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Inventory updated: Fri, Apr 09, 2021 04:02 PM cst
Over 95pts Under $95
Today we wish to feature our inventory of wines that are listed for under $95, but that have also garnered a score of 95 or higher. Truly a wide array of appellations and styles. I trust that each of you will recognize some old favorites and see fit to try something new as well.
The following are the wines remaining from the offer sent on Thursday, April 1, 2021. Please enter your desired quantities and click the 'Add' button.
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Additional Wines from the Same Producer
Remaining Wines from the Offer
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Ch. Canon |
2017 |
St. Emilion  2017 en Primeur Release |
$92.99 |
16 |
|
| |
JD 94-97 (4/2018): One of the gems in the vintage is the 2017 Château Canon, which checks in at 73% Merlot and 18% Cabernet Franc. Sensational notes of black cherries, blueberries, liquid violets, awesome graphite, and scorched earth-like minerality all give way to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, incredibly pure, yet masculine beauty that has building tannin, beautiful purity of fruit, and a great finish. It's not going to match the 2015 on sheer size and scale, but it's a sensational wine. It’s going to need 3-4 years of bottle age to be drinkable and will keep for two decades or more. Tasted twice.
WA 94-96 (4/2018): The deep purple-black colored 2017 Canon offers-up intense notes of crushed blackberries, black cherries and warm cassis with touches of fertile loam, yeast extract, beef drippings and iron ore plus a waft of garrigue. Medium to full-bodied with great freshness and firm, rounded tannins, it's very earthy in the mouth, finishing long and mineral-laced. A very serious wine, it is also fun, bright and vivacious and should age impressively.
JS 94-95 (4/2018): This is very focused and fresh with limestone and crushed-stone character. Medium to full body, integrated tannins and a salty finish. Shows lots of minerality already. Umami licorice undertones.
WS 93-96 (4/2018): A very pretty, slightly high-pitched version, featuring sleek cherry, cassis and damson plum fruit racing through, picking up light savory and mineral notes. The minerality blooms through the finish, with a floral gilding adding a sparkly effect on the long, unencumbered finish.
VM 93-96 (5/2018): A rich, explosive wine, the 2017 Canon exudes class from the very first taste. Huge aromatics resonate through to the palate, where the wine is deep, fleshy and beautifully layered. Effortless and gracious, Canon is a wine of real pedigree. I don't think the 2017 will reach the dizzying heights of the 2015 or 2016, but it will be interesting to see how close it gets. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ch. Giscours |
2010 |
Margaux (375 ML) ex-Negociant |
$50 |
3 |
|
| |
JS 95 (11/2013): Aromas of mint and currants with hints of fresh herbs. Then turns to plum jam. Full body, with well-integrated tannins and pretty fruit. Long and caressing. This is really Outstanding. Better in 2017.
WS 94 (3/2013): Features a lightly firm, singed alder frame around a core of dark plum, cherry and cassis bush notes. Taut tar and warm paving stone notes fill in on the finish. Shows serious, well-embedded grip, and the core of fruit is spot on. This has the range, length and cut for the cellar. Best from 2014 through 2030.
NM 93 (6/2015): Tasted at the Château Giscours vertical, the 2010 Château Giscours is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Merlot picked between September 27 and October 14. I contrasted this directly against the superb 2009, but I still maintain that this has the upper hand, albeit in a different style. The aromatics are very focused with black fruit, violets, fig and mineral scents that are very well defined. But you need patience - this is not as immediate as the previous vintage. The palate delivers, delivers and delivers brilliant delineation and poise, more freshness than it knows what to do with, an intensity that is supremely well focused and length in the mouth. There is even a dab of mint chocolate making a surprise appearance on the aftertaste. This is a very impressive Giscours.
VM 90+ (7/2013): Bright ruby-red. Cassis, blackberry and licorice pastille on the nose. Then sweet, juicy and energetic in the mouth, with complex flavors of plum, currant, cedar, tobacco and spices along with a gamey nuance. Firmly built but not hard. Finishes with serious but fine-grained tannins and a note of licorice. Still a bit strict today, this wine has the structure to repay aging. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| | Bordeaux White |
| Ch. Climens |
2015 |
Barsac (375 ML) ex-Negociant |
$43.99 |
5 |
|
| |
VM 97 (2/2018): Gracious, light on its feet and positively sublime, the 2015 Climens is one of the wines of the vintage. Its airiness and grace are hard to capture with words. Lightly honeyed notes, chamomile and exotic flowers lead into orchard fruit and candied citrus in this impeccably polished, nuanced Barsac. I would prefer to cellar the 2015 for at least a few years to get the benefit of even more complexity, but readers will have a very hard time keeping their hands off this gem from Climens and proprietor Bérénice Lurton. Antonio Galloni.
WS 97 (3/2018): Gorgeous, offering a range of orange, almond and brioche notes backed by lively citrus oil, green tea and ginger accents. Rich but tightly coiled nonetheless, with lots of energy lying in reserve on the finish. Needs some time. Best from 2022 through 2045. 3,083 cases made.
WA 97 (2/2018): The 2015 Climens always shows awkwardly after bottling, a Barsac that demands bottle age. Still, you can appreciate the intensity here, with touches of mint and jasmine complementing the honeyed fruit. The palate is just as it should be: very pure and refined, a perfect line of acidity, utterly harmonious with a viscous finish with hints of vanilla pod and orange pith lingering on the aftertaste. Bérénice Lurton has overseen a delectable Barsac that as usual will reward those with the nous to bottle long term. |
|
| Ch. Coutet |
2017 |
Barsac (375 ML) 2017 en Primeur Release |
$24.99 |
6 |
|
| |
JD 93-95 (4/2018): Another rocking sweet wine is the 2017 Château Coutet. This big, full-bodied, opulent beauty has serious notes of orange blossom, buttered citrus, and honey, yet also shows the more pure, precise, and elegant style of the vintage on the palate. The cool, overcast summer allowed good ripeness while preserving the purity of fruit and the whites (and dessert wines) from this vintage are beautiful!
WS 92-95 (4/2018): Bright pineapple and white peach flavors rush forth, with a zip of tangerine running through the creamy finish. Shows lots of honeysuckle accents on the finish. Youthfully tight, but delivers wonderful length. |
|
| Ch. d' Arche |
2001 |
Sauternes |
$35 |
6 |
|
| |
WS 95 (9/2004): Bright and aromatic with passion fruit, mango and lemon on the nose. Just a hint of honey. Full-bodied, very sweet and very intense with vanilla, botrytis spice and piecrust. Best ever from this estate. Best after 2008. 4,165 cases made.
WA 90 (6/2004): Made in a big, up-front, forward style, with loads of glycerin and fat, the 2001 d’Arche reveals elegant aromas of honeysuckle, orange marmalade, honeyed lemon, and a hint of coconut as well as good acidity, medium to full body, and obvious botrytis. Consume it over the next 12-15 years. It is a sleeper of the vintage.
VM 88 (8/2004): Medium yellow. Subtly complex nose melds peach, honeysuckle, vanilla, marzipan and caramelly oak tones. Fat, sweet and honeyed, with enticing, concentrated flavors of toffee, nutmeg and vanilla. A firmly built midweight, with some spicy oak giving the finish a youthfully dry edge. |
|
| Ch. de Fargues |
2004 |
Sauternes (375 ML) ex-Negociant |
$40 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (4/2014): The 2004 Chateau de Fargues is a fantastic wine for the vintage and should not be overlooked. It boasts a heavenly bouquet with touches of white chocolate, dried honey, marmalade and quince that opens exuberantly with aeration. The palate is extremely well-balanced with a fine line of acidity. There is certainly very good weight here, similar to the Doisy-Vedrines, albeit packed with greater sophistication and breeding. It builds gloriously in the mouth toward its tender praline and honey finish, which lingers long in the mouth. This is a superb and perhaps overlooked Chateau de Fargues. Drink now-2035. |
|
|
2014 |
Sauternes (375 ML) ex-Negociant |
$95 |
25 |
|
| |
WS 98 (3/2018): This starts off with an enveloping note of toasted coconut, giving way slowly to creamed peach, mango and papaya flavors. Long bitter orange and almond threads provide needed tension while the lush waves of fruit cascade through the finish, picking up a mouthwatering mirabelle plum accent along the way. A monster of a wine. Best from 2025 through 2055. 833 cases made.
VM 95 (3/2018): The 2014 de Fargues has a well-defined bouquet with enticing scents of yellow flowers, dried honey and light quince aromas. The palate is well balanced, very pure with a fine bead of acidity. It is not a concentrated Sauternes but you have to adore the lightly spiced persistent and mellifluous finish. Classy. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. Doisy Daene |
2016 |
Sauternes (375 ML) ex-Negociant |
$24.95 |
7 |
|
| |
JS 94-95 (4/2017): This is very serious with lots of spicy, botrytis character and a deep and dense palate. Full-bodied, very sweet and long on the finish.
WS 92-95 (4/2017): This has a wide range of white peach, yellow apple and green fig flavors that show good zip and brightness for the vintage, with a long honeysuckle note lifting the finish. |
|
| Ch. Guiraud |
2003 |
Sauternes |
$49 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 95 (3/2006): This is very sweet and rich on the nose, with toffee, honey and spices. Full-bodied, with thick honey, spice, dried apricot and syrup flavors. Lasts for minutes on the palate. Big botrytis bomb. Love it. Best after 2010. 8,000 cases made.
VM 92 (8/2006): Full yellow-gold. Musky aromas of exotic apricot liqueur, baking spices, toffee and smoke. Supersweet and unctuous, but with its glyceral texture cut by bright acids. The exotic apricot flavor is nicely complemented by coconut, vanilla and caramel. Finishes very long and juicy. Offers a very successful combination of thickness and firm acid edge. |
|
|
2003 |
Sauternes (375 ML) |
$26 |
22 |
|
| |
WS 95 (3/2006): This is very sweet and rich on the nose, with toffee, honey and spices. Full-bodied, with thick honey, spice, dried apricot and syrup flavors. Lasts for minutes on the palate. Big botrytis bomb. Love it. Best after 2010. 8,000 cases made.
