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Inventory updated: Mon, Mar 08, 2021 04:02 PM cst
100-Pt Perfection
Flickinger Wines has a fantastic selection of 100-point wines from prominent producers from across the globe, all of them in-stock. This list is dominated by a who's who of California's greatest wines from Dominus, Screaming Eagle, SQN and many more. Every wine here is a highlight, so take the time to browse this incredible list and add some of these perfect wines to your collection today - happy hunting!
The following are the wines remaining from the offer sent on Monday, February 15, 2021. Please enter your desired quantities and click the 'Add' button.
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Rhone Red |
| Ch. de Beaucastel |
1998 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage a Jacques Perrin (3.0 L)  Cracked Wax Capsule |
$2,400 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (6/2010): The splendid 1998 Hommage a Jacques Perrin is a compelling wine. Dense plum/ruby/purple, with intense notes of kirsch liqueur intermixed with licorice, camphor, incense, and black fruits, this wine cuts a broad swath across the palate, is very opulent, with a multi-layered texture, and despite its power, massiveness, and structure, comes across as pure, well-balanced, and classic in its proportions. This wine still needs another 5 or so years of cellaring, but it is one of the few Jacques Perrin wines that can be drunk at age 12 with enormous pleasure. It still has another 25-30 years ahead of it. Atypically forward for a wine from Beaucastel, my recollection is that the actual percentage of Grenache, which never exceeds the Mourvedre in their final blend, was much higher in 1998 than in other years.
JD 98 (8/2008): The 1998 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Hommage à Jacques Perrin is fruit forward with rich, sweet blackberry and cassis notes paired with melted licorice, spice, roast meat and subtle truffle and earth aromas. The palate is full bodied, perfectly balanced and with some real density and depth. Almost chewable, this is silky smooth and doesn't show a hard edge anywhere. The blockbuster finish picks up ripe and sweet tannins.
VM 98 (5/2009): Deep red with ruby highlights. Wild aromas of black raspberry, violet, game, leather, pepper and sundried tomato. Densely packed and improbably concentrated, with extraordinary solidity and fullness. The initially wild character became less obvious as the wine's other elements blossomed in the glass. This has fruit of steel and an extraordinarily long, broad finish. It's nearly impossible to scrape this off one's palate. Mazi-Chambertin meets Clos de Beze-on steroids, of course. An incredible bottle, and the wine of the tasting. This was a grenache-heavy vintage for the Hommage bottling but also includes 20% mourvedre.
WS 97 (9/2007): Still a bit of a brute, as the Mourvèdre thoroughly dominates, with tar, pan-roasted liver, graphite and loam notes that hold sway over more typical Châteauneuf notes of currant, licorice, garrigue and mineral. This is very dense on the finish and still somewhat backward, so patience is required for this giant.--1998 Châteauneuf-du-Pape retrospective. Best from 2010 through 2032. 415 cases made. |
|
| Dom. du Pegau |
2016 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Capo |
$349 |
5 |
|
| |
JD 100 (8/2019): I was also able to taste the 2016 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Da Capo, which comes mostly from older vines in the La Crau lieu-dit and spends an additional year in a large foudre. The 2016 vintage was truly magical for the region, and this Cuvée Da Capo is unquestionably one of the finest vintages for this cuvée ever made, in the same league as, if not surpassing, the 1998, 2003, 2007, and 2010. Sensational notes of cured meats, crème de cassis, crushed violets, ground pepper, tapenade, truffle, and sweet herbes de Provence all soar from the glass and it hits the palate with a massive, full-bodied style that stays seamless, weightless, and as pure as they come. Traditional, classic Châteauneuf Du Pape doesn’t get better. I hate to be the guy who throws out the “best to date” line very often, but this is truly magical stuff.
WA 99 (8/2019): As impressive as the Cuvée Réservée is, the 2016 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée da Capo brings an extra level of intensity. Turn that volume up to 11 or even 12. Waves of black cherries, plums and chocolate wash across the full-bodied, velvety palate, lingering nearly forever on the finish. As big and bold as it is, it remains breathtakingly elegant and fine. It should evolve gracefully through at least 2040.
VM 97 (12/2019): Vivid ruby. Intensely perfumed dark berry, cherry preserve and licorice aromas are complemented by hints of game, exotic spices and candied lavender. Deep, sweet and expansive on the palate, offering densely packed raspberry, cola and floral pastille flavors and a strong suggestion of spicecake. Shows superb clarity and power on a ridiculously long, sappy finish that eventually leaves behind cherry liqueur and bitter chocolate notes. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Etienne Guigal |
2005 |
Cote Rotie La Mouline |
$600 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 100 (8/2014): Another ridiculous effort, the 2005 Cote Rotie la Mouline doesn’t pull any punches and is perfectly balanced, deeply concentrated and shockingly rich, with a seamless, elegant and silky character that’s to die for. Giving up notions of smoked beef, iron, spring flowers and thrilling black raspberry and blackberry fruit, this classic La Mouline has nothing out of place, beautiful purity and precision, and incredible length. More in the style of the 2010, it can be consumed anytime over the coming 2-3 decades.
JLL ****** (5/2011): Thorough, shiny and attractive red robe. Reserved, but highly promising bouquet - mystery, the magic word, here, along with its compact red fruit aroma. The oak is absorbing well, and there are licorice wafts as well. There is a good charge of red fruit on the attack - this is nicely robust for a Mouline, with its fruit zig-zagging and finding every corner of the palate. There is a fresh tang, redcurrant fruit finale. The fruit I find to be beguiling, the texture is silky, but there is lots of depth to this beauty. Balance, naturally, is good. “Violet, prune aromas,” Marcel Guigal. From 2014, for instance. I can see this ticking on.
