily one of the wines of the vintage because it retains all of its classic signatures, which is also the sign of a first-class vineyard. Bright and vibrant in the glass, the Gavarini pulses with energy. Crushed red flowers, mint, chalk, white pepper, cinnamon and orange peel give the 2017 a super-classic Nebbiolo profile, as expressed in a relatively high-altitude site. The precision and finesse of the tannins - so hard to find in 2017- elevates the Gavarini into the realm of the sublime. Antonio Galloni.
JD 96 (5/2021): The distinctive amphitheater that is Gavarini in Monforte d’Alba is situated just north of Ginestra. The 2017 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera is nuanced with perfectly ripe cherry, cinnamon, cedar, and menthol. It delivers a high level of refinement on the palate, with super-fine tannins, orange peel, pomegranate, and dried roses. Drink 2025-2045.
WA 95+ (6/2021): The Elio Grasso 2017 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera shows us that deft hands are able to shape good results in a challenging vintage. This wine is balanced and polished with an array of smaller and more detailed aromas that we simply don't see in the majority of Barolo releases from this hot and dry vintage. The bouquet here cautiously unveils tiny berry fruit, underbrush, wild rose, lilac, rusty nail and crushed stone. Nuanced and precise, this is one of a handful of 2017 releases that deserves special praise.
JS 95 (6/2021): Ripe-berry aromas with toffee and some iodine and stone. Full-bodied with depth of fruit and chewy, polished tannins that are intense and pointed. This has so much structure and intensity. Give it time to soften and come together. Try in 2025. |
|
| Tenuta San Leonardo |
2020 |
Vallagarina (6.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$961.99 |
10 |
|
| |
|
| Giuseppe Rinaldi |
2022 |
Barolo Le Brunate (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,227.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Roagna |
2020 |
Barbaresco Paje (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,133.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Tenuta San Guido |
2006 |
Sassicaia (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$5,440.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (8/2009): The 2006 Sassicaia may very well go down as one of the all-time great recent vintages for this Tuscan thoroughbred. The year started off very warm but by August evening temperatures had moderated, leaving the fruit with a stunning combination of ripeness, perfume, acidity and tannin. The wine is simply glorious, that’s all there is to it. Layers of dark fruit meld into smoke, leather, violets, menthol, earthiness and tar as this profound wine opens up in the glass. The creamy, silky finish lasts an eternity, as waves of fruit caress the tannins with breathtaking elegance. Everything is in the right place in this magical Sassicaia. This is one for the ages. In a word: Awesome. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2031.
VM 95 (10/2010): (85% cabernet sauvignon and 15% cabernet franc) Bright red-ruby. Complex nose melds red cherry, blackcurrant, minerals, dried herbs and a delicate oaky vanillin nuance; the fruit aromas show an almost roasted quality without going over the top. Sweet, concentrated and nicely fresh, with an impression of strong extract and a hint of exotic fruits to the flavors of ripe red and dark berries, chocolate, plum and wild herbs. The candied fruit quality carries through on the long, smooth finish, where there's a trace of heat and hints of menthol and minerals. A very successful Sassicaia but, in my notebook, just a little below the lofty heights of the 2001 or 2004. But given the quality of this wine, that's quibbling. Ian d'Agata.
JS 95 (4/2012): Sweet tobacco and berry with hints of currants. Full, soft and silky. Lots of fruit and a long finish. It's subtle, dense and sophisticated. Please give this another five years to really show what it has. |
|
|
2006 |
Sassicaia (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,832.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (8/2009): The 2006 Sassicaia may very well go down as one of the all-time great recent vintages for this Tuscan thoroughbred. The year started off very warm but by August evening temperatures had moderated, leaving the fruit with a stunning combination of ripeness, perfume, acidity and tannin. The wine is simply glorious, that’s all there is to it. Layers of dark fruit meld into smoke, leather, violets, menthol, earthiness and tar as this profound wine opens up in the glass. The creamy, silky finish lasts an eternity, as waves of fruit caress the tannins with breathtaking elegance. Everything is in the right place in this magical Sassicaia. This is one for the ages. In a word: Awesome. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2031.