VM 92 (8/2006): Full yellow-gold. Musky aromas of exotic apricot liqueur, baking spices, toffee and smoke. Supersweet and unctuous, but with its glyceral texture cut by bright acids. The exotic apricot flavor is nicely complemented by coconut, vanilla and caramel. Finishes very long and juicy. Offers a very successful combination of thickness and firm acid edge. |
|
|
2003 |
Sauternes (375 ML) |
$26 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 95 (3/2006): This is very sweet and rich on the nose, with toffee, honey and spices. Full-bodied, with thick honey, spice, dried apricot and syrup flavors. Lasts for minutes on the palate. Big botrytis bomb. Love it. Best after 2010. 8,000 cases made.
VM 92 (8/2006): Full yellow-gold. Musky aromas of exotic apricot liqueur, baking spices, toffee and smoke. Supersweet and unctuous, but with its glyceral texture cut by bright acids. The exotic apricot flavor is nicely complemented by coconut, vanilla and caramel. Finishes very long and juicy. Offers a very successful combination of thickness and firm acid edge. |
|
|
2010 |
Sauternes (375 ML) |
$29 |
4 |
|
| |
JS 96 (11/2013): Ripe lemon peel and orange. Some honey and vanilla with loads of new wood. Dense and very sweet on the palate with nice pure fruit and firm tannins from the oak that still needs time to soften. This Sauternes shows a wonderful fruit and excellent potential, but needs time. Try in 2018.
WS 94 (3/2013): A thick, unctuous style, with marzipan, dried pineapple, mango and dried guava notes leading to a good bolt of toasted almond and pie crust on the finish. A muscular, well-stuffed version that will need some time to settle in. Best from 2015 through 2030. 6,000 cases made.
WA 93 (4/2014): The Guiraud 2010 seems a little more loose-knit on the nose compared to others, with lanolin and dried honey aromas gently unfurling in the glass, before revealing its mineral core – as if this wine is teasing you. The palate is well-balanced with a fine line of acidity. There is abundant clean and pure botrytized fruit and a crisp, linear finish that is very appealing. The oak appears to have been absorbed in recent months, leaving a very accomplished Guiraud. Drink now-2035. |
|
| Ch. Lafaurie Peyraguey |
2005 |
Sauternes |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 95 (2/2014): This is powerful and racy with lots of class. Full body, very sweet with lots of spicy botrytis character. Intense. Drink or hold.
WS 92 (3/2008): There's beautiful ripe fruit in this, with pineapple, mango and papaya and hints of vanilla and honey. Full-bodied and medium sweet. Rich and round, with loads of cooked apple, citrus peel and spices. Long and flavorful. Dense and rich. Best after 2012. 6,250 cases made.
NM 90 (4/2009): Tasted at the Chateau. The Lafaurie ’05 retains its attractive, perfumed nose of honeycomb and beeswax with a touch of apricot although it would benefit from greater intensity and definition. As I expected, viscous, almost unctuous on the palate; tight middle and rather conservative finish that ends with lemon curd, orange peel and wild honey. Good potential. Drink 2011-2020. |
|
| Ch. Rieussec |
2003 |
Sauternes Lightly Scuffed Label |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
WS 95 (12/2006): Big, rich and juicy. Voluptuous, with aromas of caramel, apple and light tropical fruit. Full-bodied, round and very sweet, with loads of ripe fruit and a long butterscotch and piecrust aftertaste. Viscous texture. Hard not to drink it now. A wonderful sticky. Best after 2010. 6,250 cases made.
WA 93-96 (4/2004): The 2003s appear to be somewhat in the style of the 1990s, with high levels of residual sugar (higher than 2001 for the most part) as well as botrytis, low acidity, and fat, full-bodied personalities. This region’s harvest began extremely early (early September), and was completely finished within three weeks. It does not appear that the nobleness and racy richness of the 2001 vintage will be found in the 2003s, but readers who like the big, flamboyant, over the top style of the 1990s will enjoy the 2003s even more than I did.
VM 92-95 (8/2005): Medium yellow-gold. Reticent but pure aromas of fruit salad, spices and vanilla, lifted by floral and mineral nuances. Wonderfully honeyed, fat fruit flavors are complemented by cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. The sexy oak treatment gives lift to the wine. A bit youthfully aggressive but very long on the back end, showing vanillin oak and a bit of warmth. But this one offers superb potential. |
|
|
2003 |
Sauternes |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
WS 95 (12/2006): Big, rich and juicy. Voluptuous, with aromas of caramel, apple and light tropical fruit. Full-bodied, round and very sweet, with loads of ripe fruit and a long butterscotch and piecrust aftertaste. Viscous texture. Hard not to drink it now. A wonderful sticky. Best after 2010. 6,250 cases made.
WA 93-96 (4/2004): The 2003s appear to be somewhat in the style of the 1990s, with high levels of residual sugar (higher than 2001 for the most part) as well as botrytis, low acidity, and fat, full-bodied personalities. This region’s harvest began extremely early (early September), and was completely finished within three weeks. It does not appear that the nobleness and racy richness of the 2001 vintage will be found in the 2003s, but readers who like the big, flamboyant, over the top style of the 1990s will enjoy the 2003s even more than I did.
VM 92-95 (8/2005): Medium yellow-gold. Reticent but pure aromas of fruit salad, spices and vanilla, lifted by floral and mineral nuances. Wonderfully honeyed, fat fruit flavors are complemented by cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. The sexy oak treatment gives lift to the wine. A bit youthfully aggressive but very long on the back end, showing vanillin oak and a bit of warmth. But this one offers superb potential. |
|
|
2007 |
Sauternes |
$55 |
4 |
|
| |
WS 93-96 (4/2008): Balanced and very spicy, with almond paste and apricot. Full-bodied, medium sweet, with a long, fruity, tangy finish. Layered and stylish. Score range: 93-96
WA 93 (2/2012): Tasted single blind against its peers. The Rieussec 2007 has a subtle nose of dried honey, pear, a touch of quince and crushed stone on the nose, the oak better integrated than last year. The palate is well-balanced with stem ginger and honeycomb on the entry. It is linear compared to its peers, there is no flourish on the finish as yet, but it has fine definition and hints of tangy marmalade and lemongrass that should become more accentuated with time. Tasted January 2011.
VM 90-93 (8/2008): Bright, pale yellow-gold. Aromas of very ripe peach, honey and vanilla are a bit youthfully disjointed. Sweet, supple and fat, currently showing more spice than fruit. Finishes broad and spicy, with a suggestion of minerality. |
|
|
2010 |
Sauternes (375 ML) |
$57 |
11 |
|
| |
WA 96 (4/2014): The 2010 Rieussec was missing a little intellect when I tasted it from barrel. Now in bottle it has become a contender for the finest Sauternes of the vintage. It is blessed with a pure and lifted bouquet with ripe peach, nectarine and honey, hints of shaved ginger poke their head above the surface with aeration. It is very subtle. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, perfectly judged acidity and convincing harmony. This is a sophisticated Sauternes with superb mineralite and Outstanding persistency. I will confess that I pinned this as “Yquem” and was both shocked and pleased when its identity was revealed. Go buy. Drink 2016-2035.
JS 95-96 (4/2011): I love the botrytis spice character to this wine with dried apricots and tropical fruits. It’s full bodied, medium sweet with a long intense finish. It’s very layered. Sweet wine of the vintage.
WS 94 (7/2015): A muscular version, with dacquoise and marzipan notes leading the way for creamed orange, white peach, ginger, mirabelle compote and tangerine accents that pump through the piecrust-filled finish. Has the vintage's raw oomph, as well as range and cut for balance. Best from 2018 through 2035. 6,000 cases made.
VM 92-94 (8/2011): Bright straw-gold. Spectacular, intense, exotic botrytized nose is redolent of honeyed yellow peach, apricot and saffron. Then very sweet in the mouth, with concentrated flavors of dried peach, ginger and honey lifted by bright acidity. The finish is long and polished, featuring persistent peach, honey and white pepper nuances. Ian D'Agata. |
|
| | Rhone Red |
| Alain Voge |
2017 |
Cornas Vieilles Vignes |
$61.95 |
24 |
|
| |
JD 97 (12/2019): The 2017 Cornas Les Vieilles Vignes is cut from the same mold yet has a touch more tannins as well as mid-palate density. Notes of crème de cassis, blueberries, camphor, toasted spice, and smoked game all soar from the glass, and it's full-bodied, power-packed, yet elegant and seamless on the palate. Its wealth of fruit largely conceals plenty of underlying structure, and while it's already fun to taste, give bottles 4-5 years and enjoy over the following 10-15 years or more. The old vine cuvée comes from the Combe, Patou, La Côte, Les Mazards, and Chaillot lieu-dits, from 60+-year-old vines, was 80% destemmed and spent 20 months in 15-20% new French oak.
VM 95 (4/2020): Inky violet color. Intensely perfumed aromas of ripe black/blue fruits, exotic spices, potpourri and olive are sharpened by a smoky mineral flourish. Juicy and expansive in the mouth, offering alluringly sweet blueberry and cherry preserve flavors along with hints of licorice and candied flowers. The floral and spice qualities repeat emphatically on an impressively long, energetic finish that features well-knit tannins and a resonating mineral note. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Ch. de Beaucastel |
2005 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (375 ML) |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 96 (8/2010): Young but far from unapproachable, the 2005 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape has screaming aromatics of bloody meats, iron, and truffle that are wrapped around a gorgeously fruited core. Medium to full bodied with beautiful structure, a solid, full mid-palate, a smooth, precise texture and a long finish, this is a smoking bottle of wine! Give it another 3 to 5 years in the cellar and then drink over the following 20.
WS 96 (4/2008): (WS #8 wine of 2008). Really dense and locked up now, this is packed with dark fig, currant and blackberry fruit shrouded by layers of tar, hot stone, bittersweet licorice and espresso. The long, dense finish has a great tug of iron buried within it. Best from 2011 through 2030. 15,000 cases made.
