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Inventory updated: Fri, Jun 26, 2026 04:02 PM cst
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Alsace |
| Lucien Albrecht |
|
Cremant d’Alsace Blanc de Blanc Brut Nicked Label |
$10 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Kientzler |
2019 |
Riesling Alsace |
$20 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| | Australia |
| Henschke |
2021 |
Euphonium Keyneton Estate Proprietary Blend (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$322.98 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Penfolds |
2020 |
Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$497.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Torbreck |
2002 |
The Factor (6x750ML) 
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$558.98 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 99 (10/2004): Remarkably, the 2002 The Factor may be even more awesome than the 2001. It boasts a blackberry liqueur-like intensity with chocolatey richness intermixed with blackberries, raspberries, and cherries. The unctuous texture, refreshing acidity, and sweet tannin frame-up this magnificent wine. It should drink well for 15+ years. Interestingly, the 2002 The Factor did not have the Cote Rotie-like roasted element found in the 2001, no doubt because 2002 was a much cooler growing year than the record heat experienced in 2001.
VM 93 (8/2005): Deep, saturated ruby-violet. Intensely aromatic, even perfumed on the nose, with aromas of kirsch, superripe blackberry, molten chocolate, rose oil and violet. Concentrated, fat and unctuous, showing sweet flavors of raspberry and blackberry confit, smoked bacon, molasses, fruitcake and candied orange peel. Finishes with excellent lift and defining acidity for a wine of such ripeness and power. |
|
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Ch. Angelus |
2018 |
St. Emilion Hommage a Elisabeth Bouchet
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,546.99 |
6 |
|
| |
| JD 100 (8/2022): Only the second release of this cuvée (it was first produced in 2016 and will be produced in 2019 as well), the 2018 Château Angelus Hommage A Elisabeth Bouchet is 100% Cabernet Franc coming from a single parcel of vines averaging between 60-80 years in age. It was vinified in stainless steel and the aging spanned 18 months in new French oak. It's another magical wine from this château that somehow manages to marry serious power and richness with a sense of purity and elegance, as well as complexity, that's something to behold. Deep purple-hued, it offers a sensational array of blackcurrant and cassis fruits intermixed with truffle, spring flowers, and a subtle meaty, baking spice character that develops with time in the glass. Full-bodied on the palate, it's flawlessly balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and an expansive, seamless, heavenly mouthfeel. Everything is in the right place, and it has perfectly integrated oak along with a gorgeous finish. There are just 849 bottles produced, with a few larger formats, so I expect this to be just about impossible to find in the marketplace (nor will it be cheap), but it's as fine a Saint-Emilion as has ever been made. It needs a decade of cellaring, and I suspect it will have 40-50 years of overall longevity. |
|
|
2018 |
St. Emilion Hommage a Elisabeth Bouchet (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,979.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 100 (8/2022): Only the second release of this cuvée (it was first produced in 2016 and will be produced in 2019 as well), the 2018 Château Angelus Hommage A Elisabeth Bouchet is 100% Cabernet Franc coming from a single parcel of vines averaging between 60-80 years in age. It was vinified in stainless steel and the aging spanned 18 months in new French oak. It's another magical wine from this château that somehow manages to marry serious power and richness with a sense of purity and elegance, as well as complexity, that's something to behold. Deep purple-hued, it offers a sensational array of blackcurrant and cassis fruits intermixed with truffle, spring flowers, and a subtle meaty, baking spice character that develops with time in the glass. Full-bodied on the palate, it's flawlessly balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and an expansive, seamless, heavenly mouthfeel. Everything is in the right place, and it has perfectly integrated oak along with a gorgeous finish. There are just 849 bottles produced, with a few larger formats, so I expect this to be just about impossible to find in the marketplace (nor will it be cheap), but it's as fine a Saint-Emilion as has ever been made. It needs a decade of cellaring, and I suspect it will have 40-50 years of overall longevity. |
|
| Ch. Batailley |
2009 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$953.98 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 96 (5/2013): Yummy young Sauternes with caramel, honey, dried apples, pears, and tarte tatin. Full body, layered and compacted. Medium sweet and a flavorful finish. So much to come still. Give it three or four years to understand all it has.
WA 94 (2/2012): The finest Batailley I have had in many years, the dense purple-colored 2009 exhibits a boatload of tannin as well as sweet, caramelized, black currant fruit intermixed with hints of charcoal, cedarwood and smoke, a full-bodied mouthfeel and the aforementioned high, but sweet, well-integrated tannin displaying no jaggedness. Batailley often requires considerable patience as it can be one of the longest-lived Pauillacs. Atypically for Batailley, the 2009 should be ready to drink in 5-7 years and keep for three decades. |
|
|
2016 |
Pauillac (6.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$699.98 |
5 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Pauillac (5.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$632.98 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Beychevelle |
2023 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,293.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 93-96 (4/2024): From a château that seems to have hit another gear over the past five to seven years, the 2023 Château Beychevelle is based on 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot, pulled from 60% of the total production, and will see 18 months in 70% new French oak. Its deep purple hue is followed by a deep, rich, medium to full-bodied Saint-Julien loaded with ripe red and blue fruits, leafy herbs, truffle, iron, and spring flowers. It's medium to full-bodied, has a remarkable sense of freshness and purity, velvety tannins, and outstanding length. The 2023 hit 13.3% alcohol with a rock-solid pH of 3.67.
VM 94-96 (4/2024): The 2023 Beychevelle is fabulous. As always, Beychevelle includes quite a bit more Merlot than most wines in the appellation, but the Cabernet is especially high here. Inky dark fruit, crème de cassis, mocha, licorice and lavender build in the glass. This juicy, extroverted Saint-Julien has a ton to offer. The combination of fruit intensity, acid and supporting structure is superb. The 2023 is showy, but not at all overdone. Beychevelle remains one of the most distinctive wines in all of Bordeaux. It is especially classy in this edition. Tasted two times. Antonio Galloni.
WA 93-94 (4/2024): The 2023 Beychevelle has turned out especially well this year, exhibiting a more integrated, seductive style than recent vintages that were constructed in a punchier, more extracted register. Offering up aromas of cassis and plums mingled with notions of pen ink, violets and pencil shavings, it's medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, with a deep core of fruit and a classy, suave profile that foregrounds the estate's prime vineyard holdings on the plateau around Ducru-Beaucaillou. It's a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot that represents 50% of the estate's production.
JA 94 (4/2024): Plummy red fruits, fresh acidities, sculpted tannic architure, this has balance and finesse, white pepper, capsicum spice, black tea, cigar box, liqourice root, rose petals, fine tannins, St Julien balance with a kick of smoked oak on the finish. |
|
| Ch. Canon |
2017 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$987.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 97 (2/2020): Showing spectacularly, the 2017 Chateau Canon checks in as a final blend of 77% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Franc that’s from one of the most exceptional terroirs in the appellation. Hitting 14% alcohol (the pH is 3.66), it reveals a ruby/purple hue as well as gorgeously sweet raspberries and cassis-like fruit interwoven with notes of spring flowers, rose petal, white chocolate, and spice. While it doesn’t have the massive opulence of the 2015 and 2016, it’s more classically styled as well flawlessly balanced, with a terrific sense of minerality, ultra-fine tannins, and a brilliant finish. Give bottles 5-7 years in the cellar, and it will evolve gracefully for 30-40 years. Hats off to Nicolas Audebert as well as the team of Thomas Duclos for one of the wines of the vintage!
WA 96+ (3/2020): Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Canon bursts from the glass with expressive notions of baked black cherries, kirsch, plum preserves and black raspberries plus hints of red roses, Ceylon tea, black olives and fertile loam. Medium-bodied, the palate is wonderfully elegant and refined, with a soft, finely grained texture and seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. The blend is 77% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Franc and it was aged for 18 months in French oak, 50% new.
JS 95 (12/2019): Extremely perfumed with blackcurrants, flowers, gunmetal, gunpowder and blackberries. Full-bodied, tight and reserved. The tannins are so tightly knit and just run through the center. Needs at least three or four years to open. A blend of 77% merlot and 23% cabernet franc. Better after 2023. |
|
|
2023 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$760.97 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 94-96 (4/2024): The 2023 Château Canon is an ultra-classic wine from this terroir offering textbook limestone-driven, black raspberry, floral, chalky, and spicy aromas and flavors. As always, it's not massive and is more medium-bodied, with a balanced, elegant mouthfeel, ripe, polished tannins, and no hard edges. It actually reminds me a little of the 2001 from this estate. It's a gorgeous wine that will evolve for 25+ years, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it drink nicely in its youth as well. Tasted multiple times.
VM 94-96 (4/2024): A wine of classicism and reserve, the 2023 Canon is less overtly expressive than most recent vintages, keeping much of its personality in reserve. Nevertheless, I watched it grow considerably over the two weeks I spent in Bordeaux. Bright red-toned fruit, blood orange, mint and spice are some of the many notes that open in the glass. It is a wine that marries generous fruit with classical rigor. I won't be surprised if it shows even better with time. Tasted four times. Antonio Galloni.
WA 96-98 (4/2024): Wafting from the glass with aromas of mulberries and raspberries mingled with spices, rose petals, licorice and violets, the 2023 Canon is another brilliant wine from a property whose excellence can almost be taken for granted. Medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, it's seamless and concentrated, its vibrant core of fruit framed by sweet, powdery tannins and girdled by lively acids, concluding with a long, mineral finish.
JA 96 (4/2024): Finesse and saline limestone character on full display, spiced plum, textural as ever, with finely boned architecture, in the line of great Canon vintages, with density to the black fruits and the mouthwateringly precise tannic grip and oyster shell salinity. 50% new oak for ageing, harvest September 6 through to October 4 (with Merlot going right through until the end, unlike many places, here they really waited). 45hl/ha yield, in organic conversion. Tasted twice. |
|
| Carruades de Lafite |
2019 |
Pauillac (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$700.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92-94 (6/2020): The 2019 Carruades de Lafite is a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, harvested from the 19th of September to the 7th of October. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, it comes skipping out of the glass with bright, fresh notions of wild blueberries, ripe plums and redcurrant jelly plus hints of cinnamon stick, cumin seed, oolong tea and violets with a waft of black olives. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers loads of rich, ripe, spicy flavors with a soft texture of nicely rounded tannins and with the freshness in the background, finishing on a lingering allspice note. In a word: Yum!
JD 94-96 (6/2020): The second wine of the estate, the 2019 Carruades De Lafite offers a beautiful, Lafite-like bouquet of crème de cassis, cedar pencil, tobacco, and new leather. Gorgeously complex, medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins, and a great finish, it's a brilliant wine that would certainly do just fine in a blind lineup of Lafite. The blend is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc.
JS 95-96 (6/2020): The purity of fruit is so enticing here with strawberries, flowers, lavender and currants. Black earth, too. Some stone and cement. It’s full-bodied with firm, fine tannins. It shows so much cabernet sauvignon character. It’s 68% cabernet sauvignon, 27% merlot and the rest cabernet franc. |
|
| Domaine de Chevalier |
2016 |
Pessac Leognan (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$573.99 |
4 |
|
| |
JD 97 (2/2019): As to the reds, the 2016 Domaine de Chevalier is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc that saw an extended maceration, malo in barrel, and 18 months in just 35% new French oak. This deep purple-hued beauty boasts a powerful bouquet of tobacco smoke, damp earth, gravelly, rocky minerality, wood smoke, and loads of dark fruits. Full-bodied, deep, concentrated yet incredibly elegant and seamless on the palate, it’s a legendary Chevalier in the making. While I rated this as high as 99 points on one of the four separate occasions I was able to taste it, I’m being conservative with the score. it has some upfront charm but needs 4-5 years of cellaring and will keep for 3-4 decades.
VM 97 (1/2019): The 2016 Domaine de Chevalier is a thrilling wine. Dense and beautifully layered, the 2016 is also quite a bit richer than it usually is. Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics and structure pulse through the wine. The red-toned fruit is incredibly primary at this stage. Readers should be prepared to cellar the 2016 for at least a handful of years. It has been nothing short of magnificent on the three occasions I have tasted it so far. Antonio Galloni.
JS 97 (1/2019): Aromas of blackberries, red and dark plums, cedar and gravel, as well as red flowers and brown-leaf tea. It offers a very sleek and powerful array of ripe dark fruit and a very plush, focused and elegant bed of fresh, fine and powerful tannins. Plenty of aging potential, this is still quite tight. A blend of 55 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 35 per cent merlot, five per cent cabernet franc and five per cent petit verdot. Try from 2024.
WA 94+ (11/2018): The 2016 Domaine de Chevalier is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it rocks up with expressive warm plums, blueberry compote and cassis scents with suggestions of sandalwood, baking spices and potpourri. Medium-bodied and delicately styled yet with a rock-solid frame of grainy tannins, it sports restrained earth-laced fruit and a long finish. |
|
| Le Clarence de Haut Brion |
2012 |
Pessac Leognan (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$739.99 |
1 |
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| |
JS 92 (2/2015): Extremely aromatic and lively with pure currant and berry character. Full-bodied, very fine and intense. Attractive fruit and tannin tension to this. Better in 2017.
VM 91 (1/2016): The 2012 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is a dark, beguiling beauty. Smoke, violets, dried flowers and savory herbs lead to a core of expressive blue/purplish fruit in a powerful wine that is going to need time to settle down. Far from an easygoing 2012, the Clarence boasts notable depth and intensity to match its virile personality. This is an impressive second wine, that much is obvious.