VM 95 (10/2010): (85% cabernet sauvignon and 15% cabernet franc) Bright red-ruby. Complex nose melds red cherry, blackcurrant, minerals, dried herbs and a delicate oaky vanillin nuance; the fruit aromas show an almost roasted quality without going over the top. Sweet, concentrated and nicely fresh, with an impression of strong extract and a hint of exotic fruits to the flavors of ripe red and dark berries, chocolate, plum and wild herbs. The candied fruit quality carries through on the long, smooth finish, where there's a trace of heat and hints of menthol and minerals. A very successful Sassicaia but, in my notebook, just a little below the lofty heights of the 2001 or 2004. But given the quality of this wine, that's quibbling. Ian d'Agata.
JS 95 (4/2012): Sweet tobacco and berry with hints of currants. Full, soft and silky. Lots of fruit and a long finish. It's subtle, dense and sophisticated. Please give this another five years to really show what it has. |
|
| Tua Rita |
2021 |
Giusto di Notri Rosso Toscana (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$697.97 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (3/2024): Here’s a wine that takes us to a vintage that excels in terms of general fruit clarity and precision. The 2021 Giusto di Notri is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 10% Merlot that ages in new oak (50% of the wine) with the other half going into second- and third-passage barrel. Intensity and depth are highlighted nicely here in a vintage that ended on October 16th (much later than 2020). This benefits complexity and aromas. The vintage also delivers more freshness and balanced tannins (without the sharper edges you get in 2020). This is a beautiful wine, one that's set up for long cellar aging. |
|
| | Other France |
| Marcel Lapierre |
2019 |
Morgon Cuvee Camille (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$309.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Rhone Red |
| Ch. de Beaucastel |
2015 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage a Jacques Perrin (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$758.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (10/2017): A classic blend of mostly Mourvèdre, the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Hommage A Jacques Perrin is a blockbuster that’s certainly the wine of the vintage. Possessing an inky purple color to go with an incredible bouquet of blueberries, garrigue, olive tapenade, beef blood and pepper, it's rich, full-bodied, powerful and layered, with sweet, ripe tannin. It's a more approachable example of this cuvee that past vintages, yet will keep for 3 decades or more.
WA 98 (10/2017): As this was bottled only a week before I tasted it, I suspect this rating will prove to be conservative once a few months have passed. The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage a Jacques Perrin is another prodigious version of this wine. How many wines in this world can be so huge yet so lacking the feeling of weight? There's plenty of layered spice but also a core of raspberries; rich tannins, yet no real astringency; and a long finish without any apparent heat. Wow! |
|
| Clos des Papes |
2007 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,804.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (2/2017): One of the great vintages from this estate, surpassing even the 1990, 2000, 2001, 2003, and maybe the 2010 (time will tell with this one), the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape from Vincent Avril delivers everything you could want from a wine. Full-bodied, intense and beautifully concentrated, with plenty of muscle and depth, it shows the hallmark elegance and purity of the estate, with sensational notes of kirsch liqueur, raspberries, incense, smoked meats and Asian spices. The blend is the normal 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah and the rest a mix of permitted varieties, brought up all in older foudre, and it's just now entering its prime drink window and has another two decades of longevity.
VM 95+ (2/2010): Deep ruby. Powerful, pungent aromas of kirsch, dark berries, smoky herbs and spicecake, with notes of black olive and tobacco coming on with air. Chewy, palate-staining dark fruit flavors are complicated by bitter chocolate, licorice and black cardamom. Acts like a 2005 today, with serious structure but also superb depth of powerful, densely packed fruit. A hint of cherry skin adds grip and refreshing bitterness to the long, smoky, focused finish. Not an easy read right now: this demands cellaring. |
|
|
2010 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,176.98 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 98 (5/2022): Unprompted, Paul-Vincent Avril pulled a 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape from the admirable library stock he maintains at Clos des Papes. Who was I to say no? A stupendous effort that seamlessly marries full-bodied richness with a sense of lightness and ease, it's really just now maturing, although it has been drinkable for some time. Leather accents raspberry and blackberry fruit on the nose, while the long, silky-textured finish adds delicate notes of star anise, peppery spice and black olive. This complex, elegant masterpiece should continue to drink well for another decade and then some.