JLL ****** (5/2011): Nicely plum red, very little evolution showing. Herbs in the air, also violet, floral influences on the nose, which is welcoming, and has a smoky intensity right at its centre, a smoky licorice. After two hours, it gains a nature of primrose and finesse that are most attractive. The palate: tight lines here. The shape is rectangular, sleek and there are clean straight lines from its dark tannins. Very true to the vintage. Still careful, not greatly expressive, notably on the second half of the palate. Smoky, fine length that leads to a coffee-noted, crisp aftertaste. Long wine. Classical long-term Beaucastel, a delight for those who like proper tannins in their wines.
WA 95 (2/2015): Reminiscent of the 1995, the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape is tight, structured and backward, with high acidity and tannin. Showing notes of blackcurrants, black raspberry, truffle, damp earth and cedar, with medium to full-bodied richness and depth, it needs another 3-5 years to reach the early stages of maturity, at which point it will hold for another decade or more.
VM 94 (2/2008): Ruby-red. Blackberry and cassis on the nose, with a complex set of earth, herb and floral qualities adding complexity. Deep and sweet, with bitter cherry and candied licorice flavors and youthfully firm tannins but no hardness. Turns more lively on the finish, picking up a spicy red berry character and leaving a long, pungent herbal trail behind. This needs time. "It's the opposite of a bimbo wine," Perrin offered. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Clos des Papes |
2017 |
Chateauneuf du Pape |
$88.99 |
9 |
|
| |
JD 98+ (8/2019): One of the strongest wines in the vintage is the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape from Vincent Avril. This beauty has everything you could ask for. As with the 2018, the blend is heavily shifted toward Mourvèdre, and it offers a mammoth bouquet of black cherries, graphite, cured meats, Asian spices, and assorted garrigue-like nuances. Deep, full-bodied, and concentrated, it stays straight and focused on the palate (whereas the 2016 is more expansive and voluptuous), with a stacked mid-palate, ripe, silky tannins, and fabulous length. You’re going to want bottles of this in the cellar, and comparing the 2007, 2010, 2016, and 2017 over the coming two decades is going to be a treat.
WA 96 (8/2019): As predicted last year by Paul-Vincent Avril, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 45% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, about 10% Syrah and the rest other permitted varieties. It boasts a cool, fresh nose of strawberries, cola and tree bark, yet it's full-bodied and tannic on the palate. Dense and chewy, albeit with a mouthwatering sense of freshness, this will need a few years to relax and unwind, but it looks very promising.
WS 94 (2/2020): Supple and alluring in feel, with a silky edge to the mix of anise, plum sauce and raspberry pâte de fruit flavors. A twinge of roasted apple wood shows on the finish, followed by an echo of lavender. Displays lovely range. The texture makes this approachable now, though there's no rush. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2038. 700 cases imported.
JLL ***** (10/2018): Full, dark red colour. Blackberry, cedary cigar smoke, violets mix attractively together on the nose. Black raisin and date airs show along with fragrance - that floral touch important. There’s a good cool thread all along the palate, which carries good spine, runs really straight, has structure with stylish gras potential around it, leading into a smoky, lasting finish which shows pebbly tannins. There are salted moments and a good, complete run here, and this wine’s freshness is superior to most 2017s. The empty glass has an air of cherry stone. “It a very profound year,” Vincent Avril. Down from 100,000 b to 60,000 b this year. |
|
|
2017 |
Chateauneuf du Pape ETA Q4 2020. Subject to possible tariffs upon arrival in USA |
$88.99 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 98+ (8/2019): One of the strongest wines in the vintage is the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape from Vincent Avril. This beauty has everything you could ask for. As with the 2018, the blend is heavily shifted toward Mourvèdre, and it offers a mammoth bouquet of black cherries, graphite, cured meats, Asian spices, and assorted garrigue-like nuances. Deep, full-bodied, and concentrated, it stays straight and focused on the palate (whereas the 2016 is more expansive and voluptuous), with a stacked mid-palate, ripe, silky tannins, and fabulous length. You’re going to want bottles of this in the cellar, and comparing the 2007, 2010, 2016, and 2017 over the coming two decades is going to be a treat.
WA 96 (8/2019): As predicted last year by Paul-Vincent Avril, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 45% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, about 10% Syrah and the rest other permitted varieties. It boasts a cool, fresh nose of strawberries, cola and tree bark, yet it's full-bodied and tannic on the palate. Dense and chewy, albeit with a mouthwatering sense of freshness, this will need a few years to relax and unwind, but it looks very promising.
WS 94 (2/2020): Supple and alluring in feel, with a silky edge to the mix of anise, plum sauce and raspberry pâte de fruit flavors. A twinge of roasted apple wood shows on the finish, followed by an echo of lavender. Displays lovely range. The texture makes this approachable now, though there's no rush. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2038. 700 cases imported.
JLL ***** (10/2018): Full, dark red colour. Blackberry, cedary cigar smoke, violets mix attractively together on the nose. Black raisin and date airs show along with fragrance - that floral touch important. There’s a good cool thread all along the palate, which carries good spine, runs really straight, has structure with stylish gras potential around it, leading into a smoky, lasting finish which shows pebbly tannins. There are salted moments and a good, complete run here, and this wine’s freshness is superior to most 2017s. The empty glass has an air of cherry stone. “It a very profound year,” Vincent Avril. Down from 100,000 b to 60,000 b this year. |
|
|
2018 |
Chateauneuf du Pape |
$88.99 |
25 |
|
| |
VM 94-96 (12/2019): Deep magenta. Intensely perfumed, mineral-tinged raspberry and cherry preserve scents are complicated by garrigue and Moroccan spice nuances. Juicy and appealingly sweet, displaying fleshy red fruit liqueur, spicecake and lavender pastille flavors that deepen steadily on the back half. Smoothly balances richness and energy and finishes extremely long and sappy, with smooth, harmonious tannins and a strong echo of candied flowers. Josh Raynolds.
JD 93-95+ (8/2019): While I’m normally able to taste the Châteauneuf Du Pape from multiple foudres and varying blends, due to the dismal yields, the final blend of the 2018 was already made and resting in foudre. The 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape will be a blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah and other permitted varieties, which is a lot more Mourvèdre than normal, and it shows in the wine. Beautiful red and blue fruits, spice, ground pepper, and cured meat notes all emerge from the glass, and it’s medium to full-bodied, with notable concentration (especially in this vintage), terrific balance, and ultra-fine yet certainly present tannins. It’s not going to match the 2016 or 2017, but it’s an elegant, beautiful, classic Clos des Papes in the making. |
|
| Dom. Charvin |
2017 |
Chateauneuf du Pape |
$54.95 |
36 |
|
| |
JD 95 (8/2019): The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape is an awesome wine from Laurent, and while it shows the sunny, ripe, sexy style of the vintage, it never loses the elegance and purity that’s the hallmark of Charvin. Lots of kirsch, graphite, dried flowers, garrigue, and ample minerality flow to a medium to full-bodied, silky, incredibly well-balanced red that has a stacked mid-palate, building tannins, and a great finish. Give bottles 4-5 years of bottle age and it will cruise over the following two decades.
VM 94-95 (12/2019): Brilliant magenta. An assertively perfumed bouquet of ripe red and blue fruits, Moroccan spices and incense carries a smoky overtone. Sweet, penetrating raspberry preserve, cherry, lavender pastille and spicecake flavors show impressive depth as well as vivacity. Displays superb clarity and floral thrust on the finish, which features smoothly interwoven tannins and lingering spiciness. This wine shows just how much complexity can be achieved, even in a hot vintage, in the absence of any oak, old or new. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Dom. Coursodon |
2018 |
St. Joseph Rouge lOlivaie ex-Domaine |
$39.99 |
36 |
|
| |
JD 95 (11/2020): The 2018 Saint Joseph L'Olivaie is a more serious, concentrated wine offering a touch of background oak as well as impressive cassis and blackberry fruits, full-bodied richness, notes of pepper and Asian spice, building tannins, and a great finish. It shows more minerality and an almost gunflint-like character with time in the glass. It needs a solid 3-5 years of bottle age, but it should see its 20th birthday in fine form.
VM 93 (4/2020): Glass-staining ruby. Highly perfumed aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, vanilla and smoky minerals, plus a sexy floral note in the background. Gently sweet and expansive on the palate, offering supple blackberry and cherry compote flavors that show sharp clarity and very good depth. Seamless and focused on the persistent, smoke-tinged finish, with velvety tannins providing framework. 20% new oak. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Dom. de la Janasse |
2017 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes |
$78.99 |
25 |
|
| |
JD 98 (8/2019): The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Vieilles Vignes is another killer effort from this estate. Coming from the La Janasse and La Crau lieux-dits and brought up in foudre, its deep purple color is followed by blockbuster notes of crème de cassis, blackberries, chocolate, graphite, and earthy, rocky, mineral-like nuances. It's deep and full-bodied, with a ripe, powerful yet balanced style and a great finish. A classic example of this cuvée. it's going to benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for two decades or more.
WA 97 (8/2019): The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes derives from parcels planted on classic clay and galets roulés soils. It's 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and 5% other varieties. Tight, intense, even clenched, it's in need of several years' cellaring before it becomes truly enjoyable to drink. For now, those gorgeous black cherries are restrained behind a firm wall of tannins. Full-bodied and rich, this is ripe, it just requires patience. |
|
|
2018 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes |
$83.99 |
36 |
|
| |
| JD 95-97 (8/2019): The 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Vieilles Vignes (only 30% destemmed) is more powerful than the Chaupin cuvée and has a rocking bouquet of blackberries, cassis, scorched earth, graphite, and licorice, that develops beautifully with time in the glass. Rich, full-bodied, concentrated, and layered on the palate, it has integrated acidity, present yet ripe tannins, and a beautiful finish. Pure class, it’s going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades. |
|
| Dom. de la Vieille Julienne |
2005 |
Chateauneuf du Pape |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (8/2014): The most masculine and structured of the group, the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape is locked and loaded, with serious concentration, big tannin and no shortage of length on the finish. Coming from a year that featured a cool summer and then scorching temps around harvest, this beauty doles out loads of creme de cassis, licorice, graphite and crushed rock-like minerality, as well as a seamless, perfectly balanced profile. Give it another 2-3 years and drink it through 2025.
