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Inventory updated: Sat, May 16, 2026 10:12 AM cst
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Australia |
| Trevor Jones |
|
Jonesy Rare Aged Port |
$15 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Penfolds |
2011 |
Grange (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,936.99 |
8 |
|
| |
|
| Tournon (M. Chapoutier) |
2009 |
Lady’s Lane Heathcote Shiraz |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Ch. Angelus |
2012 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,556.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. L' Arrosee |
2008 |
St. Emilion  |
$49 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93 (8/2011): Deep ruby-red. Exotic aromas and flavors of raspberry, sandalwood, incense, smoky oak and white pepper. Smooth, sweet and nicely delineated, with insidious acidity giving shape and lift to the middle palate. Wonderfully perfumed in the mouth, showing sexy oak tones and a note of clove oil. Finishes with firm but suave tannins, sound structure and a lingering note of black cardamom. Very seductive wine.
WA 92 (5/2011): The beautiful dark plum/purple-hued 2008 exhibits a sweet perfume of kirsch, roasted herbs, new saddle leather and spice box. Well-textured and medium to full-bodied with supple tannins and abundant nuances, it can be drunk now and over the next 10-15 years. |
|
|
2008 |
St. Emilion Heavily Bin-Soiled Label |
$49 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93 (8/2011): Deep ruby-red. Exotic aromas and flavors of raspberry, sandalwood, incense, smoky oak and white pepper. Smooth, sweet and nicely delineated, with insidious acidity giving shape and lift to the middle palate. Wonderfully perfumed in the mouth, showing sexy oak tones and a note of clove oil. Finishes with firm but suave tannins, sound structure and a lingering note of black cardamom. Very seductive wine.
WA 92 (5/2011): The beautiful dark plum/purple-hued 2008 exhibits a sweet perfume of kirsch, roasted herbs, new saddle leather and spice box. Well-textured and medium to full-bodied with supple tannins and abundant nuances, it can be drunk now and over the next 10-15 years. |
|
| Ch. Ausone |
2017 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,682.99 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (3/2020): The deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Ausone is a blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot. It sashays out of the glass with gregarious scents of baked red and black plums, wild blueberries and boysenberries plus touches of violets, espresso, licorice and melted chocolate with wafts of iron ore and tilled soil. Medium-bodied, the palate is an exercise in poise, featuring beautifully ripe, silken tannins and bold freshness to support the fragrant multi-layers, finishing very long and very minerally.
VM 97 (3/2020): The 2017 Ausone is incredibly precise and sculpted, but also tightly wound in the early going - not that that will be a problem for readers who own it and will cellar it. Wild flowers, mint, blood orange and crushed rocks are some of the nuances that open up in the glass, but the 2017 is not in any mood to show all of its cards. Vertical, rich and explosive with tons of inner energy, the 2017 is a truly regal wine, but it also needs a number of years to be at its very finest. Here, too, the Franc (55% of the blend) really shines. This is a stellar showing from the Vauthier family. Antonio Galloni.
JS 97 (12/2019): Love the perfume and pretty, transparent fruit. Purity. Raspberries. Full-bodied, extremely focused and bright with clarity and beauty. Juicy and savory. Chalk and light chocolate at the finish. Try after 2024, but gorgeous to taste already.
JD 96 (2/2020): From a vintage compared to 2011 and 2014 by the estate, the 2017 Chateau Ausone is a classic blend of 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Merlot that’s from the pure limestone hillsides just outside the village of Saint-Emilion. This full-bodied, elegant, almost Burgundian beauty offers a terrific seamlessness as well as lots of ripe cassis and black cherry fruits, notes of truffle-laced earth, tobacco, and crushed stone, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. This is classic Ausone, with its complexity and elegance paired with plenty of richness and depth. It needs 5-7 years of bottle age and will evolve for 2-3 decades. |
|
| Ch. Batailley |
2016 |
Pauillac (3.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$409.98 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Berliquet |
2018 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$440.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93-95+ (4/2019): This was really Nicolas Audebert’s first vintage at Berliquet, since the property was acquired by Chanel in the autumn of 2017. The most significant, immediate change from 2018 came from noticing that blocks of the vineyard had Merlot and Cabernet Franc interplanted. These used to be harvested together. This year the different cultivars were flagged and harvested separately so as to achieve optimal ripeness for both varieties. The 2018 Berliquet is blended of 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc and has 14.5% alcohol. Deep purple-black in color, it leaps from the glass with bold kirsch, blueberry compote and Black Forest cake with touches of cloves, lavender, menthol and lilacs. Medium to full-bodied and elegant, with lovely freshness lifting the densely packed blue and black fruit flavors, it has a velvety texture and long, earthy finish.
VM 90-93 (5/2019): The 2018 Berliquet represents a major stylistic shift under the guidance of Nicolas Audebert and the technical team at Canon. Plump and juicy, the 2018 offers an explosion of fruit that gives it a distinctly exuberant personality. A joyous, radiant wine, Berliquet expresses the natural radiance of the vintage in a forward, juicy style that offers tons of near and medium-term appeal. The wine's fruit and overall density are both impressive, to say the least. This is the first vintage made by the Nicolas Audebert and the technical team at Canon following Chanel's acquisition of the estate in 2017. The blend is 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc. Tasted four times. Antonio Galloni.
JD 93-96 (5/2019): A rough blend of 78% Merlot and 22% Franc made by the team at Canon (Thomas Duclos also consults here), the 2018 Château Berliquet sports a deeper purple color as well as a complex, layered style in its black raspberry, white flowers, dried earth, spice, and forest floor aromas and flavors. It's medium to full-bodied, has a rounded, expansive texture, beautiful tannins, and brilliant freshness and purity as well as a serious kick of minerality on the finish. Coming from a smaller 10-hectare terroir located on the clay and limestone soils on the upper plateau, it will spend 16 months in 45% new French oak. Tasted twice.
JS 94-95 (4/2019): A fine and fruity red with blueberries and blackberries and hints of walnuts. Medium to full body and ultra fine tannins that melt into the body of the wine. It’s muscular in some ways. Lots of potential. Punchy. |
|
| Ch. Branaire-Ducru |
2019 |
St. Julien (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$370.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (4/2022): The 2019 Branaire-Ducru unwinds in the glass with aromas of raspberries, blackcurrants, sweet soil tones and hints of cigar wrapper, rose petals and cedar. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, it's youthfully tightly wound, with terrific concentration, tangy acids, powdery tannins and a long, saline finish. While this is a little reserved out of the gates, its energy and classical proportions will richly reward bottle age.
JD 94-96 (6/2020): Beautiful blue fruits, tobacco, damp earth, and floral notes all emerge from the 2019 Château Branaire-Ducru. It's medium to full-bodied, flawlessly balanced, has silky tannins, and shows the quality of the vintage perfectly. A blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, it will benefit from 4-6 years of bottle age and cruise for two decades or more. It reminds me of the 2009.
VM 94 (2/2022): The 2019 Branaire-Ducru is one that I was eager to re-taste in bottle. Deep in color, it has a very well-defined nose of tightly packed dark berries, the tobacco element less obvious than before, and slightly more floral, with light sous-bois notes developing with aeration. The 60% new oak is neatly integrated. The palate shows real vivacity and tension on the entry and delivers crunchy black fruit, touches of blue fruit and a little iodine. Sappy from start to finish, this has a real saline tang that urges you back for another sip. There is definitely is more substance compared to previous vintages, and I wager that this represents the best Branaire-Ducru in recent years.
JA 93 (12/2021): Hard to resist this finessed and silky Branaire, with finely boned tannins, well balanced black fruits, nuanced tobacco leaf and a crushed mint sign-off. Plenty to enjoy in this wine, there are good tannins. 43hl/h yield. |
|
| Ch. Calon-Segur |
2001 |
St. Estephe |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (9/2021): The 2001 Calon-Ségur has a delightful bouquet, very pure and a little more vivacious than the preceding vintage, featuring lovely brambly red fruit, rose petals, autumn leaves and a touch of cigar box, all well-defined and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a little more cohesive than the 2000, and slightly granular in texture, with a graceful, elegant and quite persistent finish. This is one of the few châteaux where it's difficult to choose between the 2001 and 2000. Drinking perfectly now. (Drink between 2021-2045). Neal Martin. |
|
|
2018 |
St. Estephe (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$728.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (3/2021): Easily the greatest example from this château that I've tasted, the 2018 Château Calon Ségur checks in as 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot aged 20 months in new French oak. This dense purple-hued beauty boasts a stunning nose of blackcurrants, crème de cassis, tobacco, baking spices, chocolate, and cedarwood. With full-bodied richness, a layered, multi-dimensional texture, gorgeous tannins, and one seriously long finish, it hits that palate with 15% alcohol, yet you wouldn't know it by tasting it, and the wine is perfectly balanced, has incredible purity of fruit, and stays fresh and lively, with a clean finish. This magical Saint-Estèphe can be drunk any time over the coming 20+ years. (Drink between 2023-2048).
VM 92 (3/2021): The 2018 Calon-Ségur has a classic Saint-Estèphe nose. Rather obdurate at first, it takes time to coalesce, revealing black fruit, charcoal and warm gravel scents, well defined but distant and not predisposed to charm the imbiber. In a funny way, I quite like that stubbornness. The palate is well balanced with firm tannins and fine acidity. Maybe this feels a little pinched compared to recent vintages; it does not possess the amplitude of the 2016 and 2017 and it is rather serious on the brine-infused finish. This is a fine and very typical Calon-Ségur, though it is not the most finessed in recent years. (Drink between 2023-2045). Neal Martin. |
|
|
2019 |
St. Estephe (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$677.99 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95-97+ (6/2020): Displaying a very deep purple-black color, the 2019 Calon-Segur strides confidently out of the glass with classic notes of warm cassis, blackberry preserves, pencil shavings and clove oil plus nuances of lilacs, cinnamon stick, chocolate box and menthol. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed with tightly wound, muscular black fruits and loads of bright floral accents, framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and graceful.
VM 96-98 (6/2020): A total knock-out, the 2019 Calon Segur is shaping up to be truly epic. Rich, dense and explosive, the 2019 soars out of the glass with stunning intensity. Graphite, pencil shavings, crème de cassis, new leather, spice and chocolate infuse the 2019 with stunning intensity. The 2019 is looking to be a wine for the ages. Antonio Galloni.
JD 96-98 (6/2020): Another tremendous wine from this estate, the 2019 Château Calon Segur comes from 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and a tiny splash of Petit Verdot. Brought up all in new French oak, its ruby/purple color is followed by a ripe, sexy Saint-Estèphe loaded with notions of crème de cassis, black cherries, roasted herbs, lavender, and tobacco leaf. It shows more classic lead pencil and damp earth notes with time in the glass, and it's full-bodied, has a rocking opulence and decadence in its mouthfeel, sweet tannins, and a beautiful finish. This is as sexy and seductive as Saint-Estèphe gets, yet it still has class, with flawless balance, sound structure, and just everything in the right place. It's rare for a young wine to pack so much richness while at the same time staying weightless. Bravo to the team at Calon Segur yet again.
JS 95-96 (6/2020): A racy, refined red with a solid core of ripe fruit and a long, linear finish. Medium-to full-bodied and subtle, yet structured. Turns salty and spicy with some cloves. Builds on the finish. |
|
|
2021 |
St. Estephe (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$657.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Canon |
2018 |
St. Emilion (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$657.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98 (3/2021): The Grand Vin is the 2018 Château Canon, which is based on 72% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc brought up in 52% new French oak. Its incredible bouquet delivers richness paired with amazing freshness and precision, offering loads of crème de cassis and darker berry fruits intermixed with classic Saint-Emilion chalky minerality, graphite, scorched earth, and spring flowers. Gorgeous on the palate as well, with medium to full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, flawless balance, and again, this wonderful sense of freshness paired with ample richness, it needs 4-5 years of bottle age and will evolve for 30+ years. The 2009 and 2015 are still my favorite vintages of this wine, but this is up there with the best of them.
VM 98 (3/2021): The 2018 Canon is every bit as magnificent from bottle as it was from barrel. Maybe more so. Vertical and explosive in the glass, Canon sizzles with tension and vibrancy. Readers will find a majestic, soaring Grand Cru Classé that captures all the magic of Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau. Canon exudes mind-blowing precision and deliciousness. It is another magnificent effort from Technical Director Nicolas Audebert and his team. Antonio Galloni.
JA 98 (11/2020): A beautiful Canon that performs the 360-degree trick in your mouth of expanding up, down and out. Of course a little austere right now at this young age, but already walking the tightrope towards richness; the creaminess in the texture becomes clear after 20 minutes in the glass. This has salinity, purity, precision and grip, showing its distinct personality and its ability to draw juice and mouthwatering expression from the fruits.
WA 97+ (3/2021): A blend of 72% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Canon has a pH of 3.69 and 14% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple in color, it tumbles effortlessly out of the glass with a gorgeous perfume of candied violets, preserved plums, black cherry compote and Ceylon tea with hints of kirsch, powdered cinnamon, chocolate box and fertile loam. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed with juicy black fruit layers, supported by plush, oh-so-soft tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing long and fragrant. |
|
| Carruades de Lafite |
2023 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,012.97 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 92-94 (4/2024): The second wine of this reference point château, the 2023 Carruades De Lafite is based on 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, resting in 50% new French oak. Crème de cassis, graphite, wildflowers, spicy wood, and lead pencil notes all define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied, with a focused, classic Lafite elegance, ample mid-palate depth, and ripe tannins. I love its overall purity, balance, and length.
VM 91-93 (4/2024): The 2023 Carruades de Lafite is notable for some of the Cabernet being picked prior to the Merlot, between September 7 and 29. This year, there is no Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot in the blend. It has a far superior bouquet to some of the vintages I was tasting a decade or so ago—much more purity and precision, with notes of black plum, wild strawberry and a touch of cassis. The palate is medium-bodied with a silky texture and a crisp line of acidity. It’s fresh, precise and saline, with a long tail on the finish. This is surely one of the best Carruades I have tasted at this stage. Neal Martin.
JA 94 (4/2024): Medium intensity ruby, fairly austere right now, structured, with the same mint leaf and ink quality as Lafite. The sweet brambled black fruits only come in through the mid palate, this is well paced, unrolls slowly, a serious and concentrated Carruades that has its eye on the future. 12% pres wine, harvest September 7 to 29, unusually only using Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. |
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| Ch. Cheval-Blanc |
2020 |
St. Emilion (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,660.97 |
1 |
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JD 100 (3/2023): The Grand Vin 2020 Château Cheval Blanc checks in as a blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon that was raised, as always, in 100% new French oak. As usual with Cheval Blanc, it's primarily about finesse and elegance, as well as complexity, and exhibits a deep purple hue as well as a kaleidoscopic bouquet of sweet red and black fruits, spring flowers, spicy incense, loamy earth, and smoke tobacco. Absolutely flawless on the palate, it's full-bodied, has perfectly integrated oak, ripe, silky tannins, and a gorgeous finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. This powerful, concentrated Cheval Blanc offers pleasure even today but warrants 7-8 years of bottle age and will see its 40th birthday in fine form.
VM 99 (2/2023): The 2020 Cheval Blanc is eternal, seamless and exceptionally beautiful. All the elements are so well put together. Rose petal, blood orange, raspberry jam and cinnamon all take shape in the glass. Above all else, the 2020 Cheval Blanc is a wine of mind-blowing balance. Hints of mocha, raspberry jam, pomegranate and spice emerge with time in the glass. Cheval is quite simply one of the truly great wines of the vintage. Antonio Galloni.
JA 99 (5/2021): Spice, anis, rosemary, blackcurrant leaf, redcurrants, mint and peonies - the full array of aromatics are on display here, and there is an enveloping aspect to the fruit once you get to the body of the wine. The tannins are compact and powerful but they are wrapped in plump raspberry and blackberry brambled fruits. The wine feels full of life, with acidity that pulls the palate forward from the first moment, before austerity kicks in on the finish and closes things in, suggesting an extremely long life ahead. Hard to argue with this. 71% of overall production. The driest year at Cheval Blanc for 50 years (since 1959). Could go up after tasting in bottle, a potential 100 points.
WA 96 (4/2023): The 2020 Cheval Blanc wafts from the glass with aromas of mulberries, plums and cherries mingled with hints of rose petals, licorice, sweet spices and lilac. Full-bodied, broad and voluptuous, it's layered and fleshy, with a ripe core of fruit, sweet tannins and a long, expansive finish. While purists will gravitate toward the purer and more precise and perfumed 2019, the 2020 will appeal to readers who love the richest, most powerful expressions of Cheval Blanc. |
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|
2025 |
St. Emilion (6X750ML)
Futures- ETA TBD - Subject to tariffs upon arrival in USA2026 en Primeur Release |
$2,826 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 98-100 (4/2026): A blend of 51% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2025 Château Cheval Blanc stands out once again as among the finest wines of the vintage in Bordeaux. Wafting from the glass with a deep bouquet of dark berries and cherries mingled with notions of blood orange and iris, it's full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with terrific mid-palate density, sweet tannins and a long, vibrant, violet-inflected finish. With its striking aromas, intensity of flavor and resolutely classical proportions (checking in at 12.7% alcohol and pH of 3.76), the 2025 gives every indication of being one of the great Cheval Blancs of the decade.
VM 96-99 (4/2026): The 2025 Cheval Blanc is seamless and textured. A wine of mystery and seduction, the 2025 dazzles. Time in the glass brings out the wine's tension and energy. Sage, mint, lavender, cloves and cool, blue-toned fruit all build in the glass. In one tasting, Cheval Blanc was massively tannic; in a second tasting, those tannins were much more seamless, highlighting how differently wines can show from day to day. In the case of Cheval Blanc, en primeur samples are mini-bottlings, and both samples I tasted came from the same batch. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2025 |
St. Emilion (3X1.5L)
Futures- ETA TBD - Subject to tariffs upon arrival in USA2026 en Primeur Release |
$2,830 |
1 |
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| |
WA 98-100 (4/2026): A blend of 51% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2025 Château Cheval Blanc stands out once again as among the finest wines of the vintage in Bordeaux. Wafting from the glass with a deep bouquet of dark berries and cherries mingled with notions of blood orange and iris, it's full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with terrific mid-palate density, sweet tannins and a long, vibrant, violet-inflected finish. With its striking aromas, intensity of flavor and resolutely classical proportions (checking in at 12.7% alcohol and pH of 3.76), the 2025 gives every indication of being one of the great Cheval Blancs of the decade.
VM 96-99 (4/2026): The 2025 Cheval Blanc is seamless and textured. A wine of mystery and seduction, the 2025 dazzles. Time in the glass brings out the wine's tension and energy. Sage, mint, lavender, cloves and cool, blue-toned fruit all build in the glass. In one tasting, Cheval Blanc was massively tannic; in a second tasting, those tannins were much more seamless, highlighting how differently wines can show from day to day. In the case of Cheval Blanc, en primeur samples are mini-bottlings, and both samples I tasted came from the same batch. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2025 |
St. Emilion (3X750ML)
Futures- ETA TBD - Subject to tariffs upon arrival in USA2026 en Primeur Release |
$1,416 |
13 |
|
| |
WA 98-100 (4/2026): A blend of 51% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Franc and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2025 Château Cheval Blanc stands out once again as among the finest wines of the vintage in Bordeaux. Wafting from the glass with a deep bouquet of dark berries and cherries mingled with notions of blood orange and iris, it's full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with terrific mid-palate density, sweet tannins and a long, vibrant, violet-inflected finish. With its striking aromas, intensity of flavor and resolutely classical proportions (checking in at 12.7% alcohol and pH of 3.76), the 2025 gives every indication of being one of the great Cheval Blancs of the decade.
VM 96-99 (4/2026): The 2025 Cheval Blanc is seamless and textured. A wine of mystery and seduction, the 2025 dazzles. Time in the glass brings out the wine's tension and energy. Sage, mint, lavender, cloves and cool, blue-toned fruit all build in the glass. In one tasting, Cheval Blanc was massively tannic; in a second tasting, those tannins were much more seamless, highlighting how differently wines can show from day to day. In the case of Cheval Blanc, en primeur samples are mini-bottlings, and both samples I tasted came from the same batch. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Domaine de Chevalier |
2025 |
Pessac Leognan (6X750ML)
Futures- ETA TBD - Subject to tariffs upon arrival in USA2026 en Primeur Release |
$317 |
4 |
|
| |
VM 95-97 (4/2026): The 2025 Domaine de Chevalier is a total stunner. The oak imprint is a bit strong, but the 2025 possesses notable richness and textural depth to handle it all. Signature red-toned fruit and floral overtones soar through the layered, expansive close. (Drink between 2035-2075). Antonio Galloni.
WA 93-95 (4/2026): The 2025 Domaine de Chevalier, a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, was harvested between September 11 and 26—an unusually early finish—with yields of 35 hectoliters per hectare. It reveals a bouquet marked by oak, with notes of spice, dark berries, lead pencil and licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and deep, it’s built around a substantial chassis of tannins and framed by powdery, youthful structure, concluding with a long, firm and structured finish, reflecting the wine’s inherent density. |
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2025 |
Pessac Leognan (3X1.5L)
Futures- ETA TBD - Subject to tariffs upon arrival in USA2026 en Primeur Release |
$332 |
1 |
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| |
VM 95-97 (4/2026): The 2025 Domaine de Chevalier is a total stunner. The oak imprint is a bit strong, but the 2025 possesses notable richness and textural depth to handle it all. Signature red-toned fruit and floral overtones soar through the layered, expansive close. (Drink between 2035-2075). Antonio Galloni.
WA 93-95 (4/2026): The 2025 Domaine de Chevalier, a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, was harvested between September 11 and 26—an unusually early finish—with yields of 35 hectoliters per hectare. It reveals a bouquet marked by oak, with notes of spice, dark berries, lead pencil and licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and deep, it’s built around a substantial chassis of tannins and framed by powdery, youthful structure, concluding with a long, firm and structured finish, reflecting the wine’s inherent density. |
|
| Ch. Cos d'Estournel |
2007 |
St. Estephe Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$145 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 90 (10/2018): The 2007 Cos d’Estournel is what you might call a “serviceable” Claret. There is nothing pretentious or ambitious on the nose with lilting red fruit of dark cherries and wild strawberry. The secondary aromas offering hints of Italian delicatessen and meat juices. The palate is medium-bodied with that hint of liquorish that I have remarked on previous bottles. Impressive substance for the vintage although, it just feels a little “pushed” and overdone in a similar manner to the 2009. Not bad, but lacks the charm and personality of the 2008. Tasted at the Cos d’Estournel vertical in London. Neal Martin.