WS 99 (9/2009): Extremely dense, with Turkish coffee and bittersweet cocoa notes leading the way for a huge core of macerated plum and currant fruit, with warm fig reduction and hoisin sauce notes. The long, graphite- and toast-driven finish sails on and on. Best from 2012 through 2030. 415 cases made.
VM 96 (1/2010): Vivid ruby. Sexy black raspberry and floral aromas are complicated by smoky minerals, Asian spices and a whiff of smoke. Silky, alluringly sweet red and dark berry flavors pack serious punch but come off as weightless, with tangy minerality adding spine and precision. Showing more elegance than last year: its finishing lift, clarity and sweetness comes across as distinctly Burgundian. This suave wine is surprisingly open-knit but I'd wait a while before opening a bottle. - |
|
| Jean-Louis Chave |
2015 |
Hermitage |
$419 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 98-100 (4/2018): Not yet bottled, the 2015 Hermitage has perfection written all over it and reminds me of the 2010. Graphite, charcoal, liquid rock, and sensationally pure crème de cassis notes all soar from the glass of this full-bodied, concentrated, opulent 2015. This is a big, sexy beast of a Hermitage, yet it has the classic minerality, purity, and balance shown by just about every wine made from this estate. Forget bottles for 4-5 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 4-5 decades.
WA 98-100 (12/2017): After tasting several intermediate blends that will ultimately be combined in some proportion to create the 2015 Hermitage, I would not be surprised to see the final result achieve perfection. Although massively ripe and concentrated, there is still a feeling of balance and elegance in the wines that I fully expect to carry over into the final product. As the blending process isn’t complete, Jean-Louis warned that it was too early to say if there would be a Cuvée Cathelin, which is typically an Outstanding parcel that, for some reason, doesn’t work in the rest of the blend.
VM 97 (4/2018): Youthful purple color. Mineral-accented dark berries, star anise, cola, olive and pungent flowers on the explosively perfumed nose. Offers impressively concentrated, expansive flavors of black raspberry, spicecake, smoked meat and candied flowers that are complicated by licorice candy and dark chocolate notes that sneak in on the back half. Sweet, sappy and precise on the floral- and dark fruit-driven finish, which shows Outstanding clarity and round, harmonious tannins that build smoothly and steadily. Josh Raynolds.
JLL ****** (10/2016): 1) (Péleat, 228-litre cask) ***** dark robe. Black cherry features in a deep nose with rolling layers of aroma, is more deep than usual. There is a cool fruit debut to the palate, comes with sparkling clarity, reaches out well with a sure hand. There is a fine grain crunch from the tannins. It is well balanced, has ace juice within, fine grip, great freshness. “The fruit is silky, gourmand,” Jean-Louis Chave. 27 years. |
|
| M. Chapoutier |
1991 |
Ermitage Le Pavillon Signs of Old Seepage; Corroded Capsule |
$345 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (6/1996): This is a Le Pavilion of mythical proportions. Produced from extremely old vines, some dating from the mid-nineteenth century, with yields averaging under 15 hectoliters per hectare, this is the richest, most concentrated and profound wine made in Hermitage. The 1991 Ermitage Le Pavilion follows the pattern of the 1989 and 1990-it is another perfect wine. The saturated black/purple color is followed by a compelling bouquet of spices, roasted meats, and black and red fruits. Enormously concentrated yet with brilliant focus and delineation to its awesomely endowed personality, this extraordinary wine should age effortlessly for three plus decades. Very powerful and full, yet displaying silky tannin, this is a seamless beauty! Anticipated maturity: 2001-2035.
VM 92+ (12/1998): Saturated ruby color. Superripe, warm aromas of cassis, plum, chocolate and roasted meat, and livelier and more primary than those of the regular cuvee. Huge, lush, thick and layered in the mouth; impressively deep flavors of cassis and chocolate are a bit heavy for the vintage. I would have picked this blind as a '90. A bit monolithic and undifferentiated today, but this very powerful wine is still an infant. Finishes with major mouthdusting (wood?) tannins. Undeniably impressive, but could use a bit more refinement. |
|
| | Italy |
| Casa Vinicola Bruno Giacosa |
1989 |
Barolo Collina Rionda Riserva |
$4,195 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 100 (2/2010): I suspect over the years I have had more than my fair share of the 1989 Barolo Riserva Collina Rionda. After all, there were only 2,838 bottles produced. Still, I never fail to be utterly seduced by this transcendental, emotionally moving Barolo. The Rionda isn’t Giacosa’s most powerful wine, rather it is a Barolo built on elegance. Impossibly fine, silky tannins frame subtle, yet incredibly vivid aromatics that meld into a gorgeous core of violets, roses, tar, licorice and minerals. Still incredibly fresh, this towering Barolo has another 20+ years of life ahead. It remains Giacosa’s foremost masterpiece and one of the greatest wines ever made. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030. |
|
| Giuseppe E Figlio Mascarello |
1978 |
Barolo Monprivato Heavily Bin-Soiled Label |
$895 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 100 (11/2016): This is one of the greatest Italian wines ever made. It's so dark colored and disproves those who say that it shouldn't have any. It came straight from the cellars of the estate years ago. Dried flowers and dried fruits. Full body, lots of mushroom character and blueberry. Also ash-like. It's so fine, yet possesses incredible power. Drink now.
