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Inventory updated: Fri, Jan 17, 2025 04:02 PM cst
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Alsace |
| Lucien Albrecht |
2001 |
Pinot Noir Amplus Wrinkled Label |
$20 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2004 |
Pinot Noir Amplus (1.5 L) Heavily Bin-Soiled Label |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2004 |
Pinot Noir Amplus (1.5 L) Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Albert Seltz |
2000 |
Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Zotzenberg Nicked Label |
$25 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Ch. Angelus |
2021 |
St. Emilion (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$614.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Belair-Monange |
2010 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns  |
$959.99 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (3/2020): Deep garnet colored, the 2010 Belair Monange gives up cedar chest and vanilla pod notes over a core of baked plums, kirsch, blueberry pie and mocha plus wafts of tobacco and stewed tea. Full-bodied, the palate is still quite oaky with a good amount of black fruit preserves to back it up and a firm structure, finishing just a tad woody. Still very youthful, I imagine this oak will fall into line with another five years in bottle.
WS 95 (7/2017): Solidly built, with the chalky spine running from start to finish, while the core of red currant, raspberry and black cherry fruit is held in reserve. Shows a lovely floral flash through the finish, where the chalky edge really starts to emerge.—Non-blind Belair-Monange vertical (December 2016). Best from 2020 through 2035. 1,350 cases made.
JS 95 (2/2013): Aromas of berries, chili and a hint of toasted oak. Full body, with velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Juicy and beautiful. Really builds on the palate. One of the best wines ever from here. Super quality. Try in 2018. |
|
|
2011 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$626.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| La Chenade |
2021 |
Lalande de Pomerol (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$207.97 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Le Petit Cheval |
2011 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,056.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 90 (7/2014): Polished, offering good mouthfeel to the layers of fig sauce, crushed plum and licorice. Judicious toast frames the finish, with a hint of charcoal adding length. A little lighter than when tasted from barrel, but still balanced and refined without trying too hard. Drink now through 2020.
JS 90 (2/2014): A wine with pretty balance of fruit and spices, with berry, hazelnut and cocoa. Full to medium body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Second wine of Cheval. Better in 2015.
WA 89 (4/2014): The quality of Cheval Blanc’s second wine continues to go from strength to strength. For example, the 2011 Le Petit Cheval reveals savory, high-brow nuances along with black currant, black cherry, spice box and mineral notes. Round, generous and medium-bodied, this sleeper of the vintage is ideal for drinking over the next decade or more.
VM 88 (7/2014): Bright medium red. Strawberry, redcurrant and violet on the nose. Juicy and vinous, with redcurrant and delicate coffee flavors showing good sweetness and plenty of early appeal. Finishes moderately long and a bit simple, with a hint of dusty minerals, repeating floral nuances and smooth tannins. A lovely wine expressing pristine aromas and flavors. Pierre Lurton and technical director Pierre-Olivier Clouet told me that the final blend is 72% merlot and 28% cabernet franc (it was 75% merlot and 25% cabernet franc during the Primeurs). |
|
| Ch. Fombrauge |
2012 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$524.99 |
7 |
|
| |
|
| Les Forts de Latour |
2008 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,503.97 |
5 |
|
| |
NM 92 (1/2012): Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. The Les Forts de Latour 2008 has a vivacious, almost exotic bouquet with macerated dark cherries, kirsch, dried orange peel and a hint of mint. The palate has a sweet, succulent entry with good substance, a little chewy in the mouth with a little more extraction than its peers. It has an attractive, almost weightless finish. Very fine.
JS 92 (12/2010): Caramel and flowers and currants and berries on the nose. Full and velvety with a good density and lots of fruity elegance and balance. Very pretty. Give it four years of bottle age please.
WA 91 (5/2011): A strong effort, this 2008 exhibits a dark ruby/purple color, more minerality than the 2010 and hints of cedarwood, black currants, underbrush and forest floor. This round, generous blend of 66.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33.5% Merlot should easily last for two decades or more.
VM 91 (8/2011): Deep red-ruby. Oaky aromas and flavors of sweet berries, licorice and spices. Silky and sweet on entry, then quite broad and suave in the middle, with ripe balancing acids giving shape to the wine's flavors. Finishes with broad, serious, building tannins and excellent length. A strong showing for this wine, which is built to age.
WS 90 (3/2011): This is rounded and pure, with red and black currant, black tea, roasted apple wood and sanguine notes all gliding through the supple, focused finish. Not big, but has balance and length. Drink now through 2017. 12,900 cases made. |
|
| Ch. Haut Batailley |
2018 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$744.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (3/2021): The flagship 2018 Château Haut-Batailley checks in 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot that was brought up in 60% new French oak. It's another deeply hued, classic Pauillac in the vintage that has wonderful purity as well as loads of ripe blackberry and currant fruits, medium to full-bodied richness, beautiful aromas and flavors of graphite, cedarwood, and tobacco, building yet polished tannins, background oak, and a great finish. This pure, classic Pauillac needs 7-8 years of bottle age (it will certainly offer pleasure earlier) and will drink fabulously well for over two decades. |
|
| Ch. Haut-Brion |
1988 |
Pessac Leognan (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$6,357.97 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (1/1993): The 1988 Haut-Brion is built along the lines of the 1966, but it is more concentrated and powerful. The dense bouquet of tobacco, ripe, black fruits and spicy oak has just begun to develop. The wine is medium-bodied, rich, and tannic, with a good inner-core of fruit. This wine will have to be cellared until the end of this century. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2025. |
|
|
2020 |
Pessac Leognan (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,705.99 |
4 |
|
| |
JD 100 (3/2023): I finished my trip through Bordeaux with the 2020 Château Haut-Brion, and it was certainly a fitting cap to the trip. Revealing a deep ruby/plum hue, the 2020 exhibits extraordinary aromatics of ripe black fruits, scorched earth, cold fireplace, and acacia flowers. An absolute blockbuster on the palate, this structured, full-bodied, massively concentrated Pessac builds incrementally, with ultra-fine tannins, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a great, great finish. Richer and more concentrated than both the 2018 and 2019 (there are some similarities to 2010), this is a legend in the making. The blend is 42.8% Merlot, 39.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Cabernet Franc, all of which will spend 15-18 months in 77% new French oak. Hide bottles for a decade, and it should evolve for 50-75 years.
JS 100 (4/2021): This is a superb Haut-Brion with incredible tannins that are wonderfully fine-grained. It’s really powerful. This is very primary with so much grape-generated tannin structure. Very, very long, going on for minutes. Seductive and friendly at the start and then takes you on at the finish with so much structure. Wine of the vintage?
VM 96 (2/2023): The 2020 Haut-Brion is shaping up to be one of the wines of the year. Substance, depth and textural intensity elevate Haut-Brion into the realm of the sublime in 2020. All the elements are so wonderfully balanced. Inky dark fruit, gravel, lavender, violet and dark spice build as the 2020 gradually opens with some aeration. Wow. Neal Martin.
WA 98-100 (5/2021): The 2020 Haut-Brion is a blend of 42.8% Merlot, 39.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17.5% Cabernet Franc, harvested from 7th to 29th September, with an estimated alcohol of 15% and a pH of 3.8. Opaque purple-black colored, it leaps from the glass with a first wave of vibrant black raspberries, ripe blackberries and mulberries scents, followed by a powerful core of warm cassis, dark chocolate and violets, before bursting into an array of crushed rocks, iron ore, tree bark and black truffles notes. The concentrated, densely packed, full-bodied palate is not in the least bit heavy, delivering a refreshing backbone of red berry and dried herbs suggestions, framed by seamless acidity and very finely grained tannins, finishing on an epically long, fragrant earth note. Simply stunning. |
|
|
2020 |
Pessac Leognan (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,369.97 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 100 (3/2023): I finished my trip through Bordeaux with the 2020 Château Haut-Brion, and it was certainly a fitting cap to the trip. Revealing a deep ruby/plum hue, the 2020 exhibits extraordinary aromatics of ripe black fruits, scorched earth, cold fireplace, and acacia flowers. An absolute blockbuster on the palate, this structured, full-bodied, massively concentrated Pessac builds incrementally, with ultra-fine tannins, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a great, great finish. Richer and more concentrated than both the 2018 and 2019 (there are some similarities to 2010), this is a legend in the making. The blend is 42.8% Merlot, 39.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Cabernet Franc, all of which will spend 15-18 months in 77% new French oak. Hide bottles for a decade, and it should evolve for 50-75 years.
JS 100 (4/2021): This is a superb Haut-Brion with incredible tannins that are wonderfully fine-grained. It’s really powerful. This is very primary with so much grape-generated tannin structure. Very, very long, going on for minutes. Seductive and friendly at the start and then takes you on at the finish with so much structure. Wine of the vintage?