JD 98+ (12/2017): The 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Paul-Vincent continues to fire on all cylinders and is a big, rich, structured beauty that flirts with perfection. Black raspberries, kirsch, dried garrigue, and dusty earth-like aromas and flavors all emerge from this huge, concentrated, incredibly structured 2010 that’s just now starting to shed a touch of baby fat. It’s going to hit full-maturity in another 4-5 years and last for another two decades. It’s an incredible, world-class effort that every reader should try to taste.
VM 96 (1/2013): Inky ruby. Potent, intensely perfumed aromas on raspberry liqueur, cherry-cola, anise and smoky garrigue. Spicy and incisive, offering palate-staining red and dark berry flavors that become richer with air. Shows a superb balance of richness and vivacity, with dusty tannins giving grip to a long, spice- and floral-dominated finish. One of the top wines from the entire Rhone from this Outstanding vintage. |
|
| Dom. du Pegau |
2010 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Capo (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,634.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (10/2013): Comprised of roughly 85% Grenache and the rest Syrah and other permitted varieties, aged all in foudre, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee da Capo is sheer perfection in a glass. Wine doesn’t get any better. Incredibly rich and concentrated, yet ethereal and even graceful, it boasts off-the-hook aromas of blackberry, licorice, spice-box, smoked meats and underbrush that continue to change and develop in the glass. Massive and decadent on the palate, yet again, with no weight and a seamless texture, this brilliant effort needs a handful of years in the cellar and will live to see its 30th birthday in fine form. Drink 2016-2040.
VM 95-96 (2/2013): Inky purple. Heady, explosive aromas of black raspberry and blueberry preserves, garrigue and incense, with smoky mineral and anise accents. Lush and palate-coating, offering deeply concentrated black and blue fruit flavors that are enlivened by juicy acidity. Ridiculously rich but animated wine, with excellent finishing thrust and lingering spiciness. This wine had still not been bottled when I tasted it in mid-November. |
|
| | Southern France |
| Dom. Grange des Peres |
2018 |
Vin de Pays de l’Herault (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,480.97 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| | USA Red |
| Schrader |
2006 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 98+ (12/2008): One of the more backward efforts is the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Schrader. It is dense and full-bodied, but holding more in reserve. |
|
|
2006 |
T6 Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$299 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2008): The similarly-styled 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon T6 displays extraordinary focus and precision along with lavish amounts of creme de cassis fruit intermixed with smoked herbs, milk chocolate, and burning embers. Powerful yet silky-textured and sumptuously rich, this is another stunner to drink over the next 20-25 years.
VM 97 (10/2013): Schrader’s 2006 and 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon T6, also from my cellar, were showstoppers. I preferred the 2006 for its explosive, vibrant personality, sumptuous fruit and exceptional pedigree. The 2006 was flat-out breathtaking. Wow. |
|
|
2008 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$395 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 98+ (12/2010): The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Schrader, which comes from Clones 4, 6 and 337, is slightly more structured and perhaps not as velvety as the CCS or RBS. Again, blue fruits, black fruits, camphor, charcoal and burning ember characteristics are presented in a full-bodied, powerful style that balances intensity with elegance and an uncanny equilibrium. This is another stunning wine that should benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring and keep for 25-30+ years. |
|
|
2008 |
GIII Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$375 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (12/2010): The 2008s were bottled in early summer, 2010. From the Beckstoffer Vineyard, the opaque blue/purple-colored 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon George III Clone 337 rocks out of the glass with brilliant aromas of creme de cassis, Christmas fruitcake, cedarwood, licorice and incense. The wine is deep, full-bodied, dense and concentrated with Outstanding purity, texture and length. It is approachable now (one of the seductive characteristics of these wines) yet is capable of lasting 25 or more years. |
|
|
2009 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Schrader Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is one of the more plush, overt wines in this lineup. There is tremendous depth in the fruit in this massive, sweeping wine. The aromas and flavors build towards the cascading finish. The Schrader is a decidedly big, muscular wine that emphasizes power over detail. The Schrader is predominantly clone 4 from the D2 block, with a dollop of clone 6 from the D2 block and clone 337 from the B2 block. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029. |
|
|
2009 |
CCS Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$275 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96+ (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard comes across as big, tight and powerful. This is one of the more reticent, inward of the 2009 Schraders. Tar, licorice, menthol and violets are some of the notes that wrap around the intense, virile finish. Today the CCS is a touch compact. It will merit a higher score if the fruit fills out a little more. CCS is clone 4 from the C1 block. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. |