VM 95 (9/2009): The 1978 Barolo Monprivato bursts from the glass with stunning richness and intensity, coating every inch of the palate in dramatic fashion. It remains a vibrant, youthful Barolo that is one of the finest wines made in one of Piedmont's most historic harvests. This particular bottle is not the finest I have had, but it is still impressive. At its best, the 1978 is an utterly magical, spellbinding Monprivato. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| | USA Red |
| Cliff Lede |
2013 |
Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$675 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 100 (12/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry reveals a rather inky, bluish/purple color. A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot, this wine is super-youthful and still tastes somewhat like a barrel sample. It’s bursting with upside potential. Inky purple to the rim, with notes of crème de cassis, black cherry liqueur, licorice, spice and a touch of vanilla, this is a full-bodied, concentrated and an utterly profound wine that may represent the greatest wine that Cliff Lede has made to date. Forget it for another 5-6 years and drink it over the following 30 years. |
|
|
2013 |
Poetry Cabernet Sauvignon |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 100 (12/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry reveals a rather inky, bluish/purple color. A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot, this wine is super-youthful and still tastes somewhat like a barrel sample. It’s bursting with upside potential. Inky purple to the rim, with notes of crème de cassis, black cherry liqueur, licorice, spice and a touch of vanilla, this is a full-bodied, concentrated and an utterly profound wine that may represent the greatest wine that Cliff Lede has made to date. Forget it for another 5-6 years and drink it over the following 30 years. |
|
| Dominus |
2016 |
Proprietary Blend |
$249 |
36 |
|
| |
WA 100 (10/2018): A blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc aged in 40% new oak, the 2016 Proprietary Red Wine is deep purple-black in color and quite reticent at this youthful stage to begin, offering up subtle notions of potpourri, Indian spices, cigar box and iron ore over a core of crushed blackberries and black cherries with intermittent wafts of black and red currants, new leather and smoked meats. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a densely packed mid-palate and oodles of freshness framed by very ripe, finely grained tannins and laced with compelling earthy accents. It offers incredible vibrancy with tons of black and red fruit sparkle in the mid-palate leading to a provocative mineral element on the very long finish. If I could give more than 100 for this one, I would. To be released in May 2019.
JD 98+ (1/2019): Another possible legend in the making is the 2016 Dominus, a classic blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot and the rest Cabernet Franc brought up in 40% new French oak. Pure, pristine notes of charcoal, cold fireplace, smoke tobacco, and both blue and black fruits all flow to a full-bodied 2016 that has incredible elegance and finesse, yet also depth and density. It’s more backward and reserved than the 2015 and needs 4-5 years of cellaring. It will unquestionably live for 25-30 years.
JS 98 (10/2018): The opulence of fresh flowers and dark fruit is so impressive. There’s so much going on, from flowers to currants. The palate is full and powerful, but what impresses most are the ripe tannins and the amazing poise at the finish. Tightens down at the end. A blend of 84 per cent cabernet sauvignon, eight per cent petit verdot and eight per cent cabernet franc. Drink in 2021.
VM 97 (12/2018): The 2016 Dominus is a dark, somber wine. I don't quite see the explosive energy of the 2013 or 2010, not the seductiveness of the 2012, but the 2016 has a distinct charm that is all its own. Quite frankly, I can't remember a young Dominus with this combination of fruit density, freshness and polished tannins. A huge center of fruit emerge with time in the glass in a big, large-scaled Dominus that should provide readers with a long drinking window of pure pleasure once some of the baby fat wears off. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Eisele Vineyard |
2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$495 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 100 (10/2017): Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon charges from the gate with exuberant red and black cherries notes, black currants and mulberries with a beautiful roses and lavender perfume, plus hints of sandalwood and cinnamon stick. Full-bodied, concentrated and downright explosive in the mouth, it is still wearing loads of gorgeous puppy-fat fruit flavors, offering suggestions of the complex, multilayered blockbuster that it will emerge into. The structure deserves its own mention: wonderful, seamless freshness and oh-so-fine, pixelated tannins, with an extraordinary persistence of fruit and mineral nuances. Wow. |
|
| Hidden Ridge |
2013 |
Impassable Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$359 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 100 (3/2016): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Impassable Mountain Reserve sounds relatively intimidating, but if you want a quintessential example of what perfection is in my business, taste this wine! Absolutely remarkable in every sense – the incredible pure aromatics of blue, red and black fruits, the minerality, the volcanic, earthy sweetness that emerges in a subtle fashion, the full-bodied opulence, the staggering finish of more than a minute, and its unreal concentration certainly make this one of the most compelling and profound Cabernet Sauvignons I have ever tasted, and the first perfect wine of 2016. This should be nearly immortal, drinking well young, and for those with the patience and wisdom to wait 25-35 years, a legacy wine from Sonoma. |
|
| Maybach |
2014 |
Materium Cabernet Sauvignon |
$389 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 100 (10/2016): The flagship, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Materium, represents 560 cases and achieved 14.8% alcohol after aging in 90% new Taransaud and Darnajou casks. Remarkably, the wine matches the perfect 2013, with extraordinary fragrance of blueberry, blackberry, forest floor, truffle, spring flowers and background barbecue smoke followed by a thick, unctuously textured, juicy, but incredibly well-balanced, intense wine. This is built like a skyscraper with enormous quantities of blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit, well-integrated acidity and sweet, gentle tannins. This is an extraordinary effort from Maybach that can be drunk now or cellared for up to 30 or more years. |
|
|
2014 |
Materium Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$825 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 100 (10/2016): The flagship, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Materium, represents 560 cases and achieved 14.8% alcohol after aging in 90% new Taransaud and Darnajou casks. Remarkably, the wine matches the perfect 2013, with extraordinary fragrance of blueberry, blackberry, forest floor, truffle, spring flowers and background barbecue smoke followed by a thick, unctuously textured, juicy, but incredibly well-balanced, intense wine. This is built like a skyscraper with enormous quantities of blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit, well-integrated acidity and sweet, gentle tannins. This is an extraordinary effort from Maybach that can be drunk now or cellared for up to 30 or more years. |
|
|
2015 |
Materium Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$650 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 100 (12/2017): One of the greatest wines in the vintage is the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Materium which is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a higher elevation hillside vineyard in Oakville that was raised in 90% new French oak barrels. Just magical stuff that has incredible aromatics of crème de cassis, white flowers, huge minerality, violets, and scorched earth. This is followed by a massive, opulent, yet weightless wine that has off the charts purity of fruit, fine, fine tannin, perfect balance, and a finish that won’t quit. This legendary beauty will benefit from 5-6 years of bottle age and keep for three to four decades.