VM 96 (2/2023): The 2020 Haut-Brion is shaping up to be one of the wines of the year. Substance, depth and textural intensity elevate Haut-Brion into the realm of the sublime in 2020. All the elements are so wonderfully balanced. Inky dark fruit, gravel, lavender, violet and dark spice build as the 2020 gradually opens with some aeration. Wow. Neal Martin.
WA 98-100 (5/2021): The 2020 Haut-Brion is a blend of 42.8% Merlot, 39.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17.5% Cabernet Franc, harvested from 7th to 29th September, with an estimated alcohol of 15% and a pH of 3.8. Opaque purple-black colored, it leaps from the glass with a first wave of vibrant black raspberries, ripe blackberries and mulberries scents, followed by a powerful core of warm cassis, dark chocolate and violets, before bursting into an array of crushed rocks, iron ore, tree bark and black truffles notes. The concentrated, densely packed, full-bodied palate is not in the least bit heavy, delivering a refreshing backbone of red berry and dried herbs suggestions, framed by seamless acidity and very finely grained tannins, finishing on an epically long, fragrant earth note. Simply stunning. |
|
| Ch. d' Issan |
2019 |
Margaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$703.98 |
27 |
|
| |
WA 94-96+ (6/2020): Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 D'Issan soars out of the glass with expressive scents of baked red currants, warm cassis and black cherry compote with hints of powdered cinnamon, potpourri, Provence herbs and aniseed plus a waft of fallen leaves. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly played with bags of fresh, vibrant black and red berry flavors and a firm line of ripe, grainy tannins, finishing with an invigorating lift.
VM 93-95 (6/2020): The 2019 d'Issan has an intense bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, pencil lead and wilted iris scents that unfold gradually from the glass. The oak seems nicely integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with juicy ripe tannins that provide quite a firm backbone. Mainly black fruit with hints of white pepper, sage and graphite, this is a tightly-wound d'Issan with impressive persistence on the classic pencil lead finish. Maybe a bit old school? There's nothing wrong with that if it is well crafted, like this. Tasted twice, one bottle showing a little more cohesion than the first. Neal Martin.
JD 93-95+ (6/2020): The flagship 2019 Château D'Issan offers more elegance and purity, with terrific cassis, black cherry and blueberry fruits supported by lots of violet, chocolate, and gravelly minerality. Balanced and medium to full-bodied, it has a solid spice of acidity as well as the lush, sexy, seamless style of the vintage. It's straight-up classy juice that's going to have a broad drink window.
JS 96-97 (6/2020): This is a very pure expression of cabernet sauvignon with blackcurrants, blackberries and tar. Wet earth, too. It’s full-bodied, yet very tight and reserved. Extremely racy, intense finish. This is super precise. Classical. |
|
| Ch. Latour |
2002 |
Pauillac
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$606.99 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (4/2005): The wine of the vintage? There are only 10,000 cases of this extraordinarily rich, dense 2002 that is as powerful as the 2003 (even the alcohol levels are nearly the same, 12.85%) . It is dark ruby/purple to the rim, with notes of English walnuts, crushed rocks, black currants, and forest floor, dense, full-bodied, and opulent, yet classic with spectacular aromatics, marvelous purity, and a full-bodied finish that lasts just over 50+ seconds. Huge richness and the sweetness of the tannin are somewhat deceptive as this wine seems set for a long life. Administrator Frederic Engerer seems to be more pleased with what Latour achieved in 2002 than in any other recent vintage. Hats off to him for an extraordinary accomplishment in a vintage that wouldn’t have been expected to produce the raw materials to achieve something at this level of quality. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2045. |
|
| Ch. Montrose |
2008 |
St. Estephe (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,287.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (5/2011): One of the superstars of the vintage, this classic Montrose is not as showy or opulent as the 2010, 2009 or 2003, but it offers a dense purple color followed by gorgeously sweet black raspberry and black currant fruit intermixed with loamy, earthy, forest floor notes, a floral component and a long, full-bodied finish. The 2008 was fashioned from yields of 44 hectoliters per hectare which is slightly less than the 2010's 45 hectoliters per hectare. Forget it for 5-8 years and drink it over the following 20+.
WS 91 (4/2011): This has a density that sets it apart, with a pleasantly firm edge to the plum, black cherry and currant fruit, all wrapped with notes of iron, tobacco and savory herb. The long, rock-solid finish is still a bit tight, but it should meld nicely in the cellar. A fine effort for the vintage. Best from 2013 through 2020. 16,665 cases made.
VM 88-90 (6/2009): (65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot; the estate-wide yield here was 44 hl/ha) the very early harvest date of September 29 for the merlot (October 15 for the cabernet sauvignon) suggests that the estate might have pulled the trigger a little too quickly here, especially in what is one of the cooler terroirs of Bordeaux. |
|
| La Dame de Montrose |
2021 |
St. Estephe (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$268.99 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Mouton-Rothschild |
2010 |
Le Petit Mouton Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,546.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 96 (11/2013): This is clearly the best second wine that Mouton has ever made. Truly superb with blackberries and currants on the nose. Full body, with super velvety tannins. The length is so wonderful and delicious. Dense yet super balanced. Hard not to drink now. Better in 2018.
NM 93 (3/2014): Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux 2010 tasting. Is this best Le Petit Mouton ever? The 2010 has a very ripe powerful bouquet with blackberry, apricot, cedar and peppermint that shows a lot of vigour and what you might call passion. This well balanced with fine tannins, a superb line of acidity and cohesion. This is not the most concentrated 2010 Pauillac but it is very focused and full of energy. To answer the question posed at the beginning of the tasting notes...yes.
WA 91 (2/2013): It is a fabulous wine, but if you want to drink something reminiscent of Mouton Rothschild before 2025, it is probably worth taking a look at the 2010 Le Petit Mouton, which seems to be going from strength to strength at this estate. This wine has 14% natural alcohol because there is more Merlot in it. (Merlot is riper and ferments into slightly higher alcohol than Cabernet Sauvignon.) This wine represents 26% of the crop. The creme de cassis character is also present, along with tobacco leaf, cedar, and a more evolved, chocolaty, spicy note. Opulent, fleshy and round, it should drink well for two decades.
WS 91 (3/2013): Solid, with forward black currant, plum skin and crushed blackberry fruit lined with charcoal, showing a dusting of loam on the finish. Features some cedar-tinged grip, but remains more accessible than most of the 2010 Pauillacs. Drink now through 2022.
VM 89 (7/2013): Good deep ruby-red. Showy aromas of currant, cedar, herbs and spices. Sweet on entry, then tangy and a bit lean in the middle, with cassis and blackberry flavors complicated by minerals and herbs. Finishes with surprisingly sweet tannins and noteworthy persistence for a second wine. |
|
|
2021 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,567.95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,712.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Palmer |
2006 |
Margaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,740.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93+ (5/2011): Fairly deep color. Lovely, graceful nose featuring red fruits and blackberries. Additional notes include violet, tobacco, wood, and mint. Big, tannic, youthful wine on the palate. The wonderful perfectly ripe, fresh fruit flavors come through. Still, the 2006 never really opened up beyond giving us clues of what is to come. Must be cellared for at least five more years - preferably more.
WS 93 (5/2009): Coffee, plum and spices on the nose follow through to a full body, with lovely fruit and a soft, silky-textured finish. Very balanced and beautiful, with lots of violet, new wood and richness. Long. Needs time. Best after 2015.
VM 92 (6/2009): Deep red-ruby. Aromas of blackberry, licorice, minerals, flowers and peat, with some chocolatey oak emerging with air. Juicy and silky on the palate, with lovely clarity and inner-mouth perfume to its flavors of black fruits, minerals and iris. Finishes long and firmly structured, with intriguing soil tones and lovely floral lift. Classic medium-bodied claret. |
|
| Ch. Pavie |
2003 |
St. Emilion |
$275 |
1 |
|
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WA 98+ (4/2006): This 92-acre vineyard, which enjoys an impeccable southern orientation, is composed of limestone on the upper slopes, clay and limestone in the middle, and sand and clay at the base. Proprietor Gerard Perse, who has done a brilliant job since acquiring the estate in 1998, continues to push the envelope of quality to higher and higher heights. Planted with 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the grapes receive kid glove treatment with hand-harvesting into small plastic lugs, two triage tables, and aging for 28 months in 100% new oak that is purchased in advance, then air-dried and coopered according to Perse’s specifications. In short, the man is a perfectionist, and the quality of all the estates he owns has soared dramatically.
WS 96 (7/2006): Dark purple. Shows intense aromas of raisin, coffee and treacle tart. Very, very ripe. Full-bodied, superrich and velvety. This is so layered and powerful. Blockbuster. Best after 2008. 7,500 cases made.