WA 90 (4/2015): A wonderfully expansive, velvety textured, rich, full-bodied mouthfeel, are super and very impressive in the 2012 Le Clarence de Haut Brion. This is far higher quality than what most people would consider a second wine, even when coming from a first-growth chateau. Mulberry, spice box and expansive, rich flavors backed up by velvety tannins characterize this medium to full-bodied beautiful wine to drink now and over the next 15-20 years. Bravo. |
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|
2019 |
Pessac Leognan (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$646.99 |
4 |
|
| |
| JS 95-96 (6/2020): This has fascinating, smoky, bark, dried-meat and crushed-berry character. It’s full-bodied with crushed stone, tobacco and dried meat. Extremely long and flavorful. |
|
| Ch. Cos d'Estournel |
2006 |
St. Estephe (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,812.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (11/2018): Blended of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2006 Cos d'Estournel is deep garnet colored with a touch of brick, opening with enticing scents of rosemary-crusted roast lamb, dried cherries, baked blackcurrants and mincemeat pie with touches of fallen leaves, cigar box and pencil lead. Medium-bodied, lively and elegantly played in the mouth, it has a firm backbone of chewy tannins and plenty of mineral accents on the long finish.
VM 91 (10/2018): The 2006 Cos d’Estournel, for my mind, has always been leagues above its rival, Montrose, principally because its rival took a rare misstep in this vintage. It has an attractive ferrous bouquet with undergrowth and hints of Indian spice. The palate is medium-bodied and quite fleshy for Saint-Estèphe, the Merlot in quite expressive. The texture has a satisfying graininess and that spiciness returns towards the rather conservative, steadfast finish. It is a solid Cos d’Estournel, not one from the very top drawer, but it should provide another 15 years of drinking pleasure. Tasted at the Cos d’Estournel vertical in London. (Drink between 2018-2038). Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. Ducru-Beaucaillou |
2000 |
St. Julien |
$275 |
5 |
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| |
JS 96 (4/2014): Wonderful rose and currant aromas with hints of mint. It’s full-bodied yet very finely textured, with good fruit concentration and length. Continuing to improve in the bottle.
WA 95 (6/2010): A stunning wine from Ducru Beaucaillou which showcases its great terroir, this elegant but substantial 2000 has a dense purple color that has hardly budged since it was first bottled. Displaying a floral note, with hints of boysenberries, black raspberries, black currants and a touch of background oak, the wine has superb concentration and density, but still has some substantial tannins that are not yet fully resolved. I originally predicted that it should be drinkable from 2010-2030, but I would modify that now to 2015-2035.
VM 92+ (5/2003): Bright ruby-red, less saturated than the 2002. Very pure aromas of cassis, minerals and mocha, with a hint of raw berries. Juicy, pure and tightly wound, with intense flavors of dark berries, bitter chocolate, espresso and licorice. Broadens impressively on the long, aromatic, suave finish, showing lovely grip and class. Finer than Borie's 2000 Grand Puy Lacoste and in need of longer aging but not clearly stronger. |
|
| Ch. Duhart Milon |
2023 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$532.99 |
1 |
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JD 92-94 (4/2024): The 2023 Château Duhart-Milon is much more Cabernet-dominated and has cassis, graphite, and sappy, floral, and lead pencil notes as well as medium-bodied richness. It's pure and has terrific overall balance, a notable sense of freshness (pH is 3.8), and building tannins.
VM 93-95 (4/2024): The 2023 Duhart-Milon was picked September 7 to October 3 and contains 15% pressed wine, matured in 50% new oak. It has a much more backward bouquet than the Moulin, displaying well-defined yet tightly coiled graphite-infused black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins that belie the backbone of this Pauillac. That graphite element is accentuated in the mouth and controls the classic finish that could only come from this appellation. This is excellent, but patience is required. Neal Martin.
WA 92-94 (4/2024): A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon (picked late, between September 25 and October 3) and 20% Merlot, the 2023 Duhart-Milon has turned out beautifully, unfurling in the glass with aromas of cassis, cherries and dark berries mingled with hints of mint, cedar and spice box. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered, it's deep and concentrated, with an ample core of cool but ripe fruit, sweet tannins and a long, penetrating finish.
JA 95 (4/2024): Inky plum, far deeper in texture and intensity than the Moulin de Duhart (in contrast to 2022, when both 1st and 2nd wines were intensely coloured). Classical Duhart on the attack, reserved and a little subdued, then in comes the waves of cassis, liqourice root, spiced plum, ink, tobacco and cigar box. High Cabernet in the blend, and it suits the style and character of Duhart. Has a ton of ageing potential, classical styled with precision, fully showcasing the enjoyment of 2023 in the right spots. Around 65% first wine, 45hl/h yield, 15% of press wine. Harvest September 7 to October 3. A buy. |
|
| Ch. Figeac |
2022 |
St. Emilion (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,021.97 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 96-98+ (5/2023): A beautiful wine that, shockingly, reminds me of the 2016, the 2022 Château Figeac checks in as 35% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc, and 31% Cabernet Sauvignon that was harvested from the 1st of September to the 25th. Director Frédéric Faye commented that verasion took longer than usual, and they had to do a slight green harvest to get uniform ripeness. The results are stunning. The wine has a vivid purple hue as well as remarkable freshness and purity in its black and blue fruits, which are followed by notes of wild herbs, chocolate, graphite, spring flowers, and a touch of classic Cabernet Sauvignon graphite. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has a silky, elegant mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish. This classic, ultra-precise Figeac is going to warrant a solid decade of bottle age and be very long-lived given its purity and balance.
VM 96-99 (5/2023): The 2022 Figeac is a magnificent, super-classic Figeac, as odd as that might sound in this freakish vintage. A wine of sublime delicacy and nuance, the 2022 possesses tremendous aromatic presence, finely sculpted fruit and phenomenal persistence. I especially admire the wine's freshness, energy and clean, mineral finish. The 2022 is a towering Figeac, a wine that brilliantly showcases the unique qualities of this site. Figeac is a rare Right Bank estate with gravel and blue clay soils that are not often found here, planted approximately with equal parts Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Antonio Galloni.
WA 98-100 (5/2023): A blend of 35% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc and 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2022 Figeac is a brilliant wine with which to celebrate this property's elevation to Premier Grand Cru Classé "A" status. Wafting from the glass with aromas of raspberries and cassis mingled with notions of iris, forest floor, cigar wrapper and pencil lead, it's medium to full-bodied, pure and perfumed, with a deep and multidimensional core of fruit, bright acids and beautifully refined tannins. Serious yet civilized, it's the quintessential Figeac, testament to the late Thierry Manoncourt's vision to plant such a large proportion of Cabernet, and on drought-resistant rootstocks. Such is the inherent complexity of Figeac's terroirs that harvest took place sub-block by sub-block between September 1st and 25th. Congratulations are in order for the Manoncourt family, director Frédéric Faye, consulting winemaker Thomas Duclos and all their team.
JA 98 (5/2023): Vibrant damson in colour, edges of gunsmoke and red rose petals on the aromatics, as you so often find in Figeac, with dense cassis, black cherry, incense, graphite, slate, mint leaf, cocoa bean, cappucino and liquorice on the palate. This is creamy but airy, and full of joy. Close to the 2016 vintage in its construction and effortless confidence, no question of the ageing ability of this wine, and a fine vintage to mark the first year as Premier Grand Cru Classé A. Breaking down how they got here, you find inevitably careful winemaking with no pumping over, cool 26C for fermentation, making use of techniques learnt in the hot, dry summer of 2018, from cover crops to minimum green harvesting. Blend finished including 8% press in March, 3.7ph, harvest began September 1, earliest on record, until 26, second vintage in new winery. Frederic Faye director. |
|
| Clos Fourtet |
2013 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$652.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Grand Puy Lacoste |
2000 |
Pauillac |
$135 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 95 (1/2016): The 2000 Château Grand Puy Lacoste is an exceptional wine from Xavier Borie. It has a brilliant nose of blackberry, crushed stone, graphite and cedar. Putting it to one side for ten to 15 minutes reveals subtle mint-like aromas that whisk you straight to Pauillac. The palate is smooth and silky, cloaking the tannic frame of this GPL so that you barely notice it. But that will stand it in good stead for the long-term, the cornerstone of all great wines from this estate. Then there is that hint of spice on the aftertaste - the show ain't over yet. Served alongside a magnum of Pichon Baron 2000, I would say that at the moment, it does not quite possess the same level of precision. However, it remains a magnificent Pauillac to cherish long-term.
VM 92 (6/2003): Bright medium ruby-red. Exotic black fruits and spices on the nose, with notes of chocolate, smoke and game; showing its 29% merlot component today. Rich, broad and chocolatey; sweet, creamy and superripe. A big, mouthfilling vintage for this chateau, combining a classic Pauillac medicinal character with the chocolatey ripeness of the vintage. Thick but nicely delineated, finishing with very broad, sweet tannins and excellent length. Like a more refined version of the 1990, says Francois-Xavier Borie. Stephen Tanzer.
MB [[*****]] (3/2001): Cabernet Sauvignon 78%, Merlot 20% and Cabernet Franc 2%. Lovely dark velvety core, fairly intense; very fragrant, ripe, very Pauillac Cabernet aroma; medium-dry, firm, loads of fruit and tannin. Because of my long friendship with Xavier Borie and the fact that I have, for many years, bought several cases of his wine every vintage, I managed to squeeze some of the '00 out of him- he had more or less pre-sold the lot! A long haul wine. |
|
| Ch. Haut-Brion |
2018 |
Pessac Leognan (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,842.97 |
1 |
|
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WA 100 (3/2021): The 2018 Haut-Brion is composed of 49.4% Merlot, 38.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11.9% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, the wine needs a lot of swirling before it begins to release a whole complex melody of notes, one at a time to begin: tilled earth, followed by pronounced licorice, then crushed rocks, then the preserved plums. Eventually, it all comes together into a fascinating crescendo of intense crème de cassis, rose oil, wild blueberries and kirsch notes, giving way to quiet, persistent leitmotif scents of cinnamon stick, truffles and redcurrant jelly. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers all this and more, revealing tightly wound black fruit, red berry and exotic spice layers within a solid, wonderfully plush frame and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length and loads of earth and mineral sparks. This is a profound, highly intellectual, multilayered baby, which will require a good 7-8 years to begin to sing its incredible song, then should cellar a further 40 years at least. By way of reference, think 1989 with more restraint and even greater purity.
JS 99 (2/2021): Aromas of currants, leaves, fresh mushrooms, oyster shell, tobacco, and dried flowers, following through to a full body, yet ever so refined and polished and it grows on the palate. Lovely, energetic finish. Subtle and driven at the end of the palate. Drink in 2026 and onwards.
JD 98 (3/2021): A quintessential expression of this terroir, the 2018 Château Haut-Brion checks in as 49.4% Merlot, 38.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Cabernet Franc brought up in a mix of new and used barrels. Ripe and sexy, yet also offering subtle aromas and flavors of blackcurrants, smoked earth, tobacco leaf, truffle, lead pencil, and minerals, it takes its time opening up but reveals a full-bodied, concentrated, multi-layered style carrying gorgeous tannins, flawless balance, and just a wonderful symmetry and elegance paired with beautiful richness. This noble, gorgeous Haut-Brion will benefit from 7-8 years of bottle age and cruise for 40 years or so.
VM 97 (3/2021): The 2018 Haut-Brion is an infant, but its balance and potential are both amply evident. Rich and deep in the glass, the 2018 opens to reveal tremendous complexity and nuance, qualities that only grow with time. The 2018 is not a huge Haut-Brion, nor is it massively endowed, but it is so elegant and classy. I loved it. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ch. d' Issan |
2016 |
Margaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$451.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 94+ (2/2019): I loved the 2016 Château d'Issan and this is a certainly a wine to seek out. Made from a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot from yields of 55 hectoliters per hectare, aged 18 months in 50% new oak, it has a beautiful perfume of blue fruits (cassis, blueberries, etc.) as well as hints of graphite, subtle oak, and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, with integrated acidity, a terrific mid-palate, and perfect balance, it needs 4-5 years of bottle age and is going to cruise in good cellars for 20-25 years or more. It’s a beautiful, elegant, seamless wine that’s very much in the style of the vintage.
VM 94 (1/2019): The 2016 d’Issan, matured in 50% new oak and bottled at the end of May, was impressive out of barrel, and thankfully, it is the same in bottle. The very well defined bouquet features blackberry, tobacco, pressed violets and a subtle estuarine tang, almost a marshland scent of salty air. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannin, good focused and just the right amount of salinity. My feeling is that this Margaux will close up for a while, so cellar it for several years if you can. Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. Lafite Rothschild |
2009 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$9,620.98 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 100 (2/2012): The second you put your nose in the glass, you know that it is 100 points. The combination of sweet tobacco, fresh flowers, currants and sultanas on the nose leaves me breathless. Turns to cocoa powder and freshness. The palate re-enforces the show, with phenomenally polished tannins. Fabulous class. Could be a remake of the phenomenal 1959. Try in 2022.
WA 99+ (3/2012): The main reason the 2009 Lafite Rothschild did not receive a perfect score is because the wine has closed down slightly, but it is unquestionably another profound Lafite, their greatest wine since the amazing 2003. Among the most powerful Lafites ever made (it came in at 13.59% alcohol), the final blend was 82.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot. The selection was incredibly severe with only 45% of the crop being utilized. A tight, but potentially gorgeous nose of graphite, black currants, licorice and camphor is followed by a full-bodied wine revealing the classic elegance, purity and delineated style of Lafite. It is phenomenally concentrated with softer tannins than the 2005, the 2003's voluptuous, broad, juicy personality, and low acidity. There are several vintages that I thought were a replay of their colossal 1959, most notably 1982 and 2003, but 2009 is also one to keep an eye on. It is still extremely youthful and seems slightly more backward than I would have guessed based on the barrel tastings, but it needs 10-15 years of bottle age, and should last for 50+.