WA 97+ (12/2017): Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Materium Cabernet Sauvignon opens with earthy notions of tilled soil, moss and fungi over an exuberant core of black cherries, wild blueberries, red currants and Mediterranean herbs with a waft of lavender. Full-bodied and opulently fruited in the mouth, the palate delivers generous black fruit and herbal layers, structured with firm, chewy tannins, finishing on a lingering mineral note. 450 cases produced. |
|
| Morlet Family Vineyards |
2013 |
Force de la Nature Cabernet Franc |
$450 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 100 (12/2015): Luc Morlet's three-digit wine is the 2013 Cabernet Franc Force de la Nature, 100% Cabernet Franc from the incredible Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard. This is an ethereal wine that goes beyond just being majestic. Aged in 100% new Darnajou oak, the wine offers a flowery, blueberry and blackberry-scented nose along with forest floor, some sweet, subtle toast and lead pencil shavings. Remarkably rich, full-bodied, but light on its feet and on the palate, the wine builds incrementally to a majestic, full-throttle, seamless work that is rather remarkable. This is an amazing wine, and Luc Morlet has certainly proven once again his incredible talents and knowledge of great vineyard sites. Drink it over the next 15-20 years. |
|
| Outpost |
2014 |
True Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$339 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 100 (10/2016): The limited-production 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard (475 cases) is also 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 20 months in 90% new French oak. This is an amazing 2014 and one of the few perfect wines that I could find while tasting at the top addresses in Northern California. Blue/purple in color, with extraordinarily intense floral notes intermixed with blueberry, blackberry, crushed charcoal and camphor, the wine hits the palate with a spectacular display of glycerin, fruit, sweet tannin, adequate acidity, and wonderful equilibrium and purity. The finish was close to a minute. This wine is irresistible, although it is certainly capable of lasting three decades or more. Kudos to the Dotzlers and Thomas Rivers Brown for this magnificent achievement!
VM 92 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard is ample, rich and expressive. There is plenty of the trademark Outpost intensity, but the True offers a good bit of freshness for the year. Moreover, the True has the frame to handle the wine's exotic richness and pure power. Inky blue/purplish fruit, chocolate, torrefaction, lavender and crème de cassis are some of the aromas and flavors that flesh out over time. |
|
| Pride Mountain Vineyards |
2012 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$325 |
9 |
|
| |
WA 100 (10/2015): The incredible 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot treated identically to the Reserve Claret (40% new French oak aged in wood for 22 months prior to bottling). There are nearly 1,500 cases of this wine, with 60% coming from the Sonoma side and 40% from Napa. An absolutely amazing nose of camphor, lead pencil shavings, blackberry and cassis, some new saddle leather, a touch of spicy oak followed by a profoundly concentrated, multi-dimensional mouthfeel with gorgeous integration of acidity, tannin, wood and alcohol. This is a fabulous, seamlessly constructed Cabernet Sauvignon to drink now and over the next 15+ years. Kudos to Pride!
VM 95+ (10/2015): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve wraps around the palate with serious depth and intensity. Huge, broad swaths of tannin provide the backbone. Dark and intense to the core, the 2012 possesses magnificent intensity as well as considerable structure. Readers will have to be patient, as the Reserve is not forthcoming today, especially within the context of the year. Pride fans won't want to miss the 2012, as it is superb.
VM 94+ (6/2015): (14.8% alcohol): Saturated bright ruby. Knockout nose combines crushed blackberry, blueberry, gingerbread, fresh nutmeg, chocolate, mocha and menthol. Almost painfully dense and youthfully shut-down today, in a closed stage just three months after its bottling. But this very powerful mountain Cabernet boasts highly concentrated dark berry and spicecake flavors and already hints at superb chocolatey depth. Finishes with very broad, serious, palate-saturating tannins and terrific length.
WS 93 (10/2015): Features lots of extra facets, from the core of dark berry, licorice, gravel and dust to the pure red berry and spicy oak flavors that peek through midway. The tannins clamp down nicely on the finish. Drink now through 2028. 1,471 cases made. |
|
|
2013 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$325 |
15 |
|
| |
WA 100 (10/2016): A real tour de force once again, and their second consecutive perfect score, is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, which is 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot aged 22 months in 40% new French oak. It is a larger cuvée of 1,416 cases versus 450 for the Reserve Claret. The Cabernet is just under 15% alcohol. A fantastic wine, with great intensity, notes of graphite, forest floor, crème de cassis, white chocolate and blackberry, the wine hits the palate with a thunderous presence, has a multi-layered, skyscraper-like palate feel, a plush, intense texture, high but well-integrated tannin and acidity, and nicely disguised oak. This is a magnificent wine, with 79% of it coming from the Sonoma side of Spring Mountain and 21% from the Napa side. Drink it over the next 25-30+ years.
VM 96+ (12/2016): The 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon captures all the best of the Pride house style. Rich, ample and concentrated, with superb depth, the 2013 possesses exceptional balance and tons of pure pedigree. The sheer intensity of the fruit nearly buries the tannins, but they are there. Polished, silky tannins add to the wine's tremendous appeal. This is a total knock-out from Pride and winemaker Sally Johnson. Pride fans will not want to miss this exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Antonio Galloni.