WA 90 (11/2018): The 2007 Cos d'Estournel is blended of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. It has a deep garnet-brick color and the nose reveals quite a lot of evolution—more than the previous six vintages tasted before it in this tasting—with notes of prunes, figs, chargrill and dried herbs plus hints of raisin cake, leather, balsamic and incense. Medium-bodied, refreshing and mature in the mouth, it delivers a good concentration of savory/spicy flavors and an herbal lift on the finish. It should remain at this evolutionary plateau for the next decade, before it begins to decline.
JA 89 (7/2018): In this vintage a hot April quickly gave way to a cooler period, meaning that the winemaking team de-leafed early to let as much sunshine as possible reach the grapes. This is not aggressive or vegetal, but soft with clearly fewer tannins than you might find in most vintages, sliding into cured leather and soft autumnal fruits with some earthy characteristics. You can feel the oak a little more than usual in terms of spiciness, which gives an edge and fills in the structural gaps. You will find plenty to enjoy here; drink now or over the next decade. (Drink between 2018-2030) |
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|
2016 |
St. Estephe (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,396.99 |
1 |
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VM 100 (1/2019): The 2016 Cos d’Estournel was a bona fide showstopper out of barrel, the best that I had encountered in over 20 years of visiting the estate during en primeur, so my expectations were piled high when I returned to find out how it performs in bottle. Deep, almost opaque in color, it sports a very intense but broody bouquet with fathomless deep black fruit tinged with blueberry and violet. The aromas almost seem to envelop the senses. The palate is medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannin that I have never witnessed in any other vintage of Cos d’Estournel. There is a beguiling symmetry to this Saint-Estèphe, as well as unerring mineralite. The persistent, tobacco-tinged finish can be felt 60 second after the wine has departed. This is a monumental, benchmark Cos d’Estournel that will give not years but decades of pleasure, though I suspect it will close down for a period in its youth, hence my drinking window. 13.07% alcohol. Neal Martin.
WA 100 (11/2018): The 2016 Cos d'Estournel is blended of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc aged in 65% new and 35% two-year-old French oak for 15 months. Bottled in July 2018, it is deep garnet-purple colored and starts off a little closed and reticent, opening out slowly and seductively to reveal beautiful lilacs, rose hip tea, crushed stones and camphor nuances over a core of crème de cassis, kirsch, wild blueberries and mocha plus wafts of incense and wood smoke. The palate is simply electric, charged with an energy and depth of flavors that seem to defy the elegance and ethereal nature of its medium-bodied weight, featuring super ripe, densely pixelated tannins that firmly frame the myriad of fruit and floral sparks, finishing with epic length. Just. Magic.
JD 99 (2/2019): The grand vin 2016 Cos d'Estournel checks in as 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc that saw 70% new French oak. One of the more seamless, pure, elegant versions of this cuvee out there, it boasts a saturated purple color as well as a monster nose of pure crème de cassis, gravelly, rocky minerality, tobacco leaf, crushed violets, and lead pencil shavings. One of those “iron fists in a velvet glove” wines, with full-bodied richness and beautiful structure that’s covered by thrilling levels of fruit and texture, it stays tight, compact, and incredibly focused on the palate. It’s already brilliant given its purity of fruit and balance, but it deserves a decade of bottle age and will keep for 4-5 decades.
JS 100 (1/2019): This is muscular yet so well defined and toned. Full-bodied with deep and dense fruit on the palate, yet powerful and rich at the same time. So much sandalwood and blackberry character. Chewy and rich at the finish. This is a warm and generous wine, but the alcohol is just over 13 degrees. Not that high. Love the finish. Extravagant. Magical. Try from 2025. |
|
| Ch. La Dominique |
2008 |
St. Emilion Lightly Scuffed Label |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (5/2011): An unqualified sleeper of the vintage, the dark ruby/purple-tinged 2008 La Dominique reveals black olive, licorice, tobacco leaf, raspberry and kirsch liqueur characteristics. Deep and medium to full-bodied with supple tannins, an endearing texture and a lush, long, seamlessly constructed finish, this wine can be enjoyed now and over the next 10-12 years. |
|
| Clos Fourtet |
2005 |
St. Emilion |
$200 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (6/2015): Dense ruby/purple, with notes of crushed rock, blueberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with some licorice and chocolate, this full-bodied, massive wine from proprietor Philippe Cuvelier coincides with the resurrection of this premier grand cru classe in St.-Emilion. As the wine sits in the glass, notes of espresso roast and chocolate emerge. This full-bodied classic should continue to drink well for another 25 years. This is a killer effort.
VM 92 (6/2008): Good deep red-ruby. Reduced nose offers redcurrant, plum, coffee and smoke. Sweet, lush and creamy on entry, then chewy and tactile if a bit closed in the middle, with suggestions of darker fruits and mocha. Impressively broad on the back, showing a serious wave of finishing fruit, but the tannins are a bit sullen today. Give this very lush, long wine at least seven or eight years of cellaring. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Ch. La Gaffeliere |
2017 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$718.99 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 95-97+ (4/2018): Composed of 40% Cabernet Franc and 60% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 La Gaffeliere has pronounced cassis, baked plums and blackberry pie notes with suggestions of lavender, baking spices and rose hip tea. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a firm frame of ripe, fine-grained tannins, an electric intensity of bright black and blue fruits and wonderful freshness, finishing long and minerally.
VM 94-97 (5/2018): The 2017 La Gaffelière is without question one of the wines of the vintage in Saint- emilion. Bright, precise and wonderfully lifted, the 2017 is all precision. Exquisite aromatics and lively, red-toned fruit infuse this mid-weight, remarkably pure Saint-emilion. Spice, blood orange and floral notes add the closing layers of nuance. The 2017 really dazzles. Don't miss it. Antonio Galloni.
JS 94-95 (4/2018): This very long and powerful yet all in balance and harmony. Full body and layered and chewy tannins. Softness and depth. Excellence for the vintage.
JD 90-93 (4/2018): The Grand Vin is the 2017 Château La Gaffelière. It’s a medium-bodied, balanced, downright pretty 2017 that shows the seamless, mid-weight style of the vintage nicely. Black raspberries, violets, and exotic spices all emerge from this purple-colored effort. It’s impeccably balanced, has integrated acidity, and fine tannin, all making it a high-quality wine from the vintage. It should keep for 10-15 years. |
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| Ch. Le Gay |
2004 |
Pomerol |
$90 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (6/2007): One of the vintage’s most astonishing wines, this superb effort boasts a dense plum/blue/purple color, aromas of camphor, graphite, roasted meats, and black as well as blue fruits, a full-bodied, powerful style, low acidity, ripe tannin, and excellent concentration. Give this beauty 3-4 years of bottle age, and enjoy it over the following two decades. It has the potential to be one of the vintage’s longest lived wines. Kudos to the proprietor, Catherine Pere-Verge, and her winemaker, Michel Rolland, for exploiting this property to its fullest potential.
VM 90 (6/2007): Bright red-ruby. Musky aromas of plum, truffle and nutty oak, with a suggestion of leesy complexity. Sweet, pliant and rich; quite full for the vintage. Finishes sweet, ripe and long, with fine-grained, supple tannins. An excellent showing. |
|
| Ch. Giscours |
2018 |
Margaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$923.99 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 94 (2/2022): The 2018 Giscours was tasted alongside the 2019 for comparison. This is more extravagant on the nose, delivering slightly more red fruit, black pepper and touches of graphite. This has opened since I last tasted it. The palate is medium-bodied with bold tannins, very smooth and more sensual than the 2019, and more flamboyant, though perhaps without the same precision. Still, this is very fine. Neal Martin.
JD 93 (3/2021): Lots of ripe black cherry and cassis fruits as well as graphite, lead pencil, and scorched earth notes emerge from the 2018 Château Giscours, a medium-bodied Margaux that has a fresh, focused texture, plenty of underlying structure, and the purity of fruit that's the hallmark of the vintage. This beautiful Margaux builds nicely with time in the glass, and while it plays in the more elegant side of the spectrum, it has terrific mid-palate depth, stunning balance, and outstanding length. I think the 2019 might ultimately surpass it, but it's certainly in the same ballpark as the 2016. Give bottles 3-5 years and enjoy over the following 20 years or more.
WA 91 (3/2021): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Giscours opens with fragrant notions of kirsch, black cherry compote and blackcurrant pastilles with suggestions of dried lavender, cinnamon stick and mossy tree bark. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers a good amount of red and black fruit flavors with compelling purity, framed by soft tannins and well-balanced freshness, finishing with a spicy lift.
JS 96-97 (4/2019): The black color indicates a solid and structured red with loads of blackberry and blueberry character. Full-bodied and very tight and tensioned. Savory tannins that are powerful and intense at the finish. Classically structured. Finely toned and formed young red. |
|
| Ch. Gloria |
2010 |
St. Julien |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 94 (4/2020): The 2010 Gloria has a very attractive and quite intense bouquet with a surfeit of blackberry and wild strawberry scents, cedar and light seaweed coming through with aeration. The palate is very well balanced with supple but firm tannins framing the pure blackberry and bilberry fruit, laced with black pepper and clove. Very complex, very focused and very precise on the finish, this is an outstanding 2010 Saint-Julien. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal. Neal Martin
WA 93 (5/2020): Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Gloria features notions of cedar, sandalwood and dusty earth with a core of black cherry compote and black berry pie plus wafts of tapenade, truffles and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a solid frame of firm, grainy tannins and lively acid with emboldened flavors and an earth-laced finish. |
|
| Ch. Grand Puy Lacoste |
2019 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$854.98 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 95-97 (6/2020): The 2019 Grand Puy Lacoste is deep purple in colour. Initially the bouquet is tight and so I left my sample for 15-20 minutes to open. It rewards patience with a beguiling melange of pure blackberry, raspberry, crushed violet and pencil shavings, very focused and mineral-driven. The palate is medium-bodied with finely chiseled tannins. Compared to the robust, tannic GPL's of old, this is much more lithe and approachable, yet it still bears the DNA of this Pauillac estate. It might not possess the flair of other 2019 Left Banks, but that it is not what I seek from this estate. Classy and full of breeding - quintessential Pauillac.
JS 94-95 (6/2020): A firm, silky red with intense, chewy tannins, showing structure, beauty and intensity. Full-bodied, tight and chewy. Racy and focused GPL. Shows a more refined structure than the 2018, but serious. |
|
| Sarget de Gruaud Larose |
2005 |
St. Julien Lightly Scuffed Label |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Gruaud Larose |
2020 |
St. Julien (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,259.99 |
7 |
|
| |
JD 96 (3/2023): Coming from the talented Virginie Salette (the head winemaker since 2017) and tiny yields of 32 hectoliters per hectare, the 2020 Château Gruaud Larose is 79% Cabernet, 14% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, which continues the trend at this estate toward more and more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. Beautifully done, with a terrific sense of finesse, it offers a great nose of both red and black fruit as well as leafy tobacco, spring flowers, licorice, and spicy oak. Pure, medium to full-bodied, and wonderfully balanced, with fine tannins, it shows the focused, inward, almost understated style of the vintage without any rusticity or austerity. It needs a solid 7-8 years of bottle age, if not a decade, and is going to be very long-lived. Bravo.
VM 95 (2/2023): The 2020 Gruaud-Larose is a powerful, dense wine. Super-ripe dark cherry, kirsch, menthol, licorice, rose petal and espresso infuse the palate with tons of intensity. Unctuous and flamboyant, the 2020 also offers a good bit of energy to keep things in balance. The 2020 is very much an extrovert, a gorgeous extrovert at that. Sweet floral and spice accents, along with a kick of sweet French oak, linger. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ch. Haut Bailly |
2015 |
Pessac Leognan (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,498.97 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98 (10/2023): Reminding me of the 2009, the 2015 Château Haut-Bailly has a riper, sunny, sexy style that nevertheless stays nicely grounded and elegant, with ample classic Haut-Bailly character. Sweet crème de cassis, smoked tobacco, loads of spicy, loamy earth, and cedar pencil, full-bodied richness, ripe, velvety tannins, and flawless balance all characterize this incredible wine. It actually already offers pleasure today given its texture, balance, and purity, but it’s going to evolve for 30+ years.
JA 98 (11/2024): Griotte cherry, deeply fruited, blackberry and raspberry, edges of pomegranate, tobacco leaf, rosemary, cigar box and cedar, with a core of spiced sage and rosemary. The first modern vintage to have Petit Verdot in any great quantity (there has always been a handful from the library plot of century-old vines but in quantities that are too small to be recorded as part of the blend). Harvest September 15 to October 8. Denis Dubourdieu consultant, Gabriel Vialard winemaker.
WA 97+ (2/2018): Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Haut-Bailly offers up a tantalizingly savory nose of smoked meats, chargrill, tapenade, unsmoked cigars and black truffles with a core of black currants, black cherries and wild blueberries plus wafts of iron ore and bouquet garni. Medium to full-bodied, very firm and yet wonderfully plush with a powerful core of fruit—this vintage is truly an iron fist in a velvet glove. The finish goes on and on with persistent earthy/minerally notes and savory/sweet fruit. Although it is tempting and indeed delicious right now, the wine still possesses many restrained layers and should handsomely reward the patient.
VM 95 (6/2025): The 2015 Haut Bailly was first tasted at the Farr Vintners tasting, although I felt that this bottle did not show as well. Another at the Vinous Icons event in New York is more representative. Vibrant red berry fruit intermixes with blueberry and cassis on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied and retains a bit of puppy fat. Rich for the vintage, yet very well balanced, it delivers lovely black truffle and tobacco notes on the finish. This is very fine, but it needs further age in bottle. Neal Martin. |
|
|
2016 |
Pessac Leognan (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,236.97 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 100 (10/2023): I obviously underrated the 2016 Château Haut-Bailly on release, and it easily tops out my scale. A hypothetical blend of the 2009 and 2010, it has the opulence and sexiness of a ripe, sunny vintage (à la 2009) paired with incredible purity, concentration, structure, and elegance (à la 2010). Incredible aromatics of cassis, liquid violets, cedar pencil, flowers, and minerals give way to a full-bodied, multi-dimensional, layered Haut-Bailly offering ultra-fine tannins, flawless overall balance, nothing out of place, and the class to drink well today yet evolve for 30-40 years. Absolute perfection in wine, this is a modern-day Legend from director Veronique Sanders. (Drink between 2023-2063).
WA 98 (11/2018): The 2016 Haut-Bailly is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. The nose opens with beautiful floral notes of violets and lavender accented with earthy notions and sparks of crushed rocks over a core of kirsch, cassis and wild blueberries. Full-bodied, rich and seductive, it has layer upon layer of red, black and blue fruits intermingled with earth and mineral hints leading to a very long, perfumed finish.
VM 96+ (4/2022): The 2016 Haut-Bailly is brilliant on the nose with exquisite delineation and focus: blackberries, potpourri, crushed stone and hints of violet petal. This is utterly seductive. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, perfectly judged acidity, very cohesive and almost Pauillac-like towards the finish. This is a very classy Haut-Bailly as you would expect, and the length is stupendous. Tasted at the Haut-Bailly vertical at the château. (Drink between 2023-2055). Neal Martin. |
|
|
2016 |
Pessac Leognan (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,406.97 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 100 (10/2023): I obviously underrated the 2016 Château Haut-Bailly on release, and it easily tops out my scale. A hypothetical blend of the 2009 and 2010, it has the opulence and sexiness of a ripe, sunny vintage (à la 2009) paired with incredible purity, concentration, structure, and elegance (à la 2010). Incredible aromatics of cassis, liquid violets, cedar pencil, flowers, and minerals give way to a full-bodied, multi-dimensional, layered Haut-Bailly offering ultra-fine tannins, flawless overall balance, nothing out of place, and the class to drink well today yet evolve for 30-40 years. Absolute perfection in wine, this is a modern-day Legend from director Veronique Sanders. (Drink between 2023-2063).
WA 98 (11/2018): The 2016 Haut-Bailly is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. The nose opens with beautiful floral notes of violets and lavender accented with earthy notions and sparks of crushed rocks over a core of kirsch, cassis and wild blueberries. Full-bodied, rich and seductive, it has layer upon layer of red, black and blue fruits intermingled with earth and mineral hints leading to a very long, perfumed finish.
VM 96+ (4/2022): The 2016 Haut-Bailly is brilliant on the nose with exquisite delineation and focus: blackberries, potpourri, crushed stone and hints of violet petal. This is utterly seductive. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannins, perfectly judged acidity, very cohesive and almost Pauillac-like towards the finish. This is a very classy Haut-Bailly as you would expect, and the length is stupendous. Tasted at the Haut-Bailly vertical at the château. (Drink between 2023-2055). Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. Haut Batailley |
2025 |
Pauillac (6X750ML)
Futures- ETA TBD - Subject to tariffs upon arrival in USA2026 en Primeur Release |
$317 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93-95 (4/2026): The 2025 Haut-Batailley is a brooding young Pauillac with a bright future. Dark and brooding, with tons of vertical energy, Haut-Batailley is quite the powerhouse. Black fruit, leather, incense, licorice, dried herbs and mocha are some of the many aromas and flavors that gradually open in the glass. Readers will have to be quite patient, as the tannins are rather imposing, but there's more than enough fruit density to balance things out. (Drink between 2035-2075). Antonio Galloni.
WA 92-94 (4/2026): Matured in 55% new barrels, the 2025 Haut-Batailley wafts from the glass with aromas of dark wild berries, spices, flowers and licorice, complemented by elegant notes of violet. Medium- to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it’s built around a fleshy core of fruit framed by velvety tannins, concluding with a long, spicy and taut finish. A very fine wine in the making, it expresses a classical Médoc profile, notably with a fresh, subtly mentholated note on the finish. It's a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. |
|
| Ch. Haut Marbuzet |
1989 |
St. Estephe Base Neck Fill; Heavily Bin-Soiled Label |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 86 (2/1997): In this recent blind tasting, Haut-Marbuzet's 1989 revealed considerable amber to its color, as well as a pronounced nose of cedar, jammy cherry fruit, seaweed, and spice. The wine tasted fully mature, low in acidity, round, and sweet. Based on this bottle, which did not exhibit any evidence of exposure to heat, I would opt for drinking the 1989 Haut-Marbuzet over the next 5-6 years. |
|
| Ch. Haut-Brion |
1982 |
Pessac Leognan (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$16,601.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Pessac Leognan (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,760.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (2/2012): What a blockbuster effort! Atypically powerful, one day, the 2009 Haut-Brion may be considered to be the 21st century version of the 1959. It is an extraordinarily complex, concentrated effort made from a blend of 46% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc with the highest alcohol ever achieved at this estate, 14.3%. Even richer than the perfect 1989, with similar technical numbers although slightly higher extract and alcohol, it offers up a sensational perfume of subtle burning embers, unsmoked cigar tobacco, charcoal, black raspberries, wet gravel, plums, figs and blueberries. There is so much going on in the aromatics that one almost hesitates to stop smelling it. However, when it hits the palate, it is hardly a letdown. This unctuously textured, full-bodied 2009 possesses low acidity along with stunning extract and remarkable clarity for a wine with a pH close to 4.0. The good news is that there are 10,500 cases of the 2009, one of the most compelling examples of Haut-Brion ever made. It requires a decade of cellaring and should last a half century or more. Readers who have loved the complexity of Haut-Brion should be prepared for a bigger, richer, more massive wine, but one that does not lose any of its prodigious aromatic attractions.
JS 100 (2/2012): Aromas of forest floor, currants and blueberries, with hints of fresh tobacco and sliced mushrooms. Turns to orange peel and blueberries. Full-bodied, with incredible structure. This is so powerful in tannins, yet so polished. This is the most structured Haut-Brion that I have ever tasted. This has 15% Cabernet Franc, which is more than normal and perhaps giving the wine a little more tannic structure. A monumental Haut-Brion made to age for centuries. I have never tasted a young Haut-Brion, with such spellbinding power and depth. A modern 1945 or 1961 HB? Better than the legendary 1989? Try in 2021.
VM 97+ (7/2012): Vivid deep ruby. Knockout fruity nose offers blackcurrant, strawberry, rosemary, truffle and a stony note. Then very closed in the middle, with cabernet sauvignon-dominated flavors of cassis, cigar box, cedar and minerals. Finishes long and deep, with massive but smooth tannins and a lingering note of violet. This will need plenty of time in the cellar but should be an Outstanding, memorable Haut Brion. Offhand, I do not recall a better pair of wines from any estate in 2009: millionaires will have a lot of fun trying to choose between La Mission and Haut Brion in 20 years' time. |
|
| Ch. Lafite Rothschild |
2015 |
Pauillac (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$7,948.97 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 99 (7/2020): Firm and powerful with blackberries, blueberries, currants and wet earth. Full-bodied, yet tight and angular with very pretty fruit and brightness. Really racy and super and set for a long, long life. Better after 2025.
VM 96+ (2/2018): Rich, powerful and enveloping, the 2015 Lafite-Rothschild is endowed with serious volume and textural resonance. Super-ripe plum, smoke and spice notes emerge in the glass, but only with great reluctance. Although the aromatics aren't giving much at this point, the palate is much more expressive. The wine's sheer power and authoritative tone result in an unusually dramatic Lafite. The 2015 is 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot that spent 20 months in oak, which is a bit more than the norm. Antonio Galloni.
WA 96+ (2/2018): The deep garnet-purple shaded 2015 Lafite Rothschild is blended of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Merlot and was matured for 20 months in new oak barrels from Tonnellerie des Domaines (their own cooperage). It is still sporting a lot of cedar at this nascent stage with a vibrant core of black raspberries, red currants and crushed plums plus touches of cigar boxes, violets and underbrush with a waft of tilled loam. Medium-bodied and elegantly styled with wonderful freshness and depth, it is compellingly earthy/minerally in the mouth with a frame of seductively silky yet very firm tannins and culminating in a very long, racy and pure finish. Boasting spectacular finesse and packed with nuances, clearly, given some of the challenges here in 2015, this is a masterpiece of diligence in the vineyards, careful selection and very clever crafting—bravo!