VM 96+ (7/2012): (a blend of 82.5% cabernet sauvignon, 17% merlot, and 0.5% petit verdot; 13.8% alcohol; 75 IPT; a 43% selection of the total crop). Deep ruby-red. Classic Lafite aromas of cassis, cedar and graphite are lifted by a fragrant violet note. Then pure and vibrant on the palate, with seamless flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry, cedar, iron and flint. The very smooth tannins provide plenty of support to the fruit flavors, while the wine's harmonious acidity really draws out the finish. This Outstanding Lafite is all about grace--in contrast to Latour's power. |
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| Ch. Lafleur |
2002 |
Pomerol (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,199.98 |
1 |
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| |
WA 89 (4/2005): An austerely-styled Lafleur, the 2002 possesses high tannin, a dark ruby/purple color, an angular personality, sweet mineral-infused black cherry fruit, dusty tannins, and considerable grip and structure. There is a certain nobility to the aromatics and flavors, but the dry, hard tannins are cause for concern. Keep a rabbit’s foot in your back pocket if you are going to buy this wine, as I have severe reservations about whether it will ever come into balance. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2016?
VM 89 (6/2005): Good ruby-tinged red. Wild aromas of smoked meat, chocolate, pepper, flowers and earth, with some minty and herbal high tones. Moderately rich but dry, with the wine's herbal, minty side giving lift to the low-toned flavors. Not especially wild or rustic; in fact, this comes across as a rather polite Lafleur. Finishes with dusty tannins. |
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| Pensees de Lafleur |
2007 |
Pomerol (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$967.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Ch. Laroque |
2018 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$543.97 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95-97 (4/2019): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Laroque is a little closed to begin, slowly unfurling to reveal fragrant black cherries, wild blueberries and blackberry preserves scents with hints of crushed rocks, underbrush and violets plus a waft of Marmite toast. Full-bodied and jam-packed with bright, crunchy black and blue fruits, it has a firm line of ripe, fine-grained tannins and loads of freshness, finishing very long and layered. Impressive! Being aged in oak barriques, 50% new, the blend is 97% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc.
JS 93-94 (4/2019): This is really delicious with so much dark-berry and stone character. Full to medium body and super, integrated tannins. Bright and generous. One of the best from here. We will see if it is better than 2016 and 2015. |
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| Ch. Latour |
2004 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$6,005.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (6/2007): A terrific effort from Administrator Frederic Engerer and owner Francois Pinault, the dark ruby/purple-tinged 2004 Latour exhibits a strong cassis character intermixed with notes of crushed rocks, earth, cedar, and forest floor. Racy, elegant, but powerful with medium to full body, and sweet tannin, it will benefit from 5-7 years of cellaring, and should keep for three decades. It is a very impressive offering. Drink 2012-2037.
VM 94 (6/2007): Bright ruby-red. Classic aromas of currant, plum, graphite and minerals. Suave and smooth in the mouth, with a compelling sweetness and lushness for the vintage. At once easygoing and wonderfully complex, conveying a powerful soil character. The finish is ripely tannic, sweet and very long. This is wonderfully expressive today but the young 2006 may have even longer aging potential. Along with Chateau Margaux, my candidate for wine of the vintage. |
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| Ch. Leoville Las Cases |
2000 |
St. Julien |
$335 |
6 |
|
| |
JS 100 (5/2012): This is a classic Las Cases, with masses of mineral, floral, and blueberry character. Full and chewy, with so much power. Please don’t touch this for another seven to nine years. Otherwise decant this for two hours.
JD 99 (6/2019): The 2000 Leoville Las Cases is another brilliant wine and, like most 2000s, appears to just now be at the early stages of its drink window. Smoky black fruits, crushed rocks, lead pencil, and menthol notes all emerge from this brilliant, blockbuster beauty that still tastes like it's just 5-6 years old. Beautifully concentrated, ripe, sexy, and seamless, it has the classic elegance and regal quality of this domaine front and center. It has another 3-4 decades of longevity.
WA 98 (8/2022): The 2000 Léoville Las Cases takes time to unwind in the decanter and glass, but when it begins to show all its cards, the display is spectacular. Mingling aromas of dark berries and red fruits with aromas of pencil shavings, loamy soil, cedar box, bitter chocolate, dried rose petals and licorice, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a layered, complete mid-palate that's rare in this vintage, powdery tannins and a long, resonant finish. An uncompromising classic, even as it closes in on its 22nd birthday, the 2000 Las Cases remains an infant in terms of evolution.
VM 97 (9/2021): The 2000 Léoville Las Cases is a vintage that I have encountered a dozen or so times. Jean-Hubert Délon oversaw a magnificent wine in this year. The nose of graphite-infused black fruit is still vivacious and very complex, very Pauillac-like, and supremely well focused. Hints of licorice develop with aeration. The medium-bodied palate features sappy black fruit and perfectly judged acidity. Complex and delineated, with marine-tinged mulberry and black currant notes given a deft Oriental touch on the finish. Bottles are only just beginning to drink perfectly now and will last another 30 or more years. |
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|
2007 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,353.99 |
1 |
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| |
VM 92 (7/2010): Deep, bright ruby-red. Rather medicinal aromas of cassis, licorice, dark chocolate, menthol and shoe polish went into a shell in the glass. Then suave and surprisingly ripe in the mouth; classically dry but not at all austere, with well-judged extraction to the fla vors of black raspberry, graphite and minerals. Rich, structured wine with a slow-building finish featuring substantial but harmonious tannins and terrific sweetness for all its backbone. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 91+ (4/2010): Among the more tannic and backward wines of the vintage, the 2007 is another Outstanding effort from this estate. Already somewhat closed, it is a candidate for one of the longest lived wines of the vintage. Beautifully pure black currant and black cherry fruit interwoven with notions of cedar and wood are found in this medium to full-bodied, structured, masculine-styled St.-Julien. The attack reveals sweetness and softness, but then the wine shuts down. It will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and should keep for 15 or more. |
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| Ch. Leoville Poyferre |
2010 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,085.99 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 99 (2/2018): Another massive, incredible release from this estate is the 2010 Leoville Poyferre. Based on 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and the balance Petit Verdot, its inky purple color is followed by a massive, full-bodied, incredibly concentrated 2010 that has awesome notes of pure crème de cassis, licorice, graphite, and spring flowers. As with the 2009, it has incredible depth of fruit, yet a slightly more focused, classic style, which is very much in the style of the 2010 vintage. With its new oak completely absorbed by its wealth of fruit, perfect balance, and sweet tannin, it’s a sensational, monumental effort to drink over the coming 3-4 decades.
WA 98+ (2/2013): The wine out distances both Leoville Las Cases and Leoville Barton, but all three of them are compelling efforts. Full-bodied, dense purple in color, with floral notes intermixed with blackberries, cassis, graphite and spring flowers, this full-bodied, legendary effort is long and opulent, with wonderfully abundant yet sweet tannin, a skyscraper-like mid-palate and a thrilling, nearly one-minute finish. This spectacular effort from Poyferre that should drink well for 30+ years.
VM 97 (4/2020): The 2010 Leoville-Poyferre has a very intense bouquet with blackberry, briary cedar and light estuarine/seaweed aromas that are very well defined. Pure class. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, layers of pure black fruit laced with pencil lead and a pinch of white pepper. It fans out wonderfully towards the finish, a Saint-Julien demonstrating wonderful density and precision. What an outstanding wine, perhaps less flamboyant than other vintages, one that will last decades. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal. Neal Martin.
JS 95 (2/2013): Wow. Very intense and aromatic nose with crushed currants and blueberries with hints of nuts and dried flowers. Full body, with very refined tannins and a lovely undercurrent of fruit. Balanced and juicy. Better in 2018.. Best from 2015 through 2030. 17,833 cases made. |
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|
2010 |
St. Julien (12X750ML) 12-bottle OWC |
$1,980 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (2/2018): Another massive, incredible release from this estate is the 2010 Leoville Poyferre. Based on 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and the balance Petit Verdot, its inky purple color is followed by a massive, full-bodied, incredibly concentrated 2010 that has awesome notes of pure crème de cassis, licorice, graphite, and spring flowers. As with the 2009, it has incredible depth of fruit, yet a slightly more focused, classic style, which is very much in the style of the 2010 vintage. With its new oak completely absorbed by its wealth of fruit, perfect balance, and sweet tannin, it’s a sensational, monumental effort to drink over the coming 3-4 decades.
WA 98+ (2/2013): The wine out distances both Leoville Las Cases and Leoville Barton, but all three of them are compelling efforts. Full-bodied, dense purple in color, with floral notes intermixed with blackberries, cassis, graphite and spring flowers, this full-bodied, legendary effort is long and opulent, with wonderfully abundant yet sweet tannin, a skyscraper-like mid-palate and a thrilling, nearly one-minute finish. This spectacular effort from Poyferre that should drink well for 30+ years.
VM 97 (4/2020): The 2010 Leoville-Poyferre has a very intense bouquet with blackberry, briary cedar and light estuarine/seaweed aromas that are very well defined. Pure class. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, layers of pure black fruit laced with pencil lead and a pinch of white pepper. It fans out wonderfully towards the finish, a Saint-Julien demonstrating wonderful density and precision. What an outstanding wine, perhaps less flamboyant than other vintages, one that will last decades. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal. Neal Martin.
JS 95 (2/2013): Wow. Very intense and aromatic nose with crushed currants and blueberries with hints of nuts and dried flowers. Full body, with very refined tannins and a lovely undercurrent of fruit. Balanced and juicy. Better in 2018.. Best from 2015 through 2030. 17,833 cases made. |
|
| Ch. Lynch Bages |
2006 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,697.98 |
1 |
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| |
WA 94 (8/2011): This classic, powerful, firm Lynch Bages may be as concentrated (if not more so) than the 2005. It possesses a dense purple-tinged color, tell-tale cassis notes interwoven with hints of roast beef, savory herbs, spice box and subtle oak, good acidity and ripe tannin. The result is a full-bodied, fleshy Pauillac that will benefit from another 3-4 years of cellaring. It is capable of lasting 20-25 more years.
VM 93 (5/2016): Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London. The 2006 Château Lynch Bages has another quite vivacious bouquet with lively black cherries, kirsch and wild mint aromas that do not hold back. I love the purity here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine supple tannin, well-judged acidity, a gentle grip in the mouth, and plenty of lightly spiced and surprisingly intense fruit on the bravura finish. The Cazes family oversaw a very sophisticated Lynch-Bages in this vintage that may well surpass many peoples' expectations. Neal Martin.
JS 92 (6/2013): Very focused and pretty now, with currants, minerals and hints of dried flowers. Full body with super-integrated tannins and a long, long finish. Beautiful. Drink or hold.
VM 91+ (1/2012): (a blend of 79% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot, 10% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot; 3.54 pH; 6.03 g/l total acidity; 81 IPT; 13.2% alcohol): Fully saturated bright ruby. Currently in a slightly dumb phase and aromatically compressed on the nose, revealing cool blackberry and cassis aromas with extended aeration, complicated by notes of cola, flowers, red cherry and sweet spices. Then soft, round and ripe in the mouth, with persistent flavors of black cherry, cassis and cinnamon. A very serious wine offering impressive definition and very good balance, turning almost austere at the back, but with a pretty, pristine quality to its repeating floral and black fruit notes. Finishes with smooth, building tannins: don't even think of opening this beauty for another eight to ten years. One of the best vintage for Lynch-Bages in recent memory. Ian d'Agata. |
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|
2013 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$701.98 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (8/2023): The 2013 Lynch-Bages is one of the better Pauillacs in this vintage. With lively black fruit on the nose, there's some essence of mineralité and tension. A cassis hint emerges with time. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins. Touches of cola infuse the black fruit. It's sweet on the finish with blood orange and herbaceousness on the aftertaste. Thoroughly enjoyable, given the growing season. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year On tasting. Neal Martin. |
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|
2015 |
Pauillac (3.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$778.98 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 96 (2/2018): One of the finest Pauillacs of 2015, Lynch-Bages is rich, racy and voluptuous. A rush of dark red and purplish stone fruit, mint, new leather, spice and blood orange give the 2015 a very decidedly exotic character that is impossible to miss. Raspberry jam, mocha, new leather and expressive floral notes appear with time in the glass, rounding things out nicely. Even though the 2015 is quite forward and open at this stage, the wine has plenty of stuffing as well as the underlying structure to support many years of exceptional drinking. This is a stellar showing for Lynch-Bages. Antonio Galloni.
JS 95 (2/2018): Brambly and attractive ripe blackberries and red-plum aromas with some floral accents, too. The palate has a very plush, polished and regal shape as tannins frame up a core of ripe black fruit. Succulent, impressive finish. Best from 2022.
JD 94+ (11/2017): The inky colored 2015 Château Lynch-Bages is a seriously impressive Pauillac that’s up with the crème de la crème of the appellation in 2015. Notes of ripe blackcurrants, caramelized cherries, tobacco leaf and a kiss of lead pencil all emerge from this textbook Pauillac that has medium to full-bodied richness, notable concentration, and building structure. Made from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that saw 75% new barrels, it needs 5-7 years of cellaring and will be one of the longer-lived wines from the Medoc.