WS 91 (11/2016): A bit racy, with a twinge of blackberry and balsamic amid an otherwise potent core of dense dark berry, licorice and gravelly earth flavors. A style of wine that should only get better as the tannins ease and the fruit becomes more prominent. Best from 2019 through 2029. 1,416 cases made. |
|
|
2013 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Slightly Depressed Cork |
$289 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 100 (10/2016): A real tour de force once again, and their second consecutive perfect score, is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, which is 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot aged 22 months in 40% new French oak. It is a larger cuvée of 1,416 cases versus 450 for the Reserve Claret. The Cabernet is just under 15% alcohol. A fantastic wine, with great intensity, notes of graphite, forest floor, crème de cassis, white chocolate and blackberry, the wine hits the palate with a thunderous presence, has a multi-layered, skyscraper-like palate feel, a plush, intense texture, high but well-integrated tannin and acidity, and nicely disguised oak. This is a magnificent wine, with 79% of it coming from the Sonoma side of Spring Mountain and 21% from the Napa side. Drink it over the next 25-30+ years.
VM 96+ (12/2016): The 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon captures all the best of the Pride house style. Rich, ample and concentrated, with superb depth, the 2013 possesses exceptional balance and tons of pure pedigree. The sheer intensity of the fruit nearly buries the tannins, but they are there. Polished, silky tannins add to the wine's tremendous appeal. This is a total knock-out from Pride and winemaker Sally Johnson. Pride fans will not want to miss this exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Antonio Galloni.
WS 91 (11/2016): A bit racy, with a twinge of blackberry and balsamic amid an otherwise potent core of dense dark berry, licorice and gravelly earth flavors. A style of wine that should only get better as the tannins ease and the fruit becomes more prominent. Best from 2019 through 2029. 1,416 cases made. |
|
| Schrader |
2006 |
CCS Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$695 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (12/2008): The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon CCS is utter perfection in Cabernet Sauvignon. Extraordinary power, fruit depth, and perfume (not dissimilar from its siblings’) as well as a seamlessness, monumental richness, and a staggering finish are the stuff of legends. Again, the dominant characteristics are creme de cassis, graphite, espresso, blackberries, chocolate, and subtle background new oak.
WS 93 (6/2009): Tightly wound, firm and concentrated, deep and framed by cedary oak. It takes time for the ripe currant and black cherry fruit to emerge, but once it does, it grabs and holds you. Best from 2010 through 2017. 175 cases made. |
|
| Screaming Eagle |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$3,400 |
9 |
|
| |
WA 100 (12/2010): The most profound Screaming Eagle since the 2002 and 1997, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (an 800-case blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc) offers up a prodigiously pure, complex nose of cassis, spring flowers, licorice and black currants, the latter component being so intense and lingering that it makes this cuvee stand apart from other Napa Valley wines. Full-bodied in the mouth, like a ballerina on her toes, this wine glides gracefully across the palate with a cascade of purity, equilibrium and compelling complexity. Extraordinary balance and elegance combined with power make for an utterly stunning wine that should drink well for two decades or more. Even though the estate is being reconstituted and a new winery built, this wine still came from the old sector of the vineyard (15.5 acres) that was used by the previous proprietor, Jean Phillips.
WS 98 (10/2010): A supple, sophisticated, elegant and stylish wine that wows you with purity, finesse and understated nuances. Full-bodied, with a core of red and black cherry, currant, mineral and sage, ending with a long, layered, persistent, graceful finish, all in a style that distinguishes itself from most Napa Cabernets. Drink now through 2024. 750 cases made.
VM 96 (6/2010): (includes 20% merlot and 3% cabernet franc) Good full, deep ruby. Quite Bordeaux-like on the nose, with notes of bitter cherry, dark chocolate, tobacco, cedar and iron, plus a whiff of aromatic resin. Then opulent on the palate but at the same time juicy, precise and very intensely flavored, with terrific inner-mouth lift to the flavors of currant, spices, brown sugar and pungent minerality. Finishes impressively long, spreading out to saturate the entire palate. Boasts a terrific spine for aging.
JS 96 (2/2011): Wow, love or loath the style, this is full throttle on the nose and palate with pure fruit and raspberry jam. Black currants and blueberries. Full and flamboyant but then holds back with gorgeous berries and milk chocolate. Wonderful length. Fascinating. Better in 2015. |
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2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$2,850 |
7 |
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VM 100 (12/2018): The 2016 Screaming Eagle is a positively stunning wine. An intense bouquet gives way to a wine of explosive energy and huge textural depth. Graphite, crushed rocks, menthol, sage and dark spice open up gradually in this reticent, brooding Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2016 is a towering, statuesque wine of the very highest level. That is the good news. The slightly less good news is that it will need a number of years in bottle to be at its very best. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle anytime soon. The 2016 literally does scream, with tons of varietal Cabernet aromatics, flavors and structural drive. In a word: magnificent! Anotnio Galloni.
JD 98+ (1/2019): A primordial baby of a wine, the 2016 Screaming Eagle includes slightly more Cabernet Sauvignon than the 2015 and is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc. About as elegant and classy as it gets, this brilliant wine offers loads of blueberries, crème de cassis, crushed violets, spice, and a distinct minerality that emerges with time in the glass. Perfectly balanced, incredibly elegant, with great intensity and length, it will most likely merit a triple-digit score in 4-5 years and it will keep for 3-4 decades. While it's easy to think all cult California Cabs are rich, monster wines, the reality is far from it, and this estate continues to produce wines in a balanced, elegant, classic, iconic style that is unquestionably up with the greatest wines on earth.