VM 92+ (6/2006): Impressive full medium ruby color. Quite locked up on the nose following the February bottling; hinted at currant, smoked meat and roasted nuts as it opened in the glass. Extremely powerful but a bit chunky today, conveying an impression of extraordinary solidity. One senses but does not taste the minerals and primary berry fruit. But this painfully closed wine already offers uncanny sweetness. The major mouthful of tannins calls for at least six to eight years of cellaring. A classic extreme 2003 that is currently in a sullen stage. This is sure to controversial-at least until it begins to recover from the bottling. My score may prove to be conservative, but today it's the dried fruit character that dominates. |
|
| Le Pin |
2017 |
Pomerol (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$15,409.97 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 96-97 (4/2018): A squared and properly focused 2017 with chocolate, dark berries and silky tannins that envelop the palate. A Burgundian sensibility to this with a very fine texture of acidity and tannins that back up the elegant and supple fruit. A clarity and beauty to the wine.
WA 94-96+ (4/2018): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Le Pin (100% Merlot) is a little reticent to begin, opening out to crushed black berries, warm black plums and wild blueberries with touches of forest floor, violets, star anise and cast iron pan with a waft of cigar box. Medium to full-bodied, it has a sensuous frame of very ripe, silken tannins and seamless freshness, flaunting a very elegant core of perfumed fruit and finishing with many, many mineral layers.
VM 93-96 (5/2018): Totally sensual and vivid in the glass, the 2017 Le Pin is gorgeous today. Silky tannins and lifted aromatics add finesse to the sumptuous fruit as the 2017 gradually unfurls in the glass. The sweet red cherry, tobacco, mint and white pepper notes are beautifully delineated. Above all else, though, Le Pin impresses for its impeccable balance and total sense of harmony. Readers who don't want to splurge on Le Pin should seriously consider Jacques Thienpont's Saint-emilion L'If, which, I believe, has all the potential to equal or surpass Le Pin in the future. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Ch. Tertre Roteboeuf |
2006 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,197.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Bordeaux White |
| Ch. Suduiraut |
2001 |
Sauternes (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,003.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 98 (9/2004): (WS #9 wine of 2004) Gorgeous aromas of honey, passion fruit, mango and candied lemon rind. Full-bodied and ultraconcentrated, yet balanced and refined. It lasts for minutes on the palate. This has just about everything in the right place. Stunning. Best after 2009. 6,665 cases made.
VM 95 (7/2004): Medium yellow-gold. Flamboyantly ripe, complex nose combines pineapple, apricot, toffee, clove and vanilla. Hugely sweet and rich, with deep, powerful flavors of honey, marzipan and toffee. A major mouthful of wine, with great lingering sweetness. Today, this makes the Rieussec seem almost polite by comparison. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 94 (10/2014): The Suduiraut 2001 has an attractive bouquet of honeycomb, passion fruit and a touch of petrol that are well defined, if not as complex as more recent vintages such as the 2009. The palate is well balanced with fine citrus lemon and apricot notes. This is very harmonious and focused, although it does not quite fan out with the precocity you might expect. This was Christian Seely’s first vintage at the estate, and while it is an excellent wine, I think he has overseen even better vintages since then.
JS 93 (3/2013): This is just starting to open up, with a dried lemon, meringue, pineapple, and honey. Full and very sweet with a spicy character. Long and tangy, yummy. No need to wait -- enjoy. |
|
| | Burgundy Red |
| Dom. de L' Arlot |
2013 |
Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Clos de l’Arlot (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,368.97 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Dom. Denis Bachelet |
2020 |
Charmes Chambertin Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$6,110.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Simon Bize |
2022 |
Latricieres Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,344.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Maison Henri Boillot |
2011 |
Le Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,567.97 |
1 |
|
| |
BH 94 (4/2013): (near the very top of the vineyard and atypically, the rows are planted North-South). Somewhat counterintuitively this possesses riper fruit with distinct sauvage notes to the humus and mineral-inflected, brooding and very cool wild dark berry fruit aromas. There is excellent power to the driving and highly energetic, stony and robust flavors that display impressive mid-palate concentration, all wrapped in an austere, explosive and strikingly long finish. This is a serious wine but then again, isn’t Chambertin virtually always serious in its youth? Drink 2026+.
VM 92-95 (2/2013): Good dark red. Very pure but reticent aromas of dark berries, mocha and sandalwood; smells creamy. Then lush and seamless in the mouth, but with great energy to the flavors of black cherry clafouti, dark chocolate, licorice and pepper. The explosive, slowly mounting finish features substantial fine-grained tannins and black fruit and pepper elements complicated by saline minerality. |
|
| Dom. Henri Boillot |
2022 |
Volnay 1er Cru Les Fremiets (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$619.99 |
2 |
|
| |
BH 93 (4/2024): This is also aromatically ripe but fresh with its array of violet, lilac, dark currant and poached plum scents. There is excellent volume to the slightly more concentrated middleweight flavors that flash evident minerality on the impressively complex, persistent, firm and balanced finale. This is excellent and a wine that should drink reasonably well young if you lack patience! Drink 2032+. Outstanding!
VM 92-94 (1/2024): The 2022 Volnay Les Fremiets 1er Cru presents a dark, almost somber expression of Volnay. Blue/purplish fruit, new leather, licorice and lavender infuse the 2022 with striking complexity and dimension. Gravel, dried flowers and dark spice add lovely complexity to this decidedly virile, imposing Volnay. The tannins need time to soften, but there’s plenty of fruit. Neal Martin. |
|
| Dom. Chandon de Briailles |
2017 |
Savigny Les Beaune 1er Cru Aux Fournaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,063.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Robert Chevillon |
2011 |
Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Perrieres (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,194.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Perrieres (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,850.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Roncieres (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$936.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Coquard Loison-Fleurot |
2021 |
Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,474.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| David Duband |
2020 |
Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Pruliers (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$606.99 |
2 |
|
| |
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2020 |
Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Pruliers (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$566.99 |
1 |
|
| |
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2022 |
Hautes Cotes de Nuits Rouge Cuvee Louis Auguste (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$257.99 |
2 |
|
| |
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| Dom. Dublere |
2014 |
Volnay 1er Cru Taillepieds (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$421.97 |
1 |
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BH 90-92 (4/2016): An all but mute and softly wooded nose requires considerable swirling at this early stage to coax the aromas of plum, tea, spice and dried floral notes to reveal themselves. There is Outstanding vibrancy to the wonderfully fresh and intensely mineral-driven flavors that possess fine mid-palate concentration where the supporting dry extract does a fine job of buffering the notably firm tannins on the focused and lingering finish. Textbook Taillepieds. Drink 2024+.
WA 88-90 (12/2015): The 2014 Volnay 1er Cru Taillepieds has a terse, stony nose that is tightly wound at the moment. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp, slightly rigid tannin that, like the Pitures, needs to develop a little more flesh and corpulence on the finish. It is actually quite Pommard-like in style at this juncture, so we will have to see if it gains more flesh by the time of bottling. |
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| Dom. Dujac |
2011 |
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$4,754.99 |
1 |
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BH 92-94 (1/2013): (from a 1.57 ha parcel). Somewhat surprisingly given the usual Malconsorts trait of being quite inexpressive young, this is even spicier than the Beaux Monts with its slightly riper and darker fruit profile. On the other hand, as would be expected this is notably bigger, richer and more concentrated with an opulent mid-palate to the markedly muscular full-bodied flavors that possess impressive amounts of structure-buffering dry extract on the strikingly long finish. This is quite firm without being hard and this will need at least 15 years to arrive at its peak. Drink 2026+. Sweet Spot Outstanding!