WA 92+ (2/2018): Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Lynch Bages offers up crushed black berries, black cherries and dried herbs with an earthy undercurrent. The medium-bodied palate is firm and taut with lively fruit and a chewy finish. |
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| Echo de Lynch Bages |
2019 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$646.98 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (2/2022): The 2019 Echo de Lynch-Bages, matured in one-year-old barrels for 12 months, has a crisp blackberry, briar and cedar bouquet with touches of mint, quite vibrant and lively. The medium-bodied palate offers succulent tannins and mulberry and black plum flavors intermingling with black truffle and white pepper. Maybe just a little abrupt on the finish at the moment, but that will fill out in time. NEal Martin. |
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| Ch. Lynch Bages |
2021 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,360.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JA 94 (11/2023): This has the austerity that you want of a great Left Bank wine at the beginning of its life, with cool vintage savoury raspberry leaf, capsicum and peony. Tons of slate-textured tannins, not hugely concentrated which makes it an outlier of recent Lynch Bages vintages, but it's exceptionally well balanced, and has excellent appellation character, with cassis and blackberry fruits. A high tannin index of 90IPT. Harvest September 27 through to October 9. One of the best in Pauillac, finishing up with chewy tannins. 75% new oak.
WA 93+ (2/2024): The 2021 Lynch-Bages is one of the vintage's bigger, broader-shouldered wines, offering up aromas of crème de cassis, plums and spices, framed by a generous application of creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, dense and chunky, with a velvety attack that segues into a layered core of fruit framed by generously extracted tannins, it concludes with a long, lusty finish. Fully 40 hectares of this estate is now cultivated organically, principally those parcels that adjoin the houses of Pauillac. As is almost invariably the case with this estate, it will repay a bit of patience. |
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| Ch. Margaux |
2009 |
Margaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,561.97 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 99 (3/2019): This marathon runner is currently in the no-man's land between youthful vitality and mellow maturity. There's a very serious tannin structure here, but it needs a lot longer to fully resolve. Very tight and closed. A perfect wine usually. But not today. Try in 2020.
WA 99 (2/2012): A brilliant offering from the Mentzelopoulos family, once again their gifted manager, Paul Pontallier, has produced an uncommonly concentrated, powerful 2009 Chateau Margaux made from 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest primarily Merlot with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. As with most Medocs, the alcohol here is actually lower (a modest 13.3%) than most of its siblings-. Abundant blueberry, cassis and acacia flower as well as hints of charcoal and forest floor aromas that are almost Burgundian in their complexity are followed by a wine displaying sweet, well-integrated tannins as well as a certain ethereal lightness despite the wine's overall size. Rich, round, generous and unusually approachable for such a young Margaux, this 2009 should drink well for 30-35+ years.
VM 97 (3/2019): The 2009 Château Margaux is blessed with a stunning nose that delivers intense blackberry and cranberry scents, crushed rose petals and touches of slate. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannin, taut and quite linear with an effortless and precise finish that is a pure joy. You have the sense of a Château Margaux that is only beginning to show what it can do. Brilliant. Tasted at BI Wines & Spirits' Ten Year On tasting. Neal Martin. |
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|
2010 |
Margaux (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,338.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 100 (2/2013): This was phenomenal from barrel and remains so. The aromas are spellbinding. It smells like a bouquet of pink roses and then goes to currants, berries and citrus. Full body, with wonderfully refined tannins. It starts discretely and then grows to different levels and dimensions like a slow but big high tide. The texture is so beautiful. Try it in 2020 or beyond.
WA 99 (2/2013): The 2010 is a brilliant Chateau Margaux, as one might expect in this vintage. The percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the final blend hit 90%, the balance Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and only 38% of the crop made it into the Chateau Margaux. Paul Pontallier, the administrator, told me that this wine has even higher levels of tannin than some other extraordinary vintages such as 2005, 2000, 1996, etc. Deep purple, pure and intense, with floral notes, tremendous opulence and palate presence, this is a wine of considerable nobility. With loads of blueberry, black currant and violet-infused fruit and a heady alcohol level above 13.5% (although that looks modest compared to several other first growths, particularly Chateau Latour and Chateau Haut-Brion), its beautifully sweet texture, ripe tannin, abundant depth and profound finish all make for another near-perfect wine that should age effortlessly for 30-40 years.
VM 95+ (8/2013): Saturated ruby-red. Deep aromas of blackberry, licorice and bitter chocolate, complicated by nuances of loam and coffee extract. Dense, thick and sweet, but with harmonious acidity giving shape and lift to the pungent cassis, spice and tobacco flavors. Youthfully chewy wine with terrific underlying structure and a very long, sappy finish featuring broad tannins and a hint of licorice. This has improved considerably since the Primeurs, but I still think the 2009 Margaux is the superior wine. |
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| Ch. La Mission Haut Brion |
2004 |
Pessac Leognan (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,581.99 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 91 (6/2007): Deep red-ruby. Bright aromas of dark fruits, licorice, rocks and leather, lifted by a light peppery nuance. Dense and broad, with a creamy, seamless mid-palate texture and a restrained sweetness. Finishes with fine, broad tannins and noteworthy persistence. With its very fresh style, this comes across as a bit more delineated today than the 2005 Haut-Brion. An excellent showing.
WA 90 (6/2007): While La Mission Haut-Brion’s 2004 is not one of this estate’s top successes, it is an Outstanding wine, no doubt because of this extraordinary terroir. Deep ruby/purple with notes of lead pencil shavings intermixed with black cherries, cassis, and a hint of scorched earth, medium body, sweet tannin, and a good, but uninspiring finish, this attractive, mid-weight La Mission should age nicely for 15 or more years. |
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|
2006 |
Pessac Leognan (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,804.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (8/2012): A somewhat under-the-radar La Mission, the 2006 was generally overlooked following the brilliance of the 2005. A young, dense purple-hued wine that is developing beautifully, it exhibits notes of Asian plum sauce, charcoal, barbecue smoke, roasted meats, graphite and background oak. Full-bodied with good acidity, moderate tannin and a vigorous, powerful youthfulness, the 2006 will age more quickly than the 2005, but it still requires another 5-8 years of cellaring. Anticipated Maturity: 2014-2035.
VM 92+ (8/2010): Bright red-ruby. Redcurrant, cherry, iron, brown spices and licorice on the nose. Begins lush, full and generous if not overly sweet, then tightens up with air, showing its rather powerful underlying structure. This sharply delineated wine will need a good seven or eight years in bottle to reveal itself. |
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|
2006 |
Pessac Leognan (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,440.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (8/2012): A somewhat under-the-radar La Mission, the 2006 was generally overlooked following the brilliance of the 2005. A young, dense purple-hued wine that is developing beautifully, it exhibits notes of Asian plum sauce, charcoal, barbecue smoke, roasted meats, graphite and background oak. Full-bodied with good acidity, moderate tannin and a vigorous, powerful youthfulness, the 2006 will age more quickly than the 2005, but it still requires another 5-8 years of cellaring. Anticipated Maturity: 2014-2035.
VM 92+ (8/2010): Bright red-ruby. Redcurrant, cherry, iron, brown spices and licorice on the nose. Begins lush, full and generous if not overly sweet, then tightens up with air, showing its rather powerful underlying structure. This sharply delineated wine will need a good seven or eight years in bottle to reveal itself. |
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2015 |
Pessac Leognan |
$325 |
1 |
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JS 100 (2/2018): Rose petals, sandalwood and currants with some plums and fruit tea. Full-bodied, tight and focused. Incredibly straight and minerally. Toned muscles here. Tannic. Traditional and unwavering. Try in 2024.
WA 98 (2/2018): The deep garnet-purple colored 2015 La Mission Haut-Brion is a blend of 58% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon. Youthfully mute with bright, youthful red currants, black raspberries, cassis and freshly crushed blackberries notions, it slowly unfurls to reveal an earthy/minerally undercurrent of damp soil, charcoal, iron ore and truffles plus a waft of violets. Medium to full-bodied, decadently fruited and yet wonderfully elegant with very ripe, very silky tannins, freshness that sits well in the background and an almost electric intensity of vibrant red and black fruit flavors, it finishes long and minerally. Just. Beautiful. Consider giving it 6-7 years in bottle before broaching and drink it over the next 30+.
JD 98 (11/2017): More opulent, sexy and concentrated, the 2015 La Mission Haut Brion is a tour de force that has everything you could want from Bordeaux. A huge nose of smoke tobacco, gravelly earth, graphite, cassis, and blackcurrants gives way to a full-bodied, concentrated, perfectly balanced beauty that has incredible depth of flavor and intensity, yet with no weight. While the overall impression is upfront and in your face, it has incredible elegance and length on the finish (as well as ripe tannin), and will keep for three decades.
VM 98 (7/2019): The 2015 La Mission Haut-Brion is blessed with an outstanding bouquet of brilliantly focused and delineated black fruit laced with graphite and cedar - pure class. The medium-bodied, harmonious palate delivers fine-grained tannin and impressive depth. There is a slight savory element (just like the Haut-Brion) that infuses the middle, and brown spices and sage linger on the finish. This is a profound La Mission Haut-Brion that dares surpass Haut-Brion on this showing. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting. Neal Martin. |
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|
2016 |
Pessac Leognan (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,907.98 |
1 |
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VM 99 (1/2019): The 2016 La Mission Haut-Brion was stunning from barrel, and now in bottle. It has a sublime bouquet of blackberries, briar and hints of dark chocolate and rose petals that gain intensity with aeration while maintaining ethereal delineation. It never steps on the accelerator too hard. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. There is still a veneer of new oak that will need to be assimilated over the coming years. This is a deep La Mission that caresses the mouth. Touches of graphite lingering on a finish that fans out gloriously. Is the 2016 up there with the 1955 or 1989? Nearly. Neal Martin.
WA 98+ (11/2018): The 2016 La Mission Haut-Brion is a blend of 57.5% Merlot and 42.5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple in color, it is just a little muted to begin, soon unfurling to reveal slowly growing scents of crushed blackcurrants, black cherries, dark chocolate and candied violets with nuances of crushed rocks, tobacco leaf, forest floor and fragrant earth plus a hint of bergamot. Medium-bodied and exquisitely elegant, the palate offers perfectly ripe, fine-grained tannins and tons of freshness with layer upon layer of perfumed fruit and a very long, ferrous-laced finish.
JD 98 (2/2019): The 2016 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion checks in as a Merlot-heavy blend, 57.5% Merlot and 42.5% Cabernet Sauvignon. About as pure and seamless (yet sexy) as they come in the vintage, it offers awesome notes of dried flowers, sweet currants, cedarwood, forest floor, and exotic spices. With a flawless texture, medium to full body, and ultra-fine tannins, this beauty builds incrementally on the palate with terrific mid-palate depth and a stunning finish. It’s sexier and more charming compared to the more backward Haut Brion, yet I suspect it will age just as long. |
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| Ch. Monbousquet |
2005 |
St. Emilion |
$99 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 95 (4/2008): From a less than noble terroir in Saint-Sulpice de Faleyrens, Gerard Perse has accomplished miraculous things at Monbousquet. Prior to his acquisition of this property in the mid-nineties, this wine tasted like watered-down Beaujolais, but Perse has turned it into one of the more stunning, modern-styled wines of Bordeaux. A blend of approximately two-thirds Merlot, one-third Cabernet Franc and 8-10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2005 exhibits plenty of toasty oak, roasted herb, meat juice, blackberry, cherry, and spice characteristics along with a touch of incense. Full-bodied and opulent, with an atypically rigid structure, this is a remarkable achievement for such a humble terroir. It admirably reflects Gerard Perse’s obsessive commitment to excellence. Look for this 2005 to hit its stride in 7-8 years, and last for 15-20.
VM 93 (6/2008): Full ruby-red. Captivating aromas of black raspberry, smoked meat, mocha and licorice. Wonderfully sweet, dense and fat but with excellent vinosity and inner-mouth perfume to the flavors of berries, mocha and licorice. A compellingly tactile vintage for Monbousquet, with the substantial but sweet tannins buffered by the wine's chewy mid-palate material. This was aged in 80% new oak, compared to 60% to 65% in 2006 and 2007. Really transcends its less-than-ideal terroir in Saint Sulpice de Faleyrens. |
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| Ch. Mouton-Rothschild |
2023 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,791.99 |
1 |
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JD 96-98 (4/2024): Pulled from just 40% of the production, the 2023 Château Mouton Rothschild is based on 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot that will see 18 months in new barrels. Tasting like the blood of Cabernet with its smoky red, black, and blue fruits, tobacco leaf, graphite, and cedar-driven aromatics, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a pure, polished, layered mouthfeel, beautiful concentration, and ripe, velvety tannins. Not the massive style of the 2022, it’s more in line with the 2016. This rich, elegant, seamless 2023 will need a decade to hit its prime.
VM 96-99 (4/2024): The 2023 Mouton Rothschild is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintages on the Left Bank. Its balance of intense, super-concentrated fruit and equally imposing structure is spellbinding. Dark red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, pencil shavings and dried herbs gain intensity in the glass. I especially admire its vertical build and overall energy. This is an exciting young Mouton endowed with palpable dynamic energy. It's a superb effort from the team led by Technical Director Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy. Antonio Galloni.
WA 94-96 (4/2024): Aromas of crème de cassis and dark berries mingled with pencil shaving, espresso roast and violets introduce the 2023 Mouton Rothschild, a medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy wine with a creamy core of ripe but lively fruit, sweet tannins and an expansive finish. In terms of parcels, the 2023 is quite different in origins from the 2022, favoring plots that are better-drained rather than those resistant to drought. It's a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot, without either Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot featuring in the blend, and it attained 13.3% alcohol.