|
|
2009 |
RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$295 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard comes across as dark, plush and inviting, but with greater inner focus and minerality than some of the other wines here. Graphite, smoke, tar and licorice are some of the notes that wrap around the intense, juicy finish. I especially admire the way the RBS grows in the glass as it turns more explosive over time, yet never loses its more refined shades of expression. The RBS is 100% clone 337 from the B1 and B2 blocks. According to winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, it is the addition of fruit from B2 (new this year) that gives the 2009 much of its personality. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. |
|
|
2010 |
GIII Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2013): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer George III Vineyard, made from clone 337, had a total production of 110 cases (compared to 260+ for the 2012). Its gorgeous nose reveals aromas of creme de cassis, blueberries, raspberries, vanillin and notions of cedarwood as well as incense. Deep and full-bodied with fabulous purity, a hallmark of all these wines, this spectacular 2010 has plenty of structure, but the fruit intensity and richness largely obscure the wine’s tannic profile. This beauty will be drinkable in several years and keep for 30 years.
VM 96 (12/2012): Schrader's 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon GIII Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard bursts from the glass with explosive dark blue and black fruit, exotic spices, flowers and menthol. There is an inner energy and tension in the GIII that makes this bottling stand out. Readers will want to give the 2010 a few years in the cellar, but it is strikingly beautiful even today. Over time, as I followed it, the wine continued to open up in the glass and put on considerable weight. In 2010, the GIII is a true standout. The GIII is clone 337 from the F block. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2012 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$295 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 98 (10/2014): Nearly as prodigious is the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer to Kalon Vineyard, which is Clone 4 and Clone 6 blended together from the Beckstoffer to Kalon Vineyard, this is the highest in alcohol of the 2012s at 14.6%. It was aged in a combination of 50% new Darnajou and 50% new Taransaud barrels. This wine is one of the tighter, more backward of the 2012s, with more structure, tannin, muscle, a masculine personality, oodles of black and blue fruits and a massive mouthfeel, but is somehow much more primary and younger tasting than the other wines. Forget it for a few years and drink it over the following 20-25 years. |
|
|
2012 |
T6 Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$295 |
1 |
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| WA 95 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard T6, which is from Clone 6 in a different block of Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, is aged in 86% new Darnajou and 14% new Taransaud. This wine is not terribly different, but Clone 6 is believed to be old Bordeaux clones brought over to Napa Valley and propagated. The wine has terrific fruit intensity, blackcurrants, blackberry, licorice, creosote and espresso roast. Deep, full-bodied, powerful and rich, this, again, shows the vintage’s voluptuous texture, full-bodied power and richness. |
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2013 |
MMXIII "Old Sparky" Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$1,500 |
2 |
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| WA 100 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Sparky, which is essentially made from clone 4 from two separate blocks, clone 6 and clone 337, is another perfect wine from the Schraders. I suppose it’s a little boring to say, and perhaps I can be accused of creating unrealistic expectations on the part of readers, but this is as great as Cabernet can be. Tasting like a first-growth Pauillac, the wine is opaque purple and has a fabulous nose of lead pencil, spring flowers, blueberry and blackberry and the telltale cassis. There is also some licorice and sweet oak, the tannins are ripe, and the wine full-bodied. Built like a skyscraper, with an incredible finish (like most of these wines) going on for 50 seconds to a minute, this amazing wine should still be drinking splendidly well at age 25 or 30. |
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2015 |
LPV Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$350 |
1 |
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| WA 98+ (12/2017): Coming from the Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard, from blocks C and E that are planted to clones 337 and 4, respectively, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Lpv has a very deep garnet-purple color and nose of crushed black berries, black currant cordial and garrigue with wafts of sage, mocha and cedar chest plus a hint of lavender. Medium to full-bodied, very firm and very tightly knit, the palate reveals great elegance and sophistication, with slowly revealing layers and a lovely minerality coming through on the long finish. 2,017 cases produced. |
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2017 |