WA 98-100 (10/2018): A barrel sample, the 2016 Screaming Eagle is deep garnet-purple colored with bags of poise coming from a rather flamboyant vintage, showing beautiful perfume with notes of lilacs, rose hip tea, unsmoked cigars and spice cake with a core of warm redcurrants and Black Forest cake plus a touch of iron ore. The palate is medium to full-bodied, very tightly wound and with wonderful energy, structured with firm, very fine-grained tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing very long and earthy. |
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|
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$3,000 |
3 |
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| |
VM 100 (12/2018): The 2016 Screaming Eagle is a positively stunning wine. An intense bouquet gives way to a wine of explosive energy and huge textural depth. Graphite, crushed rocks, menthol, sage and dark spice open up gradually in this reticent, brooding Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2016 is a towering, statuesque wine of the very highest level. That is the good news. The slightly less good news is that it will need a number of years in bottle to be at its very best. I wouldn't dream of touching a bottle anytime soon. The 2016 literally does scream, with tons of varietal Cabernet aromatics, flavors and structural drive. In a word: magnificent! Anotnio Galloni.
JD 98+ (1/2019): A primordial baby of a wine, the 2016 Screaming Eagle includes slightly more Cabernet Sauvignon than the 2015 and is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 8% Cabernet Franc. About as elegant and classy as it gets, this brilliant wine offers loads of blueberries, crème de cassis, crushed violets, spice, and a distinct minerality that emerges with time in the glass. Perfectly balanced, incredibly elegant, with great intensity and length, it will most likely merit a triple-digit score in 4-5 years and it will keep for 3-4 decades. While it's easy to think all cult California Cabs are rich, monster wines, the reality is far from it, and this estate continues to produce wines in a balanced, elegant, classic, iconic style that is unquestionably up with the greatest wines on earth.
WA 98-100 (10/2018): A barrel sample, the 2016 Screaming Eagle is deep garnet-purple colored with bags of poise coming from a rather flamboyant vintage, showing beautiful perfume with notes of lilacs, rose hip tea, unsmoked cigars and spice cake with a core of warm redcurrants and Black Forest cake plus a touch of iron ore. The palate is medium to full-bodied, very tightly wound and with wonderful energy, structured with firm, very fine-grained tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing very long and earthy. |
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| Sine Qua Non |
2000 |
Incognito Grenache |
$1,100 |
1 |
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| WA 100 (8/2011): 2000 Incognito: This remains an historic wine and probably the greatest Grenache (95% Grenache and 5% Syrah) made in California up to this timeline. We were lucky enough to have this from a magnum at the vertical tasting, although I have recently had it from my cellar, as I have drunk the last remaining 750 ml formats I owned. A classic casebook in the glories of Grenache, this wine, which does have a little Syrah in it, has a dense plum/ruby color and an explosive nose of kirsch liqueur, incense, wood spice, pepper and earth. Ripe, full-bodied, and opulent, with a velvety texture, a magnificent, multi-layered, skyscraper-like mouthfeel, yet no sense of heaviness or any jagged edges, this is a glorious, voluptuously textured Grenache that scores high on all hedonistic and intellectual levels. I can’t see it getting any better, as it is fully mature, so owners of it are advised to drink it up over the next few years. |
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2013 |
Jusqua lOs Grenache (1.5 L) Scuffed Label |
$1,095 |
1 |
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WA 100 (9/2017): The 2013 Grenache Jusqu' a l'os was produced from 79% Grenache from the 11 Confessions Vineyard along with 18% Syrah and 3% Petite Sirah, produced using 89% whole cluster and aged for around 38 months in 51% used oak, 6% new French oak and 43% concrete tanks (bottled December 6, 2016). It displays a medium to deep garnet color and rock star vibrant red currant and black raspberry scents with hints of licorice, mocha, Indian spices and peppered salami plus oh-so-fragrant and seductive touches of potpourri and chargrill. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and opulently fruited in the mouth, the alluring, velvety tannins support savory, spicy layers right through the long, mineral-laced finish. This is one drop dead gorgeous, femme fatale of a wine. 868 cases of 750 milliliter bottles, 223 magnums and 30 double magnums were made.
JD 98+ (8/2017): Meaning “To The Bone” in English, the 2013 Grenache Jusqu’ a l’Os is the estate release from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard and is a blend of 79% Grenache, 18% Syrah and 3% Petite Sirah that was fermented with very little destemming and aged 38 months in 6% new French oak, 51% used barrels, and 43% in concrete tanks. It’s a peppery, perfumed, seriously endowed Grenache that offers tons of blackcurrants, blackberries, smoked earth, toasted spice and graphite aromas and flavors. Big, backward, tight and structured, yet gorgeously concentrated, it needs 4-5 years of cellaring to hit its peak and will see its 20th birthday in fine form.
VM 96+ (9/2017): A darker, more potent side of Grenache comes through in the 2013 Grenache Jusqu'à l'Os. This powerhouse wine is nowhere near ready to drink. Swaths of tannin enshroud a core of plum, dark fruit in this muscular, brooding Grenache from Sine Qua Non. Readers will have to be patient. The 2013 is 79% Grenache, 18% Syrah and 3% Petite Sirah, all from Eleven Confessions, done with 89% whole clusters. Antonio Galloni. |
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2013 |
Jusqua lOs Grenache |
$548 |
1 |
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| |
WA 100 (9/2017): The 2013 Grenache Jusqu' a l'os was produced from 79% Grenache from the 11 Confessions Vineyard along with 18% Syrah and 3% Petite Sirah, produced using 89% whole cluster and aged for around 38 months in 51% used oak, 6% new French oak and 43% concrete tanks (bottled December 6, 2016). It displays a medium to deep garnet color and rock star vibrant red currant and black raspberry scents with hints of licorice, mocha, Indian spices and peppered salami plus oh-so-fragrant and seductive touches of potpourri and chargrill. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and opulently fruited in the mouth, the alluring, velvety tannins support savory, spicy layers right through the long, mineral-laced finish. This is one drop dead gorgeous, femme fatale of a wine. 868 cases of 750 milliliter bottles, 223 magnums and 30 double magnums were made.