JD 96 (11/2017): The grand vin 2015 Lafite-Rothschild checks in as 91% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot that was brought all in 100% new oak. Director Eric Kohler (who replaced Charles Chevallier in 2015) told me the vintage suffered a touch of dilution but wasn’t a complicated year. The 2015 is an aristocratic, classy example from this estate that offers textbook lead pencil shavings, tobacco, smoked herbs, and graphite as well as a beautiful core of currant and cassis fruit. It’s the most refined and subtle of the first growths, has medium to full-bodied richness, building tannin, and undeniable class and charm. Give bottles 4-5 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following 2-3 decades. |
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|
2022 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,998.99 |
4 |
|
| |
JD 97-99 (5/2023): The 2022 Château Lafite-Rothschild is based on 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot that was harvested between the 31st of August and the 24th of September. It's a richer, more opulent wine compared to the more classic 2020 (although the pH is higher in the 2020) and has a deep, full-bodied, concentrated profile as well as classic Lafite aromatics of spicy red and black fruits, freshly sharpened pencils, graphite, and tobacco. Deep, rich, and concentrated, it nevertheless stays pure and flawlessly balanced, with ample, ripe tannins and a great finish. It's going to have some up-front appeal by Lafite standards but should still require a decade of bottle age. Director Eric Koher compares this to the 2005, but this modern-day clone of the 1959 is one of the most powerful, concentrated Lafites I've tasted.
VM 96-98 (5/2023): The 2022 Lafite-Rothschild was picked from 31 August to 24 September and apart from the 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, there is 17.5% pressed wine in the blend. The IPT is slightly lower than 2020. There is 13.6% alcohol this year, higher than 2018 and 2019. It has an intense bouquet with blackberry, crushed stone, touches of pencil box and undergrowth, very Lafite-Rothschild in style. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, perfectly judged acidity, linear and focused. Compared to vintages a couple of decades ago, there is mid-palate weight, yet it retains classicism and transparency, while delivering quite a gentle but insistent grip on the finish. Perpetually the most deceptive of First Growth, one should not doubt its long-term potential. Neal Martin.
WA 95-97+ (5/2023): A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2022 Lafite Rothschild unwinds in the glass with aromas of dark berries, cassis, sweet soils tones, cigar box and lilac. Medium to full-bodied, it's the most tensile of the first growths this year, with a layered, concentrated but youthfully introverted mid-palate, lively acids and a long, saline finish. It checks in at a rather high pH of 3.85, which belies its incisive profile, from a harvest that extended from August 31 to September 24.
JA 97 (5/2023): Saturated inky colour, with intense ruby reflections. This is a classically constructed Lafite, with clear power to the tannins and intense spice, a little more upfront and concentrated than you find in many En Primeur vintages at this property but it exemplifies balance and confidence. Fully in control, delivering estate signature with finesse and understatement, with pulses of graphite, slate, bitter almond and cocoa bean. Takes its time to uncurl in the glass, leaving you plenty of time to admire its architecture. Give it a good decade at least. 17.5% of press wine, 3.85ph, 41% Lafite of overall production. Harvest August 31 to September 24, earliest since 1893. 100% new oak, Eric Kohler techincal director. Potential upscore in bottle. |
|
| Ch. La Lagune |
2005 |
Haut Medoc |
$115 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (6/2015): A final blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot from the Frey family, the 2005 is a gorgeous La Lagune, and one of the first great ones under the Frey administration. This wine has a dense ruby/purple color, a beautiful nose of sandalwood, black raspberries, and cassis, silky sweet tannin, medium to full body, and a textured, long, pure mouthfeel and finish. This wine is probably 3-4 years away from prime-time drinking, but it should evolve gorgeously for another 20-25 years.
VM 92 (6/2008): Bright ruby-red. Aromas and flavors of currant, mocha, tobacco and smoke, complemented by sweet, nutty oak. Lush, sweet and seamless; quite full for La Lagune. This generous, impressively concentrated wine finishes with sweet tannins, a whiplash of flavor and real mouthcoating breadth. I underrated this two years ago. |
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|
2007 |
Haut Medoc Scuffed Label |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 90 (4/2010): Another brilliant effort from the Frey family, the 2007 La Lagune reveals a beautiful layered mouthfeel with lots of plum, black cherry, and kirsch liqueur-like notes intermixed with a spicy character. Medium-bodied, broad, and savory with beautiful purity and overall equilibrium, this beauty should be drunk over the next 7-8 years.
JS 90 (3/2015): A firm and sleek wine with slight austerity but I like the tannin texture. Full to medium body, bright acidity and a fresh and long finish. Just starting to show its true character.
VM 88 (7/2010): Red-ruby. Deep aromas and flavors of currant, cherry, blackberry, minerals, leather, tobacco and roasted nuts. A juicy, moderately intense midweight with good inner-mouth perfume and definition. Firm acids and dusty tannins give spine to this persistent wine, which showed a note of burning tobacco as it opened in the glass. |
|
|
2009 |
Haut Medoc |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 96 (3/2015): Fabulous aromas of licorice, flowers and blackcurrants follow through to a full body with wonderful silky and caressing tannins and a long, flavorful finish. It’s complex and exceptional. Better in 2018 but so enjoyable to taste and drink now.
WA 95 (2/2012): It is not unusual that the 2009 La Lagune is a spectacular effort given the fact that this estate has been making terrific wines over the last decade or more. It boasts a dense purple color as well as a beautiful perfume of blueberries, mulberries, cassis, white chocolate and subtle toasty oak. Notes of Chinese black tea, cedarwood and forest floor also make an appearance in the singular aromatic and flavor profiles. This sumptuous, full-bodied La Lagune possesses low acidity, abundant but ripe, sweet tannin and a long, 45-second finish. Give this beauty 5-7 years of bottle age and drink it over the following three decades. |
|
| Ch. Larcis-Ducasse |
2019 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$561.99 |
10 |
|
| |
WA 95 (4/2022): The 2019 Larcis Ducasse has turned out beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of cherries, wild berries, burning embers, spices and licorice. Full-bodied, sumptuous and enveloping, with a fleshy core of fruit, ripe tannins and succulent acids, it's a giving, generous wine that's softer and rounder than Pavie Macquin, its stablemate. This beautiful vineyard, managed by Nicolas Thienpont, is located on the limestone slopes of Saint-Émilion, sandwiched between Pavie and Bellefont-Belcier.
VM 95 (2/2023): The 2019 Larcis-Ducasse is classically-styled on the nose with tobacco and cedar infusing the black fruit, a little austere at first, yet there is a sense of stature. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, slightly candied in style but there is commendable structure behind this Saint-Émilion with a dash of black pepper on the finish. Exquisite. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. (Drink between 2025-2045.)
JA 95 (11/2021): Extreme in all the right ways - in the verticality, the salinity, the density, the forward motion and the stretching out through the palate. But it is also mouthwatering and drinkable, with a ton of blueberry and raspberry puree fruits alongside still austere tannins. Love it. Owned by the Gratiot-Attmane family, made by the Nicolas Thienpont team. 38.5hl/ha yield.
JD 94 (4/2022): Moving to the Grand Vin, the 2019 Château Larcis Ducasse sports a deep ruby/plum color as well as a reserved bouquet of ripe black cherries, leafy tobacco, graphite, and damp earth. Medium to full-bodied and nicely concentrated, with clean, ripe tannins, it's holding things relatively close to its vest and is going to benefit from 5-7 years of bottle age. I don't see it matching the greats from this estate, but it's a beautiful wine. The blend is 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, and there are just under 3,000 cases produced. (Drink starting 2027.) |
|
|
2025 |
St. Emilion (12X750ML)
Futures- ETA TBD - Subject to tariffs upon arrival in USA2026 en Primeur Release |
$706 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 95-97 (4/2026): Matured 40% in barrels (50% new), 45% in large-format barrels (also 50% new) and the balance in foudres, the 2025 Larcis Ducasse reveals an elegant, vibrant and gourmand bouquet of violet, dark berries, dark cherries and flowers, accented by delicate spicy notes. Medium- to full-bodied, layered and seamless, it’s built around a ripe—yet not overripe—core of fruit framed by velvety tannins, concluding with a floral, harmonious and ethereal finish. This is a pure expression of Larcis Ducasse and one of the most accomplished renditions produced here to date.
VM 95-97 (4/2026): The 2025 Larcis Ducasse is another exceptional wine from one of the most under-the-radar estates in Saint-Émilion. Dark red-fleshed fruits, rose petal, lavender, mocha, licorice, sage and graphite are all seamless in the glass. The 2025 marries power with finesse to a degree that is exceptionally rare. Lively acids and lifted floral overtones brighten the long, resonant finish. The 2025 spent 23-24 days on skins, a bit shorter than most years. Élevage takes place in 40% French oak barrels, 40% 500-liter barrels and 20% 25-hectoliter foudre. Wines from clay-based soils tend to be raised in barrique to soften them, while wines from limestone-rich soils are naturally more delicate and typically aged in larger-format wood. Larcis was one of the first properties in Bordeaux to introduce large-format wood, a choice that works so well for this site and these wines. This is a stellar effort from Technical Director David Suire, who has been at the helm since 2022. Tasted three times. (Drink between 2035-2075). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2025 |
St. Emilion (6X750ML)
Futures- ETA TBD - Subject to tariffs upon arrival in USA2026 en Primeur Release |
$357 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95-97 (4/2026): Matured 40% in barrels (50% new), 45% in large-format barrels (also 50% new) and the balance in foudres, the 2025 Larcis Ducasse reveals an elegant, vibrant and gourmand bouquet of violet, dark berries, dark cherries and flowers, accented by delicate spicy notes. Medium- to full-bodied, layered and seamless, it’s built around a ripe—yet not overripe—core of fruit framed by velvety tannins, concluding with a floral, harmonious and ethereal finish. This is a pure expression of Larcis Ducasse and one of the most accomplished renditions produced here to date.
VM 95-97 (4/2026): The 2025 Larcis Ducasse is another exceptional wine from one of the most under-the-radar estates in Saint-Émilion. Dark red-fleshed fruits, rose petal, lavender, mocha, licorice, sage and graphite are all seamless in the glass. The 2025 marries power with finesse to a degree that is exceptionally rare. Lively acids and lifted floral overtones brighten the long, resonant finish. The 2025 spent 23-24 days on skins, a bit shorter than most years. Élevage takes place in 40% French oak barrels, 40% 500-liter barrels and 20% 25-hectoliter foudre. Wines from clay-based soils tend to be raised in barrique to soften them, while wines from limestone-rich soils are naturally more delicate and typically aged in larger-format wood. Larcis was one of the first properties in Bordeaux to introduce large-format wood, a choice that works so well for this site and these wines. This is a stellar effort from Technical Director David Suire, who has been at the helm since 2022. Tasted three times. (Drink between 2035-2075). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ch. Lascombes |
2004 |
Margaux |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 93 (6/2007): Another brilliant effort from this estate, the 2004 Lascombes (a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot) exhibits a deep blue/purple hue along with a sweet perfume of blueberries, black raspberries, cherries, incense, smoke, and spring flowers. While opulent, underneath the full-bodied richness of fruit and depth is a structured wine. As it sits in the glass, an espresso roast character (no doubt from new oak) also emerges. Enjoy this pure, structured, fleshy beauty between 2010-2025.
VM 91 (6/2007): Good bright ruby. Wild aromas and flavors of blackberry, coffee, mocha, chocolate and game. Sweet, dense and lush but with plenty of acidity giving the wine shape and structure. Quite concentrated for 2004: offers a very broad mouth feel without coming across as heavy. Finishes with horizontal, toothcoating tannins. An impressive showing. |
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|
2004 |
Margaux Scuffed Label |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (6/2007): Another brilliant effort from this estate, the 2004 Lascombes (a blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot) exhibits a deep blue/purple hue along with a sweet perfume of blueberries, black raspberries, cherries, incense, smoke, and spring flowers. While opulent, underneath the full-bodied richness of fruit and depth is a structured wine. As it sits in the glass, an espresso roast character (no doubt from new oak) also emerges. Enjoy this pure, structured, fleshy beauty between 2010-2025.
VM 91 (6/2007): Good bright ruby. Wild aromas and flavors of blackberry, coffee, mocha, chocolate and game. Sweet, dense and lush but with plenty of acidity giving the wine shape and structure. Quite concentrated for 2004: offers a very broad mouth feel without coming across as heavy. Finishes with horizontal, toothcoating tannins. An impressive showing. |
|
| Ch. Latour |
2010 |
Pauillac (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,573.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (3/2020): The 2010 Latour is deep garnet in color, and—WOW—it erupts from the glass with powerful crème de cassis, Black Forest cake and blackberry pie scents plus intense sparks of dried roses, cigar boxes, fragrant earth and smoked meats with aniseed and crushed rocks wafts. Full-bodied, concentrated and oh-so-decadent in the mouth, it has a firm, grainy texture and lovely freshness carrying the rich, opulent fruit to an epically long finish. It is incredibly tempting to drink now, but I suspect this hedonic experience isn't a scratch on the mind-blowing, otherworldly secrets this time capsule will have to reveal given another 7-10 years in bottle and continuing over the following fifty years++.
JS 100 (2/2013): The aromas of flowers such as roses, violets and lilacs jump from the glass then turn to dark berries such as blueberries and blackberries. It's full-bodied, with velvety tannins and dense and intense with a chocolate, berry and currant character. This is juicy and rich with wood still showing a bit, but it's all coming together wonderfully. Muscular yet toned. Another perfect wine like the 2010. Try in 2022.
VM 100 (4/2020): The 2010 Latour can be summed up in two words: “The King.” It convincingly asserts its superiority over other 2010s, including First Growths, in terms of its aromatic complexity, precision, balance, intensity, complexity and persistence. Simply a faultless Latour that ranks among its greatest achievements. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the BI Wines & Spirits 10-Year On tasting. Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. Leoville Las Cases |
1999 |
St. Julien |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92 (9/2019): The 1999 Leoville Las-Cases is a vintage that I have not encountered for several years. It has a generous bouquet for the vintage, showing slightly gamy red fruit on the nose, and perhaps just a touch of Brettanomyces. Yet it remains attractive, with orange peel scents developing alongside cedar and sous-bois. The medium-bodied palate presents sappy red fruit and a touch of black truffle alongside cedar and a hint of dark chocolate. It is not a complex Las-Cases, yet feels long and quite tender. Drink now and over the next 15 years. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at the estate. Neal Martin.
WA 91 (4/2002): The 1999 Leoville Las Cases possesses a dense purple color as well as classic aromas of vanilla, black cherries, and currants mixed with subtle toasty oak. The wine is medium-bodied with sweet tannin, yet it remains young, backward, and unevolved (unusual for a 1999). Its extraordinary purity and overall harmony give it a character all its own. This excellent Las Cases will be at its finest between 2006-2022. |
|
|
2020 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,770.99 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 98+ (2/2023): The 2020 Léoville Las Cases has developed into a powerhouse. Then again, that is Las Cases. En primeur, I thought the 2020 was a bit shy, but its true personality has to emerge. Blackberry jam, gravel, spice, menthol, licorice, espresso and plum all saturate the palate. Vivid and explosive, the 2020 is dizzyingly rich, with plenty of Las Cases tannins that will require patience. I am not sure when the 2020 will be ready to drink, but it won't be anytime soon. Las Cases is one of the wines of the vintage in 2020, that much is pretty clear. Antonio Galloni.
JD 98 (3/2023): Another 2020 that's going to demand patience, the 2020 Château Léoville Las Cases is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend that includes 11% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot that was raised in 80% new French oak. It's a regal, medium to full-bodied, concentrated, flawlessly balanced 2020 with a pure core of cassis and darker currant fruits, a layered, seamless mouthfeel that carries substantial tannins, perfectly integrated oak, and subtle floral, mineral, and leafy herb nuances. Playing in the concentrated yet focused and structured style of the vintage, it's going to need a decade to hit the early phases of its prime drinking window and will have 50-75 years of longevity.
JS 98-99 (4/2021): This is incredibly classic in style with so much currant, lead pencil, crushed stone and sweet tobacco. It’s full-bodied with minerally, stoney and powerful tannins. It goes on and one. Real Las Cases here. Solid as a rock. Progresses to violet, graphite and licorice at the end.
WA 96-98 (5/2021): The 2020 Leoville Las Cases is a blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot, aging in 80% new French oak barriques, weighing in with an alcohol of 13.68%, a pH of 3.8 and an IPT (tannins index) of 79. The Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested from the 21st to the 27th of September, the Merlot from the 12th to the 15th of September and the Cabernet Franc on the 18th and 19th of September. With an opaque purple-black color, it slowly unfurls to reveal beguiling notes of fresh blackcurrants, Morello cherries, candied violets and dark chocolate, giving way to an undercurrent of crushed rocks, unsmoked cigars, clove oil and fragrant earth. The medium-bodied palate is a powerhouse of energy, delivering tightly wound red and black fruits, mineral and floral layers, supported by fantastic tension and incredibly ripe, silt-like tannins. The finish has jaw-dropping fragrance and depth. |
|
| Ch. Leoville Poyferre |
2003 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,935.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (8/2014): The spectacular 2003 Leoville Poyferre exhibits a dense purple color with a touch of lightening at the edge as well as notes of creosote, barbecue smoke, jammy black currants, licorice and spice box. This intense, voluptuously textured, full-bodied St.-Julien possesses low acidity and ripe tannin. Still fresh and exuberant, it is just entering its plateau of full maturity where it should remain for 10-15+ years.
VM 92 (6/2006): Medium ruby-red. Extravagant aromas of currant, loam, leather and graphite; like the 1990 in its roasted character. Then sweet and dense but with surprising aromatic lift in the mouth, not to mention considerable power. Liqueur-like black fruit, licorice and mineral flavors really stain the palate. Cuvelier maintained that this vintage was not acidified. The cabernet acidity, he said, was healthy and the grape skins gave up their acidity slowly during the vinification. A very impressive showing, and built to last.
JS 92 (3/2011): Ripe currants, almost cassis aromas with hints of dried flowers and tar. Full bodied, with chewy tannins and an elegant and lean structure. Long and stylish, this still needs some time. Pull the cork after 2013. |
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|
2013 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,146.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 92 (2/2016): A sleek and racy 2013 with mineral, blackberry and currant aromas. Subtle and perfumed. Medium body, silky tannins and a clean finish. Drink or hold.
WA 90-92 (8/2014): This wine’s nearly opaque dense ruby/purple color is hardly that of an inferior vintage. The 2013 Leoville Poyferre exhibits a beautiful bouquet of blackberries and creme de cassis. This pure, luscious, long, luxurious (especially for the vintage) 2013 possesses adequate acidity, beautiful purity, and medium- to full-bodied density. One of the superstars of the vintage, it should drink well for 10-15 years.
VM 90-92 (4/2014): Plums, blueberries, cassis, violets and sweet spices meld together nicely in the 2013 Leoville-Poyferre. Many of the signatures are in place in the 2013, they are just present in miniature. The fleshy, textured finish offers plenty of near and medium-term appeal. In a second tasting, the 2013 showed plenty of depth but also imposing tannins. It will be interesting to see how things develop in elevage here. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. |
|
| Clos Manou |
2019 |
Medoc (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$254.98 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Margaux |
1996 |
Margaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,721.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (10/2016): The 1996 Chateau Margaux, a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, must be a strong contender for wine of the vintage. It offers everything you desire from this First Growth. It is blessed with breathtaking delineation and freshness on the nose, understated at first and then blossoming with mineral-infused black fruit, hints of blueberry, crushed stone and violet. The palate is perfectly balanced with filigree tannin, perfect acidity, a wine where everything seems to be in its right place. Blackberry, crushed stone at the front of the mouth, just a touch of spice towards the finish that shows supreme control. This is a Margaux that seems to light up the senses. It was Outstanding in its youth...something that has not changed one bit over the intervening two decades. This may well turn out to be the Left Bank pinnacle of the 1990s.
VM 96+ (8/2002): Bright full ruby. Pure, perfumed aromas of cassis and violet. Dense and tactile in the mouth; a huge, chewy wine with major extract but also considerable refinement. Almost painfully backward today, and a bit less perfumed than it was in the year or so after the bottling, but the huge tannins show no hardness. Another great expression of cabernet sauvignon from the '96 vintage. Drink 2015 through 2040. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Ch. La Mission Haut Brion |
2019 |
Pessac Leognan (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,505.99 |
2 |
|
| |
| JS 99-100 (6/2020): A tight and structured La Mission that takes you deep into the glass with super intensity and power. The tannins are omnipresent and envelop the palate. It’s full-bodied yet agile and complete. Iodine, sweet-tobacco and blackberry character. It seems never to finish. Another WOW wine that reminds me of some of the great classics of this estate, such as the 1955. |
|
| Ch. Mongravey |
1999 |
Margaux |
$39 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
1999 |
Margaux Lightly Scuffed Label |
$39 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Montrose |
1998 |
St. Estephe |
$149 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 90+ (5/2001): Red-ruby. Cassis, black cherry, tobacco leaf, licorice and tangy bitter chocolate on the nose. Intensely flavored, bright and penetrating; as dense as the '99 but firmer, more obviously structured, and in need of a good decade of bottle aging. Firm tannins suffuse the palate. Montrose has been making consistently excellent wine in recent years. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 90 (4/2001): A classic effort, the 1998 Montrose exhibits a dense purple color in addition to a sweet nose of jammy cassis, licorice, earth, and smoke. It is a powerful and full-bodied wine with well-integrated tannin. Given Montrose's tendency to shut down, it is performing better out of bottle than I expected. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2030. |
|
|
2000 |
St. Estephe (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,702.97 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 96 (4/2014): Just starting to open, it shows beautiful spices and dark fruit on the nose and palate. It’s full-bodied with ultra-fine, integrated tannins and an extremely complex, refined finish. Drink or hold.
WA 95+ (6/2010): Originally rated 96, this wine confirmed its early rating, although again, the backwardness and still very obvious tannins suggest another 7- to 8-year wait. Dense ruby/purple, with a bouquet of blueberry, crushed rock, and some floral notes, the wine is medium to full-bodied , rich, powerful, but again very tannic and still strikingly youthful. For a wine that is already 10 years of age, it remains infantile. This blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot is indeed a special wine and should hit its prime in about 2020 and last at least 30 years afterward.