VM 93+ (1/2008): Inky ruby. Ripe, powerful boysenberry and blueberry aromas are deepened by musky tobacco and dark chocolate. Weighty dark berry flavors verge on thick; initially brooding but brightens with air, picking up an energetic, stony character. Red fruits build on a long, sappy finish. A serious style, and not for those who demand elegance. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2005 |
Chateauneuf du Pape |
$60 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 95 (8/2014): The most masculine and structured of the group, the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape is locked and loaded, with serious concentration, big tannin and no shortage of length on the finish. Coming from a year that featured a cool summer and then scorching temps around harvest, this beauty doles out loads of creme de cassis, licorice, graphite and crushed rock-like minerality, as well as a seamless, perfectly balanced profile. Give it another 2-3 years and drink it through 2025.
VM 93+ (1/2008): Inky ruby. Ripe, powerful boysenberry and blueberry aromas are deepened by musky tobacco and dark chocolate. Weighty dark berry flavors verge on thick; initially brooding but brightens with air, picking up an energetic, stony character. Red fruits build on a long, sappy finish. A serious style, and not for those who demand elegance. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2005 |
Chateauneuf du Pape |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (8/2014): The most masculine and structured of the group, the 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape is locked and loaded, with serious concentration, big tannin and no shortage of length on the finish. Coming from a year that featured a cool summer and then scorching temps around harvest, this beauty doles out loads of creme de cassis, licorice, graphite and crushed rock-like minerality, as well as a seamless, perfectly balanced profile. Give it another 2-3 years and drink it through 2025.
VM 93+ (1/2008): Inky ruby. Ripe, powerful boysenberry and blueberry aromas are deepened by musky tobacco and dark chocolate. Weighty dark berry flavors verge on thick; initially brooding but brightens with air, picking up an energetic, stony character. Red fruits build on a long, sappy finish. A serious style, and not for those who demand elegance. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Dom. de Marcoux |
2016 |
Chateauneuf du Pape |
$52.99 |
36 |
|
| |
JD 95 (8/2018): Bottled in March, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (80% Grenache) was brought up in a mix of concrete (mostly) and foudre. It gives up sensational notes of kirsch liqueur, white flowers, graphite, candle wax, and spice. This rich, full-bodied, yet seamless Chateauneuf-du-Pape has a powerful, balanced style that's going to keep for 15-20 years. It's a gorgeous wine.
JLL ****[*] (9/2016): Dark red; the nose is an attractive mix of sturdy, dark red fruits and a floral, musky shimmer. There is a small sense of liqueur. The palate sets off immediately on a graceful wave of red cherry fruits, which have a nourishing quality. They continue deep into the finish, where there are classy tannins waiting. As for the Côtes du Rhône 2015, the tannin quality here is high, and well above average. It’s long and sustained, authentic, STGT Chateauneuf. From late 2019.
VM 93 (7/2018): Brilliant red. Highly perfumed red fruit liqueur, potpourri and Moroccan spice scents show impressive vivacity and focus. Sappy, alluringly sweet and precise, offering palate-staining raspberry and floral pastille flavors and a hint of spicecake. Closes very long and smooth, displaying excellent focus, even tannins and emphatic, floral-tinged persistence. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Dom. de Mourchon |
2016 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Family Reserve Syrah ex-Domaine |
$39.99 |
36 |
|
| |
| JD 94+ (6/2020): The 2016 Family Syrah is a big, rich, powerful Syrah that needs bottle age but is loaded with potential. A smoky, reductive, meaty bouquet of assorted dark fruits, peppery garrigue, smoked game, and a touch of black olive gives way to a full-bodied, concentrated 2016 with beautiful purity of fruit, a rounded, opulent mouthfeel, solid acidity, and a great finish. It’s a stunning effort. Hide bottles for 2-4 years, and it’s going to keep for over a decade. |
|
| Dom. de Vieux Telegraphe |
2016 |
Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau (375 ML) |
$37 |
21 |
|
| |
JS 98 (7/2018): Impressive, complex array of wild cherries, raspberries, garrigue herbs, lightly spiced pastry and stony, chalky minerals. Super-fresh florals. The palate has superb texture, roundness, completeness, depth and detail. Powerful yet elegant with powdery tannins and essence-like red fruit. Super-fleshy, supple and dense core, then strong at the edges. Layer upon layer peels away on the finish. Resounding finesse and equilibrium, showing the full potential of the plateau La Crau. Drink or hold.
JD 97 (8/2018): Bottled just last week, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers a classic, gorgeous bouquet of black raspberries, currants, violets, salty minerality, nori (seaweed wrapper) and licorice. Full-bodied, pure, incredibly elegant, with fine tannin, and a huge finish, this is classic Vieux Télégraphe all the way that has the balance to drink now. |
|
|
2016 |
Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau (375 ML) |
$37 |
2 |
|
| |
JS 98 (7/2018): Impressive, complex array of wild cherries, raspberries, garrigue herbs, lightly spiced pastry and stony, chalky minerals. Super-fresh florals. The palate has superb texture, roundness, completeness, depth and detail. Powerful yet elegant with powdery tannins and essence-like red fruit. Super-fleshy, supple and dense core, then strong at the edges. Layer upon layer peels away on the finish. Resounding finesse and equilibrium, showing the full potential of the plateau La Crau. Drink or hold.
JD 97 (8/2018): Bottled just last week, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers a classic, gorgeous bouquet of black raspberries, currants, violets, salty minerality, nori (seaweed wrapper) and licorice. Full-bodied, pure, incredibly elegant, with fine tannin, and a huge finish, this is classic Vieux Télégraphe all the way that has the balance to drink now. |
|
| Le Vieux Donjon |
2018 |
Chateauneuf du Pape |
$51.95 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 93-95 (8/2019): A beautiful wine in the vintage, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape reveals a deep ruby/purple color as well as stunning notes of blackcurrants, crushed violets, ground pepper, and cured meats. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and beautifully textured, it has ripe, present tannins and a great finish. It doesn't have the sheer richness found in a top vintage, yet it's complex, classic, layered, and long. In short, it's a beautiful wine that makes the most of this vintage. |
|
| | Rhone White |
| Dom. Coursodon |
2018 |
St. Joseph Blanc Paradis St. Pierre ex-Domaine |
$54.99 |
36 |
|
| |
JD 95 (12/2019): One of the whites of the vintage in Saint Joseph is the 2018 Saint Joseph Paradis Saint Pierre Blanc, which offers a stunning bouquet of honeyed stone fruits, quince, flower oil, and crushed rocks. Rich and full-bodied, with moderate acidity, it has beautiful purity, no hard edges, and just terrific overall balance. It's a rock star of a white from this talented winemaker. I would drink bottles over the coming 5-7 years, but it should evolve for 15-20 years or more. This wine is 95% Marsanne and 5% Roussanne, all from south and southeast facing, granite parcels, and aged in barrel.
VM 93 (5/2020): Limpid straw color. Tangerine, pear, honey, tarragon and pungent flowers on the bright, mineral-tinged nose. Silky and concentrated on the palate, offering bitter pear skin, orange zest and honeysuckle flavors that become spicier and more mineral with air. Finishes with firm grip and strong, mineral persistence, leaving a bitter orange pith note behind. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| | Spain |
| Bodegas Mauro |
1998 |
Vendimia Seleccionada |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (2/2003): The blockbuster 1998 Vendimia Seleccionada boasts an opaque purple color as well as huge, full-bodied flavors of sweet creme de cassis, blackberries, licorice, creosote, new saddle leather, and spicy oak. Layered and seamless, with a tremendous finish, it will last for 15-20 years. |
|
|
1998 |
Vendimia Seleccionada |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (2/2003): The blockbuster 1998 Vendimia Seleccionada boasts an opaque purple color as well as huge, full-bodied flavors of sweet creme de cassis, blackberries, licorice, creosote, new saddle leather, and spicy oak. Layered and seamless, with a tremendous finish, it will last for 15-20 years. |
|
|
1998 |
Vendimia Seleccionada |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (2/2003): The blockbuster 1998 Vendimia Seleccionada boasts an opaque purple color as well as huge, full-bodied flavors of sweet creme de cassis, blackberries, licorice, creosote, new saddle leather, and spicy oak. Layered and seamless, with a tremendous finish, it will last for 15-20 years. |
|
| Tinto Pesquera |
1994 |
Janus Very Top-Shoulder Fill; Signs of Old Seepage |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (10/1997): I first wrote laudatory comments about Pesquera over a decade ago, so I am thrilled to see proprietor Alejandro Fernandez continue to build on his noteworthy track record. His new releases are splendid. What a joy it is to write about the 1994 Janus. Fernandez has only made this super-luxury cuvee in 1982, 1986, and 1991. The 1994 Janus may be the greatest Pesquera ever made. This wine is awesome in its richness, intensity, and potential complexity. It is a gentle giant, with no hard edges, and profound levels of rich, concentrated black fruits nicely meshed with smoky, spicy new oak. It is an opulent, accessible yet still unformed wine that should provide fabulous drinking for 12-15 years. |
|
|
1994 |
Janus Very Top-Shoulder Fill; Signs of Old Seepage; Corroded Capsule |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (10/1997): I first wrote laudatory comments about Pesquera over a decade ago, so I am thrilled to see proprietor Alejandro Fernandez continue to build on his noteworthy track record. His new releases are splendid. What a joy it is to write about the 1994 Janus. Fernandez has only made this super-luxury cuvee in 1982, 1986, and 1991. The 1994 Janus may be the greatest Pesquera ever made. This wine is awesome in its richness, intensity, and potential complexity. It is a gentle giant, with no hard edges, and profound levels of rich, concentrated black fruits nicely meshed with smoky, spicy new oak. It is an opulent, accessible yet still unformed wine that should provide fabulous drinking for 12-15 years. |
|
| | Italy |
| Caprili |
2016 |
Brunello di Montalcino |
$39.88 |
30 |
|
| |
WA 95 (11/2020): The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino makes a great first impression thanks to the purity and intensity of the fruit. Those two things—purity and intensity—can sometimes be uncomfortable bedfellows, but this expression from Caprili unites them in happy marriage. The bouquet opens to bright red fruit, cola, chopped mint and blue flower. There is a lot of beautiful energy on hand. The wine is smooth and silky, giving it both near and long-term appeal. This is a 45,000-bottle release.