CCS Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$285 |
1 |
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| JD 98 (1/2020): Another wine in the running for the wine of the vintage is the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard CCS, which, as always, is all Cabernet aged in new Darnajou barrels. This full-bodied, magical 2017 has incredibly polished, silky tannins as well as a mammoth-sized texture and mouthfeel. Loaded with notions of blueberries, white flowers, graphite, candied violets, and incense, it’s one of those wines that carries incredible richness and depth yet never seems heavy or cumbersome. The 2017 doesn’t get much better, and this beauty can be drunk today or cellared for two decades. |
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2017 |
Monastery Block To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$265 |
1 |
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| JD 94 (1/2020): The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard Monastery Block is always terrific, yet I always find it more linear and foursquare compared to some of the other releases in the lineup. Nevertheless, it offers a terrific bouquet of gravelly earth, ground herbs, chocolaty dark fruits, and some obvious minerality. This full-bodied Cabernet is going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 15-20 plus. |
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2017 |
T6 Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$295 |
1 |
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| JD 98 (1/2020): In the top handful of wines in the vintage, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard T6 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon (which was harvested the morning of the fires) that spent 20 months in 92% new French oak. This is a powerhouse of a wine that’s loaded with fruit and richness, yet it still just glides across the palate with no sensation of weight or heaviness. Dense purple-hued, with lots of chocolaty black and blue fruits, incense, and spice as well as unsmoked tobacco, give bottles 3-4 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following two decades |
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2018 |
MMXVIII "Old Sparky" Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$1,595 |
1 |
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| JD 100 (1/2021): There are few vintages of Old Sparky that don't merit a perfect rating, and the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Old Sparky isn't one of them. This flawless wine offers up a wild smorgasbord of aromas and flavors, with loads of crème de cassis, blueberries, scorched earth, lead pencil, violets, blood orange, tobacco, and flowery incense all developing with time in the glass. Deep purple-hued and incredibly full-bodied, it has ripe, silky tannins, perfect balance, and a finish that won't quit. This magical wine stays weightless and elegant on the palate, never seeming heavy, cumbersome, or over the top, and it's a wine that just begs to be drunk yet will evolve for decades. Hats off to winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown for yet another heavenly Napa Cabernet Sauvignon that could come from nowhere else in the world. Life is too short not to have experienced this cuvée! (Drink between 2021-2041) |
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2018 |
Heritage Clone To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$279 |
3 |
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| WA 97+ (1/2021): This is the very first vintage of this new label for Schrader. True to Schrader form, the wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a single block in the southern part of Mondavi’s section of To Kalon vineyard. The “Heritage Clone,” a.k.a. clone 39, is pretty much exclusive to Mondavi To Kalon, with the exception of some cuttings Robert Mondavi may have given out. Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown noted that this clone produces very small bunches and tiny berries, equating to super intense fruit. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Mondavi Heritage Clone To Kalon Vineyard was aged in 100% new Darnajou and Taransaud French oak barrels for 18 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, it sings of stewed blueberries, plum preserves, Chinese five spice and fragrant earth, giving way to hints of beef drippings, iron ore, espresso, tobacco leaf and dried roses. Medium-bodied, it has a firm, chewy texture and loads of bright, lively freshness lifting the densely packed berry preserves layers, finishing very long and very spicy. This is certainly a singular style—somewhat atypical for the 2018 vintage, but nonetheless compelling. |
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2018 |
RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$279 |
4 |
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WA 97 (1/2021): Schrader’s RBS comes from Beckstoffer’s To Kalon vineyard in Oakville, produced from 337 clone grown on blocks B1, B2 and E2. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 100% new Darnajou and Taransaud French oak barrels for 18 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, it leaps from the glass with gregarious exotic spice scents—cumin seed, cloves and star anise—over a core of Black Forest cake, blueberry compote and black currant pastilles plus a waft of underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely coated with spicy, open-knit black fruit preserves flavors, marked by bright red-fruit accents. Supported by great tension and velvety tannins, it finishes on a lingering cinnamon toast note. 1,715 cases were made.