JA 98-100 (4/2024): High Cabernet, and the grape is dominant not just in blend but character, totally delicious, with tension, flesh, and confidence, building layers of black fruits, graphite, cocoa bean, espresso, pomegranate and smoked earth throughout the palate. When Cabernet works at Mouton, it is hard to beat, and it's on full display in 2023. One of my clear wines of the vintage. Of any vintage. 100% new oak for ageing. 40% grand vin, harvest September 7 to 30. |
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| Ch. Palmer |
1999 |
Margaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,290.98 |
1 |
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| |
| WA 95 (4/2002): The 1999 is the greatest Palmer made since 1961, 1966, 1970, 1983, and 1989. It is one of the superstars of the vintage. The wine is a blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. It boasts a staggering bouquet of violets and other spring flowers intermixed with licorice, black currants, and subtle wood. Only 50% of the production made it into the grand vin. This is a multidimensional, compelling effort with both power and elegance, it offers sweet tannin along with flavors that caress the palate, and a 45-second finish. This is terrific stuff! Anticipated maturity: 2004-2025. |
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|
2000 |
Margaux |
$425 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (4/2003): This has turned out to be a prodigious Palmer. The saturated purple color offers up sexy, full-bodied, almost masculine notes of roasted meats, blackberries, and creme de cassis intermixed with notions of toast, smoke, and camphor. Only 50% of the production made it into the 2000, a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Merlot. The wine is opulent, rich, and full-bodied, with tannin that has become sweeter with age. Its best showing yet, most importantly, has been from bottle. This is a great Palmer that should rival the best of recent vintages, which have all been stunning, as this estate continues to go from strength to strength. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2030. |
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|
2021 |
Margaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,249.99 |
3 |
|
| |
JA 96 (7/2022): Palmer has a little more Merlot in the 1st wine blend than usual, something that is not the case for everyone this year, but reflects how unusual Palmer's Merlot on gravel really is. This is one that makes you sit up and take notice; with savoury fruits that have sinew and character, juicy raspberry, blueberry and black cherry, good persistency, helped by fresh acidities and slate texture. Clear ageing potential, acidity more present than in the past few years at Palmer, but the sense of energy and momentum is entirely in the spirit of the estate. 22hl/h yields (but 8ha were lost to frost, so the 'real' yield was 27hl/h). Harvest September 24 to October 16, with the majority in by October 11.
WA 95-97 (4/2022): The late-ripening, low-yielding vintage has delivered a beautifully balanced wine of striking intensity in the 2021 Palmer. Unwinding in the glass with complex aromas of blackberries, exotic spices, licorice, violets and burning embers, it's full-bodied, layered and enveloping, with a deep, concentrated core of fruit, ripe tannins and lively acids, concluding with a long, expansive finish. If recent vintages of Palmer have set new records in their power and richness, the 2021 marks a return to the classical proportions of the 1990s—with all the additional concentration and precision that Thomas Douroux's pioneering viticulture and thoughtful winemaking have brought to the equation at this address in the interim. The grand vin is a blend of 56% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot, picked between September 24 and October 15. Tasted twice.
VM 94-97 (5/2022): The 2021 Palmer is one of the truly epic wines of the year. It's not the 2018, but it is in that vein, albeit at 13% in alcohol. There's tremendous richness and sheer extract here. Blackberry jam, chocolate, smoke, licorice, lavender and mocha notes possess remarkable primary intensity, more like a young must than a wine with a few months of age. Readers will find a Palmer that offers a compelling mix of opulence and energy. Antonio Galloni.
JD 93-95 (6/2022): The Grand Vin 2021 Château Palmer checks in as 56% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot. The élevage here is unique in that the wine spends the first year in barrel (60% new) before having one-third moved into foudre for the following 6 months. The 2021 is an unquestionable success, revealing a dense purple hue as well as a powerful bouquet of ripe black and blue fruits supported by notes of tobacco, graphite, and chocolate. This medium to full-bodied Margaux has ripe, velvety tannins, a great mid-palate, and outstanding length. It's going to have plenty of up-front appeal yet still evolve for two decades. |
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| Ch. Pavie |
2010 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,517.99 |
1 |
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WA 100 (3/2020): Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Pavie delivers tantalizing suggestions of candied violets, star anise and tapenade over a core of prunes, blueberry compote, Morello cherries and fruitcake with touches of underbrush and bouquet garni. Full-bodied, rich and exotically opulent, the palate has a rock-solid texture of velvety tannins and bold freshness supporting the generous palate of black and blue berry preserves, finishing long and fragrant.
JD 100 (11/2019): The 2010 Château Pavie is straight-up magical, and while it matches the 2000, 2005, 2009, and 2015, it has a style all its own. (It’s probably most similar to the 2005, yet even more tannic and backward.) Checking in as blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon from tiny yields of 26 hectoliters per hectare, it’s still ruby/plum-colored and has a powerful, inward bouquet of blackcurrants, smoked earth, graphite, chocolate, and white truffle. Deep, powerful, and massive on the palate, yet also incredibly delineated and focused, it’s shed just a touch of the baby fat it had in its youth and still needs another 4-5 years to hit prime time. Given its depth of fruit, flawless balance, and both purity and freshness, it’s going to be a 75- to 100-year wine.
JS 99 (3/2018): This is really exceptional with such freshness, firmness and focus. Full body, incredibly tight tannins and a lengthy finish. Such power and elegance at the same time. The beginning of a new era of Pavie.
VM 96 (4/2020): The 2010 Pavie has a very generous bouquet with intense red cherries, cassis, orange essence and even a hint of dried honey. This is exuberant and very intense. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannins, wonderful detail and precision. The energy in this Pomerol is palpable and it fans out gloriously towards the finish. This represents one of the best examples of the 2010 Pavie that I have tasted. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal. Neal Martin. |
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| Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux |
2021 |
Margaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$938.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Phelan Segur |
2022 |
St. Estephe (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$354.99 |
4 |
|
| |
JD 94-96 (5/2023): I was lucky enough to be able to taste the 2022 Château Phélan Ségur on multiple occasions, and it always impressed, offering a deep purple hue as well as a ripe, powerful bouquet of darker currant and cassis-like fruits interwoven with leafy herbs, tobacco, and chocolate. A ripe, full-bodied, opulent wine, it has beautiful tannins, a layered, concentrated mouthfeel, and a great finish. It’s going to be as good, if not better, than the 2018 and 2019, and I continue to love what director Véronique Dausse accomplishes at this address.
VM 95-97 (5/2023): The 2022 Phélan Ségur was picked between 14 and 26 September, 9 out of 13 days with one plot immediately after another, using selected indigenous yeasts for around half the production. It was cropped at 28hL/ha with 14.2% alcohol at the moment, the pH is 3.8. This year contains higher Merlot (56%) due to its higher yield than Cabernet (frost and berry size). On June 20 at 8.15pm, three blocks were hit by hail that was horizontal accompanied by 25mm of rain within 10 minutes. This cost them 30% production overall. "We did less extraction at the end of the alcoholic fermentation and stopped the pumping over two days earlier at 1.010 [which without getting too technical is the Gravity of one liter of must relative to one liter of distilled water] and did more like an infusion." Aged in 55% new oak, it has an enticingly pure bouquet with blackberry and bilberry fruit, blackcurrant, iris flower and light iodine scents. Very intense and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins, a liberal sprinkling of freshly cracked black pepper laced over the black fruit. A quintessentially Saint-Estèphe with a structured and very persistent finish. Allowing the wine to open in the glass, it reveals impressive depth (more so than the 2019 and 2020) and precision. This will require several years in bottle, but it will certainly be worth the wait. Neal Martin.
WA 91-93 (5/2023): Unwinding in the glass with aromas of cherries, crème de cassis, sweet berries and spices, framed by creamy new oak, the 2022 Phélan Ségur is medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated, with plenty of sweet fruit and chewy structuring tannin. It's a persuasive Saint-Estèphe in a more modern, extracted style.
JA 95 (5/2023): Elegant and well balanced, a ton of St Estèphe signature, this is really impressive, well controlled, wuth purity and depth to the cassis fruits, sweetened by cherry pie, flaky pastry, cinnammon, a welcome bitter finish of aniseed and cocoa beans that gives balance to the overall richness of the palate. There are big tannins but also clean wet stone minerality, and things stretch out through the palate, giving grip and no let up in intensity. 55% new oak, 3.8ph, 28hl/h yield. Blend finished in March, 28l/h yield. Selected native yeasts. |
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| Le Pin |
2022 |
Pomerol
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,196.97 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (2/2025): Wow, the 2022 Château Le Pin is absolutely stunning and has a heavenly perfume of black raspberries, spicy wood, flowers, incense, and camphor that develops beautifully with time in the glass. With sensational elegance, full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, and flawlessly integrated oak, it's one of the 2022s that's just about impossible to resist. As always, this cuvée is 100% Merlot from a tiny parcel not far from Vieux Chateau Certan, and the 2022 was raised in 65% new French oak. While this wine is frightfully expensive and hard to find, it certainly brings the goods in 2022! (Drink between 2029-2059).
VM 98 (2/2025): The 2022 Le Pin was certainly more closed than the L'Hêtre or L'If upon initial taste, so I gave my decanted glass another decant, pouring from one glass to another several times. That helped to reveal a very perfumed bouquet with black cherries, raspberry, hints of cigar humidor and a light anise scent in the background. This has razor-sharp delineation. The palate boasts a silky texture on the entry that immediately caresses the mouth. There is very fine depth here, displaying a mixture of red and black fruit mixed with marmalade and allspice as it fans out wonderfully toward the finish. If you intend to drink this, a) decant it, and b) invite me. Otherwise, cellar this for several years before broaching. (Drink between 2032-2060). Neal Martin.
JA 97 (5/2023): Delivers the plush texture of Le Pin, with rippling cassis and blueberry fruits, bitter slabs of chocolate, slate, crushed rocks. The extreme ripeness of the year seems effortless at a property that knows how to capture your attention, and how to draw velvety tannins around intensely spiced fruits. A slow build through the palate, need to take your time to explores the depths of this wine, give it time. Expertly structured and intense. Harvest September 6 to 17, here yield 29hl/h, 3.77ph, 65% new oak. Potential upscore in bottle.
WA 95 (3/2025): The 2022 Le Pin has turned out very well, retaining impressive energy for such an early-ripening, well-draining site in so warm a year. Offering up aromas of sweet cherries, berries, licorice and violets, framed by a creamy patina of new oak, it's full-bodied, layered and exotic, with a sweet core of ripe fruit, polished tannins and a layered, seamless profile. |
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| Ch. Pontet Canet |
2008 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,187.98 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 96 (2/2019): Unquestionably one of the gems in the vintage is the 2008 Pontet-Canet, which reminds me of the 2005 with its concentrated, deep, powerful style. Beautiful dark fruits, graphite, obvious minerality, and classic Pauillac lead pencil notes all emerge from this still youthful, full-bodied, and pure 2008 that’s 4-5 years away from maturity and will keep for 30+ years. Hats off to Alfred Tesseron for another awesome wine that ranks up with the crème de la crème of the vintage.
WA 96 (5/2011): A candidate for the “wine of the vintage," Pontet Canet’s 2008 boasts an opaque purple color as well as copious aromas of sweet blueberries, blackberries and black currant fruit intertwined with lead pencil shavings, subtle barbecue smoke and a hint of forest floor. Full-bodied, with fabulous richness, texture and tremendous freshness, this first-growth-like effort is more developed than the uber-powerful 2010. Give it 5-8 years of cellaring and drink it over the following three decades. Bravo!
VM 94 (8/2011): Deep ruby-red. Knockout nose combines black cherry, lavender, potpourri spices and graphite minerality; high-toned and slightly liqueur-like. Then dense, seamless and vibrant in the mouth, with firm acidity giving Outstanding energy to the dark fruit, floral and mineral flavors. Really spreads out on the back end and stays a while. Brilliantly delineated, complex wine with superb cut and penetration. Stephen Tanzer.
JS 94 (7/2016): The minerality and floral character to this is really impressive with lots of bark, currant and dried rose character. Full body, chewy yet polished tannins and a mouthwatering finish. Made from biodynamcially grown grapes. Drink or hold. |
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|
2019 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,157.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 99 (7/2022): The aromas to this are really amazing, with a potpourri of spices and dried flowers, as well as redcurrants, sweet plums and even some peaches. Full-bodied with layers of ripe fruit and ultra-fine tannins that spread across the palate in an encompassing yet always elegant and pure way. It’s succulent and unadulterated. Like crushed, perfectly ripened grapes. The length is rather endless. The tannins build. Fabulous young red. 35% in amphora and the rest in 50% new oak and 15% one-year oak. 65% cabernet sauvignon and 30% merlot, the rest cabernet franc and petit verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes. Try after 2028, but an absolute joy to taste now.
VM 96 (2/2022): The 2019 Pontet-Canet was so effusive and generous en primeur. Today, though, it is quite reticent. That won't be an issue for those who can be patient, but patience indeed will be the key here. Dark red fleshed fruit, tobacco, cedar, spice, kirsch, mint and blood orange gradually open with a bit of coaxing. Imposing tannins wrap it all together. The 2019 is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty, but it needs time.