WA 90 (8/2013): The 2011 Vosne-Romanee 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts was also raised in 75% new oak and picked around the same time as the Beaumonts. The nose is more sensual than the Beaumonts with lifted red cherry and strawberry fruit, with oyster shell scents developing in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a spicy opening. This is another masculine 2011 from Dujac with a rigid backbone and an almost surly finish that will hopefully lighten up during continued bottle age. Drink 2016-2024. |
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| Dom. Jean Grivot |
2011 |
Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Boudots (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,211.99 |
5 |
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2011 |
Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Boudots (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,238.95 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Dom. Heitz-Lochardet |
2019 |
Pommard 1er Cru Pezerolles (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$685.99 |
1 |
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2020 |
Pommard 1er Cru Les Rugiens (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$755.99 |
2 |
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| Dom. Heresztyn |
2018 |
Clos St. Denis Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,409.99 |
1 |
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| Dom. Alain Hudelot-Noellat |
2013 |
Chambolle Musigny (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$756.97 |
1 |
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| BH 87 (1/2016): ( from 11 different parcels; 25% new oak.) Here the nose of pomegranate, black pinot fruit and floral aromas is elegant though only moderately complex. There is good punch and delineation to the refined medium-bodied flavors that terminate in a dusty and sappy if mildly lean finish. The sense of refinement is enhanced by the fine-grained tannins and even though the balance isn't ideal this is not without appeal. Drink 2019+. |
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|
2015 |
Chambolle Musigny (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$786.97 |
1 |
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2015 |
Nuits St. Georges Au Bas de Combe (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$906.97 |
1 |
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| Louis Jadot |
2003 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru |
$159 |
2 |
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| WA 95 (8/2005): Super-spicy blackberries and black cherries make up the aromatic profile of the 2003 Clos Vougeot. While Jadot’s parcel in this grand cru is sometimes derided for its location (reaching down to the wall by the N74), in 2002 and 2003 - two vintages where water-retaining soils were advantageous - the results have been glorious. Its dense, pure personality is medium to full-bodied, chewy-textured, crammed with dark cherries, and immensely concentrated. This awesomely deep, muscular, and persistent wine is masculine and displays exceptional ripeness. Projected maturity: 2009-2020. |
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2021 |
Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,474.99 |
2 |
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| Dom. des Lambrays |
2009 |
Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,820.97 |
1 |
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| BH 93 (1/2012): (produced from two large parcels of differing vine age - one that is approximately two-thirds of the blend and is now 45 years of age and a second, smaller group of vines that is approximately 20+ years of age; vinified with 100% whole clusters.) An intensely floral and spicy nose that is wonderfully elegant and admirably pure speaks of red currant, blue berry, game, smoke and warm earth. The silky-textured, precise and mineral-inflected medium-bodied flavors possess copious extract that does a fine job of buffering the very firm tannins and allowing for perfect balance on the mouth coating and impressively persistent finish. A seductive and relatively accessible Clos des Lambrays that should be approachable with only a decade of cellar time yet last for 25 to 40 years. Drink 2021+. |
|
| Dom. Leroy |
2011 |
Nuits St. Georges Aux Allots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$27,847.99 |
1 |
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2011 |
Nuits St. Georges Aux Allots (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$16,425.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Maison Leroy |
2015 |
Bourgogne Rouge Nicked Label; Bin-Soiled Label |
$175 |
6 |
|
| |
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| Dom. Georges Lignier |
2017 |
Bonnes Mares Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,408.99 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Dom. Meo-Camuzet |
2016 |
Richebourg Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$8,338.99 |
1 |
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| BH 94-97 (1/2018): (from a .37 ha parcel in Les Veroilles of 60+ year old vines save for a very tiny parcel in Richebourg proper.) Reduction presently dominates the nose though there is terrific verve and freshness to the big-bodied, tautly muscular and impressively concentrated flavors that possess an almost painful intensity on the very firmly structured finish that also delivers breathtaking length. Like the Cros it's clear that this is going to require prolonged cellaring yet there is so much dry extract that I suspect that the '16 Richebourg could be approached after only 7 to 8 years though it will very like need close to 20 to reach its full apogee. In a word, brilliant. Drink 2033+. Don't miss! |
|
| Maison Mommessin |
2020 |
Clos de Tart Grand Cru (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,736.99 |
2 |
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| Dom. de Montille |
2016 |
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts Christiane
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$746.99 |
5 |
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| |
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| Dom. Mugneret Gibourg |
2022 |
Echezeaux Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$5,890.99 |
4 |
|
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| Dom. JF Mugnier |
2011 |
Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Clos de la Marechale (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,892.97 |
1 |
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| BH 92 (1/2014): Here too the nose seems to lack its usual freshness though there is good complexity to the red berry fruit that is liberally laced with earth and spice hints. There is a lilting mouth feel to the energetic, intense and equally pure medium-bodied flavors that possess plenty of that beguiling sense of underlying tension that makes wines like this a joy to drink. Drink 2018+. |
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|
2016 |
Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Clos de la Marechale (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,409.99 |
1 |
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2021 |
Chambolle Musigny (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,468.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 91 (1/2024): The 2021 Chambolle-Musigny Village is just as perfumed in bottle as it was from barrel, soaring from the glass with scents of wild berries, orange zest, rose petals, peony and spices. Medium to full-bodied, cool and pure, with supple tannins and a saline finish, it's a model of elegance.
BH 89 (1/2024): Elegant and wonderfully pure aromas include those of various red berries, spice and a pretty floral top note. The precise and gorgeously textured middleweight flavors possess a beguiling underlying tension and ample minerality that adds a sense of lift to the cool, restrained and understated finale. This is a lovely Chambolle villages and worth your interest.
VM 87 (1/2024): The 2021 Chambolle-Musigny Village has a delicate but appealing bouquet with raspberry and wild strawberry fruit, delicate and transparent. The palate is medium-bodied with a tannic entry. It’s a little sharp, with dark berry fruit and a slightly constricted, Morey-like finish that has some bitterness on the aftertaste. Fine. Neal Martin. |
|
| Dom. Georges Noellat |
2020 |
Nuits St. Georges 1er Cer Les Boudots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,358.99 |
4 |
|
| |
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| Dom. Ponsot |
2010 |
Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$4,227.95 |
1 |
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| |
| BH 95-97 (4/2012): (the aggregate size of this holding is a whopping 3.4 ha and Ponsot is easily the largest holder in Clos de la Roche). In stark contrast to the expressiveness of the Clos St. Denis, this is almost mute and even aggressive swirling liberates only the briefest glimpses of wild red berries and earth notes. There is superb size and weight to the imposing and overtly muscular flavors that also enjoy an incredible amount of dry extract that confers a supple and seductively textured mouth feel to the highly concentrated mid-palate. The presently buried tannins are intense and markedly firm though not hard on the explosively long finish that seems to go on and on. This should be something very special if given sufficient time to reach its apogee. Drink 2032+. |
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|
2010 |
Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$4,316.99 |
1 |
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| |
| BH 95-97 (4/2012): (the aggregate size of this holding is a whopping 3.4 ha and Ponsot is easily the largest holder in Clos de la Roche). In stark contrast to the expressiveness of the Clos St. Denis, this is almost mute and even aggressive swirling liberates only the briefest glimpses of wild red berries and earth notes. There is superb size and weight to the imposing and overtly muscular flavors that also enjoy an incredible amount of dry extract that confers a supple and seductively textured mouth feel to the highly concentrated mid-palate. The presently buried tannins are intense and markedly firm though not hard on the explosively long finish that seems to go on and on. This should be something very special if given sufficient time to reach its apogee. Drink 2032+. |
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|
2015 |
Grand Cru Assortment Case (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$7,209.99 |
1 |
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2021 |
Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,524.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
| Dom. Joseph Roty |
2009 |
Charmes Chambertin Tres Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$4,252.99 |
1 |
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| |
| VM 94+ (4/2012): Good deep red. Very ripe aromas of cherries macerated in alcohol, mocha and wild herbs. Generous, pliant and highly concentrated, with lovely floral, mineral and minty high notes lifting the ripe cherry fruit. Finishes tactile, chewy and very long, with noble, sweet tannins and hints of game and menthol. These vines date back to 1885, but Philippe Roty is quick to point out that there has been a lot of repiquage (replanting of individual vines as they die) along the way. I would not be surprised if this wine merited a higher score 10 or 15 years down the road. |
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| Dom. Georges Roumier |
2018 |
Musigny Grand Cru (2x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$32,895.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Dom. Taupenot Merme |
2012 |
Mazoyeres Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,866.97 |
1 |
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| |
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2015 |
Mazoyeres Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,740.97 |
1 |
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| |
|
| Dom. Comte de Vogue |
2010 |
Musigny Grand Cru Cuvee Vieilles Vignes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$5,892.99 |
1 |
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| |
VM 97+ (4/2013): Deep, bright red-ruby. Brilliantly pure aromas of black raspberry, cherry and crushed limestone. Sharply chiseled, sappy and weightless in the mouth, with uncanny limestone cut to the flavors of raspberry, flowers and wild herbs. Spreads out insidiously to saturate and perfume the palate. Judging from this wine's tactile, bracing finish, endless perfume and firm tannic spine, it should gain in nuance for two or three decades in a cool cellar.
BH 97 (1/2013): A highly spiced and intensely floral nose evidences hints of violet, lilac, wild rose and lavender along with notes of both red and black pinot fruit, kirsch, earth and stone hints that continue onto the pure and silky broad-shouldered flavors that also possess a powerful yet almost delicate mouth feel. This is a very interesting wine as the dense tannins are so fine-grained that the palate impression is like the finest satin. The driving minerality adds another element and there is a palpable sense of energy to the balanced, focused and beautifully well-delineated finish that explodes with mouth coating dry extract. This is unapologetically built to age and indeed it will require plenty of it. Succinctly put, this is breathtakingly good. Drink: 2030+
WA 94-97 (2/2012): The 2010 Musigny Vieilles Vignes is incredibly long and silky on the palate. Saline notes add urgency and vibrancy to the expressive red fruit in this beautifully woven, textured Musigny. Currently the Musigny appears to be revealing just a fraction of its potential. The sweet floral notes and super-refined red fruit that emerge over time are stunningly beautiful, though, and it is just a matter of time before the wine is fully formed. Today the 2010 is all about textural finesse, and there is no shortage of that in the glass. This is another stunningly beautiful wine from de Vogue. Anticipated maturity: 2025-2045. |
|
| | Burgundy White |
| Dom. Henri Boillot |
2022 |
Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,784.99 |
1 |
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| |
BH 95 (6/2024): Smoky aromas of Granny Smith apple, honeysuckle and a plethora of citrus influences are trimmed in discreet wood. There is fine volume to the delicious and almost creamy larger-scaled flavors that brim with a sappy dry extract on the lemon-tinged and youthfully austere finale that displays unusually good power in the context of what is typical for Pucelles. Like the Combettes, this is also very classy juice with the development potential to match. Drink 2032+. Outstanding!