VM 94 (6/2003): Full red-ruby. Roasted, smoky aromas of blackberry, blueberry and licorice. Plush, dense and large-scaled; expands impressively in the mouth. Chocolatey-ripe but kept fresh by nicely integrated acidity. Offers lovely sweetness without going over the top. Finishes with big, dusty, horizontal tannins and lovely aromatic persistence. Offers extraordinary texture and depth of flavor for a wine with just 12.8% alcohol. |
|
| La Dame de Montrose |
2019 |
St. Estephe (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$526.99 |
5 |
|
| |
JA 94 (10/2021): Depth and power through the mid palate, good quality tannins, this is classically restrained St Estèphe power, with savoury yet juicy black fruits. Living up to its potential En Primeur, one to look out for, and a strong 2nd wine that beats out many 1st wines in the vintage. If you liked the Dame de Montrose 2010, get on board with this.
VM 92 (2/2023): The 2019 La Dame de Montrose has an open, fresh and energetic nose with blackberry and cedar scents, joined by black pepper and graphite with time. You might describe it as a "strapping" bouquet. The palate is medium-bodied with graphite-infused black fruit, pliant tannins, edgy with a persistent and satisfying finish. This is very promising and quite sophisticated - a Deuxième Vin that has improved since bottling. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. Neal Martin.
JD 91 (4/2022): The 2019 La Dame De Montrose is another impressive second wine and certainly worth seeking out. Ripe darker cherries, currants, leafy herbs, tobacco, and a hint of classic Saint-Estèphe damp earth all emerge on the nose, and it's medium-bodied, with a silky, graceful texture, light tannins, and a great finish. It's everything a second wine should be and will evolve nicely for 10-12 years. |
|
| Ch. Montrose |
2021 |
St. Estephe (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$725.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (2/2024): The remarkable 2021 Montrose gets my nomination for the title of "wine of the vintage" in the Médoc. Wafting from the glass with a deep bouquet of cassis and dark berries mingled with subtle hints of mint, orange, pencil shavings and spices, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a layered and multidimensional core of fruit underpinned by beautifully ripe, refined tannins. Concluding with a long, resonant finish, it entirely transcends the limitations of the year. This young classic, reminiscent of the estate's 1996 but far better, is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot.
VM 96+ (2/2024): The 2021 Montrose is an inward, brooding wine—classic Montrose, in other words, just attenuated in its intensity by the cool growing season. Spice, tobacco, cedar, menthol, scorched earth, gravel and a touch of new oak open over time, but the 2021 is really a wine that requires considerable cellaring to reach its potential. Then again, it is Montrose. Elegance meets power here. (Drink between 2031-2051). Antonio Galloni.
JD 94 (4/2024): The Grand Vin 2021 Château Montrose checks in as 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot, raised mostly in new oak. It's an absolute classic expression of this terrior, offering pure cassis and assorted darker currant fruits that give way to more damp earth, violet, and leafy tobacco nuances. With medium-bodied richness, perfect integration of its acidity, tannins, and oak, beautiful mid-palate depth, and a great finish, it's going to benefit from 4-6 years of bottle age, and I wouldn't be surprised to see this still showing beautifully at age 30. It's a remarkable wine in this challenging vintage. (Drink between 2028-2051). |
|
| Ch. Mouton-Rothschild |
2002 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,028.98 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 94 (6/2005): Good saturated ruby-red. Tight nose hints at currant and smoky oak. Highly concentrated, densely packed and built to age. As young as it is, it also shows a lovely velvety texture rare for this vintage. Finishes with terrific breadth, subtle minerality and noble tannins. I've been a fan of this wine since the outset. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 93 (4/2005): Dense purple to the rim, this wine exhibits the classic cassis aroma that is so characteristic of Mouton. Medium to full-bodied, tannic, powerful, and cut somewhat from the 1988 mold, this is a backward, chewy, well-endowed Mouton-Rothschild that will require considerable patience from those who purchase it. A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, the wine needs a good decade of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030+.
JS 93 (6-2016): I tasted this a few days after Bordeaux en primeur 2014. I was at my house in Italy and I forgot I had the bottle in my cellar. I really liked it. It was ready to drink, though some of my guests were less enthusiastic. My wife even thought it was tired already, yet the bottle was finished in 10 minutes! The wine showed fresh herb and berry character with tobacco undertones, a medium body and fine tannins. Just opening now. Fine and sillky textured. |
|
|
2002 |
Pauillac (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$6,355.99 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 94 (6/2005): Good saturated ruby-red. Tight nose hints at currant and smoky oak. Highly concentrated, densely packed and built to age. As young as it is, it also shows a lovely velvety texture rare for this vintage. Finishes with terrific breadth, subtle minerality and noble tannins. I've been a fan of this wine since the outset. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 93 (4/2005): Dense purple to the rim, this wine exhibits the classic cassis aroma that is so characteristic of Mouton. Medium to full-bodied, tannic, powerful, and cut somewhat from the 1988 mold, this is a backward, chewy, well-endowed Mouton-Rothschild that will require considerable patience from those who purchase it. A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, the wine needs a good decade of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030+.
JS 93 (6-2016): I tasted this a few days after Bordeaux en primeur 2014. I was at my house in Italy and I forgot I had the bottle in my cellar. I really liked it. It was ready to drink, though some of my guests were less enthusiastic. My wife even thought it was tired already, yet the bottle was finished in 10 minutes! The wine showed fresh herb and berry character with tobacco undertones, a medium body and fine tannins. Just opening now. Fine and sillky textured. |
|
| Ch. Palmer |
2012 |
Margaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,748.97 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 95 (1/2018): The 2012 Palmer showed beautifully, with the elegance and purity this cuvée is known for front and center. Offering lots of crème de cassis, licorice, smoked earth and a hint of spring flowers, it has medium to full-bodied richness, a balanced, graceful texture, plenty of tannin, and a great finish. This is one of those wines that grows on you with time in the glass and is going to evolve gracefully on its purity and balance.
WA 96 (4/2015): Château Palmer is one of the vintage’s superstars. Opaque purple, with a gorgeous nose of blueberry, blackberry fruit, licorice, incense and graphite, the wine has a multi-dimensional, skyscraper-like richness, stunningly well-integrated acidity, tannin, wood, and alcohol, a finish of close to 45 seconds and a full-bodied mouthfeel. This is a great wine from Margaux in 2012 and one of the vintage’s most remarkable efforts. Anticipated maturity: 2022-2040+. The final blend was 48% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot.
JS 97 (2/2015): This is mind-blowing with complex and superb aromas of dried flowers, blackcurrants and raspberries. Full-bodied, yet polished and velvety with lots of tension and intensity. Layers of fruit and character. Finishes with pure fruit, hazelnuts and minerals. About 20 hectares of 55 hectares were from biodynamically grown grapes. Try in 2022. Stunning.
VM 94 (1/2016): The 2012 Palmer is silky, voluptuous and beautifully layered in the glass. Black cherry, plum, mocha, bittersweet chocolate and dark spices flesh out in a decidedly opulent, racy Palmer built on pure texture. Silky, tannins round out the polished, suave finish. The 2012s at Palmer are made from unusually low yields of around 28 hectoliters per hectare. One of the effects of the 2011 hailstorm that hit the estate was a lowering of the following year's crop, which has resulted in rich, tannic wines. Estate Manager Thomas Duroux opted to give the 2012s more time in barrel than is customary and the wines were bottled in September 2014. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ch. Pavie |
2009 |
St. Emilion (12X750ML)
Futures- ETA TBD - Subject to tariffs upon arrival in USA |
$3,899.97 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 100 (3/2019): Similar in style to the blockbuster 2005, the 2009 Pavie is another magical, legendary wine from the Perse family that tops out on my scale. Made from 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in 80% new French oak, its saturated purple color is followed by a massive bouquet of blackcurrants, scorched earth, chocolate, graphite, and lead pencil, with an incredible sense of minerality. Deep, full-bodied, and remarkably concentrated and intense, it still stays perfectly balanced and weightless, with building yet sweet tannins. It’s still a baby yet is a magical drink today given its opulence, purity and balance. Drink this magical wine any time over the coming 50-60 years.
WA 100 (8/2015): While the Perses may think the 2005 is the summit of winemaking at Pavie, this vintage certainly gives serious competition to both the 2005 and 2000. It is certainly the most opulent and luxuriously rich wine Pavie has ever made (and that is saying something). Pavie’s style of low yields, ripe fruit and serious extraction does produce, even in lighter vintages, a very concentrated and dense wine, but in the great years, the results are legendary. This wine has an inky purple color and a stunningly sweet, ripe nose of mulberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, licorice and incense. The oak still has some presence in the aromatics, as well as in the full-bodied, very concentrated, skyscraper-like mouthfeel and texture. This wine feels almost as if you could lose your palate in it, it is so dense and deep, yet at the same time it possesses silky tannins and rather remarkable purity, balance, and a good 60-second-plus finish. This is an amazing wine and probably will be drinkable in 5-10 years (although actually it could be drunk now because of the vintage’s voluptuous texture), and again, seems to have 50 or more years of longevity. It is clearly a modern Bordeaux legend.
JS 98 (4/2012): This is a powerful wine with mineral and dried flowers. Full-bodied, with firm tannins yet they are very polished and beautiful. It goes on for minutes. It is so layered and deep. It needs at least 10 years before opening. It is a dense and deep wine.
VM 96 (3/2019): The 2009 Pavie has a gorgeous bouquet, very pure and refined with seamlessly integrated oak and wonderful delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, perfectly judged acidity. Fine grip with compelling tension on the finish. This shimmers with energy. Easily, this is the best bottle that I have encountered over the years. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting. Neal Martin. |
|
|
2018 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,413.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 100 (3/2021): One of the wines of the vintage is the 2018 Château Pavie, and Gérard Perse continues to produce one of the greatest wines in the world, in just about every vintage. Based on 60% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 shows the slightly more restrained style of the estate today yet still brings classic Pavie richness, depth, and grandeur. Revealing a deep purple color as well as a sensational bouquet of crème de cassis, damp earth, tobacco, chalk, and lead pencil shavings, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, incredible purity, a dense, concentrated mid-palate, and a liqueur of rocks-like sense of minerality on the blockbuster finish. There's a backward, inward style here that actually reminds me of the 2000. This is another magical, probably immortal wine from this terroir that marries power with elegance perfectly. Don't miss it!
WA 99 (3/2021): The 2018 Pavie is a blend of 60% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine has a 3.58 pH and 14.48% alcohol. Very deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts from the glass with a fabulously expressive nose of crème de cassis, baked plums and blueberry preserves, leading to an impressive array of nuances, featuring notions of dark chocolate, camphor, licorice, rose petals and fertile loam, plus hints of crushed rocks and iron ore. The rich, full-bodied palate offers layer upon layer of opulent black and blue fruits with loads of exotic spice sparks and pretty floral and mineral accents, supported by firm, super plush tannins and remarkable tension, finishing with epic length and depth. This could only be Pavie. It makes for a seductively stylish glass now, but patience will be rewarded if it is afforded 5-7 years in bottle, at least, then drink it over the next 30+ years.
JS 99 (1/2021): Impressive aromas of pure, crushed blackberries and brambleberries with red and black licorice and black olives, as well as incense, following through to a full body with round, creamy tannins and lots of fruit. Yet, it’s tight and reserved at the finish. Needs three or four years to open and start showing its true character. Powerful and linear. Cellar-bound. Try after 2026.
VM 97 (3/2021): Pavie is positively striking in 2018. Rich and sumptuous to the core, the 2017 possesses stunning depth and impeccable overall balance. Dark cherry, mocha, plum, spice, new leather and licorice all build as the 2018 shows its allure. Silky, polished tannins round out the finish. This is a stellar showing from the Perse family. The 2018 is absolutely gorgeous. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ch. Pavie Decesse |
2018 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$506.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96-98 (4/2019): Grapes for this wine come from the plateau and were harvested October 3 with yields of 32 hectoliters per hectare. Composed of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc with a pH of 3.57 and 14.52% alcohol, the 2018 Pavie Decesse is deep purple-black in color and strides confidently out of the glass with a very serious nose of crushed blackberries, warm black plums, mulberries and cassis plus touches of camphor, lavender, black olives and crushed rocks with a waft of woodsmoke. Full-bodied and laden with taut, muscular black fruit and loads of mineral accents, it has a firm structure of super ripe, finely grained tannins and amazing freshness, finishing very long and very layered.
VM 92-95 (5/2019): The 2018 Pavie-Decesse is laced with the essence of blackberry jam, grilled herbs, spice, leather and tobacco, all of which add to an impression of brooding power. This massively tannic, backward Saint-emilion is going to require patience, but there is certainly plenty to look forward to. In 2018, Pavie-Decesse impresses with its vertical intensity and pure power. Antonio Galloni.
JD 97-100 (5/2019): All from the upper plateau and incredible limestone soils, the 2018 Château Pavie Decesse is a crazy good wine that's going to flirt with perfection. Black raspberries, cassis, crushed stone, exotic flowers, and an incredible salinity all give way to a full-bodied, concentrated yet elegant wine that just glides over the palate. Made from 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, it’s going to require 4-6 years of bottle age, but it’s one of the great wines of the vintage.
JS 97-98 (4/2019): Powerful young red with blackberry and blueberry aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, very strong and concentrated with great length and minerality at the end. Finesse with power. |
|
| Ch. Pichon-Longueville Baron |
2009 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,784.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (2/2012): Revealing incredible quality and performing better than it did from barrel, the 2009 appears to be the greatest Pichon Longueville Baron since the 1990 and 1989. An amazing opaque blue/purple color is followed by scents of spring flowers, graphite, smoky charcoal, incense, blackberries, blueberries and hints of coffee and chocolate. Incredibly intense, pure and flawlessly constructed with extravagant layers of fruit and richness, this offering has developed beautifully under the management of Christian Seeley. It is a voluptuous, opulent Pichon Longueville Baron that may eclipse anything they have made in the past. This brilliant wine should be at its peak between 2018 and 2045.
JS 97 (2/2012): Amazing aromas of ripe currants and plums with flowers. Full body, with super fine tannins and wonderful fruit. It is energized. Better than I remember it from barrel. Reminds me of the 1990 PB. Try after 2020.
VM 96 (7/2012): Saturated deep ruby-red. Pungent, brooding, very ripe aromas and flavors of cassis, blueberry, licorice, bitter chocolate, espresso and minerals, along with hints of spices and underbrush. Large-scaled, rich and deep, with superb chewy ripeness and terrific mineral lift. At once plush and powerful, boasting the texture of a first growth, with a near-perfect sugar/acid balance. The palate-staining finish features substantial ripe, chewy tannins and rising length. This should evolve gracefully in bottle for two or three decades. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Ch. Pichon-Longueville Lalande |
2010 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,620.98 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 98+ (10/2017): An eternal wine, the 2010 Pichon Lalande is a total showstopper. The first impression is one of explosive power, but time in the glass brings out the wine’s more delicate, floral side. Violet, graphite, crème de cassis, licorice and menthol overtones recall the 1996, but the tannins here are much softer, sweeter and more polished. In two recent tastings, the 2010 has been positively stellar. The alternation of hot days and cool nights led to a late harvest. The Cabernet Sauvignon harvest did not start until October 7; by that date in 2009 all the fruit was in. Readers who can still find the 2010 should not hesitate, as it is a modern-day classic. That’s all there is to it. Antonio Galloni.
JD 94+ (11/2021): The 2010 is based on 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Petit Verdot that was raised in (I'm assuming) a good bit of new oak, although you wouldn't know this by tasting it. Revealing a still youthful ruby/plum hue with just a touch of lightening at the edge, it has a Saint-Julien-like perfume of darker currants, tobacco, earth, sous bois, and flowers, without that classic cedar and lead pencil character of most Pauillacs. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has a wonderfully focused, seamless texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. It's still relatively closed and reticent, so give bottles another 4-5 years if possible |
|
| Ch. Prieure Lichine |
2008 |
Margaux |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 90 (5/2011): A sleeper of the vintage, this is a pure sexpot of a Margaux with lots of spring flower, jammy black cherry, black currant, graphite and smoky characteristics. With loads of fruit, a round, opulent texture and Outstanding purity, this up-front, evolved, classic, medium to full-bodied Margaux can be enjoyed now and over the next 10-15 years.
VM 90 (8/2011): Medium red-ruby. Black cherry, dark chocolate and a leathery nuance on the nose. Sweet, dense and fine-grained, with a fairly plush texture to its nicely concentrated black fruit and licorice flavors. At once pliant and firm, finishing with toothdusting tannins and very good persistence. |
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|
2008 |
Margaux Scuffed Label |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 90 (5/2011): A sleeper of the vintage, this is a pure sexpot of a Margaux with lots of spring flower, jammy black cherry, black currant, graphite and smoky characteristics. With loads of fruit, a round, opulent texture and Outstanding purity, this up-front, evolved, classic, medium to full-bodied Margaux can be enjoyed now and over the next 10-15 years.
VM 90 (8/2011): Medium red-ruby. Black cherry, dark chocolate and a leathery nuance on the nose. Sweet, dense and fine-grained, with a fairly plush texture to its nicely concentrated black fruit and licorice flavors. At once pliant and firm, finishing with toothdusting tannins and very good persistence. |
|
|
2008 |
Margaux Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 90 (5/2011): A sleeper of the vintage, this is a pure sexpot of a Margaux with lots of spring flower, jammy black cherry, black currant, graphite and smoky characteristics. With loads of fruit, a round, opulent texture and Outstanding purity, this up-front, evolved, classic, medium to full-bodied Margaux can be enjoyed now and over the next 10-15 years.
VM 90 (8/2011): Medium red-ruby. Black cherry, dark chocolate and a leathery nuance on the nose. Sweet, dense and fine-grained, with a fairly plush texture to its nicely concentrated black fruit and licorice flavors. At once pliant and firm, finishing with toothdusting tannins and very good persistence. |
|
| Ch. Sociando Mallet |
2008 |
Haut Medoc |
$49 |
4 |
|
| |
VM 91 (8/2011): Good bright red-ruby. Sexy, pure aromas of dark cherry, rose and violet. Juicy, delicate and penetrating, with pinot-like weight and sappiness. Displays a captivating sweetness without any loss of energy. Finishes long, with serious tongue-dusting tannins and excellent lift. Built for at least 15 years of life in bottle. As in the best vintages for this overachiever, this will make an excellent ringer in future tastings of classified growths from 2008.
WA 90 (5/2011): Performing far better from bottle than it did from cask, the full-bodied 2008 offers abundant notes of plums, blueberries and black raspberries interwoven with hints of white flowers, damp earth and background oak. This impressively endowed, muscular effort will benefit from 2-4 years of cellaring and should keep for two decades. |
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|
2008 |
Haut Medoc Scuffed Label |
$49 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 91 (8/2011): Good bright red-ruby. Sexy, pure aromas of dark cherry, rose and violet. Juicy, delicate and penetrating, with pinot-like weight and sappiness. Displays a captivating sweetness without any loss of energy. Finishes long, with serious tongue-dusting tannins and excellent lift. Built for at least 15 years of life in bottle. As in the best vintages for this overachiever, this will make an excellent ringer in future tastings of classified growths from 2008.
WA 90 (5/2011): Performing far better from bottle than it did from cask, the full-bodied 2008 offers abundant notes of plums, blueberries and black raspberries interwoven with hints of white flowers, damp earth and background oak. This impressively endowed, muscular effort will benefit from 2-4 years of cellaring and should keep for two decades. |
|
| Ch. Trotanoy |
1995 |
Pomerol |
$249 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (6/1998): Bright red-ruby color. Dark berries, cherry and leather on the nose, plus a slightly inky suggestion of austerity. Lush, silky and creamy in the mouth; begins rather restrained, then shows explosive fruitiness and terrific concentration and depth of flavor. Superripe fruit is more than sufficient to support substantial ripe tannins. A rather backward but Outstanding Trotanoy that will repay a decade of bottle aging.
WA 93 (2/1998): A fabulous success for Trotanoy, this wine has considerable potential, and may ultimately merit a higher score than I have bestowed upon it. The 1995 boasts a saturated deep purple color, followed by a knock-out nose of black truffles, cherries, raspberries, and kirsch fruit intermixed with spicy oak and beef blood-like scents. Full-bodied, dense, and as powerful and backward as its rival, Lafleur, this broad-shouldered, super-extracted Trotanoy is superb, but don't make the mistake of thinking it will provide easy-going drinking over the near-term. While splendid, this wine possesses extremely high tannin, and needs at least 7-8 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025. Bravo! |
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| Ch. Vray Croix de Gay |
2019 |
Pomerol (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$956.98 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Bordeaux White |
| Domaine de Chevalier |
2025 |
Pessac Leognan Blanc (6X750ML)
Futures- ETA TBD - Subject to tariffs upon arrival in USA2026 en Primeur Release |
$597 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 97-99 (4/2026): The 2025 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc gets my vote for the white wine of the vintage. Rich and powerful in the glass, but also beautifully vibrant, the 2025 dazzles from start to finish. Lemon confit, pear, slate, mint, white flowers and tangerine peel are some of the many aromas and flavors that develop over time. The 2025 is quite simply stunning. Don’t miss it! (Drink between 2035-2075). Antonio Galloni.
WA 93-95 (4/2026): The Domaine de Chevalier 2025 Blanc reveals an expressive bouquet of white fruits—pear and white peach—alongside floral notes. Medium- to full-bodied, it’s dense yet remarkably fresh and precise, with a crystalline, ethereal profile. Both aromatic and concentrated, it combines depth with clarity, concluding with a long, ethereal and perfumed finish. Once again, this is a fine success and surely one of the most precise white wines produced in Bordeaux this year. |
|
|
2025 |
Pessac Leognan Blanc (3X750ML)
Futures- ETA TBD - Subject to tariffs upon arrival in USA2026 en Primeur Release |
$302 |
5 |
|
| |
VM 97-99 (4/2026): The 2025 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc gets my vote for the white wine of the vintage. Rich and powerful in the glass, but also beautifully vibrant, the 2025 dazzles from start to finish. Lemon confit, pear, slate, mint, white flowers and tangerine peel are some of the many aromas and flavors that develop over time. The 2025 is quite simply stunning. Don’t miss it! (Drink between 2035-2075). Antonio Galloni.