WA 93 (4/2022): The 2019 Pontet-Canet offers up an expressive bouquet of plummy fruit, kirsch, dried herbs and peonies. On the palate, it's full-bodied, ample and seamless, with melting tannins, succulent acids, and a long, liqueured finish. Tasted twice, it's a wine I find somewhat perplexing: in a blind tasting, I might be more inclined to place it in Gigondas than Pauillac. I'm far from dogmatic when it comes to what the French call "typicité," and stylistic diversity surely enriches every appellation; but by the same token, I'm not convinced that this is the most compelling aesthetic that a Cabernet-based blend from this part of Bordeaux can realize. Checking in at 13.7% alcohol, some 35% of the production was matured in amphorae, which no doubt contributes to the wine's idiosyncratic identity.
JD 92 (4/2022): The 2019 Château Pontet Canet checks in as a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot that was brought up in a mix of barrels and concrete tanks. It shows the new style of the estate with a more savory, exotic, medium to full-bodied style that's a dramatically different beast than the benchmark 2009 and 2010 vintages, which to my mind, are the greatest vintages from this estate to date. The 2019 has a ruby/plum color as well as a perfumed nose of redcurrant and mulberry fruits as well as notes of brambly herbs, woodsmoke, peony, leather, and cedar pencil. It's aromatic and complex, although certainly not classic Pauillac, and on the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, with firm, savory, yet quality tannins, good balance, and outstanding length. It warrants 7-8 years of bottle age and will evolve for 30+ years. While the style of the estate has been gradually shifting with the winemaking moving to hand destemming and aging in concrete and amphora, this is the first time where the winemaking seems to dominate the wine, and the quality is unquestionably not at the same level. |
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| Ch. Rauzan-Segla |
2009 |
Margaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,141.99 |
2 |
|
| |
JS 97 (11/2011): Gorgeous nose of raspberries and blueberries. Hints of chocolate and oak. Full bodied, but compacted and very racy. Lovely fruit with milk chocolate, but the texture of tannins is so beautiful. This is the best Rauzan ever made - except perhaps the great pre-phylloxera bottles of the 1800s. Try in 2019.
WA 93+ (2/2012): A classic Margaux, this blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon and 43% Merlot reveals a dense plum/blue/purple color in addition to a sumptuous perfume of subtle new oak interwoven with underbrush, black currants, black raspberries, spring flowers, and a hint of dusty, loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied with sweet but abundant tannin, and beautiful purity, texture and equilibrium, the 2009 Rauzan Segla will provide enjoyable drinking over the next three decades.
VM 91+ (7/2012): Bright red-ruby. Lively aromas and flavors of boysenberry, violet, chocolate and spicy oak. Juicy, sweet and elegant, with sound acidity and a firm spine of tannins keeping the wine's fruit under wraps now. Not an opulent style for the vintage; in fact, this solidly structured Margaux is tough going today. Finishes chewy and chocolatey, with noteworthy persistence. I'd cellar this for at least seven or eight years; it should enjoy a slow evolution in bottle. |
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|
2015 |
Margaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,337.98 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (5/2019): I underrated the 2015 Rauzan-Segla on release. It’s a big, rich, incredibly sexy wine that’s certainly in the same ballpark as the 2016 (and 2018). Full-bodied, ripe, and concentrated, it has a wonderfully expansive, layered texture as well as an incredible sense of balance. Lots of cassis, leafy herbs, flowery incense, and tobacco notes all emerge from this beauty, which offers sweet tannins as well as a huge finish. This is magical stuff that’s going to keep for three decades or more. |
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|
2020 |
Margaux (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$433.97 |
1 |
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| |
WA 96-98+ (5/2021): Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2020 Rauzan-Segla is aging for 18 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. It has an alcohol of 13.5% and a pH of 3.74. Deep purple-black colored, aromas of blackcurrant cordial, stewed red and black plums, chocolate-covered cherries and raspberry coulis erupt from the glass, leading to an undercurrent of tar, licorice, red roses and menthol, plus a hint of unsmoked cigars. The medium-bodied palate is elegant and yet manages seriously impressive intensity, which is well-sustained throughout the mid-palate and finish. Refined and refreshing, delivering beautifully soft, silt-like tannins and bags of bright red and black fruits, it finishes with amazing length and a stunning perfume. Between this and Château Canon, Nicolas Audebert and his team have knocked it out of the park this vintage.
VM 95-97 (5/2021): The 2020 Rauzan-Segla is all reserve and nowhere near as showy as the last few vintages. Don't be fooled though, this tightly-coiled, brilliant wine has the potential to be magnificent, but it needs time. Sweet floral, spice and cedar nuances open with a bit of coaxing, but the 2020 is in no mood to show all its cards yet. The 2020 is a super-classic Rauzan-Segla that will delight readers in search of restrained elegance, something that is not so easy to find in Bordeaux these days. Antonio Galloni.
JD 95-97+ (5/2021): The 2020 Château Rauzan-Segla checks in as 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. It's one of the more inky, backward wines I can recall from this address and has brooding notes of blackcurrants, spring flowers, tobacco, graphite, and crushed stone. A big, rich, concentrated 2020, it's medium to full-bodied, has ripe, building tannins, fabulous purity, and a great finish. There's a certain austerity here that makes me think this will be one for the cellar.
JS 97-98 (4/2021): Full-bodied and layered with velvety layers of tannins that are beautifully interspersed with ripe fruit and dark-chocolate notes. Silky and lightly chewy texture. Very long, solid finish. |
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| Ch. Smith Haut Lafitte |
2016 |
Pessac Leognan (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$826.97 |
1 |
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| |
WA 98 (11/2018): Composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot and matured in 60% new oak for 18 months, the 2016 Smith Haut Lafitte has a very deep garnet-purple color, opening with sensuous scents of warm black cherries, blackberry pie, star anise and fragrant lilacs with hints of chocolate box, cigar box and pencil lead plus wafts of truffles and crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, rich and seductive, it completely fills the palate with perfumed black berry preserves and superbly plush tannins, finishing epically long and beautifully layered.
JD 97 (2/2019): Moving to the reds, the 2016 Château Smith Haut Lafitte checks in as 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot that spent 18 months in 60% new oak. It’s undeniably a more elegant, reserved style from this estate, yet it still offers full-bodied richness and depth, with a classic perfume of cassis, black currants, cold fireplace, wood smoke, and tobacco. Deep, nicely concentrated, seamless, and, again, incredibly elegant, it’s going to flesh out nicely with short-term cellaring and keep for 20-30 years.
VM 95+ (8/2020): The 2016 Smith Haut-Lafitte has an opulent, lavish bouquet with layers of black cherry, Christmas cake, dark chocolate and vanilla. This wants to make an impression. The palate is very seductive, featuring lush red berry fruit, brown spices and saturated tannins. Some new oak is evident on the finish, but that will be subsumed with bottle age. I can see this aging well. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. Tertre Roteboeuf |
2016 |
St. Emilion (6.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,832.98 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 100 (1/2019): The 2016 Tertre-Rôteboeuf is flat-out stunning and also one of the wines of the vintage. Rich, deep and explosive, the 2016 possesses remarkable depth and intensity from the very first taste. The 2016 is exotic, full-throttle and unapologetically hedonistic. At times, Tertre-Rôteboeuf can be a bit rough around the edges, but the 2016 is totally sublime. In a world in which so many wines are copycats, Tertre-Rôteboeuf is an original. And the 2016 is a great, emotionally moving Tertre-Rôteboeuf. This is a magnificent effort from François and Nina Mitjavile. Don't miss it! Antonio Galloni.
WA 96-98 (4/2017): The 2016 Le Tertre Roteboeuf is a blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc cropped at 35 hectoliters per hectare between 14-18 October. This year I was hosted by François' daughter Nina Mitjavile, who has been working alongside her father for several years. It has a wonderful bouquet, very pure and fresh. I anticipated that François Mitjavile might have been tempted to pick a little later like others, but it was an assiduous decision to have the fruit in the vat by the 18 October and lock in that freshness. The palate is very well balanced with fine tannin, extremely well judged acidity, the new oak present at the moment but in proportion with the fruit. This is a stylish Le Tertre-Rôteboeuf, very sensual and luxuriant with layers of crushed strawberry, blood oranges and raspberry fruit. In a word...irresistible. |
|
| Ch. Troplong Mondot |
2020 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,089.99 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 98 (2/2023): The 2020 Troplong Mondot is fabulous. Rich, dark and expansive, the 2020 is wonderfully exuberant right out of the gate. Black cherry, plum, gravel, incense and licorice are all dialed up. There's tremendous breadth and power, but without the excess weight of the past. Even so, the 2020 is a big, big wine that needs the better part of a decade to soften. All the classic Troplong structure is there, but buffered by vibrant acids and tons of supporting minerality. Harvest started on September 5 and finished on October 8, a very wide window for the Right Bank, and a reminder of how different the parcels are. The 2020 was done in 60% new oak, 12% foudres, 28% once-used barrels. Antonio Galloni.
JS 98-99 (4/2021): This has superb depth and intensity with very fine tannins that draw you down. So much black fruit, together with black pepper and salt. Extremely well crafted. Vertical and deep. Chalky and salty with black chocolate.
JD 96-98 (5/2021): I’d wager the finest vintage here since the 2015, then the 2009, the 2020 Château Troplong Mondot is a blend of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Cabernet Franc. It offers a dense purple hue as well as powerful, unevolved aromas and flavors of pure crème de cassis, black cherries, graphite, gravelly earth, and tobacco. Coming from the highest elevation vineyard in the appellation and deeper, clay soils (which excelled in 2020), it’s medium to full-bodied and has a dense, thick mid-palate, building tannins, and a great finish. It’s not for the instant gratification crowd out there, but it’s going to be incredibly long-lived. Hats off to the team at Troplong Mondot as well as oenologist Thomas Duclos.
WA 95-97+ (5/2021): The 2020 Troplong Mondot is composed of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, harvested from 4th September and lasting for about three weeks. The pH is 3.53, the IPT (tannin index) is 75 and the alcohol is 14.5%. Opaque purple-black colored, it opens with a vivacious burst of black fruits—stewed plums, baked blackberries and boysenberries—giving way to a fragrant undercurrent of licorice, ground cloves, cinnamon stick and lilacs, with a touch of bouquet garni. The full-bodied palate is chock-full of plump, juicy black fruits and savory sparks, framed by fantastically ripe, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and opulent. |
|
| | Bordeaux White |
| Ch. de Fargues |
2007 |
Sauternes (24x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,287.98 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (4/2013): The de Fargues 2007 delivers 13.9% alcohol and 134 grams of residual sugar. Picking commenced on September 11, with slow botrytis formation and recommenced October 2-24, the picking ale to be conducted at a relatively leisurely pace. It has a very typical de Fargues nose that has lost its tongue at first, but it opens up to reveal a slightly spirituous bouquet with clear honey, pressed flowers, almond and a distant scent of the sea. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and outstanding delineation. It is utterly harmonious with a thrilling, edgy finish that expresses the terroir with great clarity. There is an effervescent quality that really takes the 2007 to another level, while the marmalade and white pepper finish is powerful and leaves a lasting impression. This is a fabulous 2007, one of the wines of the vintage. |
|
| Ch. Guiraud |
2003 |
Sauternes |
$69 |
5 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (8/2006): Full yellow-gold. Musky aromas of exotic apricot liqueur, baking spices, toffee and smoke. Supersweet and unctuous, but with its glyceral texture cut by bright acids. The exotic apricot flavor is nicely complemented by coconut, vanilla and caramel. Finishes very long and juicy. Offers a very successful combination of thickness and firm acid edge. |
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| Ch. Lafaurie Peyraguey |
2001 |
Sauternes |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 96 (2/2014): Wow. This has a seamless texture and wonderful depth of fruit with dried pineapple, pear and hints of honey. Full body, very sweet and dense. Superb. Sliced white truffles. Fantastic. Drink or hold.
VM 93 (7/2004): Pale yellow-gold. Orange peel, quince, honey and sexy oak tones of vanilla and spice. Chewy and powerful in the mouth, with highly concentrated flavors of creme caramel, honey and exotic spices. Finishes very long, honeyed and powerful, not to mention flamboyantly aromatic. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 92 (12/2014): The 2001 Lafaurie-Peyraguey has a very refined, elegant bouquet that demonstates more mineralite than the previous vintages: great tension here with marmalade, quince and dried honey scents. The palate is medium-bodied with a viscous opening. The acidity is nicely judged with touches of spice and nutmeg, although the finish is quite linear and does not quite deliver the panache of its peers. Still, this is drinking extremely well now and should continue to give pleasure over the next decade or so. |
|
|
2001 |
Sauternes Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
JS 96 (2/2014): Wow. This has a seamless texture and wonderful depth of fruit with dried pineapple, pear and hints of honey. Full body, very sweet and dense. Superb. Sliced white truffles. Fantastic. Drink or hold.
VM 93 (7/2004): Pale yellow-gold. Orange peel, quince, honey and sexy oak tones of vanilla and spice. Chewy and powerful in the mouth, with highly concentrated flavors of creme caramel, honey and exotic spices. Finishes very long, honeyed and powerful, not to mention flamboyantly aromatic. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 92 (12/2014): The 2001 Lafaurie-Peyraguey has a very refined, elegant bouquet that demonstates more mineralite than the previous vintages: great tension here with marmalade, quince and dried honey scents. The palate is medium-bodied with a viscous opening. The acidity is nicely judged with touches of spice and nutmeg, although the finish is quite linear and does not quite deliver the panache of its peers. Still, this is drinking extremely well now and should continue to give pleasure over the next decade or so. |
|
| Ch. Rieussec |
2001 |
Sauternes (375 ML) |
$79 |
6 |
|
| |
JS 100 (5/2012): This is a crazy wine! It's sweet, but not sugary. Mushrooms, furniture wax, spices then dried oranges, lemons, pineapples, and just a hint of vanilla. Full-bodied, with great density and power, yet balanced and refined. So amazing, but give this five to six years still. Pull the cork in 2016. 145 grams RS.