VM 94 (11/2020): An initial burst of medicinal red fruits and exotic spice evolves into a more refined expression of dusty roses, cedar and wild strawberries, as the 2016 Caprili Brunello di Montalcino unfolds in the glass. The textures are silky in feel, contrasted by an intense wave of tart berries and salty minerals, all carried across a core of zesty acids. This shows the radiance of the 2016 vintage, along with rounded tannins which add poise without ever robbing the expression of its vibrancy, culminating in a totally classic and fully satisfying finale. Eric Guido.
JS 94 (10/2020): Plenty of floral and plum character with some sour-cherry and smoke undertones. It’s full and chewy, yet polished and proper. Chewy at the end, suggesting that two or three years of bottle age will soften it and bring it together. Try after 2024. |
|
| Castello del Terriccio |
1999 |
Lupicaia Slightly Raised Cork |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 95 (8/2003): 90% cabernet sauvignon with 10% merlot) Dark ruby with a violet core; quite opaque. Incredibly sweet and sensuous aromas of crushed dark berry fruit. Intense blackberry fills the mouth, along with bittersweet chocolate and mint; very concentrated. The big, round tannins are leavened by a layer of refreshing acidity and the very long finish is sustained by a distinct mineral element. A wine of compelling richness.
WS 89 (9/2002): Lots of currants and berries, with hints of smoke and minerals. Medium- to full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and a long, succulent, ripe fruit aftertaste. Refined. Ridiculous price. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2004. 2,500 cases made. |
|
| Cavallotto |
2016 |
Barolo Bricco Boschis ex-Domaine |
$65.99 |
36 |
|
| |
WA 98 (7/2020): All of these wines from Cavallotto deliver a very floral and perfumed subtext that gives lift and delicate buoyancy to the overall bouquet. This is the Castiglione Falletto magic that shows so well in this classic vintage. The 2016 Barolo Bricco Boschis offers dried cherry, sandalwood, bramble and forest floor. The wine reveals a slightly wild and untamed character that adds to its interest and personality. Overall, this is an elegant wine with a streamlined and elegant finish. The aromas are focused and bright. I can't wait to taste the Riserva expression from this site when it is released in three years' time.
VM 93 (2/2020): The 2016 Barolo Bricco Boschis is fabulous. Rich and pliant, with lovely mid-palate depth, the Bricco Boschis is a terrific introduction to the house style. There is plenty of the density that is such a Cavallotto signature, but the 2016 is also much more classic in feel than this wine has been in some time. Succulent red cherry, plum, mint, sweet tobacco, licorice and pine add layers of nuance to this expressive and inviting Barolo from Cavallotto. Best of all, the 2016 is already easy to drink and enjoy. The 2016 saw 32-34 days on the skins, followed by three years in cask. For this wine, Cavallotto used smaller casks of 50HL and a bit more new oak to help make the wine accessible young. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Maculan |
2009 |
Acininobili IGT (375 ML) |
$89.95 |
8 |
|
| |
WA 96 (12/2014): Representing an extreme selection of botrytised Vespaiola grapes, the 2009 Acininobili is a home-run dessert wine that awards enormous pleasure to those lucky enough to drink it. The fragrant bouquet is intense and sweet, but safely void of any cloying or heavy sensations. Indeed, it presents a level of brightness and buoyancy that is rare for grapes affected by noble rot. Pristine aromas of candied fruit, preserved lemon, exotic spice and marron glacé rise from the glass. The elegance and silkiness of the mouthfeel yearn for the highest caliber foie gras for culinary companionship.
JS 95 (4/2015): Aromas of dried tangerines, burnt oranges and honey character. Full-bodied, medium sweet and with incredible density and richness. Lots of spicy, dried fruit character. One of the top sweet wines of Italy. Drink or hold.
WS 92 (2/2015): Creamy and lightly mouthcoating, with fine integration of the bright, citrusy acidity, which frames flavors of candied nectarine, blood orange confit, pickled ginger and tea rose. Ripe fruit and a hint of candied nut linger on the finish. Vespaiola. Drink now through 2025. 200 cases made. |
|
| Rocche Costamagna |
2016 |
Barolo Rocche dellAnnunziata |
$44.99 |
6 |
|
| |
| JS 95 (7/2020): Ripe plums with peaches and tile, as well as light coffee and autumnal-leaf character. Medium to full body, round and chewy tannins and a rich, flavorful finish. Beautiful, creamy tannins. Better after 2023 and onwards. |
|
| Sottimano |
2016 |
Barbaresco Basarin ex-Domaine |
$64.99 |
36 |
|
| |
WA 96 (7/2020): The Basarin vineyard was badly damaged by hail in April 2017, but we have this beautiful vintage to focus on instead. The Sottimano 2016 Barbaresco Basarin is a contained and elegant expression with sharp intensity and defined aromas. You get wild fruit, spice, balsam herb and crushed mineral, all pretty much in equal measure. The wine flexes its muscle, adding volume and weight with each swirl of the glass. It shows energy and fluid movements. Sottimano farms a three-hectare plot in Basarin, in Neive but near the border with Treiso, with 50- to 60-year-old vines. Some 5,000 bottles were made. There is a wholeness to this vintage that you don't get in 2017.
VM 93+ (11/2019): The 2016 Barbaresco Basarin is elegant, perfumed and gracious. Sweet dark cherry, lavender, spice and mint all grace this nuanced, understated Barbaresco from Sottimano. The Basarin shows a decidedly aromatic, finessed expression of Neive. The 2016 has shut down a bit since I tasted it last year, but that should not be an issue, as it won't be released until 2020. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2015 |
Barbaresco Curra ex-Domaine |
$89.99 |
36 |
|
| |
WA 96 (7/2020): Here's a little hop, skip and a jump back in time to a vintage with great personality and character. The Sottimano 2015 Barbaresco Currá is a majestic expression that unfolds to reveal dark fruit, spice and carefully evolved aromas of tar, licorice and spent embers. Past vintages of this wine have started off slow and closed (that's one of Currá's age-worthy attributes), but the warm and sunny 2015 vintage starts with high aromatic intensity. The wine is aged in neutral oak (with only 10% new barrel) and fruit comes from 50- to 60-year-old vines in Neive. The mouthfeel is young and spicy, so this wine won't be fully accessible for another 10 years or so. A mere 2,500 bottles were made.
VM 95 (11/2019): The decision to release the 2015 Barbaresco Currà two years later than the other wines has paid off handsomely, as the incisive young Currà tannins have now had time to start to soften, which in turn gives the wine tremendous openness that is on display today. Blood orange, pomegranate, sweet red cherry, star anise and cinnamon imbue the 2015 with an alluring sense of exoticism that is impossible to miss. Bright and lifted, the 2015 is just starting to develop the first signs of aromatic nuance. It will drink well for many years to come. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| | Port |
| Dow |
1994 |
Port (375 ML) |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2016): The 1994 Vintage Port is set for re-release. It has about 92 grams per liter of residual sugar. It's a beauty, with all that Dow power and structure that I've loved over the years--even after some hours of decanting. Intensely concentrated in flavor, without being jammy, this lingers on the gripping finish after starting with a touch of mint. Serious and brooding, it is not yet as complex and as developed as it could be--but this is Port and that will come in time. Be patient. In the meanwhile, if you must crack this now, give it a few hours in a decanter, to state the obvious. This is a terrific Dow's VP that is still growing and improving. It is still about its potential in some ways and it may well exceed expectations. It will certainly acquire even more complexity with more cellaring. Personally, I would try to give it at least another decade in the cellar.
WS 97 (12/1999): A blackstrap, powerful Port. Black, with intense aromas of raspberries, raisins, flowers and stems. Full-bodied and medium sweet, with a long, rich finish. Tannins pull at your palate. A wine for the future.--Dow vertical. Best after 2008. 13,000 cases made.
MB [***[*]] (10/1998): The Symingtons, at their tasting in March 1996, informed us that they started picking at Quinta do Bomfim on 16 September, which is pretty early, and that the wine had the 'violets aroma of a great yaer'. It was certainly impressive, with a sort of waxy fruit, not at all spirity despite its youthfulness. More recently, still opaque; complete, opulent; laden with fruit and flesh, very dry finish. Very good future. Drink 2006-2030. |
|
|
1997 |
Port (375 ML) |
$39 |
7 |
|
| |
MB [*[***]] (6/1999): At their bicentenary tasting October 1998: black bramble colour; gorgeous, floral; very appealing, good fruit and grip - 'possible vintage decleration'. Showing well, classic, at the MW tasting. Drink 2007-2025.
WS 95 (2/2000): Super. I love the nose of this young Port, which shows raisin, spice and a little stemminess. Full-bodied, medium-sweet, with loads of ripe tannins and a long, long finish. Really racy and exciting. Even better than when tasted from barrel. Best after 2006. 10,000 cases made.
VM 92 (6/2000): Good full ruby. Lightly floral aromas of blackcurrant, maple syrup, mocha, espresso and fresh herbs. Lush and medium-sweet, with very good intensity, bright acidity and a deep, tight core of fruit. Subtle and juicy rather than unctuous or powerful, and impeccably balanced. Long, youthfully aggressive finish features a note of dark chocolate and sneaky persistence. This has the grip to reward 15 years of cellaring.