JD 98+ (8/2017): Meaning “To The Bone” in English, the 2013 Grenache Jusqu’ a l’Os is the estate release from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard and is a blend of 79% Grenache, 18% Syrah and 3% Petite Sirah that was fermented with very little destemming and aged 38 months in 6% new French oak, 51% used barrels, and 43% in concrete tanks. It’s a peppery, perfumed, seriously endowed Grenache that offers tons of blackcurrants, blackberries, smoked earth, toasted spice and graphite aromas and flavors. Big, backward, tight and structured, yet gorgeously concentrated, it needs 4-5 years of cellaring to hit its peak and will see its 20th birthday in fine form.
VM 96+ (9/2017): A darker, more potent side of Grenache comes through in the 2013 Grenache Jusqu'à l'Os. This powerhouse wine is nowhere near ready to drink. Swaths of tannin enshroud a core of plum, dark fruit in this muscular, brooding Grenache from Sine Qua Non. Readers will have to be patient. The 2013 is 79% Grenache, 18% Syrah and 3% Petite Sirah, all from Eleven Confessions, done with 89% whole clusters. Antonio Galloni. |
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2002 |
Just for the Love of It Syrah |
$875 |
1 |
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WA 100 (8/2004): A dead-ringer (at least aromatically) for Guigal’s single vineyard Cote Rotie La Mouline, the 2002 Just For The Love of It is the greatest California Syrah I have yet tasted. A one-thousand case blend of 96% Syrah, 2% Grenache, and 2% Viognier, it is nearly equal parts Alban, Bien Nacido, and Stolpman fruit with a small amount from both Shadow Canyon and White Hawk. It boasts a provocative perfume of creme de cassis, toast, blackberries, licorice, barbecue spice, and exotic floral scents. Extremely full-bodied, with fabulous intensity, great purity, awesome length, and a finish that lasts over a minute, this classic is a must purchase. Already accessible, it will drink well for 10-15 years.
VM 94+ (2/2005): Deep ruby-red. Black fruits, orange peel, Tellicherry pepper, sandalwood incense and black walnut on the highly complex nose. Quite youthful, even a bit clenched, in the mouth, with extremely intense, juicy, peppery fruit and a lovely coolness that promises a long evolution in bottle. Compared to the lush grenache bottling, this comes across as somewhat rigid today, but it possesses superb underlying sappiness. Finishes with firm tannins and superb persistence. One of those rare wines that seem to grow darker with aeration. This should have a long and rewarding evolution in bottle and may ultimately merit an even higher score. |
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2013 |
Le Supplement Syrah |
$479 |
4 |
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WA 100 (9/2017): Coming entirely from the Eleven Confessions Estate Vineyard and composed of 89% Syrah, 6% Petite Sirah, 3% Grenache and 2% Viognier, using 28% whole cluster, the 2013 Syrah Le Supplement is just starting to evolve into beguiling earthy/meaty tertiary notes with suggestions of sandalwood, mossy bark, black soil, patchouli and salami over a core of blackberry compote, preserved plums, mincemeat pie and star anise with a touch of dried lavender. Rich, concentrated and decadent, the full-bodied, opulent palate explodes with black fruits preserves peppered by meaty/savory nuances and culminating in epically lingering exotic spice notes. 866 cases, 228 magnums and 30 double magnums were produced.
JD 100 (8/2017): I’ve had so many incredible Syrahs from this estate, it’s hard to tell if the 2013 Syrah Le Supplement will be the best yet, but it’s unquestionably one of the greatest Syrah made in California. Reminding me of the 2009 Côte Rôtie La Turque from Domaine Guigal with its smoky, meaty bouquet of crème de cassis, pencil lead, bacon fat, pepper, espresso and hints of violets, this drop dead gorgeous Syrah is full-bodied, opulent and sexy, yet also concentrated, structured and just hinting at its ultimate potential. I wouldn’t put this past being the greatest Syrah made in California – ever – yet like the Grenache, it needs short term cellaring. Bravo!
VM 96 (9/2017): Extended time in barrel has given the 2013 Syrah Le Supplement much of its dense, creamy feel. Dark, powerful and sumptuous in the glass, this is a wine of texture above all else. Floral and spice overtones from the whole clusters add appealing strands of aromatic lift. The 2013 is 89% Syrah, 6% Petite Sirah, 3% Grenache and 2% Viognier, all from Eleven Confessions, done with 28% whole clusters. Antonio Galloni. |
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2005 |
The 17th Nail in My Cranium Syrah (1.5 L) |
$2,400 |
1 |
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WA 100 (8/2013): In addition to these new releases, I was also able to taste through a number of older vintages, including the 2001 Albino, 2006 Hoodoo Man, 2003 The Inaugural, 2004 Ode to E, 1998 E Raised, 2001 On Your Toes, 2005 Nail in My Cranium and 2007 Syrah Dangerous Birds. To say I came away impressed would be an understatement. Anyone who claims this big, rich style can-t age needs to taste these wines. I opted to just list my scores for the older releases as I find Bob-s initial write-ups spot on.
WS 98 (2/2010): Fantastic spice aromas lead to notes of fresh ground black pepper, beef carpaccio, rich blackberry and roasted coffee, giving this an exotic mix of flavors. Dense, concentrated, structured and tightly focused, striking a balance between the broad array of flavors and the firm tannins. Drink now through 2018. 398 cases made.