VM 94-96 (1/2024): The 2022 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles 1er Crus is an absolute delight. Bright and effusive, with tons of aromatic presence, the Pucelles is immediately charming. Lemon confit, crushed rocks, almond and a hint of reduction all soar out of the glass. Vibrant and wonderfully nuanced, the Pucelles is lights out. Neal Martin. |
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| Dom. Chandon de Briailles |
2018 |
Pernand Vergelesses Blnc 1er Cru Ile de Vergelesses (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$793.98 |
1 |
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| |
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| Dom. Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey |
2018 |
Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,919.99 |
1 |
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2019 |
St. Aubin 1er Cru Les Champlots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$928.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. William Fevre |
2020 |
Chablis Grand Cru Valmur (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$591.99 |
1 |
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2021 |
Chablis 1er Cru Montmains (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$334.99 |
3 |
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| |
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| Dom. Comte Lafon |
2022 |
Meursault 1er Cru Charmes (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$5,194.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Dom. Hubert Lamy |
2019 |
St. Aubin 1er Cru Derriere Chez Edouard (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$335.99 |
1 |
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| |
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2021 |
St. Aubin 1er Cru Derriere Chez Edouard (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$833.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Christian Moreau |
2022 |
Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$538.97 |
1 |
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| |
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| Dom. Ponsot |
2021 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,003.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Chateau de Puligny Montrachet |
2019 |
Meursault Les Poruzots (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,518.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Dom. Roulot |
2021 |
Bourgogne Aligote (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$532.99 |
2 |
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| |
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| Etienne Sauzet |
2022 |
Bienvenues Batard Montrachet Grand Cru
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$925.99 |
2 |
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|
| | Champagne |
| Agrapart & Fils |
2013 |
Mineral Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,295.97 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Delamotte Pere et Fils |
NV |
Brut Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$282.99 |
20 |
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| Dom Perignon |
1996 |
Brut Champagne (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$5,099.97 |
1 |
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| |
WA 98 (12/2005): The brilliant 1996 Dom Perignon, which has largely disappeared from the marketplace, may be the finest young example of DP I have ever tasted. Notes of crushed rocks, honeysuckle, lemon oil, orange marmalade, and white pear provide a stunning aromatic display as well as palate impression. Great acidity and huge flavor intensity backed up by vibrant acidity make this an exquisite Champagne. It should drink well for 20-25 years, possibly longer. Readers should remember that the 1971 Dom Perignon Rose is still drinking exquisitely. I recently had the 1969 and 1970 Dom Perignons (from magnum), and both were drinking brilliantly. It makes one realize just how long-lived these wines can be. Production is confidential, but there must be hundreds of thousands of cases of Dom Perignon since it available in most of the world’s luxury hotels and restaurants.
BH 97 (12/2007): A distinctly reticent but elegant nose with a purity of expression that is truly impressive to experience as it’s relatively high-toned and while the yeast comes up with air, it’s relatively muted at presence, combining with intense, precise and superbly detailed and complex flavors that culminate in an explosive and wonderfully long finish. This may very well rival the sublime ’90 in time even if it’s not quite as concentrated. This is still a baby so there is absolutely no rush whatsoever. Drink 2011+.
VM 95 (10/2014): One of the more accessible wines of the year today, the 1996 Dom Perignon impresses for its exceptional balance and class. Lemon peel, white flowers and mint are laced together in the glass. The 1996 is in a terrific place today where it can be enjoyed or cellared for a number of years. Antonio Galloni.
WS 93 (8/2004): This features floral, candied citrus, pencil shaving and hazelnut aromas and flavors. It's fresh and focused, with a firm structure offset by a mouthfilling richness and a lacy texture. Not a blockbuster, but seamless and seductive in its approach. Drink now through 2010. |
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|
2002 |
Brut Champagne (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,733.98 |
2 |
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| |
VM 98 (10/2015): The 2002 Dom Perignon speaks to opulence and intensity. Rich, layered and voluptuous in the glass, the 2002 shows off its flamboyant personality with flair. Butter, cooked apple and tropically-leaning fruits mesh together effortlessly. Interestingly, with time in the glass the 2002 gains in freshness and energy without losing its essential opulence. The elevated ripeness of the year gives the 2002 Dom Perignon distinctly Puligny-Montrachet leaning inflections. Chef de Caves Richard Geoffroy adds that August that year was hot and very dry. Rain towards the end of the month and into early September freshened the vines and accelerated the final phase of ripening. This is yet another fabulous showing from the 2002, which continues to cement its reputation as a truly epic Dom Perignon. Antonio Galloni.
WA 96 (12/2010): The 2002 Dom Perignon is at first intensely floral, with perfumed jasmine that dominates the bouquet. With time in the glass the wine gains richness as the flavors turn decidedly riper and almost tropical. Apricots, passion fruit and peaches emerge from this flashy, opulent Dom Perignon. The wine’s volume makes it approachable today, but readers in search of more complexity will want to cellar this for at least a few years to allow for some of the baby fat to drop off. Geoffroy describes the vintage as very ripe and adds that some of the Chardonnay showed the ill-effects of the hot growing season in the somewhat burned, dehydrated fruit that came in that year. This bottle was disgorged in July, 2009. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2032.
WS 95 (12/2010): A rich and smoky Champagne in a graceful package, with a beautiful, fine-grained texture to it and layers of flavor—biscuit, candied lemon peel, coffee liqueur, chamomile, pine, crystallized honey and wood smoke. This is the haute couture of the Champagne world—all about elegance, texture and attention to detail. Drink now through 2027. |
|
| Krug |
1995 |
Clos du Mesnil Champagne
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,293.99 |
3 |
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1998 |
Brut Champagne (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,271.97 |
1 |
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| |
| VM 95 (10/2012): Krug's 1998 Brut Vintage is an excellent choice for drinking today, as the classic Krug style is rich, alive and totally vivid. Honey, almonds, smoke, graphite and dried apricots are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this rich, enveloping Champagne. A wine of texture and depth, the 1998 impresses for its vinous personality and terrific balance. Lively veins of underlying acidity suggest the 1998 will drink well for many years to follow. This is one of the best bottles of the 1998 I have ever tasted. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
N.V. |
Brut Grande Cuvee 172th Edition Champagne (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,646.98 |
5 |
|
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NV |
Brut Grande Cuvee 172th Edition Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,351.99 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Philipponnat |
2008 |
Clos des Goisses Brut Champagne (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,012.97 |
6 |
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| |
WA 96+ (6/2018): From a cooler, fresher vintage and based on more Chardonnay than usual (55%), with 45% Pinot Noir, the Philipponnat 2008 Clos des Goisses Extra-Brut shows an exciting bouquet of bright fruits, crushed chalk, bread and iodine notes. On the palate, this is an excitingly vibrant, fresh and chalky Clos with lovely citrus and cumquat flavors on the finish. The 2008 is very complex, bright, super clear and fresh, with a tightly woven structure but still great finesse and elegance. This is a fabulous Clos for the next three decades. The dosage is 4.5 grams per liter. Disgorged in April 2017 (?), tasted at the domaine in April 2018.
VM 95-98 (7/2017): A wine of explosive power and energy, the 2008 Clos des Goisses is magnificent. A host of citrus, white flower, lemon confit and orchard fruit overtones race across the palate in a Goisses of striking precision, delineation and tension. The bright flavor profile is very Chardonnay-dominant at this early stage, while the weight and textural depth of the Pinot is especially evident on the mid-palate and finish. I tasted the 2008 from a bottle in disgorgement trials, so my rating is therefore in parentheses. If the commercial wine is anything like this bottle, readers will be in for a treat, as the 2008 Goisses is shaping up to be a magical Champagne. Antonio Galloni.