WA 99 (6/2004): A monumental effort, the 2001 Rieussec boasts a light to medium gold color in addition to a fabulous perfume of honeysuckle, smoky oak, caramelized tropical fruits, creme brulee, and Grand Marnier. The wine is massive and full-bodied yet neither over the top nor heavy because of good acidity. With intense botrytis as well as a 70-75-second finish, this amazing Sauternes will be its apogee between 2010-2035.
VM 95 (8/2004): Pale yellow-gold. Superripe nose dominated by honey and marzipan. Hugely ripe and deep, with compelling layers and depth of fruit. Superconcentrated, exotic flavors of apricot, minerals and coconut. Wonderfully chewy, thick and sweet, and extremely long on the aftertaste. A huge wine that will impress early but will really need a minimum of a decade to shed some of its baby fat. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2003 |
Sauternes |
$69 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 93-96 (4/2004): The 2003s appear to be somewhat in the style of the 1990s, with high levels of residual sugar (higher than 2001 for the most part) as well as botrytis, low acidity, and fat, full-bodied personalities. This region’s harvest began extremely early (early September), and was completely finished within three weeks. It does not appear that the nobleness and racy richness of the 2001 vintage will be found in the 2003s, but readers who like the big, flamboyant, over the top style of the 1990s will enjoy the 2003s even more than I did.
VM 92-95 (8/2005): Medium yellow-gold. Reticent but pure aromas of fruit salad, spices and vanilla, lifted by floral and mineral nuances. Wonderfully honeyed, fat fruit flavors are complemented by cinnamon, clove and nutmeg. The sexy oak treatment gives lift to the wine. A bit youthfully aggressive but very long on the back end, showing vanillin oak and a bit of warmth. But this one offers superb potential. |
|
| Ch. Sigalas Rabaud |
2001 |
Sauternes |
$40 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 93+ (8/2004): Pale orange-gold color. Orange peel, apricot, white raisin and spicy oak on the nose. Unctuous, superripe and exotic, with hugely sweet flavors of apricot and caramel. Full, fat and extremely long, but still a bit youthfully closed and firm-edged. This is less fine than the 2002 but much more massive.
WA 91 (6/2004): With coaxing, muted aromas of honeyed citrus, orange marmalade, lanolin, and honeyed lavender emerge from this medium gold-colored, full-bodied, sweet, unctuously textured Sauternes. Still young and unformed, it should be fully mature between 2010-2020+. |
|
| Ch. d' Yquem |
1996 |
Sauternes (12x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,231.98 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (4/2003): Compared with the flamboyant aromatics of the 1997, Yquem's 1996 plays it closer to the vest, although there is a lot going on. Light gold with a tight but promising nose of roasted hazelnuts intermixed with creme brulee, vanilla beans, honey, orange marmalade, and peaches, this medium to full-bodied offering reveals loads of power in its restrained, measured personality. There is admirable acidity, weight, texture, and purity in this impeccably made Yquem. However, patience will be a virtue. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2060. |
|
|
2009 |
Sauternes (12x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,197.99 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 100 (3/2019): Pale to medium gold colored, the 2009 d'Yquem bursts from the glass with gregarious crème caramel, allspice, dried apricots, mandarin peel and pineapple upside down cake scents plus a fragrant undercurrent of fungi, acacia honey, candied ginger, musk perfume and frangipani. Full-bodied and full-on hedonic in the mouth, the rich, tightly wound layers are still amazingly youthful with bags of citrus sparks and an incredibly long, perfumed finish. Possessing a residual sugar of 157 grams per liter and 13.6% alcohol as well as a laser-focused line of freshness, the rock-solid structure and through-the-roof opulence here is simply mind blowing. Pure perfection.
JS 98 (4/2012): The length to this is exceptional with an intensity yet subtlety. Full and medium sweet with bright and exciting acidity. It's all in balance here. Creme brulee, pineapple, and papaya. Lasts so long on finish. It's so fabulous now. It will age forever but it's already a joy to taste, even drink. Better in 2020.
VM 97 (3/2019): The 2009 d'Yquem is a vintage that I have awarded perfect scores to in the past however, neither bottles merit that on this occasion. The first bottle feels scalped, so much so that a second bottle is checked. This has a very refined and sophisticated bouquet with wild honey, brioche, vanilla pod and light orange blossom aromas, beautifully refined. The palate is very well defined with fine acidity, very elegant in style with pure botrytised fruit and superb acidity on the finish. Ah...that is more like it. However, on this occasion it does not quite hit the high notes. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting. Neal Martin. |
|
|
2009 |
Sauternes (3x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$885.98 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 100 (3/2019): Pale to medium gold colored, the 2009 d'Yquem bursts from the glass with gregarious crème caramel, allspice, dried apricots, mandarin peel and pineapple upside down cake scents plus a fragrant undercurrent of fungi, acacia honey, candied ginger, musk perfume and frangipani. Full-bodied and full-on hedonic in the mouth, the rich, tightly wound layers are still amazingly youthful with bags of citrus sparks and an incredibly long, perfumed finish. Possessing a residual sugar of 157 grams per liter and 13.6% alcohol as well as a laser-focused line of freshness, the rock-solid structure and through-the-roof opulence here is simply mind blowing. Pure perfection.
JS 98 (4/2012): The length to this is exceptional with an intensity yet subtlety. Full and medium sweet with bright and exciting acidity. It's all in balance here. Creme brulee, pineapple, and papaya. Lasts so long on finish. It's so fabulous now. It will age forever but it's already a joy to taste, even drink. Better in 2020.
VM 97 (3/2019): The 2009 d'Yquem is a vintage that I have awarded perfect scores to in the past however, neither bottles merit that on this occasion. The first bottle feels scalped, so much so that a second bottle is checked. This has a very refined and sophisticated bouquet with wild honey, brioche, vanilla pod and light orange blossom aromas, beautifully refined. The palate is very well defined with fine acidity, very elegant in style with pure botrytised fruit and superb acidity on the finish. Ah...that is more like it. However, on this occasion it does not quite hit the high notes. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting. Neal Martin. |
|
|
2018 |
Sauternes (6x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,150.99 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/2020): The 2018 d'Yquem is all lime cordial, grapefruit oil and mandarin peel to begin. With a little coaxing, the fireworks really begin, letting off a whole array of honeysuckle, candied ginger, dried pineapple, lemon pastilles, chalk dust and sea spray scents, followed by a savory undercurrent of shaved almonds, allspice and baking bread. The palate is an exercise in polish and poise, featuring the most gorgeously creamy texture and bright, sparkling freshness, framing all the densely laden tropical and citrus fruit layers, finishing with a powerful BANG of profound floral and spice perfume. It is wonderfully sweet, yes, but that—paradoxically for a "sweet wine"—is almost beside the point.
JS 97 (9/2020): An extremely polished and refined d’Yquem with lightly cooked peaches and mangos and an overlay of vanilla and cream with some lemon meringue. Orange peel, too. What is striking is the texture, which is creamy and so fine. The tannins give the wine energy and beauty. The finish is extremely long and impressive. So clean and refined. Not heavy at all, but vivid and clean as crystal. Goes on for minutes. Elegance with stature is a good description. Drinkable now, but better in 2023 and onwards. |
|
|
2018 |
Sauternes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,151.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/2020): The 2018 d'Yquem is all lime cordial, grapefruit oil and mandarin peel to begin. With a little coaxing, the fireworks really begin, letting off a whole array of honeysuckle, candied ginger, dried pineapple, lemon pastilles, chalk dust and sea spray scents, followed by a savory undercurrent of shaved almonds, allspice and baking bread. The palate is an exercise in polish and poise, featuring the most gorgeously creamy texture and bright, sparkling freshness, framing all the densely laden tropical and citrus fruit layers, finishing with a powerful BANG of profound floral and spice perfume. It is wonderfully sweet, yes, but that—paradoxically for a "sweet wine"—is almost beside the point.
JS 97 (9/2020): An extremely polished and refined d’Yquem with lightly cooked peaches and mangos and an overlay of vanilla and cream with some lemon meringue. Orange peel, too. What is striking is the texture, which is creamy and so fine. The tannins give the wine energy and beauty. The finish is extremely long and impressive. So clean and refined. Not heavy at all, but vivid and clean as crystal. Goes on for minutes. Elegance with stature is a good description. Drinkable now, but better in 2023 and onwards. |
|
|
2018 |
Sauternes (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$776.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/2020): The 2018 d'Yquem is all lime cordial, grapefruit oil and mandarin peel to begin. With a little coaxing, the fireworks really begin, letting off a whole array of honeysuckle, candied ginger, dried pineapple, lemon pastilles, chalk dust and sea spray scents, followed by a savory undercurrent of shaved almonds, allspice and baking bread. The palate is an exercise in polish and poise, featuring the most gorgeously creamy texture and bright, sparkling freshness, framing all the densely laden tropical and citrus fruit layers, finishing with a powerful BANG of profound floral and spice perfume. It is wonderfully sweet, yes, but that—paradoxically for a "sweet wine"—is almost beside the point.
JS 97 (9/2020): An extremely polished and refined d’Yquem with lightly cooked peaches and mangos and an overlay of vanilla and cream with some lemon meringue. Orange peel, too. What is striking is the texture, which is creamy and so fine. The tannins give the wine energy and beauty. The finish is extremely long and impressive. So clean and refined. Not heavy at all, but vivid and clean as crystal. Goes on for minutes. Elegance with stature is a good description. Drinkable now, but better in 2023 and onwards. |
|
| | Burgundy Red |
| Dom. Arnoux-Lachaux |
2013 |
Romanee St. Vivant Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$13,002.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Grands Suchots (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$16,590.97 |
1 |
|
| |
| BH 94 (1/2021): ( from a .45 ha parcel situated at the very top of the vineyard; Les Grands Suchots is the name for the upper portion of the vineyard and was in use by a few domaines up through the 1970s.) A distinctly floral nose offers up a beguiling blend of very ripe red and dark pinot fruit, sandalwood, Asian-style tea and plenty of spice whiffs. There is a highly refined mouthfeel to the rich, suave and super-seductive medium-bodied flavors that tighten up quickly on the balanced and impressively persistent finale. This youthfully austere effort is very Suchots in character and an excellent example that should age gracefully for the next 15+ years. Drink 2033+. Outstanding! |
|
| Dom. Berthaut Gerbet |
2018 |
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Suchots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,507.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Robert Chevillon |
2021 |
Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Chaignots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$751.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 90-93 (1/2023): The 2021 Nuits-Saint-Georges 1er Cru Les Chaignots is very pretty, bursting with aromas of red berries, coniferous forest floor, peonies and spices. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, with lively acids and beautifully refined tannins, it will offer a broad drinking window.
BH 90-93 (1/2023): As is usually the case, the expressive nose is quite spicy, indeed blind this could aromatically pass for a Vosne with its pretty plum, dark berry and exotic tea scents. The rich and quite generous yet refined and pure medium-bodied flavors exude a subtle minerality on the bitter pit fruit-inflected finale. Lovely and understated. (Drink starting 2029). |
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|
2021 |
Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Perrieres (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$835.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Y. Clerget |
2019 |
Volnay 1er Cru Caillerets (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$793.97 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (12/2023): The 2019 Volnay Les Caillerets 1er Cru has a clean, precise, complex bouquet with brambly red fruit, briar and touches of blood orange. The oak here is neatly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and is quite citrus-driven, with blood orange (again) infusing the layered red fruit. This is perhaps just missing a little grip and complexity as it sashays toward the finish. Fine. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting. Neal MArtin. |
|
| Dom. Coquard Loison-Fleurot |
2012 |
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,720.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Joseph Drouhin |
2014 |
Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,224.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,842.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Bernard Dugat-Py |
2020 |
Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,191.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Dujac |
2016 |
Morey St. Denis 1er Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,322.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,393.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Bonnes Mares Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,315.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Faiveley |
2016 |
Latricieres Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,609.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (1/2019): One of the more reserved wines in the range, the 2016 Latricières-Chambertin Grand Cru unfurls in the glass with a youthfully reticent bouquet of dark wild berry fruit, licorice, coniferous forest floor, grilled meats and spices. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with an elegantly satiny attack and a deep, immensely concentrated mid-palate that's framed by ripe tannins and brisk acids, concluding with a long and expansive finish. This is an understated but profound Latricières which numbers among Faiveley's best in 2016.
BH 93-95 (1/2018): (from a very large 1.21 ha parcel.) Here too the wood treatment is subtle yet just prominent enough to warrant pointing out on the cool, pure and notably more sauvage nose of both red and dark wild berry and earth scents. There is a really lovely sense of underlying tension suffusing the much more mineral-driven middle weight flavors that are not quite as rich but notably more precise on the chiseled and wonderfully refined finish. Textbook. Drink 2031+. Don't miss!