WA 93-95 (4/2026): The Domaine de Chevalier 2025 Blanc reveals an expressive bouquet of white fruits—pear and white peach—alongside floral notes. Medium- to full-bodied, it’s dense yet remarkably fresh and precise, with a crystalline, ethereal profile. Both aromatic and concentrated, it combines depth with clarity, concluding with a long, ethereal and perfumed finish. Once again, this is a fine success and surely one of the most precise white wines produced in Bordeaux this year. |
|
| | Burgundy Red |
| Maison Bertrand Ambroise |
2018 |
Corton Le Rognet Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,232.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Marquis d' Angerville |
2023 |
Volnay 1er Cru Caillerets (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,151.98 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Arnoux-Lachaux |
2010 |
Chambolle Musigny |
$250 |
2 |
|
| |
BH 89-91 (1/2012): An elegant, fresh and airy nose of exceptionally pure red pinot fruit and wet stone aromas where the latter element also characterizes the delicate, delicious and beautifully well-detailed flavors that possess near perfect balance on the lingering and harmonious finish. A high quality Chambolle of finesse and grace. Drink 2016+. Outstanding!
VM 89 (4/2013): Medium red. Expressive aromas of redcurrant, red cherry, herbs, smoke and earth. Lovely texture and vinosity to the saline, soil-driven red berry and minerals flavors. Conveys a tactile impression of extract and finishes with good sappy intensity. Very good village wine. |
|
| Dom. Francois Bertheau |
2018 |
Chambolle Musigny (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,000.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Maison Henri Boillot |
2011 |
Volnay 1er Cru Champans |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93-95 (3/2014): A brighter, more feminine style of Volnay comes through in Boillot’s 2011 Champans. Here the tannins are ripe, sweet and silky throughout. Freshly cut flowers, dark raspberries, spices and crushed rocks are woven together nicely in a wine that stands out for its saline energy and overall expressiveness.
BH 92 (4/2013): Here the wood treatment is more evident though it’s certainly not intrusive as it allows the notably ripe aromas of extract of cassis and dark berries to be clearly seen. There is Outstanding richness to the palate drenching, suave, round and powerful flavors that are blessed with an abundance of dry extract before terminating in a mildly woody mineral-driven and mouth coating finish that seems to go on and on. There is so much underlying material that I don’t believe that there is much risk that the wood will not be successfully integrated in time. Drink 2021+.
VM 90-92 (2/2013): Bright dark red with ruby highlights. At once wilder and oakier than the Fremiets, offering scents of redcurrant, chocolate, licorice and mint; something about the nose reminded me of cabernet! Then suave and fine-grained, with nicely integrated acidity giving lift to the middle palate. The oakiest of these Volnays today (one of the two barrels of this juice was new), with a long, rising feature featuring serious chewy tannins. |
|
| Dom. Henri Boillot |
2012 |
Pommard |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
| BH 89 (4/2014): (from the 1er Le Clos Blanc.) An expressive nose blends notes of both red and dark berry fruit, earth, underbrush and game hints. There is good detail and verve to the middle weight flavors that possess the same saline component as the Caillerets before culminating in a delicious and intense finish. While this is not a true villages given the declassified 1er fruit, it definitely offers better than average quality for its declared level. Drink 2018+. Outstanding Top Value! |
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|
2012 |
Volnay |
$60 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 90 (3/2015): Bright, dark red. Sweet red berries, nutty oak and subtle soil tones on the nose. Fat, sweet and spicy, showing good fullness for village wine. Savory, serious Volnay with good vinosity and density and a saline complexity. Finishes with broad, building, ripe tannins and good savory persistence. Antonio Galloni.
BH 88 (4/2014): (Entirely from 5 different 1ers). An earthy and distinctly ripe nose of cassis, plum and soft floral aromas gives way to equally earthy middle weight flavors where once again the supporting tannins are relatively fine-grained. The finale is firm without being rustic though there is enough youthful austerity to notice. This should reward mid-term cellaring. Drink 2018+. |
|
| Dom. Robert Chevillon |
2008 |
Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Perrieres |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
BH 91-93 (1/2010): (from a .60 ha parcel of 40+ year old vines). An elegant, pure and stony cool red berry fruit nose laced with earth and underbrush nuances, both of which can also be found on the beautifully detailed and strikingly complex flavors that culminate in a long and linear finish. In a word, terrific. Drink 2015+. Sweet Spot Outstanding!
VM 89-91 (4/2010): (racked in July) Bright, full deep red. Less fruit and more smoke and stony minerality on the nose. Ripe and broad, with little easy sweetness to the mineral and soil flavors. This builds impressively and gains in complexity on the long finish, and will need a good five years of cellaring.
WA 89-90 (6/2010): Ripe dark cherry purple plum; nut oils; pungent green herbs; and smoky black tea scent and flavor the Chevillon 2008 Nuits-St.-Georges Les Perrieres, which features chalky underlying suggestions that true-believers will associate with its site, as well as a prominence of tannin that will encourages 3-5 years’ wait before enjoying. Cherry pit piquancy further enhances this palpably dense Pinot’s rather austere side, but there is overriding vintage-typical juicy brightness to spare in its sustained finish. I suspect ultimately this will merit following for 10-12 years. |
|
| Dom. du Chateau de Chorey (Germain) |
2008 |
Beaune 1er Cru Les Teurons |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 88 (12/2023): Impressively rich and layered for the vintage, the 2008 Beaune 1er Cru Les Teurons offers up generous aromas of cherries, berries and vine smoke, marred by some Brettanomyces-derived animal aromas. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with plenty of powdery tannin after over a decade in bottle, it's a characterful wine but one that microbiological faults have prevented from attaining its considerable potential. |
|
|
2008 |
Beaune 1er Cru Les Teurons Lightly Scuffed Label |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 88 (12/2023): Impressively rich and layered for the vintage, the 2008 Beaune 1er Cru Les Teurons offers up generous aromas of cherries, berries and vine smoke, marred by some Brettanomyces-derived animal aromas. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping, with plenty of powdery tannin after over a decade in bottle, it's a characterful wine but one that microbiological faults have prevented from attaining its considerable potential. |
|
| Dom. Y. Clerget |
2017 |
Volnay (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$906.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Coquard Loison-Fleurot |
2018 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,368.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Joseph Drouhin |
2012 |
Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,196.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| David Duband |
2009 |
Gevrey Chambertin |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 90 (5/2011): The 2009 Gevrey-Chambertin is a sexy, mid-weight wine graced with silky tannins, white flowers, spices and minerals, all of which round out the fruit nicely. This sweet, layered wine shows plenty of village character. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.
BH 87-90 (1/2011): A very different aromatic profile is present here with pungent Gevrey-style earth adding nuance to the pure red and dark berry fruit aromas that introduce lightly mineral-suffused middle weight flavors that are restrained and firm on the mildly austere finish that is clean and crisp with lovely balance. Drink 2015+. |
|
|
2009 |
Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Proces Bin-Soiled Label |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| BH 91-93 (1/2011): An understated, pure and elegant nose that is primarily on the red fruit side of the spectrum is also cut with notes of rose and violets. The detailed, intense and tightly focused medium-bodied flavors display an alluring touch of minerality on the linear and very serious finish that exhibits excellent balance. This is clearly built to age and will require ample patience. Drink 2021+. Outstanding! |
|
|
2011 |
Gevrey Chambertin Bin-Soiled Label |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 89-91 (3/2014): One of the highlights in this range of village wines, the 2011 Gevrey-Chambertin impresses for its balance and class. Sweet black cherries, smoke, wild flowers and savory herbs are all layered together beautifully in a finessed Burgundy with tons of near and medium-term appeal. Duband’s Gevrey captures the best qualities of the year. It is both approachable and also appears to have the stuffing to age. (Drink between 2014-2021). Antonio Galloni.
BH 86-88? (1/2013): Here the floral elements are more pronounced with good spice to the fresh and cool red and dark berry fruit aromas, all liberally laced with Gevrey style earth nuances. There is good punch to the clean, pure, detailed and precise middle weight flavors that offer good depth though there is presently a touch of astringency on the otherwise persistent finish. Whether this is due to a bit of under ripeness or the gas is hard to say but as readers know, when there is a potential question mark about ripeness levels, I prefer to remain cautious. Drink 2017+. |
|
| Dom. Dublere |
2010 |
Volnay 1er Cru Les Pitures Bin-Soiled Label |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| BH 90-92 (4/2012): This is aromatically more complex and slightly riper as well with an appealing blend of red and blue pinot fruit, violet, plum and wet stone scents. The precise and mineral-driven medium-bodied flavors possess a silky mouth feel and plenty of underlying tension that imparts a real sense of energy to the dry, clean and impeccably well-balanced finale. There is sufficient supporting structure to provide for 7 to 10 years of upside development potential. Drink 2017+. Outstanding! |
|
| Dom. Rene Engel |
1998 |
Vosne Romanee Scuffed Label |
$875 |
2 |
|
| |
| BH 89 (7/2015): A fully mature nose is displaying full-on secondary aromas with good spice and earth nuances adding additional complexity that the delicious and attractively vibrant middle weight flavors also display. There is good detail and a light touch of minerality to the largely resolved, balanced and lingering finish. For my taste this is drinking now as well as it's going to though with that said, there is no particular rush to drink up. Note that one recent bottle displayed notable oxidation and was quite tired. (Drink starting 2015). |
|
| S. Esmonin |
2022 |
Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,160.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Faiveley |
2019 |
Echezeaux En Orveaux Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$932.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Maison Alex Gambal |
2007 |
Savigny les Beaune Vieilles Vignes |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Vosne Romanee Vieilles Vignes Bin-Soiled Label |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| BH 89-91 (4/2014): Here too the nose is relatively high-toned with appealing spice elements adding breadth to the expressive nose of red currant and sandalwood nuances. The supple and very rich medium-bodied flavors are blessed with plenty of palate coating dry extract that imparts a velvety mouth feel to the balanced and impressively persistent finish. This is an excellent villages and well worth considering. (Drink starting 2018). |
|
|
2012 |
Beaune 1er Cru Greves |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 91 (6/2014): The 2012 Beaune 1er Cru Les Greves has a lifted, floral bouquet with cheeky scents of iodine and cassis, all with fine definition. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins that belie the fine structure underneath. The finish is persistent in the mouth with red currant and cranberry toward the finish. Very fine. Drink 2015-2022.
BH 87-90 (4/2014): The expressive nose features notes of very fresh and airy red and dark currant with plenty of earth influence along with spice wisps. There is a very round and generous mouth feel to the almost lacy middle weight flavors that exude a very fine minerality on the slightly toasty finish that exhibits just enough sweetness to notice as well as good if not special depth and length. This is a refined Grèves that should also be accessible young if desired. Drink 2017+. |
|
| Dom. Jean Grivot |
2016 |
Echezeaux Grand Cru (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$6,685.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| BH 95 (1/2019): (from Les Cruots which is also known as Vignes Blanches.) A deft touch of wood frames a strongly reduced nose. More positively, the velvety, round and utterly seductive large-scaled flavors are brimming with dry extract on the mouth coating and quite serious finish that displays sensational length and stunning complexity. This is a powerful Ech that is also clearly built to age. Note that my rating implicitly assumes that the reduction displayed by the nose will eventually dissipate as it does not show up on the palate. Drink 2036+. |
|
| Dom. Heresztyn |
2002 |
Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes Lightly Scuffed Label |
$70 |
3 |
|
| |
| BH 87 (1/2005): This is much brighter and more aromatically vibrant with plenty of Gevrey earth and red raspberry/pinot aromas that lead to sappy, pure and sweet barely middle weight flavors that culminate in a racy, moderately long finish. (Drink starting 2008). |
|
| Dom. Alain Hudelot-Noellat |
2011 |
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Beaumonts (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,444.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,146.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Lucien Le Moine |
2020 |
Bonnes Mares Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,599.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Maison Leroy |
2003 |
Bourgogne Rouge |
$249 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Fixin (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$6,313.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Leroy |
2011 |
Nuits St. Georges Aux Lavieres (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$11,353.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Thierry & Pascal Matrot |
2023 |
Volnay 1er Cru Santenots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$552.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Jean-Marc Millot |
2019 |
Echezeaux Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,858.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Echezeaux Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,893.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. JF Mugnier |
2021 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Fuees (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,720.97 |
2 |
|
| |
BH 90-92 (1/2023): A spicier array of plum, black pinot fruit and violet serves as a fresh and elegant introduction to the gorgeously textured, sappy and denser medium-bodied flavors that possess excellent mid-palate volume, all wrapped in a clean, dry and herbal tea and mineral-inflected finale. Lovely and decidedly understated in style.
VM 91-93 (1/2023): The 2021 Chambolle-Musigny Les Fuées 1er Cru has a very attractive, quite intellectual nose with lively red fruit, crushed rocks, orange blossom and subtle tobacco scents. This has wonderful delineation. The palate is smooth and cohesive, with orange rind and Seville orange marmalade infusing the red fruit. An underlying note of white pepper and cracked black pepper lends spiciness to the finish. What a lovely, sprightly ingenue of a Les Fuées. Neal Martin.
WA 92-94 (1/2023): Pure and precise, the 2021 Chambolle-Musigny 1er Cru Les Fuées offers up aromas of sweet red berries, peonies, vine smoke, spices and orange rind, followed by a medium to full-bodied, seamless palate defined by cool fruit tones and melting tannins. Concluding with a long, mineral finish, this is a weightless, elegant Fuées from Mugnier. |
|
| Lucien Muzard |
2014 |
Santenay 1er Cru Maladiere |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| BH 86 (6/2016): A fruity yet earthy nose is composed mainly by plum and various dark berry scents. There is good detail and verve to the lighter weight flavors that possess acceptable but not better depth and length on the ever-so-mildly edgy finish. On the plus side this manages to avoid any overt rusticity but overall, I was frankly disappointed in this effort because while it is well-made, it lacks much in the way of Santenay character. I would suggest decanting this for 30 minutes and enjoying it young for its fruit. (Drink starting 2017). |
|
| Dom. Georges Noellat |
2018 |
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Petits Monts (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,756.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Parent |
2014 |
Pommard La Croix Blanche |
$70 |
1 |
|
| |
BH 88-91 (4/2016): Here too the nose is exceptionally fresh if somewhat somber with its layered array of ripe black cherry, plum, violet and earth aromas. There is fine richness to the notably round middle weight flavors that are blessed with good volume and a succulent texture where the moderately firm but well-balanced finish is again mildly rustic and austere. (Drink starting 2021).
WA 88-90 (12/2015): The 2014 Pommard Village la Croix Blanche is usually blended with Pommard Noizons...at least when it is not being destroyed 100% by hail. It has a punchy blackcurrant and iodine-tinged bouquet that is quite Volnay-like. The palate is medium-bodied with a grainy texture, a little disjointed at the moment but it will coalesce with time. There is good salinity on the finish here and the 35% new oak is nicely integrated. This should grow up to be a thoroughly decent Pommard. |
|
| Dom. Sylvain Pataille |
2019 |
Marsannay Clos du Roy (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$725.97 |
5 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Marsannay La Chapitre (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$614.97 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Marsannay La Chapitre (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$512.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Bourgogne Rouge (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$313.99 |
15 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Bourgogne Rouge (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$296.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Marsannay Clos du Roy (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$552.99 |
8 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Marsannay La Chapitre (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$524.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Perrot-Minot |
2005 |
Gevrey Chambertin |
$100 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 87-90 (3/2007): Ruby-red. Blackberry and spices on the musky nose, along with a wild gamey nuance. Dense, sweet and concentrated, with shapely flavors of dark fruits, game and spice. Very Gevrey. Stephen Tanzer.
BH 86-89 (1/2007): An earthy dark berry fruit nose introduces rich, delicious and supple middle weight flavors that possess good mid-palate concentration and a lovely texture, all wrapped in a forward and easy to like finish. (Drink starting 2009). |
|
| Dom. Ponsot |
2011 |
Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,781.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (11/2014): Tasted blind at the Burgundy 2011 horizontal tasting in Beaune. Laurent Ponsot’s Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes '11 is reticent at first and demands coaxing, although it repays the patient imbiber with lively floral scents that are entwined with strawberry pastilles and cranberry. The palate is medium-bodied with a fleshy and almost corpulent entry, at least for a 2011 Côte de Nuits. There is admirable depth here with fleshy strawberry and red cherry notes infused with fennel and sage. It lingers for a very long time, which is quite unusual for this vintage. While it needs another few years to completely coalesce, it will be worth the wait. |
|
| Dom. de la Pousse d'Or |
2009 |
Volnay 1er Cru Les Caillerets
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$201.97 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 94 (5/2011): The 2009 Volnay En Caillerets bursts from the glass with a huge, explosive bouquet. Blackberries, blueberries, hard candy and spices are just a few of the notes that emerge from this layered, intense Burgundy. There is plenty of inner tension here, in fact the Caillerets appears to be holding back a lot of its potential. It is a dazzling wine though, and one built for the long haul. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2049.
BH 92 (5/2011): A discreet touch of wood frames notably elegant aromas of plum, violets and stone where the latter element also suffuses the rich, fleshy and delicious middle weight flavors that possess an abundance of dry extract that buffers the moderately firm tannins on the impressively persistent finish. This should be lovely in time. Drink 2017+. Outstanding!
VM 91 (4/2012): Bright fresh ruby. Aromas of cassis, mint and game, along with a liqueur-like note of black cherry. Sweet and concentrated, round and full. Wonderfully ripe without being roasted, with an element of sweetness giving this wine considerable early appeal. Substantial sweet tannins are buried under the wine's fruit today on the long finish. |
|
|
2011 |
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,574.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| BH 94 (4/2013): A broad-ranging nose of spice, smoke, black tea, earth and sauvage hints add considerable depth to the dark berry fruit and cassis aromas. There is strikingly good intensity and real power to the overtly muscular big-bodied flavors that ooze a fine dry extract that does an excellent job of buffering the firm and robust tannins on the suave and textured finale that also delivers superbly length. This is also most impressive though note that patience will be required. Drink 2023+. Don't miss! |
|
|
2011 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Groseilles (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,825.99 |
1 |
|
| |
BH 90 (4/2013): Interestingly, this is actually not quite as elegant as the villages but it is more complex with a slightly more deeply pitched nose of cassis, softly spiced plum and black pinot fruit liqueur scents. There is good richness to the very round, supple and seductively textured medium-bodied flavors that display good verve as well as a hint of finishing wood. Drink 2018+.
VM 87-90 (2/2013): Bright ruby-red. Wild, musky aromas of dark berries and spices come across as a bit dull. Juicy and moderately deep but rather closed today, showing more saline minerality than primary fruit. This very backward wine finishes with slightly tough tannins and a lingering salty character. |
|
|
2011 |
Corton Bressandes Grand Cru (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,825.99 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 94 (4/2014): Good dark red. Expressive, high-toned nose shows a leesy complexity to the aromas of cherry, flowers, soil and what Patrick Landanger called "blood peach." The palate offers uncanny energy and perfume, with sweet fruit lifted by spices and flowers. Lovely juiciness and class here. A wonderful Corton grand cru. Landanger did a much better job timing the harvest here than he did in 2012.
BH 93 (4/2013): ( from a .5 ha parcel). A slightly riper set of red and black pinot fruit aromas enjoys added latitude by the presence of strong earth, wet stone and a touch of the sauvage. There is a sleek muscularity to the rich, intense and big-bodied flavors that also exude a fine minerality that adds a sense of lift and energy on the focused, intense and impressively persistent finish. As it almost always is, this is quite a refined wine in the context of the universe of Corton grands crus and this impression is also abetted by the presence of very fine-grained tannins. Drink 2023+. Sweet Spot Outstanding! |
|
|
2012 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,475.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,828.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,662.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,668.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,443.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Feusselottes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,189.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,698.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,065.97 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Volnay 1er Cru Les Caillerets (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$808.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2017 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,105.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2017 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Groseilles (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,303.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2017 |
Chambolle Musigny (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$663.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
|
2017 |
Corton Bressandes Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$841.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2017 |
Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$841.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
|
2017 |
Volnay 1er Cru Clos d’Audignac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$951.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,286.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,295.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,149.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$519.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Groseilles (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,951.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Corton Bressandes Grand Cru (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,772.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,734.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Volnay 1er Cru Clos d’Audignac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$860.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Volnay 1er Cru Les Caillerets (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,328.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,930.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,448.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,144.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Groseilles (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$951.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Corton Bressandes Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$961.99 |
6 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$979.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Pommard 1er Cru Les Jarollieres (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$648.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Volnay 1er Cru 60 Ouvrees (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,772.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Groseilles (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,006.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Chambolle Musigny (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$833.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Corton Bressandes Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,025.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,808.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$887.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Santenay 1er Cru Clos Tavannes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$491.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Volnay 1er Cru Les Caillerets (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$654.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$794.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Corton Clos du Roi Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$440.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Joseph Roty |
2020 |
Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Clos Prieur (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,243.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Georges Roumier |
2001 |
Bonnes Mares Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$16,560.97 |
1 |
|
| |
BH 93 (10/2005): Big, strapping, explosive aromas of black fruit, earth and notes of blueberries all trimmed in a touch of wood toast lead to sappy, full-bodied, rich, wonderfully intense, powerfully structured flavors that go on and on. Exceptionally dense for the vintage with dusty structure and superb balance which should permit it to age for years. Consistent notes. Drink 2010+.
VM 93 (4/2004): Saturated ruby-tinged red. Complex aromas of black fruits, mocha and underbrush. Sweet, dense and sappy, with a deep core of spicy fruit. Seems less closed today than most of Roumier's other 2001s owing to its absence of hard edges. But this very serious, thick wine really needs five or six years of bottle aging and should last well. Finishes with terrific persistence.