WS 95 (11/2018): Refined and seamless, showing effortless integration of the expressive, chalk-tinged minerality, the frame of sleek acidity, and the flavors of poached apple, pastry dough, orchard blossom, ground ginger and graphite carried on a delicate mousse. Impressive for the finesse and grace it projects today, but the restrained power here suggests a long future in the cellar. Disgorged April 2017. Drink now through 2035. 2,300 cases made, 750 cases imported. |
|
| Roses de Jeanne (Cedric Bouchard) |
2010 |
Blanc de Noirs Val Vilaine Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,142.99 |
1 |
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2011 |
Les Ursules Blanc de Noirs Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,682.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Jacques Selosse |
NV |
Brut Initiale Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,808.99 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2008): The NV Brut Blanc de Blanc Initiale sparkles on the palate with soft, creamy textured fruit framed by silky tannins and notes of salinity on the finish. The wine reveals an expansive, mysterious personality with a level of depth to the fruit that renders the mousse extremely delicate. This is great Chardonnay first, and a profound Champagne second, but made in a slightly richer style than the Originale. Whereas the Initiale is made from the steeper parcels, the Initiale is made from plots on the lower slopes of vineyards in Avize, Cramant and Oger, where a component of clay is more prominent. This year the wine is a blend of equal parts 2003, 2002 and 2001. 2003 is a small harvest of rich, concentrated juice, which contributes to this wine’s weight. This bottle was disgorged January 18, 2008. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2014. |
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| | Germany |
| Egon Muller |
2022 |
Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,239.99 |
3 |
|
| |
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| | Italy |
| G.B. Burlotto |
2020 |
Barolo Vigneto Cannubi (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,401.99 |
1 |
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| |
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2020 |
Barolo Acclivi (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,257.99 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Dott G. Cappellano |
2015 |
Barolo Otin Fiorin Pie Rupestris (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$557.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Aldo Conterno |
2016 |
Barolo Cicala (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$961.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Giacomo Conterno |
2020 |
Barolo Arione (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,638.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
| Fontodi |
2013 |
Flaccianello Della Pieve (6.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,379.99 |
2 |
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VM 98 (1/2018): Fontodi's 2013 Flaccianello della Pieve is a fabulous, riveting wine that grabs hold of all the senses. There is plenty of the richness and textural depth that have always been a Fontodi signature, but in the more contemporary style that seeks to marry power and elegance. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2013 is still very much in its inky, primary stage. Antonio Galloni.
WA 97 (7/2019): The gorgeous 2013 Flaccianello della Pieve is going through a closed phase at the moment. Let's give the wine a few more years to sort itself out. This window of momentary shyness is a very encouraging sign when you consider how far this wine will travel to complete its evolutionary path. This vintage saw a cool spring that got the season off to a late start. Mild summer temperatures meant that the harvest also came later, with fruit picked the first week of October. The natural characteristics of this vintage include higher total acidity, increased tannic structure and slightly lower alcohol content. The 2013 Flaccianello hits the trifecta of positive potential aging attributes. Indeed, the wine is almost rigid and nervous at this early stage in its adolescence. Like proud parents, we will wait and watch this bottle blossom over time. |
|
| Angelo Gaja |
2016 |
Barbaresco (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,353.99 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 96 (11/2019): Gaja's 2016 Barbaresco is positively stellar. A wine of poise and grace, the 2016 has so much to offer. Expressive spice and floral notes open up first, but what really stands out is the wine's nuance and delineation. There is a sense of translucency to the 2016 that is impossible to miss. Sweet red cherry, mint, cinnamon and rose petal develop in the glass, adding further shades of nuance. Quite simply, the 2016 is one of the very finest Gaja Barbarescos in recent memory. This is such a gorgeous wine. Don't miss it. Antonio Galloni.
JS 96 (8/2019): This is all about finesse with power. Such great length here with ever so refined tannins and precise strawberry, cedar, dried-rose and mineral character. Medium body. Fresh and vivid finish. Hard not to drink now, but wait until at least 2021.
WS 96 (12/2019): This gorgeous red evokes rose, strawberry, raspberry and cherry fruit, shaded by tobacco, tar and wild thyme notes. Pure, sleek and intense, with a firm base of tannins and vibrant acidity for support. This should evolve beautifully. Be patient. Best from 2022 through 2043. 1,800 cases imported.
WA 96 (6/2019): I tasted this wine over two sittings, one at the winery and one at my home office a few weeks later. Although I can't claim any extraordinary differences between the two sessions, I noticed a few minimal shifts that are essential to understanding the wine's future aging ability. The 2016 Barbaresco starts off slow at first, showing a small margin of aromatic evolution in the glass. But come back two hours later, and you can almost hear the soft sounds of the symphony playing just below the surface. The 2016 vintage is characterized by the solid intensity and firmness of its aromas, which transcend fruit and veer toward balsamic herb, licorice, tar and smoke instead. The tannins offer a moment of sweetness and softness, before you are aware of their undeniable firmness. In all, there is a certain glossiness or satiny quality to the mouthfeel that underlines the wine's carefully crafted integration. I would describe this as a classic and also a somewhat austere Barbaresco that fully deserves extra cellar time to stretch those tight muscles and grow in volume. This wine will award those who wait. |
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2019 |
Barbaresco (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,266.99 |
3 |
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2021 |
Barbaresco Costa Russi (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,004.99 |
2 |
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2021 |
Barbaresco Sori San Lorenzo (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,426.99 |
2 |
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2021 |
Barbaresco Sori Tildin (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,195.99 |
2 |
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| |
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2021 |
Darmagi (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,479.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Elio Grasso |
2015 |
Barolo Runcot Riserva (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,008.99 |
10 |
|
| |
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| Giuseppe E Figlio Mascarello |
2004 |
Barolo Monprivato (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,159.98 |
1 |
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| |
WA 96 (10/2007): Mascarello’s 2004 Barolo Monprivato is an explosive wine with an almost Pinot-like expression of purity in its fruit. This round, sweet Barolo is extremely primary at this stage, with tons of dense fruit that almost cover the wine’s tannins completely. Subtle overtones of roses and tar develop in the glass, rounding out this majestic wine. Monprivato is one of the world’s very finest values in collectible, age-worthy wine, and the 2004 is another classic in the making. I was blown away by this wine’s sheer balance and harmony, both of which are remarkable considering the wine’s age. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2034.
VM 91-94 (12/2007): Moderately saturated medium red. Captivating, soil-driven nose melds pungent herbs, blueberry, mocha, tobacco, smoke and earth. Quite suave on entry, then sweet, floral and a bit unforthcoming in the middle, with subtle hints of menthol, herbs and flowers kept under wraps by firm acidity. Nuanced in a Burgundian way. There's nothing particularly accessible about this very closed young wine, but the complex, mouthcoating finish suggests that it has considerable potential. |
|
|
2004 |
Barolo Monprivato (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,636.98 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2007): Mascarello’s 2004 Barolo Monprivato is an explosive wine with an almost Pinot-like expression of purity in its fruit. This round, sweet Barolo is extremely primary at this stage, with tons of dense fruit that almost cover the wine’s tannins completely. Subtle overtones of roses and tar develop in the glass, rounding out this majestic wine. Monprivato is one of the world’s very finest values in collectible, age-worthy wine, and the 2004 is another classic in the making. I was blown away by this wine’s sheer balance and harmony, both of which are remarkable considering the wine’s age. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2034.
VM 91-94 (12/2007): Moderately saturated medium red. Captivating, soil-driven nose melds pungent herbs, blueberry, mocha, tobacco, smoke and earth. Quite suave on entry, then sweet, floral and a bit unforthcoming in the middle, with subtle hints of menthol, herbs and flowers kept under wraps by firm acidity. Nuanced in a Burgundian way. There's nothing particularly accessible about this very closed young wine, but the complex, mouthcoating finish suggests that it has considerable potential. |
|
|
2016 |
Barolo Monprivato Riserva Ca’ d’Morissio (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,181.98 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Bartolo Mascarello |
2018 |
Barolo (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,372.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (1/2023): The 2018 Barolo from Bartolo Mascarello is attractive, but also two-dimensional relative to the very best years. Dark cherry, plum, tobacco, cedar, incense and licorice all open in the glass. The 2018 is a bit strict in its tannins, but is developing well. Give it at least a few more years in bottle. This is the first year the Mascarello Barolo reached 15% in alcohol. As such, it is an outlier. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Casanova di Neri |
2018 |
Brunello di Montalcino Cerretalto (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,056.99 |
15 |
|
| |
|
| Tenuta dell' Ornellaia |
2019 |
Ornellaia (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$449.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 97+ (3/2022): The 2019 Ornellaia is one of the most elegant wines I have ever tasted here. All the elements are so well-balanced. Dark and racy, with fabulous class and pedigree to burn, the 2019 is superb from the very first taste. Dark plum, mocha, new leather, licorice and spice build over time, but it is the wine’s stunning finesse that impresses most. The 2019 has the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon since the 2002. That very much comes through in the wine’s vibrancy and aromatic presence. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Castello Dei Rampolla |
2012 |
Sammarco (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$443.99 |
5 |
|
| |
JS 94 (11/2016): Very perfumed with black currant and cassis bush character. Medium to full body, fine and chewy tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Still a little tight but fun to taste now. Better in 2018.