WA 90 (1/2000): An evolved, less massive than normal port, the 1997 Dow's displays a dark ruby/purple color, attractive licorice, chocolate, and roasted coffee aromas, medium to full body, sweet tannin, and a moderately tannic finish. This excellent vintage port should drink well between 2004-2025. |
|
| Graham's |
1994 |
Port (375 ML) |
$49 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 95 (10/2016): The 1994 Vintage Port is going to be re-released. It has about 100 grams per liter of residual sugar. With a big eucalyptus note up front, this is elegant in the mid-palate with controlled tannins. Sweet and easy in some ways, this is readily approachable now, perhaps not at peak, but more expressive than the relatively brooding Dow's, also reviewed. The hint of caramel and raisins mixed with sugar makes this irresistible. It is sexy and intriguing.
WS 95 (4/1997): A big, tough, young vintage Port that's closed and difficult to taste. Emits lovely aromas of chocolate, berry and plum, and is full-bodied with lots of sweet, fruit flavors and masses of velvety tannins. Long, sweet finish. Best after 2010. 11,000 cases made.
MB [*[****]] (9/1999): Wonderful wine, its richness masking its 20% brandy at the Symington tasting in April 1996. I also noted an excellent '94 bottled in 1999 on a British Airways flight to New York in September 1999. Great wine. Drink 2006-2030. |
|
| Niepoort |
1997 |
Port Slightly Raised Cork; Corroded Capsule |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 98 (2/2000): The greatest modern vintage of Niepoort. Shows ablack color and intense aromas of crushed berriesand wet earth, with a slight stemminess.Full-bodied and mouthpuckering, this youngbodybuilder of a Port has loads of fruit andpowerful tannins. Amazingly long finish. Best after 2009. 4,000 cases made.
VM 90 (6/2000): Saturated dark ruby. Superripe aromas of cassis, baking chocolate, flowers and walnut skin; hints at a more evolved tawny port aspect. Supersweet and velvety in the mouth; very concentrated, with ripeness just short of raisiny. Possesses decent acidity but could use a bit more verve. This lush, harmonious wine is deceptively approachable today; does it have the backbone for extended development in bottle? |
|
| Taylor |
2000 |
Port |
$85 |
8 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/2002): Among the most saturated blue/purple/black-colored examples of the vintage, Taylor's 2000 tastes like a young vintage of Chateau Latour on steroids. Aromas of graphite, blackberry liqueur, creme de cassis and smoke jump from the glass. Spectacularly concentrated and enormously endowed, with sweetness allied to ripe tannin, decent acidity, and layer upon layer of fruit and extract, this is the leading candidate for the port of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2040.
VM 95 (2/2003): Bright deep ruby. Brooding, complex aromas of cassis, minerals, graphite, licorice and damp earth; distinct hints of surmaturite. Dense, chewy and powerful, with a saline impression of extract. At once strong and seamless, with penetrating, youthfully primary black fruit flavors that really expand and reverberate in the mouth and on the very long, gripping finish. Exhilarating late note of dark chocolate. By no means a painfully backward Taylor, but structured to evolve for at least 25 to 30 years.
WS 95 (5/2003): Beautiful aromas of honeysuckle, violets, citrus and berries, plus hints of fresh herbs. Full-bodied and chewy, with refined tannins and a long finish. Lasts for minutes on the palate. An elegant, yet powerful and fruity style of young Taylor. Best after 2012. 14,000 cases made. |
|
|
2000 |
Port (375 ML) |
$45 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/2002): Among the most saturated blue/purple/black-colored examples of the vintage, Taylor's 2000 tastes like a young vintage of Chateau Latour on steroids. Aromas of graphite, blackberry liqueur, creme de cassis and smoke jump from the glass. Spectacularly concentrated and enormously endowed, with sweetness allied to ripe tannin, decent acidity, and layer upon layer of fruit and extract, this is the leading candidate for the port of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2040.
VM 95 (2/2003): Bright deep ruby. Brooding, complex aromas of cassis, minerals, graphite, licorice and damp earth; distinct hints of surmaturite. Dense, chewy and powerful, with a saline impression of extract. At once strong and seamless, with penetrating, youthfully primary black fruit flavors that really expand and reverberate in the mouth and on the very long, gripping finish. Exhilarating late note of dark chocolate. By no means a painfully backward Taylor, but structured to evolve for at least 25 to 30 years.
WS 95 (5/2003): Beautiful aromas of honeysuckle, violets, citrus and berries, plus hints of fresh herbs. Full-bodied and chewy, with refined tannins and a long finish. Lasts for minutes on the palate. An elegant, yet powerful and fruity style of young Taylor. Best after 2012. 14,000 cases made. |
|
| Warre |
1994 |
Port (375 ML) |
$45 |
10 |
|
| |
WS 95 (4/1997): (WS #15 wine of 1997) A great surprise for the vintage. Displays fabulous concentration and complex character with its layers of very sweet fruit, chocolate and cherry aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins. Long finish with plenty of grip. Beautiful wine. Best after 2008. 13,000 cases made.
JD 94 (3/2018): The 1994 Vintage Port is pure finesse and elegance. Cedarwood, blackberry liqueur, plums, and exotic spices are followed by a medium to full-bodied, elegant, seamless beauty that has a terrific mix of richness and freshness. It’s a beautiful wine.
WA 94 (10/1996): One of the finest Warres I have ever tasted, this opaque purple-colored wine is made in a drier style (a la Dow), yet it is expressive, extremely full-bodied, with superb richness, purity, and well-integrated alcohol and tannin. It possesses a great mid-palate as well as impressive length. Tasters should take note of the wealth of peppery, licorice-scented and flavored raspberry and blackcurrant fruit. Look for it to be ready to drink in 10-12 years, and keep for 30+. This is a profound example of Warre vintage port.
MB [*****] (4/1996): Said to have a 'typical cistus nose' i.e. resinous. Anyway, the most intensely dark of all the Symington's '94s. Very sweet, lovely flavour, perfect balance, good length. Lasted tasted April 1996. Great future. Drink 2006-2026. |
|
| | USA Red |
| Andrew Will |
2014 |
Champoux Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$73.99 |
10 |
|
| |
| JD 94+ (4/2018): A little more fresh and lively than the Ciel du Cheval, the 2014 Champoux has sensational purity in its lifted bouquet of cassis, black raspberries, violets and spring flowers. There's a touch of graphite that develops with time in the glass, and the wine has fine, polished tannin and an elegant, silky texture. It doesn't have the heft of the Ciel du Cheval but shines for its purity and elegance. |
|
|
2003 |
Ciel du Cheval Proprietary Blend |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94+ (4/2006): The candied black cherry-scented 2003 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard is fashioned from 42% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Franc, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot. A seductive, lush, medium to full-bodied effort, its satin-textured core is generously filled with red cherries, raspberries, and blackberries. This wine’s supple finish, which reveals additional bursts of sweet, pure red fruits and exquisitely ripened tannin, is admirably long. Projected maturity: 2007-2022.
WS 92 (12/2007): Supple, velvety and beautifully focused to display its floral blackberry and currant flavors, hinting at cream and red pepper. Knits the tannins together with the flavors to produce a muscular structure that somehow remains gentle through the finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2008 through 2015. 1,078 cases made.
VM 90 (12/2005): Good full medium ruby. Very ripe aromas of black raspberry, licorice and oak. Quite primary and sweet in the mouth, with flavors of cassis, blueberry, licorice and dark chocolate complemented by sexy oak tones. As young as this is, it already shows a rather suave texture. Finishes with building, tongue-dusting tannins. |
|
| Beaux Freres |
2015 |
The Beaux Freres Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (1/2018): Deep lurid red. Intensely perfumed aromas of raspberry liqueur, vanilla, Indian spices and potpourri, along with a hint of smoky minerals that builds in the background. Densely packed and alluringly sweet, showing impressive depth and a bright mineral core to the sappy red berry, spicecake and floral pastille flavors. Gains power with air while maintaining energy and focus. Smooth tannins build slowly and harmonize with the vibrant fruit on an impressively persistent, floral-driven finish. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Behrens & Hitchcock |
2003 |
Kenefick Ranch Cuvee |
$69 |
11 |
|
| |
WA 93-95 (2/2005): The 2003 Kenefick Ranch Cuvee (a 400-case lot of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot) exhibits an inky/ruby/purple color along with a gorgeous perfume of smoke, blueberry liqueur, creme de cassis, white chocolate, and espresso roast. Dense, opulent, and full-bodied, with a terrific texture as well as palate penetration, and a 40-45 second finish, it is capable of lasting a decade or more.
VM 91+ (6/2005): Medium ruby. Cool, pure aromas of cassis, licorice and violet. Juicy, dry and lively, with excellent flavor intensity and enticing floral lift. I would have guessed this had some cabernet franc. Quite tightly wound after the bottling, and currently showing its tannic side. But this will almost certainly merit a higher rating with four or five years of additional bottle aging. In this vintage, Les Behrens used a mechanical punchdown tank for the Kenefick Ranch cabernet sauvignon-an approach that was used for more wines in 2004. |
|
|
2003 |
Kenefick Ranch Cuvee Torn Label |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 93-95 (2/2005): The 2003 Kenefick Ranch Cuvee (a 400-case lot of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot) exhibits an inky/ruby/purple color along with a gorgeous perfume of smoke, blueberry liqueur, creme de cassis, white chocolate, and espresso roast. Dense, opulent, and full-bodied, with a terrific texture as well as palate penetration, and a 40-45 second finish, it is capable of lasting a decade or more.
VM 91+ (6/2005): Medium ruby. Cool, pure aromas of cassis, licorice and violet. Juicy, dry and lively, with excellent flavor intensity and enticing floral lift. I would have guessed this had some cabernet franc. Quite tightly wound after the bottling, and currently showing its tannic side. But this will almost certainly merit a higher rating with four or five years of additional bottle aging. In this vintage, Les Behrens used a mechanical punchdown tank for the Kenefick Ranch cabernet sauvignon-an approach that was used for more wines in 2004. |
|
|
2003 |
Old Gravelly Proprietary Blend |
$82 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94-96 (2/2005): A small cuvee, the 125-case 2003 Old Gravely (48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Cabernet Franc, 19% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot) boasts spectacular aromatics. Possibly the most sensual, sexy, and complex offering in this portfolio, it offers sweet aromas of red and black currants, flowers, lavender, and a hint of bay leaves. With an alluring texture as well as opulence, this stunning effort should be at its finest between now-2014.