WA 89-91 (6/2003): The medium-bodied, medium to dark ruby-colored 2001 Bonnes Mares is an Outstanding wine. It explodes from the glass with candied black fruit aromas and slathers the palate with its deep, suave, violet-laced jammy blackberries. Armed with first-rate depth of fruit, this friendly, silky-textured offering displays a long finish packed with ripe tannin enveloped in black cherries. Projected maturity: now-2010. |
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2018 |
Musigny Grand Cru
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$19,408.99 |
2 |
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| | Burgundy White |
| Dom. Henri Boillot |
2012 |
Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles |
$245 |
1 |
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BH 91 (6/2014): White orchard fruit and the hallmark honeysuckle scents give way to punchy and impressively concentrated medium-bodied flavors that possess a highly refined mouth feel if not the sheer depth of the Clos de la Mouchère. To be sure this is a lovely wine that could aptly be described as notably bigger and more powerful than is typical for Pucelles. Drink 2018+. Outstanding!
VM 92-95 (10/2013): Green-tinged medium yellow. Ripe stone fruits, pear, honey and hazelnut on the inviting nose and palate. Fat, rich and chewy; this extract-rich wine boasts terrific solidity and depth of fruit. Finishes with Outstanding force and length. Has the palate presence of a grand cru. (Incidentally, there's no Folatieres in 2012; Boillot only made his domain bottlings from Puligny-Montrachet.) |
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| Maison Henri Boillot |
2015 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru |
$450 |
1 |
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BH 95 (6/2017): (100% from Aloxe fruit in Le Charlemagne.) A cooler if slightly less complex nose offers up smoky aromas of green apple, white fruit and, once again, plenty of citrus elements. The powerful and dense flavors are blessed with so much dry extract that there is a borderline chewy texture; indeed this is almost tannic and it's clear that in contrast to so many 2015 whites, this is going to require extended cellaring. In short, this is a great Corton-Charlemagne.Drink 2027+. Don't miss!
VM 93-95 (9/2016): Full yellow. Smoky minerality dominates the nose. Fat and sweet on entry, then juicy and penetrating but not austere in the middle, with the wine's thickness leavened by smoky silex minerality. A wine of Outstanding density and solidity, this grand cru really scrapes the palate clean on the chewy, very long back end. This one will need extended cellaring. Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Dom. Henri Boillot |
2015 |
Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles |
$250 |
1 |
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BH 94 (6/2017): A beautifully layered nose combines notes of honeysuckle, citrus, sandalwood and spiced pear. The dense, serious and surprisingly powerful flavors possess a gorgeous mouth feel while delivering positively huge length on the wonderfully persistent finish. I really like the texture and this is a picture perfect rendition of the vineyard. (Drink starting 2023).
WA 93 (4/2018): The 2015 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles is superb, wafting from the glass with notes of yellow stone fruit, iodine and noble reduction—its bouquet more reserved than the Perrières and Combettes which preceded it in our tasting. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and elegantly glossy, with grand cru depth and dimension, sustained by superb cut and tension. |
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| Vincent Dancer |
2022 |
Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Tete du Clos (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,078.99 |
1 |
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| Dom. Fichet |
2022 |
Meursault Meix Sous le Chateau (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$581.99 |
1 |
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| Dom. Heitz-Lochardet |
2020 |
Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$883.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Les Heritiers du Comte Lafon |
2023 |
Macon (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$440.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Dom. de la Pousse d'Or |
2017 |
Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,071.99 |
5 |
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| JM 93-96 (10/2020): Beautiful, pale lemon and lime, with real elegance to the nose, crystalline, stylish and with excellent length. The precise purity of chardonnay fruit, well-nourished on its bed of limestone, comes back at the finish. Balanced at a fraction under 14%. |
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| | Champagne |
| Bollinger |
|
Special Cuvee Champagne |
$60 |
1 |
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2004 |
Grande Annee Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,046.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Guy Charlemagne |
2008 |
Mesnillesime Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$819.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Delamotte Pere et Fils |
1990 |
Blanc de Blancs Champagne Lightly Scuffed Label |
$350 |
1 |
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WA 92 (2/1997): The 1990 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs was other-worldly. The 1990 Blanc de Blancs is an exquisite 100% Chardonnay Champagne. Loaded with leesy, wheat thin, buttery flavors, exceptionally complex, rich, and flavor, yet oh so delicate and light, it possesses a decade of aging potential. Delamotte has always been somewhat of an insider's Champagne house, producing high quality at realistic prices. It seems obvious that the quality of the 1990 Champagne vintage is going to be remarkable, and the world-wide demand will be unprecedented. The message - buy them now!
VM 91 (11/1998): Complex, smoky aromas of lemon, spring flowers, minerals, marzipan and spices; like a grand cru white Burgundy. Vibrant and ripe, with beautifully integrated acidity and superb flavor intensity. Big but fine. The palate-cleansing aftertaste features a note of caraway seed. The best vintage release that I can recall from this house. Stephen Tanzer. |
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|
2014 |
Blanc de Blancs Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$586.99 |
1 |
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JD 94 (11/2022): A blend of the six Grand Cru villages of the Cote de Blancs, with 6.5 grams per liter dosage, the 2014 Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut is fresh and precise, with aromas of vibrant green apple, pleasant reduction with flint, and delicate smoke, citrus blossoms, and wet stone. The transition to the palate is seamless and linear, with crisp and crunchy green fruit, and is electric with lime candy, a refined mousse, and a chalky texture. It warrants more time before opening, but it is delicious and refreshing now. Drink over 2023-2043. Audrey Frick.
WA 94 (9/2021): Delamotte's just-released 2014 Blanc de Blancs has turned out very well indeed, opening in the glass with scents of citrus zest, crisp orchard fruit, fresh bread and wet stones. Medium to full-bodied, chiseled and incisive, with excellent depth at the core, racy acids and a chalky finish, this isn't as muscular as the 2008 or 2012, but it has real cut and persistence and should age very gracefully indeed.
VM 94 (11/2021): The 2014 Blanc de Blancs is seriously impressive. Ample in feel, Delamotte is especially rich in 2014, and yet there is plenty of freshness to balance things out. This is an especially savory style for Delamotte, and one that works so well. Dried lemon peel, pastry, almond, dried herbs and chamomile open in a beautifully translucent Blanc des Blancs that marries power and finesse. I can’t wait to see how it ages. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Charles Heidsieck |
2006 |
Brut Rare Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$467.99 |
3 |
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2008 |
Brut Rare Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$494.99 |
1 |
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|
|
2013 |
Brut Rare Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$490.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Krug |
|
Brut Grande Cuvee 167th Edition Champagne (6X750ML)
Futures- ETA TBD - Subject to tariffs upon arrival in USA |
$1,532.98 |
1 |
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| WA 95+ (4/2019): Making its debut this year is Krug's NV Grande Cuvee 167ème edition, a beautiful wine that wafts from the glass with aromas of yellow orchard fruit, peach and waxy citrus rind, complemented by complex notes of freshly baked bread, walnuts and smoke. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and muscular but incisive, with a deep and concentrated core, a pinpoint mousse and a long, complex finish. Built around the 2011 vintage, the wine includes reserve wines dating back to 1995 and was disgorged in the winter of 2017-2018. Readers are advised to give it at least a couple years of bottle age before popping corks. |
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| Larmandier-Bernier |
2014 |
Terre de Vertus 1er Cru Champagne (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$643.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Champagne Marie-Courtin |
2018 |
Extra Brut Concordance Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$552.99 |
1 |
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| Perrier-Jouet |
1999 |
Fleur de Champagne |
$249 |
1 |
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| WA 89 (12/2008): The 1999 Brut Fleur de Champagne Cuvee Belle Epoque comes across as sweeter and softer than the 2000, with generous honeyed notes of apricots and flowers. The wine shows plenty of length, with pretty notes of sweetness that linger on the finish. The 1999 is 50% Chardonnay from Grand Crus in the Cote des Blancs, 45% Pinot Noir from Mailly, Verzenay and Verzy in the Montagne de Reims. Disgorged on November 6th, 2007. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. |
|
| Philipponnat |
2000 |
Clos des Goisses Brut Champagne
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$331.97 |
12 |
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| |
| VM 94 (12/2012): (made from two-thirds pinot noir and one-third chardonnay; disgorged June, 2010): Yellow-gold. Heady aromas of poached pear, floral honey, quince paste and musky flowers, with a smoky mineral overtone. Rich but energetic and focused, offering mineral-laced orchard and pit fruit flavors and suggestions of tarragon, vanilla and brioche. Plays power off finesse, finishing with excellent clarity and stony persistence. The 2003 version of this Champagne is showing a flamboyant streak right now, with abundant flavors of orchard and pit fruits and a sexy vanilla nuance. I'd enjoy this lush, expansive wine over the next few years but have no doubt that it will continue to age positively. The 2001 Clos des Goisses, which I sampled three times this year, is showing an exotic, nutty character and seems fully mature, to my taste. I suspect that the nuttiness will become more prominent over the coming years and that's a quality that gives me pause when considering this Champagne's aging curve. Fans of that style will demur, of course, and might enjoy this bottling even more in another five years or so. Josh Raynolds. |
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| Louis Roederer |
2006 |
Brut Nature By Philippe Starck Champagne |
$100 |
1 |
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| WA 91 (6/2016): The 2006 Brut Nature is Roederer's first non-malolactic, zero dosage vintage Champagne; it is equipped with a distinctive label from French designer Philippe Starck. Based on 55% Pinot Noir, 25% Meunier and 20% Chardonnay from late ripening plots on dark clay soils in Cumières (which are picked and processed together), the Brut Nature shows a great purity and freshness on the delicate nose. Pure, lean and mineral on the palate, this is a finesse-full and very straight, lemon-fresh and tension-filled fizz with a very good finish. Disgorged in March 2014. |
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| Dom Ruinart |
2006 |
Blanc de Blancs Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,276.99 |
1 |
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| VM 96+ (12/2016): One of the highlights among this year's new tête de cuvee releases, 2006 the Brut Blanc de Blancs Dom Ruinart is a powerful, almost tannic Champagne built on structure and intensity. Then again, much of the Chardonnay here comes from the Montagne de Reims, where wines tend to naturally be quite broad. Even though it's now ten years old, the 2006 is much less expressive than either the 2002 or 2004 at a similar stage. I expect it will be quite a few years before the 2006 is truly ready to drink. Over the years I have been fortunate to taste Dom Ruinart back to the 1970s, and while I don't think the 2006 will need decades to be at its best, it certainly does look like a long distance runner. There is plenty of citrus and floral driven intensity, although the bouquet is less toasty and open than it often is. In short, the 2006 Dom Ruinart is a wine for those who can be patient. It will be a fine investment for those looking for a wine to cellar to commemorate special occasions. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2007 |
Blanc de Blancs Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,577.97 |
2 |
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VM 97+ (7/2018): The 2007 Dom Ruinart is the first vintage made entirely by Chef de Caves Frederic Panaïotis, which shows just how long the production cycle is in Champagne. A striking, tightly-coiled wine, the 2007 Dom Ruinart will leave readers week at the knees. In this vintage, Panaïotis took Dom Ruinart, which has traditionally relied on a relatively high percentage of Chardonnay from the Montagne de Reims and tilted the balance to 75% Côtes des Blancs and 25% Montagne de Reims fruit. As a result, the 2007 is much more chiseled and steely than is the norm. The citrus, slate, crushed rock, white pepper, mint and floral notes really sizzle in this powerful, dramatically rich Champagne, with bright saline notes that add freshness and vivacity to the striking finish. The 2007 is a stunning Champagne by any measure. Although it is very early, the 2007 has the potential to go down as one of the great Dom Ruinarts. It is every bit that special. Dosage is under 5 grams per liter, a pretty striking change from the 2006, which was closer to 10. Readers who can grab the 2007 won’t want to miss it. Antonio Galloni.
JS 94 (9/2018): A lot to like here with a fresh array of mandarins, grapefruit and oranges. Super fresh, ripe and vibrant, there’s plenty of toast and minerals, too. The palate is built in a very supple, attractive and powerful style, holding concentrated, fleshy fruit throughout. Has plenty of time ahead. Drink or hold. |
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|
2009 |
Brut Rose Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,555.99 |
1 |
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WA 96 (4/2023): A blend of 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir from Aÿ and a dosage of four grams per liter, the 2009 Dom Ruinart Rosé possesses a complex, vibrant bouquet with aromas of cherry, spring flowers, gooseberry, tangerine, almonds, pastry and slightly reductive elegant notes. Full-bodied, fleshy and vinous, the palate is perfectly balanced, dense and concentrated, with a delicate mousse and a long, saline, penetrating finish. There’s plenty of structure and substance here. There is no reason to wait, but it will age beautifully for another five to eight years.
VM 94 (5/2023): The 2009 Dom Ruinart Rosé is a very pretty, understated Champagne. Bright red fruit, blood orange, mint, rose petal, dried flowers and cinnamon are nicely lifted. This is an especially quiet, subtle Rosé, especially for the year. The blend is 85% Chardonnay, mostly from Grand Crus in the Côte des Blancs (Cramant, Avize, Chouilly, Mesnil-sur-Oger) with a touch of Montagne de Reims (Sillery), plus 15% still Pinot from Aÿ. Disgorged in 2018, dosage is 4 grams per liter. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2010 |
Blanc de Blancs Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,673.97 |
2 |
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| VM 98 (5/2023): The 2010 Dom Ruinart is starting to open up nicely. There's still plenty of the intense, chalky minerality and energy the wine showed last year, but also a bit more mid-palate richness to balance things out. Lemon confit, marzipan, white flowers, slate and white pepper are some of the many aromas and flavors that take shape in the glass. As good as the 2010 is today, I imagine it will be even better in another few years' time. As I have written previously, the 2010 Dom Ruinart is one of the most impressive Champagnes ever made here. If there is anything better, I don't think I have tasted it! Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ruinart |
NV |
Blanc de Blancs Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$666.99 |
3 |
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| Veuve Clicquot |
|
Brut Champagne |
$45 |
2 |
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| | Chile |
| Sena |
2015 |
Proprietary Blend (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$686.97 |
2 |
|
| |
| JS 100 (4/2017): Stunning aromas of blackcurrant, stone, blueberry and licorice. Also iodine. Floral. Perfumed. Full body, fantastic density of fruit and ripe tannins. It goes on for minutes on the palate with such energy and focus. Touch of chewiness on the finish. A complex and complete wine that delivers a generosity with firmness. Drink in 2021 but already a classic to drink. |
|
| | Italy |
| Altesino |
2020 |
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$767.99 |
16 |
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| Azelia |
2016 |
Barolo Bricco Fiasco (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$673.99 |
4 |
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| VM 96 (2/2020): The 2016 Barolo Bricco Fiasco is a glorious wine. Sweet red cherry, mint, iron, rose petal and blood orange are some of the many aromas and flavors that grace this exquisite, beautifully layered Barolo. A wine of subtlety, nuance and grace, the 2016 has so much to offer. I don't remember ever tasting a Bricco Fiasco with this level of finesse and nuance. Two thousand sixteen is the first vintage in which the Bricco Fiasco is aged part in cask and part in barrique. All I can say is: Wow! Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Produttori del Barbaresco |
2007 |
Barbaresco Asili Riserva Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$110 |
1 |
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| WA 94 (10/2011): The 2007 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is a huge wine. In some ways it reminds me of the 2004 because of its silkiness, but the 2007 is a richer wine with more weight, glycerin and body. Sweet cherries, flowers, hard candy and spices are woven together beautifully through to the plush, enveloping finish. Despite the power and richness there is plenty of Asili character in the glass. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032. |
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|
2014 |
Barbaresco Rio Sordo Riserva (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$581.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (10/2018): The 2014 Barbaresco Riserva Rio Sordo is the most open-knit and easygoing of these Riservas. Creamy and giving, the Rio Sordo is one of the more available of the Riservas in the early going, an impression that is reinforced by its mid-weight structure. Perfumed floral notes add lift to the dark, red-toned fruit. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Dott G. Cappellano |
2014 |
Barolo Otin Fiorin Pie Franco (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,922.99 |
1 |
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| VM NR (2/2019): The 2014 Barolo Piè Franco is an anomaly. Poor weather hammered yields in this already challenged parcel within Cappellano's Gabutti vineyard. Yields were down a punishing 50%. Because of practical considerations related to small volume of wine, the 2014 spent less time in oak than normal. Over time, the 2014 has gained a measure of inner sweetness and depth it did not show in barrel, which is a very good thing. Kirsch, orange peel, cedar, mint, wild flowers and spice notes give the 2014 a decidedly exotic feel. Readers should expect an especially gracious, airy Barolo Piè Franco in 2014. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Castelgiocondo (Frescobaldi) |
2001 |
Brunello di Montalcino Ripe al Convento Riserva (3.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$915.99 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (10/2007): The 2001 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Ripe al Convento is a richly-flavored, full-bodied offering loaded with dark cherries, vanilla, smoke, cola and sweet toasted oak. It may not be the most complex Brunello out there, but it does offer an attractive, easygoing personality, Outstanding length and sweet, silky tannins on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2017. |
|
| Ceretto |
1999 |
Barolo Brunate Bricco Rocche Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 91 (5/2006): 1999 Barolo Bricco Rocche Brunate—Medium ruby. The Brunate is the most accessible of these 1999 Barolos. It is a big, brooding Barolo packed with super-ripe fruit, tar, scorched earth and licorice flavors with good overall length and rising note of menthol on the finish. Unfortunately the personality of this great site remains suffocated by an overly exuberant use of new barriques but few years of cellaring should help the wine to absorb the oak. The Brunate should drink well relatively early and reach full maturity sooner than the Prapo.
VM 91 (12/2002): Medium red. Complex, mellow aromas of plum, cherry, marzipan and earth; ripe but not overripe. Suave, silky, full and deep, with noteworthy clarity of flavor and inner-mouth perfume. Finishes with broad, horizontal tannins. |
|
| Domenico Clerico |
2005 |
Barolo Pajana |
$95 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 95 (4/2009): The 2005 Barolo Pajana is off the charts. This deeply scented, layered Barolo possesses a striking bouquet of spices, tobacco, graphite, dark cherries and new leather that come together in a breathtaking display of elegance and power that is hard to fully capture in words. The tannins are, as usual, quite broad but they are also remarkably fine. In 2005 the Pajana shows breathtaking balance and harmony with a long, sensual finish. This is a superb effort from Domenico Clerico, and his team led by the mega-talented Massimo Conterno. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.
VM 91+ (12/2009): Good deep red. Expressive aromas of raspberry, plum, strawberry, brown spices, mocha and chestnut, along with some sexy nutty oak. Sweet and pliant on entry but less harmonious than the young 2006: with moderate depth, the acids come across as less integrated and the slightly spiky tannins cut off the wine's fruit on the back. This will need a few years of patience. |
|
| Aldo Conterno |
1998 |
Barolo Scuffed Label; Bin-Soiled Label |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Giacomo Conterno |
2013 |
Barolo Monfortino Riserva (3.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,301.99 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 99 (11/2018): The 2013 Barolo Riserva Monfortino is a huge, towering wine marked by serious fruit intensity and a backbone of firm, classically austere tannins. Certainly next to the 2014 and 2015, the sheer tannic clout of the 2013 is impossible to miss. Sage mint, tobacco and dried flower notes add striking shades of aromatic nuance, but the 2013 is ultimately distinguished by its huge, potent personality. It is sure to thrill those who own it for many decades to come. In 2013, Roberto Conterno did not bottle his Barolo Francia. Instead, he chose to use all of the fruit for the flagship Barolo Monfortino, which up until the present, he had only done once before, in 2002. Antonio Galloni.
JS 99 (1/2019): Warm aromas of plums, rose petals and spices with hints of sandalwood. Some tar. Full body, dense center palate with glorious fruit and a fantastic finish. Very, very polished and fine tannins. Vertical and deep. A great Monfortino. Try in 2023.
WA 98 (6/2019): I have been tasting this wine from barrel for the past two years and now finally, abracadabra, the 2013 Barolo Riserva Monfortino is safely housed in bottle. The wine was bottled in June of last year and will hit the market this upcoming October. The Barolo Francia was not produced in 2013 because Roberto Conterno diverted all fruit from that vineyard to this wine. Monfortino was not produced in 2011 or 2012, meaning that this 2013 edition follows directly after the absolutely stunning 2010 vintage (which earned a perfect 100-point score). The two vintages (2010 and 2013) are very similar, strikingly so, but the 2013 vintage registers at a slightly lower structural threshold. The tannins are slightly looser, or softer in the case of this wine. With up to six years in botte, the 2010 vintage is still crunchy and super sharp, while this wine is slightly more succulent and earthy. Some 20,000 bottles, 2,500 magnums and 400 three-liter bottles were made. |
|
| Conti Costanti |
2010 |
Brunello di Montalcino (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,379.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 97 (2/2015): Costanti's 2010 Brunello di Montalcino is stunning. Dark, powerful and mysterious in the glass, the 2010 captivates all the senses with its breathtaking beauty and layered, multi-dimensional personality. Lavender, violets, savory herbs, smoke, plums and graphite flow through to the rich, explosive finish. There is a prism-like sense of transparency allied to pure power in the 2010 that is impossible miss. Readers who can find the 2010 should not hesitate; it is a must-have. While many 2010s are approachable today, the Costanti's 2010 is not; it is a wine for the cellar. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Castello di Fonterutoli |
2019 |
Siepi (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$513.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| JS 98 (8/2021): This is a really racy and fine Siepi with currant, black-cherry and dark-chocolate character. It’s medium-to full-bodied with very long, intense tannins that are linear and fine-textured. Really builds on the palate. Super structure. Finesse with power. Try after 2024 and onwards. |
|
| Fontodi |
2015 |
Flaccianello Della Pieve (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$912.97 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 99 (8/2019): The 2015 Flaccianello della Pieve is even more stratospheric than it was last year. Rich and ample on the palate, Flaccianello captures all of the best qualities of this radiant vintage. The blend of sites, all in higher altitude spots near the center of town, yields a gorgeous, riveting wine of the very highest level. Dense and brooding, with magnificent energy as well as nuance, the 2015 Flaccianello is positively stunning. Antonio Galloni.