JD 99 (1/2021): Another heavenly wine in the lineup is the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard RBS, which comes from Clone 337 and a handful of different blocks in the vineyard. This deep purple-hued beauty has an incredibly seamless, elegant, yet full-bodied style as well as killer notes of crème de cassis, blueberries, wildflowers, violets, white chocolate, and new saddle leather. Flirting with perfection, the tannin quality, purity of fruit, balance, and overall harmony here is just about off the charts. It makes you want to drink the whole bottle, but it should age effortlessly for 25+ years.
JS 97 (1/2021): Aromas of red fruit, plums, herbs and dark chocolate with some bark and forest-floor notes. Full-bodied, yet very finely crafted and poised. Lots of fresh and dry herbs to the dark fruit at the finish. Lasts a long time. Try after 2024. |
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2018 |
RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$279 |
1 |
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WA 97 (1/2021): Schrader’s RBS comes from Beckstoffer’s To Kalon vineyard in Oakville, produced from 337 clone grown on blocks B1, B2 and E2. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 100% new Darnajou and Taransaud French oak barrels for 18 months. Deep garnet-purple in color, it leaps from the glass with gregarious exotic spice scents—cumin seed, cloves and star anise—over a core of Black Forest cake, blueberry compote and black currant pastilles plus a waft of underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely coated with spicy, open-knit black fruit preserves flavors, marked by bright red-fruit accents. Supported by great tension and velvety tannins, it finishes on a lingering cinnamon toast note. 1,715 cases were made.
JD 99 (1/2021): Another heavenly wine in the lineup is the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard RBS, which comes from Clone 337 and a handful of different blocks in the vineyard. This deep purple-hued beauty has an incredibly seamless, elegant, yet full-bodied style as well as killer notes of crème de cassis, blueberries, wildflowers, violets, white chocolate, and new saddle leather. Flirting with perfection, the tannin quality, purity of fruit, balance, and overall harmony here is just about off the charts. It makes you want to drink the whole bottle, but it should age effortlessly for 25+ years.
JS 97 (1/2021): Aromas of red fruit, plums, herbs and dark chocolate with some bark and forest-floor notes. Full-bodied, yet very finely crafted and poised. Lots of fresh and dry herbs to the dark fruit at the finish. Lasts a long time. Try after 2024. |
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2018 |
T6 Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$269 |
1 |
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| JD 97 (1/2021): Rocking levels of blueberries, creme de cassis, exotic spices, tobacco, cigar wrapper, and candied violets emerge from the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard T6, which is full-bodied, has a ripe, concentrated mouthfeel, and lots of building tannins. There's no shortage of structure here, yet the tannins are sweet and polished, it has nicely integrated acidity and just beautiful overall balance, although it remains relatively tight and doesn't have the same opulent, expansive mouthfeel found in the CCS, RBS, and Schrader releases. Regardless, it's an incredibly impressive bottle of wine. Give bottles 4-5 years, and it's going to cruise for 20 years or more. |
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2019 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$335 |
1 |
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| JD 98 (12/2021): Another spicy, complex, gorgeous wine in every sense, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Schrader reminds me of the CCS with its pure, seamless, perfectly balanced style. Lots of cassis fruits, notes of flowery incense, baking spices, leather, and unsmoked tobacco, silky tannins, remarkable purity, and a great finish all define this beauty, and it's certainly up with the crème de la crème of this great vintage. |
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2019 |
GIII Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$279 |
1 |
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JD 97 (12/2021): Lots of classic darker, herbal notes define the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard, a rich, medium to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown. With air, more chocolate, espresso, and spice notes emerge from the glass, and this medium to full-bodied, textured, ripe, yet also elegant 2019 is going to drink brilliantly for another 20 years or so. (Drink between 2021-2041).