VM 89 (6/2006): Medium ruby-red. Musky aromas of redcurrant, chocolate mint, licorice and violet. Dense and sweet but a bit aggressive with alcohol. Concentrated but somewhat rustic in style, with a suggestion of cough medicine. Finishes with big, rough tannins.
WS 88 (11/2007): A big muscular style, exhibiting a mix of dried currant, herb, sage and cedary oak. Tannic and rustic, with a chewy mouthfeel. Intense, focused and concentrated, ending with an earthy touch. Decant. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2009 through 2014. 350 cases made. |
|
| Betz Family Winery |
2009 |
Pere de Famille Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (8/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Pere de Famille is made up of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, and 8% Merlot aged for 16 months in 65% new French oak. Doing a fine impersonation of a classified growth Pauillac, it offers up a nose of sandalwood, Asian spices, incense, herbal notes, violets, black currants, and blackberry. This sets the stage for an already complex, elegant, smooth-textured, structured wine that will evolve for another 5-7 years. This lengthy, impressive effort will offer prime time drinking from 2016 to 2029. |
|
| Booker Vineyard |
2012 |
Remnant 24 Proprietary Blend |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94-96 (8/2014): Still in barrel, the 2012 Remnant 24 (identical blend to the regular release) will see 24 months in oak before bottling. It’s also worth noting that since there was no My Favorite Neighbor produced in 2012, this cuvee received all of the grapes that would normally go into that cuvee. While billed as a catch-all blend, it tastes like anyone else’s top wine and offers loads of sweet black fruits, damp underbrush, chocolate and roasted herbs to go with a full-bodied, rich, layered and downright sexy profile. There’s no shortage of tannin here either, so a year of cellaring is recommended. It will have 10-15 years of longevity, but bottles wouldn’t last that long at my house.
WS 88 (7/2015): A touch earthy and gamy, dry and tannic, with red and dark berry flavors filling in the gaps and making this more complete. Tempranillo, Petit Verdot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2024. 620 cases made. |
|
|
2012 |
Remnant 24 Proprietary Blend Wrinkled Label |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94-96 (8/2014): Still in barrel, the 2012 Remnant 24 (identical blend to the regular release) will see 24 months in oak before bottling. It’s also worth noting that since there was no My Favorite Neighbor produced in 2012, this cuvee received all of the grapes that would normally go into that cuvee. While billed as a catch-all blend, it tastes like anyone else’s top wine and offers loads of sweet black fruits, damp underbrush, chocolate and roasted herbs to go with a full-bodied, rich, layered and downright sexy profile. There’s no shortage of tannin here either, so a year of cellaring is recommended. It will have 10-15 years of longevity, but bottles wouldn’t last that long at my house.
WS 88 (7/2015): A touch earthy and gamy, dry and tannic, with red and dark berry flavors filling in the gaps and making this more complete. Tempranillo, Petit Verdot, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2024. 620 cases made. |
|
| Gramercy Cellars |
2015 |
John Lewis Syrah |
$70 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 98+ (4/2018): Another tour de force, the 2015 Syrah John Lewis offers more lavender, violets, and minerality, as well as incredible black and blue fruits. This peppery, meaty, rich, full-bodied effort has building tannin, awesome purity, and integrated acidity, and it's certainly one of the finest Syrahs in the vintage. It's more tannic than the Lagniappe Cuvée and is going to benefit from short-term cellaring, with two decades of overall longevity. Bravo! This vintage comes from a single block in the Les Collines Vineyard, in Walla Walla, isn’t destemmed, and spends 19 months in 7% new French oak puncheons. |
|
| Hartwell |
1999 |
Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 96 (11/2002): Absolutely gorgeous, beautifully defined fruit, with uncommon richness and purity of flavor, gushing with ripe currant, blackberry and wild berry fruit, revealing extra facets and dimensions, with a long, intricate, detailed finish. Firmly tannic, but a wealth of fruit pushes through. Best from 2003 through 2012. 1,300 cases made.
WA 88 (8/2002): A dense ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of licorice, black fruit, earth, and new oak. The wine is medium to full-bodied, tannic, and generously endowed, with a tight, austere finish. This 1999 requires another 1-2 years of cellaring, and should provide fun drinking over the next 12-15 years.
VM 88 (12/2002): Red-ruby. Cassis, tobacco, licorice and menthol on the faintly herbaceous nose. Rich, thick and gamey, with cassis and tobacco flavors along with a lightly vegetal aspect. This rather supple, round wine has density and even some power. Finishes with ripe, chocolatey tannins and good length. |
|
|
1999 |
Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 96 (11/2002): Absolutely gorgeous, beautifully defined fruit, with uncommon richness and purity of flavor, gushing with ripe currant, blackberry and wild berry fruit, revealing extra facets and dimensions, with a long, intricate, detailed finish. Firmly tannic, but a wealth of fruit pushes through. Best from 2003 through 2012. 1,300 cases made.
WA 88 (8/2002): A dense ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of licorice, black fruit, earth, and new oak. The wine is medium to full-bodied, tannic, and generously endowed, with a tight, austere finish. This 1999 requires another 1-2 years of cellaring, and should provide fun drinking over the next 12-15 years.
VM 88 (12/2002): Red-ruby. Cassis, tobacco, licorice and menthol on the faintly herbaceous nose. Rich, thick and gamey, with cassis and tobacco flavors along with a lightly vegetal aspect. This rather supple, round wine has density and even some power. Finishes with ripe, chocolatey tannins and good length. |
|
|
1999 |
Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 96 (11/2002): Absolutely gorgeous, beautifully defined fruit, with uncommon richness and purity of flavor, gushing with ripe currant, blackberry and wild berry fruit, revealing extra facets and dimensions, with a long, intricate, detailed finish. Firmly tannic, but a wealth of fruit pushes through. Best from 2003 through 2012. 1,300 cases made.
WA 88 (8/2002): A dense ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of licorice, black fruit, earth, and new oak. The wine is medium to full-bodied, tannic, and generously endowed, with a tight, austere finish. This 1999 requires another 1-2 years of cellaring, and should provide fun drinking over the next 12-15 years.
VM 88 (12/2002): Red-ruby. Cassis, tobacco, licorice and menthol on the faintly herbaceous nose. Rich, thick and gamey, with cassis and tobacco flavors along with a lightly vegetal aspect. This rather supple, round wine has density and even some power. Finishes with ripe, chocolatey tannins and good length. |
|
| Leonetti Cellars |
2013 |
Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (6/2016): Leading off the 2013s, the 2013 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon comes all from estate vineyard and is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot and 7% Malbec, all of which spent 22 months in new and once used French oak. It’s vibrant purple color is followed by classic notes of crème de cassis, violets, tobacco leaf, lead pencil shavings and graphite. This full-bodied, ripe, yet still elegant Cabernet (which checks in at 14.7% alcohol) has terrific purity, ripe, polished tannin and a great finish. It has the purity and finesse to drink beautifully today, but it will have 20-25 years of overall longevity.
VM 93 (11/2016): (70% new French oak): Bright red-ruby. Very sexy aromas of blueberry, dark raspberry, pomegranate, mocha, cola and top-quality oak, lifted by violet and mint high tones. Very rich, deep, creamy wine, with its intense, vibrant red and darker berry flavors accented by spices. Slightly edgy acidity and youthfully clenched tannins call for patience; I would not be at all surprised if this seriously structured but plush and very long wine eventually merited an even higher rating.
WS 92 (8/2016): Broad and expressive, with a sense of elegance to the savory-accented black cherry, berry and underbrush aromas and flavors, wrapped in fine, firm tannins. Best from 2018 through 2023. 2,876 cases made. |
|
| Tablas Creek |
2010 |
Esprit de Beaucastel Proprietary Blend (375 ML) |
$30 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (5/2018): Thanks to an early flowering and a cool season that saw harvest a month later than usual, the 2010 Esprit de Beaucastel spent six weeks longer on the vine than average. It's really beginning to unwind, revealing complex aromas of dried herbs, sweet soil, black olives, cassis and cherry. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, rich and velvety, with a lovely core of fruit that's picking up plenty of savory nuance. It is balanced by bright acids and concludes with a flavorful finish that still displays some youthful chew.
VM 92 (11/2012): (45% mourvedre, 30% grenache, 21% syrah and 4% counoise): Bright ruby-red. Exotically perfumed bouquet of ripe red fruits, Asian spices, lavender and cola. Pliant, sweet and lithe, offering intense raspberry, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors along with hints of star anise and blood orange. Finishes silky, sweet and long, with resonating floral notes and excellent focus. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| | USA White |
| Brewer Clifton |
2017 |
Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay |
$22.95 |
36 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (10/2019): One of the great values out there, the 2017 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills offers thrilling notes of white flowers, white peach, currants, and toasted bread. This ripe, sexy wine is unquestionably at the same level as the more expensive single vineyard releases, and it will evolve for just as long. |
|
| Chamboule |
2014 |
Sonoma Coast YTE Chardonnay |
$89 |
9 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (4/2017): Coming from the Heintz Vineyard, the 2014 Chardonnay Y.T.E. reveals an oxidative style, which really works for this wine, with plenty of brioche, ginger and baker’s yeast notes over a core of baked peaches, pineapple pastry and praline. Light to medium-bodied, the palate has a very elegant silkiness to the texture while maintaining a great intensity of warm stone fruit and spicy flavors, plus a long and savory finish. 175 cases were produced. |
|
| Kistler |
2012 |
Durell Vyd. Chardonnay |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93-95 (2/2014): The 2012 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard is quite floral and lifted in this vintage, with expressive aromatics and a bit less in the way of overt fruit next to some of the other wines in the range. Green apple, pear, white flowers and mint all add complexity in an ethereal, beautifully perfumed Chardonnay. Hints of almond, hazelnut and sweet spices linger on the pointed, delineated finish.