WA 93 (12/2016): The 2012 Sammarco is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Merlot. Like with the d'Alceo, this hot vintage does not deliver the same soaring intensity and complexity as seen in past years. It shows added softness and succulence instead. The bouquet is driven by sweet fruit and dried berry aromas that underline the warm vintage. Allspice, clove and more sweet fruit appear on the close. |
|
| Roagna |
2019 |
Barbaresco Paje (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,359.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
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2019 |
Barolo La Pira (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,359.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Trediberri |
2019 |
Barolo Berri (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$349.99 |
3 |
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2020 |
Barolo Berri (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$293.99 |
2 |
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| |
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| Tua Rita |
2014 |
Redigaffi (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$475.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Vietti |
2009 |
Barolo Villero Riserva (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,482.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
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2017 |
Barolo Rocche (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,044.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Loire |
| Dom. Didier Dagueneau |
2019 |
Pouilly Fume Pur Sang (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$313.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
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2020 |
Pouilly Fume Silex (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,214.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
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2020 |
Pouilly Fume Silex (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$427.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Guiberteau |
2017 |
Saumur Les Arboises Rouge (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$445.99 |
6 |
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| |
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| Dom. Huet |
2021 |
Vouvray Le Mont Sec (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$268.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Other France |
| Dom. Lafarge-Vial |
2022 |
Chiroubles (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$222.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
| Marcel Lapierre |
2021 |
Morgon (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$203.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Other Red |
| Sadie Family |
2023 |
Soldaat (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$678.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Rhone Red |
| Christophe Billon |
2019 |
Cote Rotie Cote Rozier (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$436.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Henri Bonneau |
2011 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Celestins (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$4,932.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Dom. de Colombier |
2020 |
Hermitage (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$444.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Grand Veneur |
2019 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$907.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Etienne Guigal |
2005 |
Cote Rotie La Mouline (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,060.99 |
1 |
|
| |
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. - |
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|
2006 |
Cote Rotie La Landonne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,135.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JLL ****** (7/2010): Full red, dark tints. Oak hints in with prune-plum aromas, roasted airs, but also red berry - this is complex, varied and broad. The palate has a fine richness, with persistent, uncomplicated dark fruits, ends on ground coffee. A typical Landonne, one that grips tight on its tarry oak at the finish. It will edge closer together over the next 5 years. Dark fruit lies at its centre, comes with a tight, granite aspect. Needs time.
WA 97 (2/2011): The most intense and opaque purple-colored effort is the 2006 La Landonne. More primordial than either the La Mouline or La Turque, it exhibits notes of asphalt, blackberries, charcoal, truffles, roasted meats and creme de cassis. Full-bodied as well as extraordinarily pure and rich, it is approachable, but will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and last 30-40 years.
WS 97 (9/2010): This is packed for the vintage, with dark bittersweet chocolate and espresso leading the way for the core of dense fig paste, hoisin sauce and mulled blackberry fruit. The long, smoky finish lets charcoal and iron notes play out, with a very grippy finish. Best from 20120 through 2030. 1,000 cases made.
JD 96+ (9/2015): A surprisingly structured, full-bodied, masculine wine in the vintage is the 2006 Cote Rotie la Landonne. Still inky colored and loaded with notions of beef blood, black olive, peppery herbs, smoke and scorched earth-like minerality, it still needs another 3-4 years of cellaring to start to be approachable. It will certainly be one of the longest-lived wines in the vintage and will have 3-4 decades of overall longevity.
VM 96 (2/2011): Deep ruby. Boysenberry, smoky Indian spices, licorice and violet on the nose. Then sweet, supple and expansive in the mouth, with strikingly deep flavors of dark berry and cherry compote, mocha and violet pastille. The endless finish displays fine-grained tannins and intense licorice and floral notes. This will age at a snail's pace. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Dom. du Pegau |
2019 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$387.99 |
4 |
|
| |
JS 95 (2/2022): This youthful Chateauneuf has a very complex nose of graphite, raw meat and lilies. With aeration the black-cherry note steadily grows in intensity. Bold, leathery and earthy palate with fine tannins that build steadily on at the extremely long and straight mineral finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2024.
WA 95-97 (5/2022): The 2019 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Réservée looks set to rival the best examples of this bottling. Made up of approximately 80% Grenache, with 6% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre and smaller amounts of other permitted varieties, it's impressively complex on the nose, with scents of black cherries, blackberries and black olives, plus mysterious wafts of violets and garrigue. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, it finishes long and velvety, a sure-fire bet for cellaring. |
|
| Dom. de la Vieille Julienne |
2019 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Les Trois Sources (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$820.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 96+ (11/2021): More cassis, morello cherry, Asian spice, and a beautiful sense of minerality and loamy earth emerge from the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Trois Sources, a full-bodied, concentrated blend of 60% Grenache, 15% each of Cinsault and Syrah, and the balance Mourvèdre. Coming all from the estate’s sandy soils in the northern part of the appellation, this incredibly concentrated, textured wine has perfect balance, building tannins, and a great finish. Give this beauty another 4-5 years in the cellar and drink it over the following two decades or more. |
|
| | Rhone White |
| Dom. du Tunnel |
2023 |
Saint Peray Cuvee Prestige ex-Domaine |
$49.99 |
36 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Saint Peray Cuvee Prestige (1.5 L) ex-Domaine |
$109.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Saint Peray Pur Blanc ex-Domaine |
$79 |
36 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Saint Peray Roussanne ex-Domaine |
$49.99 |
36 |
|
| |
|
| | Southern France |
| Mas de Daumas Gassac |
2021 |
Languedoc (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$345.99 |
10 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. de Trevallon |
2020 |
Les Baux (6.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,042.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| | Spain |
| Vega Sicilia |
2007 |
Valbuena (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,975.98 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| | USA Red |
| MacDonald |
2021 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$699 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 98+ (12/2023): One of the greatest wines made in the vintage, as well as probably one of the most age-worthy, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a dense purple hue to go with quintessential Oakville notes of ripe black fruits, iron, black olive, walnuts, and darker chocolate, with an almost bloody, salty character that develops with time in the glass. It's a massive, dense, yet majestic Cabernet Sauvignon that has flawless balance, building yet perfectly ripe tannins, and the concentration and overall class to warrant 5-7 years of bottle age and evolve for 40+ years in cold cellars. Hats off to the MacDonald brothers for another incredible, magical wine. (Drink between 2030-2065)
VM 96+ (12/2023): The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is dense and potent but also quite structured. Dark fruit, plum, graphite, incense, licorice and lavender are some of the many notes that grace the 2021. Silky, plush red cherry, mocha, rose petal and spice unfurl with time in the glass. This a decidedly mid-weight wine with firm, chalky tannins. Graeme MacDonald backed off extractions a bit in 2021, which suggests a drive towards greater freshness. This is also the first vintage made at the Mending Wall facility, which is quite a bit less cramped than at Kongsgaard, where all the previous wines were made. The 2021 saw 38 days on skins and 22 months in barrel. It is an absolutely gorgeous wine, but it is also more reticent than most vintages at this stage. (Drink between 2027-2039). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Myriad |
2018 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Elysian Cabernet Sauvignon |
$259 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 100 (8/2020): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Elysian is another heavenly wine from this estate that shows a more elegant, seamless style with its incredible perfume of crème de cassis, graphite, white flowers, flowery incense, and unsmoked tobacco. Deep, full-bodied, and concentrated, it offers building tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. About as seamless as they come, with ultra-fine tannins and flawless balance, this heavenly, seamless, magical wine will benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for 40 years or more. |
|
|
2018 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$249 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 99 (8/2020): This iconic site located outside of St. Helena always produces a rich, powerful wine, and the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is no exception, offering loads of black and blue fruits, gravelly earth, chocolate, and Asian spice notes as well as a full-bodied, opulent, sexy profile on the palate. With a beautiful sense of freshness, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish, this gorgeous effort needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will cruise for 30 years or more. |
|
|
2019 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$199 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 99 (12/2021): There are two releases from this remarkable site just outside St. Helena. Looking first at the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard, this stunning wine gives up a monster bouquet of currants and cassis-like fruits as well as leafy herbs, tobacco, chocolate, and spice. Beautifully full-bodied on the palate, it has ripe, polished tannins, impeccable balance, no hard edges, and that rare mix of power and elegance.
WA 98 (11/2021): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr Crane Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, it erupts from the glass with a firework display of iron ore, lilacs, star anise and sandalwood scents, over a core of blackcurrant jelly, wild blueberries and chocolate-covered cherries, plus a touch of tree bark. Full-bodied, firm and beautifully, seamlessly knit, it delivers layer upon layer of earth and black fruits, finishing very long and fragrant.
VM 94 (1/2022): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard is a racy, sumptuous wine loaded with all of the charm that makes wines from this St. Helena vineyard so appealing. Crushed rocks, mint, red-toned fruit and blood orange infuse the 2019 with striking depth and tons of allure. Silky, perfumed and inviting, the Dr. Crane is another knock out in this range from Myriad. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Rhys |
2007 |
Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$85 |
1 |
|
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BH 93 (10/2009): While understandably similar to the straight Alpine, there are some differences, in particular that the floral component from the stems is even more apparent and the fruit is ever-so-slightly fresher if not more complex or elegant. The flavor profile itself is also similar but again, there are subtle distinctions such as the slightly better detail and delineation on the mid-palate and the finish displays notably more structure that confers a dusty quality to the sappy finish. This is terrific and should also be capable of aging gracefully for up to a decade. Drink 2015+. Outstanding!