VM 97 (12/2009): Glass-staining purple. Hypnotic bouquet of blackberry, boysenberry, black pepper, olive tapenade and smoked meat, with a strong note of potpourri gaining with aeration. Deep, sweet and remarkably pure, offering broad dark berry and cherry compote flavors, with exotic floral and spice notes adding complexity. Becomes chewier on the finish but yields none of its sweet, palate-saturating fruit. Josh Raynolds. |
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2012 |
Touche Syrah |
$509 |
1 |
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| |
WA 100 (8/2016): Lastly, the utterly perfect 2012 Syrah Touche reminds me of a great vintage of Guigal’s Cote Rotie La Landonne. A blend of 93% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah and 2% Viognier, all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, it spent 40 months in 78% new French oak. Deep, concentrated, full-bodied and layered, with a multidimensional texture and to-die-for notes of camphor, cured meats, violets, smoke and assorted dark fruits, this beauty has fine, perfectly ripe tannin and blockbuster length. Give it 3-4 years and drink over the following two decades.
VM 98 (9/2016): A quintessential Sine Qua Non wine, the 2012 Syrah Touché is off the charts. Rich, seamless and voluptuous, the 2012 exudes concentration and flamboyance. Red cherry jam, plum, spice, licorice, pomegranate and new leather flesh out in an effortless, radiant wine bursting at the seams with personality. The 2012 is 93% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah and 2% Viognier, done with 36% whole clusters, all from Eleven Confessions. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2012 |
Touche Syrah |
$529 |
2 |
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WA 100 (8/2016): Lastly, the utterly perfect 2012 Syrah Touche reminds me of a great vintage of Guigal’s Cote Rotie La Landonne. A blend of 93% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah and 2% Viognier, all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, it spent 40 months in 78% new French oak. Deep, concentrated, full-bodied and layered, with a multidimensional texture and to-die-for notes of camphor, cured meats, violets, smoke and assorted dark fruits, this beauty has fine, perfectly ripe tannin and blockbuster length. Give it 3-4 years and drink over the following two decades.
VM 98 (9/2016): A quintessential Sine Qua Non wine, the 2012 Syrah Touché is off the charts. Rich, seamless and voluptuous, the 2012 exudes concentration and flamboyance. Red cherry jam, plum, spice, licorice, pomegranate and new leather flesh out in an effortless, radiant wine bursting at the seams with personality. The 2012 is 93% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah and 2% Viognier, done with 36% whole clusters, all from Eleven Confessions. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Sloan |
2007 |
Proprietary Blend Slightly Depressed Cork |
$569 |
1 |
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| |
WA 100 (12/2010): The 2007 Sloan, now in bottle, has lived up to the extraordinary quality it exhibited from barrel. A world-class, perfumed nose of charcoal, espresso roast, white chocolate, black currants, sweet plums, Asian soy and a Grave-like scorched earth aroma soars from the glass of this dense purple-colored wine. Full-bodied and seamlessly constructed with a multidimensional mouthfeel as well as a phenomenal finish, this 2007 carries considerable tannin, but at present it is concealed by the wine’s luxurious levels of fruit, glycerin and intensity. This spectacular 2007 should drink well for 25-30+ years.
VM 96 (6/2010): Good bright ruby-red. Sexy, highly aromatic nose melds cassis, black raspberry, violet, minerals, bitter chocolate and cedar. Tightly wound and minerally, with strong acidity intensifying the flavors of black fruits, licorice, violet and tobacco. The elements of cabernet franc and petit verdot give additional lift to this slightly high-toned and very energetic wine. The very long, firm finish boasts terrific grip. A great example of the 2007 vintage. |
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| | USA White |
| Aubert |
2017 |
Lauren Sonoma Coast Chardonnay |
$265 |
1 |
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| |
| WA 98-100 (10/2018): The 2017 Chardonnay Lauren Estate comes from a complex vineyard planted to four different clones: two Old Wente clones, Mt. Eden clone and Corton Charlemagne clone. It has an arresting nose of lemon barley water, white peaches, grapefruit and toasted almonds with touches of croissant, lime leaves, sassafras and allspice plus a hint of candied ginger. Full-bodied and jam-packed with energetic citrus and spice layers, it has a gorgeous satiny texture and fantastic freshness, finishing very, very long with bags of grace! |
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| | Bordeaux Red |
| Ch. Cos d'Estournel |
2016 |
St. Estephe |
$225 |
|
Sold Out
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| Ch. Ducru-Beaucaillou |
2009 |
St. Julien |
$290 |
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Sold Out
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| Ch. L' Evangile |
2009 |
Pomerol |
$355 |
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Sold Out
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| Ch. Margaux |
1996 |
Margaux |
$650 |
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Sold Out
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| Ch. Mouton-Rothschild |
1986 |
Pauillac Mid-Shoulder Fill; Bin-Soiled Label |
$875 |
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Sold Out
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2016 |
Pauillac |
$669 |
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Sold Out
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| Ch. Palmer |
2016 |
Margaux |
$345 |
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Sold Out
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| | Rhone Red |
| Clos des Papes |
2007 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (1.5 L) |
$325 |
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Sold Out
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| M. Chapoutier |
1991 |
Ermitage Le Pavillon Ullage 3 cm; Signs of Old Seepage; Corroded Capsule |
$345 |
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Sold Out
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| | USA Red |
| Alban Vineyards |
2006 |
Reva Alban Estate Syrah (1.5 L) |
$450 |
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Sold Out
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| Harlan Estate |
2015 |
Proprietary Blend |
$1,095 |
|
Sold Out
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| Joseph Phelps |
2002 |
Insignia Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$650 |
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Sold Out
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| Maybach |
2015 |
Materium Cabernet Sauvignon |
$275 |
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Sold Out
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| Pax |
2016 |
Sonoma Hillsides Russian River Valley Syrah |
$150 |
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Sold Out
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| Screaming Eagle |
2013 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$2,795 |
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Sold Out
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2015 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$2,800 |
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Sold Out
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| Sine Qua Non |
2017 |
The Gorgeous Victim Grenache |
$239 |
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Sold Out
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2017 |
The Hated Hunter Syrah |
$239 |
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Sold Out
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