WA 98 (7/2019): This retrospective gave me the opportunity to taste the excellent 2015 vintage side by side with the highly anticipated 2016 vintage. These two years are famously in a tight race across Tuscany for supremacy. I'm ready to tip my hat at 2016. In comparison, the 2015 Flaccianello della Pieve is slightly broader in the shoulders and heavier in the gait. There is more meat on these bones, and the 2015 vintage presented vintners with near-perfect growing conditions in which one textbook part of the vegetative cycle transitioned directly to the next. The wine is dark, exuberant and profound, and the quality of the tannins is superb, fine and firm. One difference with the 2016 vintage is that the 2015 is a tad more accessible and ready. You can wait and cellar it for thirty years, or pop the cork sooner if you don't have the patience to wait. |
|
| Angelo Gaja |
2004 |
Barbaresco Sori Tildin (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,432.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Barbaresco (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,026.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (2/2010): All readers need to do is taste the 2007 Barbaresco to get a sense of the promise the vintage holds at Gaja. Soft and seamless on the palate, the Barbaresco shows wonderful integrity in its fruit in an opulent, yet mid-weight style. Fragrant, perfumed aromatics are woven throughout, while an attractive spiciness develops in the glass. There is incredible depth to the fruit and simply phenomenal overall balance. Readers will not want to miss this Barbaresco; arguably Gaja's finest since 1997. |
|
|
2008 |
Barbaresco (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,872.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| JS 94 (9/2011): Intense aromas of plums and dark fruits. Pure fruit here. Full body, with velvety tannins and hints of new wood. This is structured and chewy but shows loads of fruit underneath. This shows wonderful potential. Try in 2013. |
|
| Marchesi di Gresy |
1997 |
Martinenga Barbaresco |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 86 (6/2001): The 1997 Barbaresco Martinenga exhibits a garnet color with pink/amber at the edge. It is a soft wine with notes of lead pencil, cherry, strawberry, and espresso. While it reveals little mid-palate, extract, or length, it is charming and elegant in a spicy, medium-bodied, fruity manner. Consume it over the next 8-10 years. |
|
|
1997 |
Martinenga Barbaresco Scuffed Label; Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 86 (6/2001): The 1997 Barbaresco Martinenga exhibits a garnet color with pink/amber at the edge. It is a soft wine with notes of lead pencil, cherry, strawberry, and espresso. While it reveals little mid-palate, extract, or length, it is charming and elegant in a spicy, medium-bodied, fruity manner. Consume it over the next 8-10 years. |
|
| Massolino |
1999 |
Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda |
$250 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (8/2014): The 1999 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is terrific. A rich, silky wine, the 1999 impresses for finessed personality and inviting texture. The balance of fruit and tannin - one of the signatures of this great site - is impeccable. Although the 1999 is no longer the brute it once was, tertiary notes have yet to fully develop, which suggests the 1999 has plenty of life ahead. Antonio Galloni |
|
|
2005 |
Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda |
$165 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 94 (7/2016): Massolino's flagship 2005 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda opens with the beguiling aromatics that are a signature of this site. On the palate, though, the wine is still very much primary and in need of time to full come together. The flavors are bright and nuanced throughout, with plenty of energy running through a core of red berries, mint, lavender and rose petals. Still quite young, the 2005 needs at least a few years (or more) in the cellar to be at its best. Antonio Galloni.
WA 93 (2/2011): The 2005 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is a beautiful, graceful Barolo. It naturally doesn’t have the explosiveness of the 2006 or 2007, but it nevertheless impresses for its finessed fruit, expressive bouquet and well-integrated tannins. This mid-weight Vigna Rionda shows lovely palate presence, nuance and detail. Freshly cut flowers, sweet baking spices and small red fruits linger on the understated finish. It is a great effort in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027. |
|
| Castello di Neive |
2007 |
Barbaresco Albesani Santo Stefano |
$70 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (12/2010): The 2007 Barbaresco Albesani Santo Stefano shows the weight and richness that is typical of this south-facing site in Neive. A rich fabric of dark fruit, fresh roses, new leather and menthol completely cover the palate. The Santo Stefano is impeccable in its generous, enveloping fruit. The intensity and sheer depth of the fruit manages to virtually bury the tannins, but they are there. As delicious as this is today, it will be even better in a few years- time. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2027. |
|
| Casanova di Neri |
2016 |
Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$679.99 |
2 |
|
| |
JS 99 (11/2020): Aromas of blackberries, cherries, violets and bark with mahogany. It’s full-bodied and chewy with intense tannins that are layered and focused. The fruit is pure and purposeful, yet not over done. Wonderful strength and purity to this. Class is the word. Try it after 2024.
WA 97+ (11/2020): This is one of my sweetheart wines from Montalcino. The Casanova di Neri 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova offers a long list of aromas on an ever-shifting and fluid bouquet. You get bright cherry, rose potpourri, black truffle, caramel, butterscotch, sandalwood, road pavement and chalky mineral. In fact, each time I come back to this wine, that mineral element seemed to grow in intensity and scope. The wine offers a grounded fruit side that is contrasted nicely against a grounded oak component. The mouthfeel is creamy and long, and the wine shows terrific tannic integration. When you come back hours later, you might find black olive, bresaola and licorice.
VM 96 (11/2020): The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova drawing you in with a display of exotic brown spice, mint and cedar dust. Further coaxing unlocks depths of cherry, plum, hints of dark chocolate and roses. It coasts along a medium-bodied frame with velvety richness, complemented by polished red and black fruits while contrasted by brisk acids and hints of sour citrus. This coats the teeth in concentration, as if you can feel the pulp, seeds and skins of its fruit, while a layer of fine tannin slowly grounds you back to earth. The Tenuta Nuova already has so much to give, yet it will be many years before it reaches its apex. Wow. Thinking back to my tasting of the 2015, I can’t say that the 2016 is necessarily a better wine, just a little less immediate. Either way, both wines are beautiful expressions of vintage. Eric Guido. |
|
| Tenuta dell' Ornellaia |
2009 |
Masseto Proprietary Blend (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,289.99 |
2 |
|
| |
JS 98 (10/2014): I have always been impressed with the depth and grace to this wine since I tasted it from barrel. It's full-bodied with super integrated tannins and so much intense currant, berry character. A classic quality in this pure merlot wonder; feels like Pomerol from a top year like 2009. Try in 2017.
VM 96 (9/2012): Good full ruby. Superripe, pure aromas of blackberry, cassis, violet, minerals, milk chocolate and exotic spices. Superconcentrated, rich and seamless, offering explosive sweetness but also great verve, thanks to bright acidity that provides wonderful lift and clarity to the blackberry, blueberry and black cherry flavors. Finishes with ultra-suave tannins and a kaleidoscope of violet and Oriental spice flavors. A very great Masseto from a hot year, when I would have expected the merlot to suffer a bit. But unlike in 2003, when it wasn't just hot but dry as well, Masseto's unique microclimate allowed the merlot to avoid major stress in 2009. As good and refined as the Ornellaia is in 2009, I think the Masseto has an extra layer of complexity and depth. Ian d'Agata.
WA 94+ (6/2012): The 2009 Masseto bursts from the glass with dark red berries, blackberries, flowers, licorice and tar. It shows lovely up-front juiciness and expressive inner perfume in a surprisingly accessible style for this wine. Like the Ornellaia, the 2009 Masseto has quite a bit of freshness, although it, too, is medium-bodied in structure. In this vintage the Ornellaia team was especially selective and only used part of the three vineyards that typically go into Masseto. I have been fortunate to taste every vintage of Masseto, most more than once recently. Masseto has a great track record for aging, even in the smallest, least promising of vintages. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. |
|
| E. Pira & Figli (Chiara Boschis) |
2015 |
Barolo Via Nuova (6X750ML)
Futures- ETA TBD - Subject to tariffs upon arrival in USA |
$493.99 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 95+ (2/2019): Once again, the 2015 Barolo Via Nuova shows why the blending of several sites was the approach favored by Barolo producers until the 1960s, when the fascination for single-vineyard wines started to take off. Maybe the old-times knew something after all. Silky and fragrant, with exceptional balance, the 2015 is positively striking. Medium in body and layered, the 2015 has a very bright future. What a gorgeous wine it is. The Via Nuova was aged in equal parts cask and barrique. Antonio Galloni.
JS 95 (1/2019): This delivers a fresh and vibrant impression on the nose with ripe red cherries and a deep-set, rose perfume. The palate has impressive power and focus with chiseled, driving tannins that cut a straight line of pure, red and black-cherry flavor. Long and assertive in 2015. Try this from 2023.
WA 93 (6/2019): The 2015 Barolo Via Nuova is a blend of fruit from Barolo, Monforte d'Alba and Serralunga d'Alba, and each site adds elegance, power and structure, respectively. The wine's taste profile in 2015 emerges as very minty and balsamic on first nose. Delicate notes of forest berry and wild cherry are followed by cooling medicinal herb. This warm vintage also adds a touch of cured meat or leather at the very back that hints at the heat of the vintage. Overall, this is the most accessible and near-term of Chiara Boschis's three Barolos reviewed this year. |
|
|
2020 |
Barolo Cannubi (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$841.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Giuseppe Rinaldi |
2022 |
Barolo Le Brunate (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,927.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Barolo Tre Tine (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,927.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Francesco Rinaldi & Figli |
2018 |
Barolo Le Brunate (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$619.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Luciano Sandrone |
2005 |
Barolo Cannubi Boschis |
$190 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (4/2009): Sandrone’s 2005 Barolo Cannubi Boschis offers up pretty notes of mint, flowers, spices and dark red berries, with sweet notes of French oak that linger on the finish. This is a decidedly slender Cannubi Boschis that lacks some of the sheer pedigree and explosiveness of the best vintages. The tannins need some time to soften, but this is a wine that has continued to grow in bottle. It could very well turn out to be one of the vintage’s surprises. In 2005 the harvest took place at the end of September and the wine was aged in 500-liter barrels (one-third new). Anticipated maturity: 2011-2020.
VM 95 (12/2009): Good deep, bright red. Compelling perfume to the aromas of raspberry, smoke and minerals. At once silky and firmly built, with terrific juiciness and grip from sound acids. Not as dense as some vintages but boasts lovely fruit intensity and verve. Finishes with a firm tannic spine and lingering aromatic character. This seems even fresher in bottle than it was in barrel two years ago. |
|
| Livio Sassetti |
2016 |
Brunello di Montalcino Pertimali (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$491.97 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (12/2023): The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is rich and darkly alluring with a pleasantly rustic touch, as a burst of crushed black cherries and autumnal spice is lifted by suggestions of mint and white smoke. This opens with a lovely inner sweetness, showing remarkable purity and enveloping, plush textures as ripe red and blue fruits swirl throughout, guided by vibrant acidity. A tactile mineral tinge lingers along with gently grippy tannins as the 2016 tapers off with a sour sensation that keeps the mouth watering as a savory herbal thrust slowly fades. This bottle isn’t showing the purity of previous experiences, yet remains a killer Brunello. (Drink between 2025-2036) Eric Guido. |
|
| Sette Ponti |
2003 |
Oreno Lightly Scuffed Label |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (6/2007): The deeply-colored 2003 Oreno (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese) is a powerful effort redolent of tobacco, scorched earth and super-ripe, jammy, dark fruit. Warm and ample on the palate, it is a big, backward wine with plenty of structure and a brooding personality. A few years of bottle age may help round out the slightly drying tannins present on the finish. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Tenuta San Guido |
2004 |
Guidalberto (1.5 L) Lightly Scuffed Label |
$135 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (2/2007): The estate’s 2004 Guidalberto (45% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Sangiovese) beautifully captures the pedigree of its superior vintage. It presents a lively, darker color as well as a more vibrant, well-delineated set of aromas and flavors, including suggestions of dark cherries, violets, toasted oak and earthiness with a lovely underlying note of minerality and long, fresh finish. Although the Guidalberto is not made from the same vineyards as Sassicaia, it is hard not to wonder how that wine will turn out in this important vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016. |
|
|
2011 |
Guidalberto (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$726.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Terrabianca |
1997 |
Campaccio Toscana IGT |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (10/2001): One of Terrabianca's finest cuvees is Campaccio. The 1997 (a 6,000-case blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon aged one year in primarily French oak) is a complex, deep ruby-colored wine displaying scents of saddle leather, dried Provencal herbs, and subtle toasty oak. It is medium to full-bodied, with excellent depth, superb purity, and an open-knit, complex, structured personality. Delicious now, it promises to evolve for 7-8 years. |
|
| Tua Rita |
2015 |
Giusto di Notri Rosso Toscana (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$465.97 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 96-97 (8/2017): This is dense and structured with beautifully polished tannins and plenty of currant and blackberry character. Full body and chewy tannins yet refined and juicy. Lots of Mediterranean herbs with the dark fruit. Blend of mostly cabernet sauvignon with merlot and cabernet franc. Pretty barrel sample. This is coming along very nicely. Can't wait to taste in bottle. Made from organic grapes.
WA 96 (11/2017): Here is a high performance wine from Stefano Frascolla and his family. The 2015 Giusto di Notri is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with smaller parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The wine is contemporary, complex and gorgeous from tip to toe. You get a lot of power here and generous oak-driven tones of sweet espresso, chocolate and spice that surround a succulent core of dark fruit and candied cherry. All these elements appear even bigger and bolder in this warm vintage. |
|
| Valdicava |
2006 |
Brunello di Montalcino |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (5/2011): The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino flows with gorgeous layers of dark red fruit. This is one of the more muscular, virile wines of the vintage. Slow to reveal its character, the Valdicava Brunello will require significant patience, but I have seen the wine blossom beautifully, even in the smallest of vintages. A blast of iron, smoke, tar, licorice and new leather inform the deep, intense finish. This is a hugely promising, brilliant Brunello from proprietor Vincenzo Abbruzzese, but it needs to be buried in the cellar for at least a few years. Readers who can’t wait should open the wine a few hours in advance, which will allow the fruit to emerge. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031.
VM 95 (2/2026): Black tea leaves mix with balsamic spices, cocoa, plum sauce and sage as the dramatic 2006 Brunello di Montalcino smolders up from the glass. Pure elegance defines the palate, velvety smooth with a mocha tinge that provides the sensation of molten chocolate smoothing over the palate as masses of black cherry and autumnal spice settle on the senses. This leaves an array of the sweetest tannins imaginable, offset by a slight wild berry twang and finishing long on a note of refinement. (Drink between 2026-2032). Eric Guido. |
|
| Eduardo Valentini |
2017 |
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,281.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Vietti |
2017 |
Barolo Brunate (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$465.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Loire |
| Dom. Huet |
2020 |
Vouvray Clos du Bourg Moelleux 1er Trie (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$838.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Vouvray Le Mont Moelleux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$309.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (10/2023): The 2022 Le Mont Moelleux is a medium-sweet, tender style that is just so welcoming and appealing. It is the quiet type that doesn't show off. It offers breadth without weight, which I always like about the Huet wines - they're like clouds of Chenin floating over your palate. A fine floral and fruity fragrance reminiscent of lilac, pear and pineapple lingers off the tranquil finish. While the acidity in 2022 is a little gentle, it still has enough tension to sweep up the wine and hold it all together. A little more length and line would elevate it further. (51g/L RS, in case you're interested). Rebecca Gibb. |
|
| | Madeira & Sherry |
| H. M. Borges |
|
15-year old Malmsey Madeira |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | New Zealand |
| Kumeu River |
2019 |
Mates Vyd. Chardonnay (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$562.98 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Estate Chardonnay (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$483.98 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Coddington Chardonnay (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$352.98 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (4/2023): The 2022 Coddington Chardonnay has breadth and depth. Its rounded and shapely curves seem to shimmy as if it was comfortably settling onto a bean bag, finding its place. Honeysuckle, pear and melon meet spiced oak. The concluding texture is well considered and cleverly done with tension. The new oak (25%) provides a corset for the wine to sit within and tightens it up, as if the wine is held by a pair of control pants. (Drink between 2023-2033.) Rebecca Gibb. |
|
| | Other White |
| Klein Constantia |
2015 |
Vin de Constance (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$742.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Port |
| Dow |
2016 |
Port (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$442.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ferreira |
|
10 Year Old Tawny Quinta do Porto |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Osborne |
1992 |
Port |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
1994 |
Port (375 ML) |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (10/1996): Very dark ruby/purple-colored (not opaque), this is a rich, full-bodied, sweet port reminiscent of Graham's. Thick, viscous, rich, and full, this impressive port needs 5-10 years of cellaring. A sleeper. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2020. |
|
| Taylor |
|
20 Year Tawny Port |
$49 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (2/1995): It is my opinion that Taylor's tawny ports are the best of their type. When tasted against other tawnys, they all exhibit more aromatic personalities, greater fruit and ripeness, and a wonderful sweetness and length. Although I find the Thirty Year Old Tawny admirable, I prefer the richer, more vibrant Twenty Year Old Tawny. |
|
| | Rhone Red |
| Franck Balthazar |
2021 |
Cornas Chaillot (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,115.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Christophe Billon |
2019 |
Cote Rotie La Vialliere (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$403.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Mas de Boislauzon |
2019 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$238.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Le Clos du Caillou |
2019 |
Cotes du Rhone Les Quartz (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$217.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Courbis |
2017 |
Cornas Les Eygats (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$344.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 96+ (12/2019): The 2017 Cornas Les Eygats offers a more granite-driven bouquet of bloody blue fruits, liquid rocks, violets, game, and smoked meat. With full-bodied richness, integrated acidity, plenty of tannins, and more than enough fruit and pure opulence on the palate, this beauty needs 4-5 years of bottle age but is a singular, brilliant wine in every sense. This cuvee was destemmed and brought up in 50% new barrels. |
|
|
2022 |
Cornas Champelrose (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$303.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Etienne Guigal |
2010 |
Cote Rotie La Landonne
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$542.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (12/2014): As with the other two single-parcel Cote Roties, the 2010 Cote Rotie La Landonne is pure perfection in a glass. An incredibly massive, muscular, full-bodied effort, it has an insane amount of structure to go with an equal amount of concentrated fruit. Cassis, smoked bacon, coffee bean, cracked pepper and liquid rock-like qualities are all present here, and it hits the palate with a chiseled, focused textured, building tannin and terrific length. It’s the most backward of the 2010s and will require a decade of cellaring, but will keep for about as long as you’d like to hold onto bottles.
VM 96+ (2/2015): Glass-staining ruby. Potent smoke- and spice-accented black and blue fruit aromas are complicated by sexy potpourri and incense nuances that build with aeration. Sweet, penetrating blackberry and cherry liqueur flavors stain the palate, with licorice pastille and violet qualities coming in slowly. Rich yet lively and precise, finishing with Outstanding energy and chewy tannins that frame the wine's lush, alluringly sweet fruit. |
|
|
2018 |
Cote Rotie La Turque (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,037.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98-100 (2/2022): The 2018 Côte Rôtie La Turque offers meatier, more savory, mineral-driven aromatics yet has an incredible core of pure cassis and darker fruits. A straight-up massive wine, it has a stacked mid-palate, terrific freshness, and again, a purity of fruit that’s just off the chart. Despite its overall size and richness, it’s weightless and as graceful as a ballerina. It always needs more time to come around compared to the La Mouline and generally starts to drink beautifully a decade after the vintage.
VM 96-98 (5/2020): Smoke- and mineral-accented cherry and blackberry scents, along with powerful suggestions of exotic spices, incense and cracked pepper. Deep-pitched but also energetic on the palate, offering appealingly sweet dark berry, cherry liqueur and floral pastille flavors braced by a spine of juicy acidity. The floral note carries through an impressively long, penetrating finish that shows outstanding clarity and steadily mounting tannins. Josh Raynolds.
WA 94-96+ (2/2022): Shut down tight on this occasion, the dark, impenetrable 2018 Cote Rotie La Turque is clearly dense and packed with potential. Cedary notes, dark, concentrated fruit, potent tannins and a long, dusty finish suggest plenty of upside for the patient. |
|
| Bernard Levet |
2020 |
Cote Rotie Amethyste (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$384.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (12/2022): Glass-staining ruby. Pungent aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, licorice, smoked meat, potpourri and black pepper. Offers densely packed cassis, bitter cherry and candied violet flavors that show fine definition and are braced by an undercurrent of juicy acidity. The licorice, cassis and floral notes repeat on a long, spice- and mineral-accented finish that features youthfully chewy tannins and a hint of bitter chocolate. (Drink between 2026-2036). Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Dom. de Marcoux |
2019 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,152.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Rene Rostaing |
2018 |
Les Lezards Syrah (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$390.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Cote Rotie La Viaillere (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,372.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Jean-Michel Stephan |
2020 |
Cote Rotie Coteau de Bassenon (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,734.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. des Tourettes (Delas) |
2021 |
Hermitage (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$355.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Rhone White |
| Georges Vernay |
2023 |
Condrieu Chaillees de l’Enfer (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,299.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Spain |
| R. Lopez de Heredia |
2010 |
Vina Tondonia Reserva Rioja (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$392.99 |
3 |
|
| |
JS 97 (6/2022): This is as complex and savory as the rest of the Viña Tondonia wines, but also shows a tad more depth, with a hint of black plum and blue fruit on top of the orange rind, iron, tobacco and earthy spices. Expect some cedar and truffle to develop in the future. Juicy, zesty and tight, with a dusty tannins and bright berry fruit on the medium-to full-bodied palate. Drink or hold.
WA 96 (7/2022): The 2010 Viña Tondonia Reserva has all I expect from a Reserva from Tondonia, complexity, elegance and evolution, a developed nose with notes of forest floor and wild berries, herbs and flowers, a touch of iodine, brick dust and very fine, polished tannins. It has the seriousness and elegance of Tondonia. This is a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacho (they use the masculine form of the name of the grape) and 5% each Graciano and Mazuelo that fermented in the ancient oak vats from when the winery was created 144 years ago and matured in well-seasoned, American oak barrels for six years. It has 13% alcohol, a pH of 3.4 and 6.6 grams of acidity. 260,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2017. |
|
| Vega Sicilia |
2008 |
Unico Ribera del Duero (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,281.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2015): 2008 was a challenging vintage in Ribera del Duero, a vintage marked by a severe frost on September 24th. The vineyards of Vega Sicilia were saved by some anti-frost burners that really made the difference. Even though, there are only some 70,000 bottles of 2008 Unico, a wine that will be released around March 2016 after the 2007, and before they sell 2005 and 2006. It's a fresher, more mineral version of Vega, and very much Vega in character. It has a certain aroma that I cannot define that I also found in the 2011 Valbuena. The palate is surprisingly polished; the wine is quite accessible from now on, with fine tannins and a subtle thread of acidity going through the core. This is a lighter version of Unico, but one style I like very much; it's a wine that should drink well throughout its life. A triumph for the vintage conditions.