VM 92 (6/2009): Light yellow. Seductive perfume of pear, sweet butter, hazelnut and nougat, with a strong mineral underpinning. Tangy, sharply focused citrus flavors are complemented by smoky minerals and a hint of honeysuckle. The minerality gains strength on the long, sappy, smoky finish, adding impressive energy and cut. This is balanced to reward cellaring but there's a lot going on right now. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2008 |
Bearwallow Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
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BH 93 (10/2010): A deft, indeed almost invisible, touch of wood sets off even more complex aromas of spicy red pinot fruit and warm earth nuances that also suffuse the concentrated, intense and powerful big-bodied flavors that are supported by distinctly firm tannins and a much more overt sense of austerity on the strikingly long finish. This is built to age and will probably outlive the Home. Drink 2016+. Outstanding
WA 86-88 (2/2010): The 2008 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard (250 cases) is the least impressive of these 2008 Pinots. Clipped, short, tart, and monolithic, it appears to lack the concentration of its siblings. |
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2009 |
Bearwallow Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
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VM 93 (6/2011): Bright ruby. Intriguingly perfumed bouquet of strawberry and raspberry, along with a high-pitched blood orange note and a seductive floral quality. Shows an array of sweet red fruit and spice flavors and a zesty mineral nuance that adds sharpness and definition. The finish leaves suave floral and spicecake notes behind, along with emphatically juicy red fruits and a hint of cola.
BH 93 (10/2011): (from Anderson Valley fruit that sits next to Kaiser Vineyard; 13.9%). A ripe, spicy and quite densely fruited nose speaks of a pretty mix of both red and blue pinot fruit along with background hints of cassis. The restrained intense and strikingly well-detailed medium-bodied flavors possess an abundance of mouth coating extract that buffers the firm tannic spine on the impressively complex, long and exquisitely balanced finish. Drink 2016+. Outstanding!
WA 92 (8/2011): The 2009 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard offers up sweet red cherries, flowers, berries and mint in a relatively mid-weight, focused style for this winery. Clean, saline notes give the wine much of its energy and focus. It is a tight, inward wine in need of at least a few years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. |
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2012 |
Swan Terrace Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
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WA 95 (4/2015): From a steep slope located between 1,210 and 1,300 feet above sea level, the 2012 Pinot Noir Swan Terrace shows lots of whole-cluster influence in its ground pepper, black cherry, wood smoke and forest floor/autumn leaf-driven personality. Hitting the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, bright acidity and plenty of concentration and tannic grip, this is a serious, structured and Burgundian Pinot Noir from this team that has the depth and class to evolve nicely for another decade or more.
VM 93 (7/2014): Dark red and plum notes meld into spice and floral notes in the 2012 Pinot Noir Swan Terrace. One of the more supple, accessible wines in the range, the 2012 is pure sensuality in the glass. The 100% whole clusters are practically buried by the intensity and radiance of the fruit. This is the only 2012 at Rhys that showed better from barrel than it does today from bottle. Antonio Galloni.
BH 93 (1/2015): This is perhaps the most aromatically reserved wine in the range with mostly floral aromas of tea, black raspberry and subtle anise nuances. There is good volume and concentration to the muscular yet relatively refined medium-bodied flavors that possess plenty of dry extract that coats the palate on the dusty, intense and hugely long finish. This is arguably the biggest and most powerful though not the most elegant wine in the range that will also need plenty of patience. Drink 2022+. Outstanding! |
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| Schrader |
2013 |
LPV Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$269 |
1 |
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JS 97 (5/2016): Amazing aromas of hot stone, iodine, black currants and blackberries. Full body, super polished tannins that highlight the dark fruits, plus white pepper, salt and fruit character. Precise and focused. Better in 2020.
WS 94 (11/2016): Offers a powerful, extracted, high-torque core of zesty blackberry, wild berry, anise, licorice and crushed rock flavors. Sails a steady course once underway, ending where it starts, with a dense mix of complex earth and berry notes. Best from 2020 through 2033. 650 cases made.
WA 94 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard Lpv comes from clone 337. This is a rather earthy style for a Schrader wine, with less drama and flamboyance, but great fruit, a more meaty, dusty style with underbrush as well as blackcurrants, with spicy oak. It’s dense, full-bodied and promises to age nicely for 20 more years. |
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2013 |
RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$248 |
1 |
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JS 99 (5/2016): This is shows complex aromas of chili, red tile and red currant aromas. Full-bodied, dense and powerful. It is so intense and rich yet remains agile and fresh. Austere tannins give this wine form and tension. Lively and captivating. Beautiful now but be patient. Better in 2021.
WA 98 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS, also from clone 337, but in this case from the Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard, shows an absolutely perfect 100-point nose of red, black and blue fruits, charcoal, graphite and forest floor. It hits the palate with a seamless integration of wood, tannin, acidity and alcohol and has tremendous opulence and palate presence in its full-bodied, long finish. On aromatics alone, it rates a perfect score, but I ended up being somewhat conservative I suppose. It should drink well for three decades as well.
WS 93 (11/2016): A smoky, charry oak overlay adds flavor and aroma, rounding out the tannins in this robust, chunky effort, with extracted licorice, blackberry, anise, loamy earth and tobacco details. Very tight and backward, so patience is required. Best from 2020 through 2033. 608 cases made. |
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| Shafer Vineyards |
2013 |
Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon |
$279 |
3 |
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JS 99 (1/2018): Wonderful floral aromas with perfumed roses plus hints of blackcurrants and spearmint. Full-bodied and so powerful and muscular but always showing the brightness and beauty of fruit. Winemakers say this reminds them of the 1978, their first year. It certainly has the structure — "those tannins" as they put it. Finish is so impressive with tar, iron and spices. Available in September 2017. Try in 2023.
WA 98+ (10/2016): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select will probably hit the magic three-digit score, but it is a more backward style of wine, although probably even more concentrated than the 2012, and that’s saying something. Fabulous potential of 30-50 years is evident in this profound bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon that is inky blue/black to the rim and offers up notes of charcoal embers, scorched earth, blackberries, cassis, blueberries, a hint of coffee, and background barrique smells. Massively concentrated but incredibly elegant and poised, this is a wine of great energy and vibrancy. It is fabulously deep, built like a skyscraper, and set for an incredibly long life. Try not to consume a bottle for at least another 4-5 years and then watch the magic unfold.
VM 97+ (12/2016): Just bottled a few months before this tasting, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Readers will have to be patient with this big, tannic Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2013 doesn't have the sensuality of the 2012 nor the silkiness of the 2011. Instead, the 2013 is a dense, vertical wine that needs at least a few years of cellaring. This is an intensely savory, mineral driven vintage for Shafer's flagship Cabernet Sauvignon. Antonio Galloni.
WS 94 (11/2017): Graceful and supple, rich and loamy, tilted toward the savory, herbal side of Cabernet, with modest cherry and currant notes. Displays deft balance and hints of anise and underbrush. Complex throughout. Drink now through 2030. 2,400 cases made. |
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2014 |
Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon |
$279 |
3 |
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WA 98+ (10/2017): Very deep inky-purple colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is incredibly intense and impactful on the nose, revealing notes of crushed black cherries, blackberries and fresh black currants with underlying notions of charcoal, sauteed herbs, black soil, chargrilled meat and pencil lead, plus a waft of violets. Very full-bodied, very rich and wonderfully concentrated, the wall of fruit is well matched by a firm structure of ripe, grainy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with great length and depth.
VM 97+ (3/2018): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is one of the more restrained, understated versions of this wine I can remember tasting. Medium in body (in relative terms) and beautifully persistent, the 2014 makes its case more with a total sense of harmony rather than with bombastic power, as is sometimes the case. Moreover, the 2014 has really come together beautifully since I last tasted it. In 2014, Hillside Select is a wine of precision, with expressive aromatics and finely-knit tannins that support the mid-palate and finish nicely. Antonio Galloni. |
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2016 |
Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon |
$325 |
3 |
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| JD 100 (1/2020): Pure perfection, the prodigious 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select reveals an even deeper purple/blue hue as well as extraordinary notes of unsmoked tobacco, crushed rocks, graphite, crème de cassis, and blueberries. With a massive, full-bodied profile and a texture that builds incrementally on the palate, it has a stacked mid-palate, ultra-fine (yet lots of them) tannins, flawless balance, and a monster of a finish. It’s tight and closed at the moment, so hide bottles for a solid 7-8 years. It should age at a glacier pace. |
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| Stone the Crows |
2013 |
Fallen Feather Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
2 |
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| WA 94+ (12/2015): A concentrated, firmly structured, tannic wine, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Fallen Feather has a dense purple color, excellent, rich, pure fruit, but still tightly knit and coiled. This wine needs 3-4 years cellaring and should drink well for up to 20 or more years. (Drink between 2020-2040). |
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