WA 95 (9/2022): All Clone 337 from F Block, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard GIII delivers masses of black raspberries and cassis, accented by dark chocolate, tobacco and cedar. This full-bodied wine is high-octane stuff, but carries it well, framed by supple tannins and finishing rich, velvety and long. |
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2019 |
Heritage Clone To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$305 |
1 |
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| JD 98+ (12/2021): My notes on the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard Heritage Clone started with a big "Wow," and it's clearly a structured, serious, incredibly impressive 2019. Giving up plenty of cassis and assorted black and blue fruits, it has a distinct sense of minerality as well as classic Cabernet tobacco, lead pencil, and tobacco leaf nuances. With bright acidity, building tannins, and a concentrated, massive, backward mouthfeel, it needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and should have decades of prime drinking. |
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2019 |
MMXIX "Old Sparky" Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$1,350 |
1 |
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| JD 100 (12/2021): A selection put together by winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Old Sparky is one of the true gems in the vintage, as well as a perfect wine. Thrilling black fruits, crème de cassis, tobacco, tapenade, and iron notes all emerge from the glass, and it's full-bodied and has a similar purity to the CCS release, with ultra-fine tannins and one hell of an incredible finish. Napa Valley Cabernet, or red wine for that matter, doesn't get any better. Give bottles 2-4 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following two decades or more. |
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2019 |
T6 Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$289 |
1 |
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| JD 99 (12/2021): A big, muscular, powerful wine, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard T6 boasts a monster note of blackcurrants, fresh plums, scorched earth, tobacco, and chocolate. This all carries to a full-bodied 2019 with the ripe, savory, concentrated style of the vintage, building tannins, no shortage of fruit, and a great, great finish. It's certainly one of the biggest, richest, more structured wines in the lineup, yet the balance is spot on and everything is in the right places. It's going to take at least 7-8 years for this puppy to shed some of its considerable baby fat and hit maturity, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve for 20 or 30 years. |
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2019 |
Wappo Hill Vyd. Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$249 |
3 |
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| JD 96 (12/2021): A new wine from this team, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Wappo Hill comes from a famous site in the Stags Leap District and is all Cabernet Sauvignon. At a high level, Stags Leap is a slightly cooler region, and the wines shine for their complexity, and that's certainly the case here. Lots of cassis, violets, graphite, dried flowers, and spicy oak define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, has good acidity, some chalky tannins, and notable freshness and purity. The acidity is higher here, but this still brings plenty of classic Schrader opulence and texture. |
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2022 |
Heritage Clone To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$190 |
1 |
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WA 96 (6/2025): Schrader's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Heritage Clone To Kalon Vineyard is based on what has become known as Clone 31, about which winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown said, "Commercially nonviable is how I'd describe it—unless you grow it, bottle it and sell it for a lot of money." Scents of black cherries, loam, dried spices and dark chocolate appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is silky-textured and harmonious. It's a terrific wine from a challenging vintage.
JD 95 (1/2025): Red and black plums, cassis, spice oak, violets, and incense nuances all shine in the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard Heritage Clone, a pure, concentrated, elegant To Kalon that's full-bodied, has pure, polished tannins, terrific balance, and a great finish. It's a structured, big, burly wine in 2022 that warrants 2-4 years in the cellar. It should keep through at least 2037. |
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2022 |
MB To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$190 |
3 |
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JD 95 (1/2025): Cassis, darker chocolate, lead pencil, and smoked tobacco all emerge from the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard Monastery Block, a beautifully textured, full-bodied 2022 that has plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. It doesn’t get much better in the vintage, and while it has the upfront appeal of the vintage, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it evolve gracefully for upwards of two decades. (Drink between 2025-2045).
WA 95 (6/2025): Comprising 48 acres planted to several varieties, Mondavi's Monastery Block gets divided up among various brands. Schrader's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Monastery Block To Kalon Vineyard offers up compelling scents of dried herbs (thyme?), cassis and perfumed violets on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is concentrated, velvety and perhaps a touch warm; the long finish adds a touch of dark chocolate. |
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