VM 96 (1/2017): Opaque ruby. Powerful, expansive aromas of cherry liqueur, cassis, pipe tobacco, incense and pungent flowers show Outstanding clarity and pick up a smoky mineral quality with air. Stains the palate with concentrated dark berry, bitter cherry and rose pastille flavors that are complicated by notes of mocha, cola and Indian spices. Distinctly generous in style but there's Outstanding energy here as well. The gently tannic, dark-fruit-dominated finish emphatically echoes the spice and floral notes and lingers with striking persistence. Production for this bottling was cut by over half in this challenging vintage and the result shows what can happen when severe selection is applied in the vineyard and cellar. Speaking of tough years, the 2002 version of this iconic wine, from a vintage that has been ignored at best and vilified at worst, is drinking beautifully right now. In fact, it appears to have just entered its drinking window: its fruit is still a bit on the youthful side while its tannins have begun to recede. Like this 2008, it's a textbook example of what great vineyards, diligent farming and serious winemaking can accomplish under difficult circumstances. Drink 2022-2036. Josh Raynolds. |
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|
2009 |
Unico Ribera del Duero (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,463.99 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (1/2019): I tasted a bottle of the 2009 Único blind and was taken by the freshness, the red fruit notes and the Burgundian-like characteristics of this vintage, which on paper was quite warm and dry. I also tasted the 2009 Valbuena, which is always more approachable, and was blown away by its aromatics. With time in the glass the Único opened up and got closer to the character of Valbuena but with more depth and clout, while showing extremely elegant. I tasted it again in the context of all the wines from the group, and it delivered all that I saw when I tasted it blind. It takes some time to unfurl its aromatic palette, and it feels young and somewhat undeveloped, younger than it is. It has a touch that made me think of the old vintages of Único on the nose but with very polished tannins and a soft mouthfeel that provides elegance. This is a wine that ages for no less than ten years before it's released. 2009 seems like a great vintage for Vega Sicilia, much better than what I anticipated. It should develop nicely in bottle. 74,274 bottles, 3,390 magnums, 209 double magnums and 22 imperials were produced. It has been in bottle since June 2015.
JS 98 (12/2018): The elevage is complex, building from smaller barrels to larger barrels over a period of six years, finishing in larger vats. Then four years in bottle. Non-sequential releasing with the 2005 and 2006 being released after the 2007 and 2008. This 2009 has good ripeness and deep fruit-presence on the nose with rich red and dark plums, subtly earthy spice, cedar and fresh tobacco. There’s terrific concentration on the palate and very ripe dark-plum, blueberry and cherry flavors. The tannins are fresh, very long and carry flavors deep. Natural freshness and effortless power, too — a hallmark of Unico! Very open-knit and approachable now, this will age for two decades easily, and then some more. |
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| | USA Red |
| Alban Vineyards |
2006 |
Edna Valley Grenache |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (11/2008): Inky ruby. Brooding aromas of cherry, mulberry, plum jam and smoky minerals; smells almost like syrah. Brighter red berries on the palate, complicated by candied licorice, Asian spices and an exotic cured meat quality. A serious rendition of grenache, finishing with excellent chewy persistence and lingering dark berry and licorice notes. This will reward cellaring. |
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|
2006 |
Lorraine Alban Estate Syrah Nicked Capsule |
$259 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (8/2010): Named after his raven-haired Irish wife, the 2006 Syrah Lorraine, which comes from more sandy soils, is another prodigious effort. Like all of these wines, it is a remarkable wine of extraordinary intensity, with a stunning nose of blueberries, bacon fat, camphor, and even darker blackberries, along with unreal minerality and definition for a wine of this size and power. Full-bodied, with profound intensity of flavor as well as purity, this is another wine that spent nearly three and a half years in barrel prior to being bottled unfined and unfiltered. While there are 2,500 six-pack cases of the Reva, there will be only 350 six-packs of the Lorraine.
JD 100 (6/2011): Utterly classic and one of the most profound wines I’ve been able to taste coming out of California, the 2006 Alban Vineyards Syrah Lorraine, from sandy soils (this estate’s cuvees are driven by soil types) and aged for close to 4 years in French oak, delivers a jaw dropping bouquet of darker styled fruits, licorice, roasted meats, and dark chocolate that gives way to more nuanced notions of spice, flowers, and even some red fruit characteristics with air. Very deep and gorgeously layered aromatically, the wine is massive on the palate with a full, rich texture that somehow stays light and fresh, impeccable balance (and even some elegance), loads of fruit, and a seriously mineral-laced finish that simply will not quit. Count yourself lucky if you’ve been able to latch on to a bottle or two of this. It’s superb now, and I don’t see that changing over the next two decades.
VM 95 (11/2010): Inky purple. Knockout bouquet offers a kaleidoscopic array of red and dark berry and floral scents, with powerful complicating notes of incense, allspice, patchouli and white pepper. A dense, strikingly concentrated but lively wine that reaches every corner of the palate with sweet black raspberry, boysenberry liqueur and floral pastille flavors. Turns spicier with air, picking up an intriguing spicecake quality that carries through the focused, endless finish. This wine's blend of depth, power and energy is really something; you could actually drink it now, but it really deserves cellaring. Josh Raynolds. |
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|
2006 |
Seymour’s Vyd. Syrah |
$195 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98+ (8/2009): The succession of prodigious Syrahs continues with the 2006 Syrah Seymour’s Vineyard (named after John Alban’s father). An infant in terms of development, it exhibits a smoky meatiness along with a forest floor character as well as its siblings’ colossal level of concentration, enormous, multilayered texture, and skyscraper-like mouthfeel. Remarkably, there is no sense of heaviness. Another tour de force in Central Coast Syrah, it should drink well for 30-40 years.
VM 96 (12/2010): (15.9% alcohol) Opaque ruby. Smells like a cross between a fruit-processing plant and a head shop, with its pungent, highly aromatic scents of raspberry liqueur, cherry-cola, potpourri, five-spice powder and vanilla joined by slow-building smokiness. Deep, sweet and intensely floral in the mouth, offering sappy red and dark berry flavors and a complex array of spice notes. Possesses unlikely vivacity for a wine of its volume and power, finishing with intense red fruit and candied violet qualities. These three wines put the lie to the assertion that high alcohol equates to heat and portiness; I wish that those who are prejudiced by the number on the label could try these with an open mind. |
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|
2010 |
Lorraine Alban Estate Syrah |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (8/2015): Sporting the same inky color as the Reva, the 2010 Syrah Lorraine Vineyard has terrific elegance and purity in its sweet black raspberry fruits, crushed flowers, creme de cassis and subtle smoked meat characteristics. Seriously concentrated and backward on the palate (this cuvee normally is the most approachable of the lineup), with a rich, full mouthfeel, a big mid-palate and a great finish, give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy through 2030. |
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|
2010 |
Pandora Proprietary Blend |
$159 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 97 (7/2014): Exotic, super-ripe and beguiling, the 2010 Grenache Pandora is utterly compelling. I don't think I have ever tasted a Grenache with this level of aromatic complexity and pure nuance. The Pandora is incredibly ripe, voluptuous and racy. Cherries in liqueur, exotic spices, wild flowers of all sorts, chocolate and leather are some of the many notes that flow through to the finish. John Alban's Pandora is a true American original. Readers should do what ever they can to experience this elixir. Antonio Galloni.
WA 93 (8/2014): Tasted out of bottle, the 2010 Pandora checks in as a blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah that comes from a single block of chalky soils. Showing the cool year, it has a pretty, elegant and fresh profile to go with notions of black raspberries, flowers, mint and spice on the nose. Medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, lightly textured and juicy, it should drink nicely through 2022. |
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| Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards |
2007 |
Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Scuffed Label |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2010): As I indicated last year, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a brilliant effort. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it has begun to shut down slightly, but reveals an opaque purple color along with deep, sweet, cedary, black currant aromas intermixed with hints of tobacco leaf, licorice and graphite. Full-bodied, powerful and rich, this impressive 2007 needs 4-5 years of cellaring and should keep for 25+ years. |
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|
2007 |
Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$189 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2010): As I indicated last year, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a brilliant effort. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it has begun to shut down slightly, but reveals an opaque purple color along with deep, sweet, cedary, black currant aromas intermixed with hints of tobacco leaf, licorice and graphite. Full-bodied, powerful and rich, this impressive 2007 needs 4-5 years of cellaring and should keep for 25+ years. |
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| Beringer |
1997 |
Knight’s Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 89 (6/2000): Good medium ruby. Cassis, black cherry, mint and pungent oak spice on the nose. Not especially sweet but rather shapely and firm for the year; a distinctly fruit-driven cabernet with a pliant texture and good grip. Finishes with dusty tannins. I also tasted the same wine hours after the bottling, and found that the light filtration had softened the wine and slightly refined its tannins. I rated the bottled version.
WA 88 (12/2000): The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Knight's Valley is an excellent introduction to Beringer's style. It offers black fruits, a touch of licorice and cedar, a supple texture, medium to full body, and a soft finish. Drink this delicious Cabernet during its first decade of life. |
|
| Robert Craig |
2009 |
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain bursts from the glass with expressive layers of roasted coffee beans, graphite, scorched earth and tar. It is a massive wine, yet shows remarkable balance and harmony from start to finish. Layers of racy black fruit build towards the muscular, virile finish. Simply put, this is a stunning example of Cabernet Sauvignon from Howell Mountain. The 2009 Howell Mountain is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 7% Merlot and 2% Malbec. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029+. |
|
|
2009 |
Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder is a big, broad-shouldered wine loaded with class and personality. Firm tannins provide the backdrop for layers of dark red fruit in this super-expressive, racy Cabernet Sauvignon. Tar, licorice, menthol, iron and smoke nuances develop in the glass, adding a sense of gravitas. This is a striking, totally beautiful wine from Robert Craig. The 2009 Mount Veeder is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. |
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|
2012 |
Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2014): Another mountain wine, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain, comes from a vineyard at 2,000-feet elevation in rock-imbued volcanic soils. Deep ruby/purple, it has glorious notes of blueberry and black raspberry, a touch of graphite and spring flowers. The wine is a full-bodied, opulent and impressively made classic Spring Mountain Cabernet that should continue to drink well for 10-12 years. |
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| Favia |
2010 |
The Lincoln Grenache |
$60 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Robert Foley Vineyards |
2003 |
Petite Sirah |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92+ (6/2006): Bright, full ruby. Captivating aromas of blackberry, blueberry, crushed pepper, iron and smoked meat. Densely packed, sweet and chewy, with explosive, juicy fruit of noteworthy purity; a bit less jammy than the nose suggests. Finishes with huge but sweet tannins and a lingering flavor of chocolate truffle. Boasts superb depth of fruit flavor for petite sirah.
WA 92 (12/2005): The 2003 Petite Sirah is a classic. Opaque purple to the rim, with a big, sweet nose of blackberries, white flowers, crushed rocks, vanilla, and smoke, ferociously tannic but enormously concentrated and extracted, this wine needs 5-6 years of bottle age and will handsomely repay two decades of aging. |
|
|
2004 |
Petite Sirah |
$50 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 95 (12/2006): The 2004 Petite Sirah is one of the most compelling examples of this varietal that I have ever tasted from California. As longtime readers know, I believe this is the most underrated varietal in California, but it’s not exactly a fun wine to drink young. After 10-15 years of age, it often reveals more character than many more expensive reds. Bob Foley has fashioned a true blockbuster that should age for three decades, but should be accessible when young given its abundant extraction and richness. The softness of the tannins and the wine’s silky, voluptuous character suggest it can be consumed over the next 2-3 years, but it will not reveal many secondary nuances for 5-6 more years. An inky/black/ruby color is accompanied by notes of incense, fruit cake, blackberries, chocolate, and roasted coffee. Although it has huge body as well as massive concentration, nothing is out of place in this tour de force that takes Petite Sirah to a mythical level of quality. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2025+.
VM 93 (5/2007): Black-ruby to the rim. Very dark, vibrant aromas of mountain blackberry, violet and licorice. Lush, thick and outsized; saturates the entire palate with an essence of black fruits. This boasts huge volume but does not come across as overly sweet. A superb example of petite sirah. |
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| Frog's Leap Winery |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Ghost Block |
2007 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (12/2010): The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits notes of roasted herbs, black currants, loamy soil and underbrush, a generous mouthfeel and the vintage’s tell-tale flamboyance and exuberance. Already drinkable, it should continue to evolve for 10-12 years. |
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| Grgich Hills |
2010 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Very Lightly Scuffed Label |
$70 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (5/2020): Good dark red. Lively scents of cassis, tart cherry stomp, licorice and espresso; higher-pitched than many '10s. Supple, suave and subtly complex, with notes of blackcurrant, coffee, mocha, tobacco leaf and licorice, plus a redder raspberry element. Still a bit youthfully subdued, even tightly wound, but boasts good incipient complexity, not to mention a sophisticated texture and nicely restrained sweetness. A firm spine of acids and tannins gives this Cabernet plenty of verve and aging potential. Finishes with firm dusty tannins and very good length. A very good showing for this blend of fruit from Yountville, Rutherford and Calistoga. (Drink between 2021-2034). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Hall |
2010 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (5/2013): Good bright, dark red with ruby highlights. Pure aromas of redcurrant, loam and licorice. Pliant and sweet, offering good texture and extract to its flavors of plum, currant, mocha and brown spices. Finishes with broad, sweet tannins and a drop of milk chocolate. Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Robert Keenan |
2008 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (5/2012): Bright ruby-red. Aromas of cassis, plum, mocha, menthol, licorice and fresh herbs suggest a wide range of ripeness. Subtly sweet and supple in the mouth, with good herbal lift and intensity to the currant, chocolate and licorice flavors. Finishes with rather serious tannins that turned a bit dry with air. Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Cliff Lede |
2005 |
Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 92 (12/2007): There are 5,800+ cases of the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District. A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and the rest a dash of Malbec and Petit Verdot, it is a beauty. It shows the elegance and finesse of the cooler southern end of Napa with beautiful floral, black raspberry, and currant notes mixed with some cedar, a whiff of tobacco leaf, spring flowers, and well-integrated wood. The wine is medium to full-bodied and cuts a nice, deep, rich, but delicate feel in the mouth. This is a stunner that should drink gracefully for 15 or more years.
VM 89 (6/2008): Good deep ruby-red. Roasted plum, tobacco, earth and licorice on the nose, complicated by dried flowers, underbrush and brown spices. Broad, supple and rich; began dry and a tad warm but turned sweeter with air. Ultimately suave and nutty, with subtle notes of plum, flowers and smoky herbs. Finishes with dusty tannins and very good length. |
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| Ch. Montelena |
1987 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Scuffed Label |
$250 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/1993): Chateau Montelena has made so many sensational Cabernets that it seems almost impossible to believe that their 1987 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate could be even more profound than any of the exceptional wines made previously at this property. The black/purple color, the extraordinary bouquet of rich cassis, violets, and licorice, the massive extraction of flavors, sensational depth, super ripeness, and a length that must last over a minute, suggest to me that this is easily the most concentrated and potentially longest-lived Cabernet Sauvignon that Chateau Montelena has ever made. The extract level is incredible, yet the balance is there. Anticipated maturity: 1997-2025.
VM 94 (8/1998): Very youthful, saturated ruby-red color. Penetrating, powerful aromas of roasted plum, cassis, tobacco, earth, truffle, tar and meat, plus a floral topnote. Thick and sweet but sharply delineated, with impressive extract and very strong underlying structure. This is approachable now due to its balance and sheer sweetness of fruit but will go on for another decade or more. Finishing flavors build slowly and linger. Ripe, chewy tannins coat the entire palate. Perhaps better as a meal substitute than as an accompaniment to food. |
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|
1996 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$135 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (1/2000): A behemoth Cabernet Sauvignon is the stern, tannic, concentrated 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (13.5% alcohol). Full-bodied, but closed, with gorgeously pure black fruits, powerful, loamy, earthy scents along with fruit and extract, this wine also needs 5-6 years of cellaring, and should easily last through the first 2-3 decades of the next century.
VM 90 (6/1999): Good ruby-red. Spicy, roasted aromas of cassis, black plum, toasty oak and pepper. Lush, jammy and a bit undifferentiated; showing its baby fat today. Seems distinctly less lively than the '95, but the tannins are quite fine for the vintage and there excellent finishing persistence. |
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|
2003 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (12/2006): While the 2002, which was quite extroverted right before bottling, has shut down, the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is still open-knit, although I suspect it will probably close down as well. It exhibits an opaque ruby/purple color along with a sweet, spicy nose of black currants, licorice, herbs, and damp earth. Rich and concentrated, it is the most accessible, and possibly the most elegant and French-oriented of the Cabernets produced between 2002 and 2004. This top-notch effort should be cellared for 2-3 years, and consumed over the following 20-25 years.
VM 91 (6/2006): Bright ruby-red. Sweet aromas of black cherry, flowers, menthol and creosote. Supple, sweet and fine-grained, though not especially nuanced for this wine. Strong note of chocolate. Finishes with a fairly fine dusting of tannins and lingering notes of cherry and licorice. This seems a bit less vibrant than it was from barrel a year ago. Barrett noted that the December 2005 bottling date was quite late for this wine, and my sample had not yet recovered. |
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| The Ojai Vineyard |
2003 |
White Hawk Vyd. Syrah |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (8/2006): The 2003 Syrah White Hawk Vineyard is intense. This wine, which comes from sandy soils, possesses an opaque blue/purple color, fabulous fruit concentration and density, a noble definition and sweetness of fruit, a broad, savory mouthfeel, and a blockbuster finish. It is one of the finest 2003 Syrahs Adam Tolmach has produced. |
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| Owen Roe |
2010 |
The Kilmore Pinot Noir |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (7/2012): Bright ruby-red. A sexy, perfumed bouquet evokes candied red and dark berries, cola and potpourri, with a smoky topnote. Offers sweet black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors and a silky, palate-coating texture. Packs a serious punch and finishes with impressive vivacity and spicy persistence. Josh Raynolds. |
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| Pax |
2003 |
Obsidian Vyd. Syrah |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (12/2005): From Knight’s Valley, the 2003 Syrah Obsidian (named for the area’s Obsidian soils) boasts a dense blue/purple color in addition to big, opulent, concentrated, heady aromatics, massive body, and abundant amounts of blackberry fruit intermixed with licorice and flowers. It’s a gorgeous Syrah that needs a bit more time in the bottle to strut its stuff. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020.
VM 93 (6/2005): ( from a high, rocky vineyard rich in volcanic deposits from Howell Mountain Full, deep ruby. Aromatic, somewhat exotic nose features blackberry, purple flowers, flint, tar, licorice and smoke. Comes across as fatter than the Kobler syrah but not quite as precise. But the sweetness of the powerful, deep black fruits is almost shocking. This has terrific depth of flavor and an exotic, liqueur-like aspect. Has the sweet fruit to buffer its big, broad tannins. This may be even better than the excellent '02 release. |
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| Peay Vineyards |
2013 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$30 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (1/2015): Peay's 2013 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) is quite pretty and lifted, with lovely aromatic brightness. Sweet red cherry, raspberry and rose petal notes meld together in an effortless, gracious Pinot built on silkiness. This tasty Pinot is a good introduction to the Peay house style. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Pepper Bridge |
2014 |
Colombia Valley Merlot |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 91 (6/2017): The 2014 Estate Merlot is a rich, concentrated beauty that gives up lots of ripe black fruits and chocolaty notes in its full-bodied, rounded, sexy style. Mouth-filling and nicely balanced, it’s a classic 2014 to drink over the coming 7-8 years. The blend is 77% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc and 7% Malbec.
VM 89 (10/2017): Bright, full red. Currant, dried cherry, alpine berries and tobacco on the nose. On the palate, plum and red cherry fruit flavors are nicely framed and lifted by spices and herbs. Finishes with firm but suave tannins and very good length. A nicely structured Merlot. Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Joseph Phelps |
1998 |
Insignia Proprietary Blend |
$219 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2000): A great achievement, the 1998 Insignia (78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot): is a fabulous wine from what was a far more challenging vintage. Approximately 18,000 cases were made, an amazing quantity in a year that produced far less promising raw materials. Evolved, with a saturated ruby/purple color, it possesses a sumptuous bouquet of smoke, cedar, licorice, and cassis. This full-bodied, fat, succulent effort reveals admirable purity and symmetry, and a soft finish with remarkably deep flavors that caress the palate. It can be drunk now as well as over the next 15-16 years. |
|
| Saxum |
2008 |
Booker Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (8/2010): The 2008 Booker Vineyard (92% Syrah and 8% Mourvedre, which had also been bottled immediately before my visit) has an opaque purple color and a wonderfully sweet nose of black cherry, black currant, licorice, incense, and some Asian spices. The wine has seamless lushness, a voluptuous texture, stunning purity, and a very long, 40-second-plus finish. Booker is another top site that I believe was planted with Justin Smith’s help. It is a 40-acre vineyard sitting on similar limestone soils. This incredible wine would probably benefit from a couple of years of cellaring, as the structure is more present, no doubt due to the high level of Syrah in the wine. It should evolve for 10-15 more years.
VM 94 (11/2010): (syrah with a bit of mourvedre) Inky ruby. Raspberry and cherry preserves on the nose, with complicating notes of rose oil, Szechuan peppercorn and allspice. Impressively complex, sappy red berry compote flavors are given grip by a touch of cherry pit and gain sweetness with air. For such a massive wine there's uncanny energy here as well. The finish repeats the floral and spice notes and clings with superb clarity and intensity. |
|
| Stag's Leap Wine Cellars |
2002 |
SLV Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (2/2006): Saturated ruby-red. Oaky aromas of cassis, plum, cola and dark chocolate. Very ripe and chocolatey, with supple, somewhat low-toned flavors of currant, dark plum, tobacco and earth. Finishes sweet and persistent, with slightly dry-edged, earthy flavors of sassafras and sweet tobacco. Very Stags Leap in character. |
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| Staglin Family Vineyards |
1997 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (12/2000): There are 4,000 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon from Staglin's Rutherford vineyard. (They are in the process of building caves under the hills adjacent to the vineyard.) This Cabernet includes a touch of Cabernet Franc in its blends, is aged in 100% French oak, and is quickly becoming a classic example of Rutherford Cabernet. |
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