WA 93-95 (12/2013): (No tasting note given). |
|
|
2005 |
Dutton Ranch Chardonnay |
$95 |
12 |
|
| |
WA 94-96 (12/2006): More weight and power along with notes of roasted hazelnuts, peach, and smoky, almost clarified butter smells emerge from the 2005 Chardonnay Dutton Ranch. More extroverted and exuberant than the McCrea cuvee, it is an unusually elegant effort (because the acids are crisp and refreshing) that should drink beautifully for 7-8 years. Kistler Vineyards, undeniably one of the world’s finest winemaking estates, is run with passionate dedication to detail and quality by Steve Kistler and Mark Bixler. It is wines like these that keep an old critic like me inspired and energized.
VM 92 (5/2008): Yellow-gold. Chalky citrus, quince and apple aromas are complicated by smoky lees, minerals and lemon pith. Bracing lime and pink grapefruit flavors gain weight with air, taking a turn to orange and tangerine. A firm, light-bodied chardonnay that offers intensity without excess weight, finishing with tangy mineral grip and great persistence. "On this soil, which is low in clay, this Wente clone is all about minerals," noted Kistler.
WS 88 (7/2008): Smells rich and smoky, with exotic fig and cut apple scents followed by a raw woody character on the palate. Best to cellar short term, which should allow the wood to flesh out. Best from 2009 through 2012. 3,638 cases made. |
|
|
2012 |
Hudson Vyd. Chardonnay |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93-95 (2/2014): One of the more explosive wines in the range, the 2012 Chardonnay Hudson Vineyard flows with layers of deep, resonant fruit. The Hudson is rich and oily on the palate, with voluptuous texture and fabulous overall balance. It will appeal most to readers who enjoy Chardonnays built on volume. Even with all of its size, the Hudson retains plenty of energy and salinity.
WA 92-94 (12/2013): (No tasting note given). |
|
|
2005 |
McCrea Vyd. Athearn Estate Chardonnay |
$85 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 93-95 (12/2006): The 2005 Chardonnay McCrea Vineyard exhibits a light green/gold color as well as beautiful aromas of lemon oil, tangerine rind, and subtle wood spices, zesty acidity, full body, superb concentration, and stunning length. It should evolve for 7-10 years. |
|
|
2011 |
Vine Hill Road Vyd. Chardonnay (375 ML) |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (12/2013): From Kistler’s home property, not far from the winery, the 2011 Chardonnay Vine Hill Vineyard bursts from the glass with superb aromas of tangerine oil, white peach, pineapple and wet stones. With good acidity, a long, full-bodied finish, and a precocious personality, it should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 3-4 years. |
|
|
2013 |
Vine Hill Road Vyd. Chardonnay (375 ML) |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (3/2016): From the vineyard in front of the winery, the 2013 Chardonnay Vine Hill Road Vineyard offers up the classic Old Wente clone style of white peach, white currants, honeysuckle, apple blossom, medium to full body, gorgeous purity and richness in a style similar to a Corton Charlemagne from Burgundy. Drink it over the next 4-6 years. |
|
| Liquid Farm |
2016 |
Bien Bien Chardonnay |
$54.95 |
23 |
|
| |
JD 95 (10/2018): Lastly, the 2016 Chardonnay Bien Bien comes from one of the top sites in the Santa Maria Valley and spent 15 months in 25% new French oak. It has a classic, pure style as well as notes of apple blossoms, crushed rocks, licorice, and white flowers. It's another seamless, elegant, ethereally textured beauty that's impeccably balanced, has no hard edges, and beautiful length. Drink it any time over the coming 7-8 years.
VM 94 (9/2018): Liquid Farm's 2016 Chardonnay Bien Bien is translucent, nuanced and super expressive, as the wines from Bien Nacido are. Yellow orchard fruit, flowers, spice, mint and chamomile inflections are framed by a touch of new French oak. Tropical notes develop later, adding another layer of dimension. Racy and wonderfully nuanced, the 2016 is another gorgeous wine from Liquid Farm. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Littorai |
2010 |
Thieriot Vyd. Chardonnay |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (4/2013): The 2010 Chardonnay Thieriot Vineyard is without question the most polished and refined of these 2010 Chardonnays from Littorai. Lemon, white flowers, crushed rocks, citrus and oyster shells are all woven together in this bright, beautifully chiseled wine. Tense and vibrant through to the finish, the Thieriot is firing on all cylinders. In other words, it is flat-out dazzling! Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. |
|
| | Australia |
| Hentley Farm |
2006 |
Clos Otto Shiraz |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (12/2010): Very deep garnet-purple colored, 2006 Clos Otto Shiraz has meaty / earthy nose of hung game, forest floor, moss covered bark and black truffles over Chinese dried plums, kirsch and a whiff of orange pekoe tea. Aromas of baking spices emerge after a few minutes. Very full bodied with great concentration and balance, it offers a medium-high level of very finely grained tannins and a long finish. Starting to drink now, it should age gracefully, drinking to 2014+.
VM 93 (8/2008): Inky purple. Powerful if initially brooding nose opens slowly to offer rich blackberry, blueberry, mocha, incense and violet aromas, with an undercurrent of smoky minerals. Lush and sweet but lively, with suave dark berry and candied cherry flavors, velvety tannins and excellent depth. Shockingly elegant for its size, with a long, sweet, seamless finish. This wine is made by Keith Henschke and comes from a small section of old vines at his Hentley Farms property. |
|
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Ch. Canon La Gaffeliere |
1995 |
St. Emilion |
$95 |
|
Sold Out
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| |
|
| | Bordeaux White |
| Ch. Climens |
2007 |
Barsac (375 ML) |
$55 |
|
Sold Out
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| |
|
| | Rhone Red |
| Alain Voge |
2018 |
Cornas Les Chailles |
$46.99 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
VM 94 (4/2020): Bright purple. Smoke- and spice-accented aromas of ripe dark berries, licorice and pungent flowers pick up a floral nuance as the wine opens up. Plush cassis and blackberry flavors are braced by a spine of juicy acidity, and a cracked pepper flourish adds spicy cut to the back half. Becomes sweeter with air and features a hint of cola on the long, smoky finish, which features harmonious tannins and lingering florality. Josh Raynolds.
JD 93-95 (12/2019): More violets, lavender, pen ink, and minty herb notes, as well as gorgeous gamey Cornas fruit all, emerge from the 2018 Cornas Les Chailles. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and beautifully textured, it's another brilliant wine from this estate. This cuvée comes from a mix of lieux-dits (Combe, Les Saveaux, Cayret, Les Mazards, Chaillot, and Chapuzes), was completely destemmed and was brought up all in used barrels. |
|
| Dom. de la Janasse |
1998 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin |
$59 |
|
Sold Out
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2001 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin |
$75 |
|
Sold Out
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| |
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| Les Cailloux (L.& A. Brunel) |
1995 |
Chateauneuf du Pape |
$65 |
|
Sold Out
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| |
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| Xavier Vins |
NV |
Chateauneuf du Pape VII IX X |
$65 |
|
Sold Out
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| |
|
| | Alsace |
| Dom. Trimbach |
2010 |
Riesling Cuvee Frederic Emile |
$65 |
|
Sold Out
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| |
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| | Italy |
| Castello Dei Rampolla |
1997 |
Sammarco |
$79 |
|
Sold Out
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| |
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| Elio Grasso |
2016 |
Barolo Gavarini Chiniera |
$90 |
|
Sold Out
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| |
| VM 96+ (2/2020): The 2016 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera is a vibrant, massively tannic, austere wine, the likes of which I have never tasted here before. Vertical and explosive in the glass with tons of pure power, the 2016 Gavarini Chiniera is a gorgeous Barolo that is going to need a number of years to be at its best. Swaths of tannin wrap around a core of sweet red cherry fruit. White pepper, mint, orange peel and floral notes develop a bit later, but the 2016 remains reticent and inward, with brilliant acids and tannins that dominate today. The 2016 is a striking wine, but it is going to require considerable patience. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| | Port |
| Niepoort |
1997 |
Port Signs of Old Seepage |
$60 |
|
Sold Out
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| |
|
| | USA Red |
| Beringer |
1992 |
Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
|
Sold Out
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| |
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| Robert Craig |
2007 |
Affinity Proprietary Blend |
$79 |
|
Sold Out
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| |
|
| | USA White |
| Peter Michael Winery |
2015 |
La Carriere Chardonnay |
$95 |
|
Sold Out
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| |
| WA 95 (10/2017): The 2015 Chardonnay la Carriere opens with a seriously intense nose of ripe peaches, lemon curd and grapefruit peel with hints of nutmeg, acacia honey, orange blossoms and buttered toast. Medium-bodied, very fine, fresh and elegant, it has a lively backbone lifting the citrus and savory flavors, finishing long and minerally. 1,946 cases were made. |
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|
2008 |
Ma Belle-Fille Chardonnay |
$85 |
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WA 97 (2/2011): Flamboyant and exotic, the extroverted, exuberant, powerful 2008 Chardonnay Ma Belle Fille is a sensational hussy of a wine. Lots of brioche, buttered pastry, lemon oil, tropical fruit, honeysuckle, nectarine and caramelized citrus characteristics soar from the glass of this big, full-bodied, super-intense 2008. The oak is hardly noticeable and the acidity and freshness are impressive in spite of the 15.4% alcohol. It is a stunning Chardonnay to drink over the next decade.
WS 97 (6/2010): This is a tremendous Chardonnay, intense, pure, ripe and complex, with concentrated pear, apple, fig and melon flavors that are elegant and refined. Well-defined and long on the finish. Drink now through 2016. 2,100 cases made.
VM 93 (6/2010): Green-tinged yellow. Sexy, intensely perfumed aromas of nectarine, pear, iodine and anise, with a slow-building floral quality. Taut, deep, gently smoky orchard fruit flavors are complicated by succulent herb and honeysuckle qualities and given cut by a zesty mineral quality. Plenty rich but gives up nothing in the way of energy, finishing with strong stony cut and excellent clarity. |
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2008 |
Ma Belle-Fille Chardonnay |
$85 |
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| | Australia |
| Yalumba |
2001 |
Octavius Shiraz |
$79 |
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