VM 92-95 (1/2018): (from very old vines; no frost here): Healthy dark red with ruby tones. Aromas of dark berries and coffee with cream on top. At once densely packed and perfumed in the mouth, with crushed raspberry and cranberry flavors lifted by violet. Spreads out horizontally on the back end, finishing with terrific class and ineffable rising perfume of spices and flowers. The tannins here are linear and firm but not hard. A very classy, scented grand cru in the making. Stephen Tanzer. |
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|
2019 |
Latricieres Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,061.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,995.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| JM 94-96 (11/2022): The grand terroirs can shrug off the difficult vintages, says Jérôme. For him Clos de Bèze is the same wine every year. Fine crimson purple, with more depth than the other Grands Crus. Plenty of red fruit but in a slightly stricter format here. The fruit on the palate is very high class, all red not black, with white pepper as if some whole bunch (but not) and the return of sweet floral red fruit notes. Perfectly together at the back, taming the tannins, and with just enough acidity. Drink from 2030-2040. |
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|
2021 |
Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru La Combe Aux Moines (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$870.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Camille Giroud |
2019 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,291.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Jean Grivot |
2019 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$996.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Robert Groffier |
2019 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Hauts Doix (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,818.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Gros Frere et Soeur |
2019 |
Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$457.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Alain Hudelot-Noellat |
2018 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,612.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Louis Jadot |
2016 |
Echezeaux Grand Cru Domaine Gagey (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,542.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Michel Lafarge |
2019 |
Bourgogne Passetoutgrain ’L’Exception’ (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$268.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Bourgogne Rouge (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$300.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Beaune 1er Cru Les Aigrots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$635.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Francois Lamarche |
2013 |
La Grande Rue Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,278.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (9/2016): Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting in Beaune, the 2013 La Grande Rue Grand Cru has a backward and broody bouquet, very complex with hints of woodland, damp earth and fern filtering through the tightly wound red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with supple and very fine, almost filigree tannins. The acidity is beautifully judged here -- very focused and refined, seamless towards the sophisticated finish. This is one of the best vintages of La Grand Rue that I have tasted, which is a considerable achievement given that this was not an exemplary growing season. |
|
| Dom. des Lambrays |
2017 |
Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,973.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Leroy |
2011 |
Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Les Combottes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$43,006.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Vosne Romanee Les Genaivrieres (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$15,728.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Maison Leroy |
2015 |
Gevrey Chambertin (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$9,041.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair |
2018 |
La Romanee Grand Cru
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$6,604.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Meo-Camuzet |
2018 |
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Chaumes (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,311.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. de Montille |
2015 |
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,777.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Beaune 1er Cru Les Greves (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$627.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Denis Mortet |
2016 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,617.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Georges Noellat |
2023 |
Echezeaux Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,538.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Beaux Monts (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,332.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Petits Monts (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,235.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| 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. |
$2,538.99 |
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. Jacques Prieur |
2009 |
Musigny Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$5,425.97 |
1 |
|
| |
| BH 93-95 (5/2011): ( from a .77 ha parcel in the sub-climat Combe d'Orveau.) Very mild reduction reduces the expressiveness of the nose yet it is still relatively easy to discern that the dark berry fruit is ripe and nuanced by plenty of spice notes that can also be found on the rich and palate staining velvety flavors that possess imposing size and weight as well as a seemingly endless reserve of dry extract that buffers the firm tannic spine on the wonderfully long finish. This is a big yet balanced wine that possesses excellent energy with plenty of underlying tension and about the only nit is a hint of warmth on the powerful and driving finish. This should be most impressive in time if you have the patience to wait. Drink 2026+. |
|
| Dom. Prieure-Roch |
2010 |
Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$18,503.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$14,657.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2017 |
Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$6,174.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Joseph Roty |
2018 |
Marsannay Les Ouzeloy
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$68.98 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Georges Roumier |
2012 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Cras (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,517.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Armand Rousseau |
2014 |
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$6,664.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Anne et Herve Sigaut |
2023 |
Chambolle Musigny Les Buissieres Vieilles Vignes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$536.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Sentiers Vieilles Vignes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$807.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Jean Tardy |
2019 |
Nuits St. Georges Au Bas de Combe Vieilles Vignes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$593.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Jean & Jean Louis Trapet |
2014 |
Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,960.99 |
1 |
|
| |
BH 94 (1/2017): (from 25% En Gemeaux and 75% En la Chapelle.) Once again there is an overt floral component to the beautifully fresh nose that offers up notes of black raspberry, earth and discreet spice and wood nuances. There is fine detail and plenty of volume to the less obviously mineral-inflected middle weight plus flavors that also possess a velvety mouth feel thanks to the solid mid-palate density, all wrapped in a balanced and lingering if slightly austere finale. This too is definitely firmly structured and like the Latricières is not going to make for good early drinking. Excellent. Drink 2026+.
VM 93+ (3/2017): Palish medium red. Ripe, musky aromas of redcurrant, plum, smoke, dried flowers and earth. Fat and sweet on entry, then a bit more clenched in the middle, conveying terrific depth to the flavors of cherry, redcurrant and crushed rock. This distinctly salty, soil-driven 2014 finishes with fine-grained tannins and terrific mounting length. Chapelle's warmer terroir often outperforms in cooler vintages. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| A. & P. de Villaine |
2019 |
Mercurey Les Montots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$442.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Comte de Vogue |
2011 |
Musigny Grand Cru Cuvee Vieilles Vignes (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,647.99 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 95+ (4/2014): Deep, dark red. An elixir of dark berries on the nose, with complicating notes of crushed stone, menthol and flowers. Thick but weightless and youthfully imploded, with an element of spicy acidity giving Outstanding cut and primary character to the blackberry and blueberry fruit flavors. Finishes dense and strong, with powerful tannic support and late hints of espresso and bitter chocolate. Fully ripe in the context of the vintage, and built for an extended evolution in bottle.
BH 94 (1/2014): A remarkably attractively cool and restrained nose of various red berries, spice and a beautiful array of floral elements complements well the rich and equally cool mineral-tinged big-bodied and overtly muscular flavors. There is a really lovely sense of underlying tension on the clean and pure finish that delivers strikingly good length. This intensely mineral-driven effort is also clean and firm but with slightly better phenolic maturity to the supporting structural elements which should allow this beauty to age successfully for many years to come. Drink 2029+.
WA 92 (8/2013): The 2011 Musigny Vieille Vignes Grand Cru was picked around mid-harvest during the first week of September. It has a more floral bouquet compared to the Bonnes-Mares with scents of dried rose petals and a touch of violet infusing the dark cherry and pomegranate fruit profile. The palate is supple in texture, lithe in the mouth with fine tannins, much more feminine than the Bonnes-Mares (usually I find it the other way round.) The mouth is tingling with salted licorice and white pepper on the aftertaste. Impressive for sure, but I need it to show a bit of soul. Drink 2015-2025. |
|
| Dom. de la Vougeraie |
2020 |
Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru Bel-Air (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$837.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Burgundy White |
| Dom. Berthaut Gerbet |
2018 |
Fixin En Combe Roy (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,338.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Blain Gagnard |
2023 |
Batard Montrachet Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,492.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Maison Henri Boillot |
2023 |
Bourgogne Chardonnay (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$341.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| JM 88-90 (10/2024): From appellation Bourgogne vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault along with a bit of St-Aubin and Auxey-Duresses. Mid lemon yellow, with a very engaging correctly ripe Burgundian chardonnay bouquet. Sign up for this. There is still some gas present at the moment which enforces the welcome freshness. Drink from 2026-2028. |
|
| Dom. Bonneau du Martray |
2017 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,978.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| J.-F. Coche-Dury |
2021 |
Bourgogne Chardonnay (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,389.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Jean-Paul & Benoit Droin |
2021 |
Chablis 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$413.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Louis Jadot |
2017 |
Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Folatieres Domaine Louis Jadot (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$739.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrieres Domaine Louis Jadot (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,252.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Louis Latour |
2020 |
Meursault 1er Cru Les Genevrieres (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,331.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Maison Leroy |
2015 |
Meursault (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$9,355.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2017 |
Meursault (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$11,560.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. de Montille |
2020 |
Beaune 1er Cru Aigrots Blanc (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$524.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Bernard Moreau |
2022 |
Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Maltroie (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,388.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Paul Pernot |
2016 |
Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Pucelles (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,733.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Jean-Claude Ramonet |
2022 |
Bienvenues Batard Montrachet Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,643.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Comte de Vogue |
2015 |
Musigny Blanc Grand Cru (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$24,132.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Champagne |
| Billecart-Salmon |
|
Brut Reserve Champagne |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Bollinger |
2014 |
Grande Annee Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$810.97 |
10 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (3/2022): Offering up complex aromas of crisp yellow orchard fruit, confit citrus, frangipane, walnuts, dried white flowers and subtle hints of iodine, Bollinger's 2014 Brut La Grande Année is medium to full-bodied, pillowy and vinous, with an elegantly fleshy core of fruit that's underpinned by racy acids and complemented by a pretty pinpoint mousse. Concluding with a long, chalky finish, this is a charming but precise Grande Année that's more giving and demonstrative than its immediate predecessor, the 2012, but which attains a very similar level of quality in a more challenging vintage—testimony to the serious viticulture that underpins Bollinger's contemporary excellence. |
|
| Dom Perignon |
1996 |
Oenotheque Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,104.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (12/2010): The 1996 Dom Perignon OEenotheque offers up layers of pastry, lemon, smoke and toastiness. At first deceptively understated, the wine turns positively explosive and layered on the palate, showing remarkable tension, elegance and power, all wrapped around a seriously intense frame. The balance between fruit and acidity is awesome. This is a marvelous DP OEeno. The OEeno is the same juice as the regular Dom Perignon, except the OEeno is aged on the cork while the regular DP is aged in crown-sealed bottles. Once disgorged, the OEenos gets a slightly lower dosage than is typical for the original release DP. This bottle was disgorged in 2008. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2026. |
|
|
1998 |
Brut Champagne |
$419 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92 (1/2009): These four vintages of Dom Pérignon provide a fascinating snapshot of how the house has performed in recent years. The 1998 Dom Pérignon comes across as somewhat two–dimensional and lacking the sheer cut of the 2000. There is plenty of ripeness in the fruit, but not quite the definition and verve of the finest vintages. This looks to be a relatively early-drinking Dom Pérignon. Geoffroy adds that the estate may have waited a bit too long to pick certain parcels in 1998. Antonio Galloni.
WA 92 (12/2005): A stronger vintage than expected, the 1998 Dom Perignon exhibits aromas and flavors of lemon oil, orange rind, and brioche in a medium-bodied, zesty, rich, moderately intense style. It is far superior to either the 1993 or 1992. Readers should remember that the 1971 Dom Perignon Rose is still drinking exquisitely. I recently had the 1969 and 1970 Dom Perignons (from magnum), and both were drinking brilliantly. It makes one realize just how long-lived these wines can be. Production is confidential, but there must be hundreds of thousands of cases of Dom Perignon since it available in most of the world’s luxury hotels and restaurants. |
|
|
2015 |
"Luminous" Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$928.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Egly Ouriet |
NV |
Brut Rose Grand Cru Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,018.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Glorious Food |
|
Vertus Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne |
$10 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Perrier-Jouet |
2007 |
Belle Epoque Champagne (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,735.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Philipponnat |
2008 |
Clos des Goisses Brut Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,768.97 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (6/2018): From a cooler, fresher vintage and based on more Chardonnay than usual (55%), with 45% Pinot Noir, the Philipponnat 2008 Clos des Goisses Extra-Brut shows an exciting bouquet of bright fruits, crushed chalk, bread and iodine notes. On the palate, this is an excitingly vibrant, fresh and chalky Clos with lovely citrus and cumquat flavors on the finish. The 2008 is very complex, bright, super clear and fresh, with a tightly woven structure but still great finesse and elegance. This is a fabulous Clos for the next three decades. The dosage is 4.5 grams per liter. Disgorged in April 2017 (?), tasted at the domaine in April 2018.
VM 95-98 (7/2017): A wine of explosive power and energy, the 2008 Clos des Goisses is magnificent. A host of citrus, white flower, lemon confit and orchard fruit overtones race across the palate in a Goisses of striking precision, delineation and tension. The bright flavor profile is very Chardonnay-dominant at this early stage, while the weight and textural depth of the Pinot is especially evident on the mid-palate and finish. I tasted the 2008 from a bottle in disgorgement trials, so my rating is therefore in parentheses. If the commercial wine is anything like this bottle, readers will be in for a treat, as the 2008 Goisses is shaping up to be a magical Champagne. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Louis Roederer |
|
Brut Premier Champagne |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2008 |
Cristal Rose Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,079.99 |
7 |
|
| |
| VM 99 (7/2018): As a group, the 2008 Champagnes are focused and tightly wound. The 2008 Cristal Rose has plenty of those qualities, but what places it in a truly rarified category is its sheer depth and verticality. Vinous, powerful and resonant, the 2008 Cristal Rose has more than enough stuffing to support decades of cellaring. For starters, it won’t be ready to drink for another 5-10 years. This is a positively monumental, towering Champagne from Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon and his team. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| | Chile |
| Sena |
2015 |
Proprietary Blend (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$628.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| 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. |
|
| | Germany |
| Fritz Haag |
2004 |
Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett |
$39 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| JJ Prum |
2021 |
Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$447.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Italy |
| Piero Antinori |
2021 |
Tignanello (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,106.99 |
20 |
|
| |
|
| Produttori del Barbaresco |
2015 |
Barbaresco Rabaja Riserva (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$663.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (7/2020): The Produttori del Barbaresco 2015 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is a stunning wine. The aromas rise from the glass with purpose, clarity and extreme definition. This is indeed a very special wine, thanks to the direct and linear quality of fruit and the elegant tannins that build the long finish. The Nebbiolo grape is elevated to a beautiful plain or plateau, where it shows off its naked beauty in a clear and unobstructed manner. The wine affords us a panoramic view of the Piedmont grape, planted in the white tuffaceous marl soils of Rabajà.
VM 93+ (2/2020): The 2015 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà hits the palate with a blast of dark cherry, plum, chocolate, new leather, licorice, smoke and spice. Somber and imposing, the Rabajà shows plenty of its typical breadth and body, but, not surprisingly, it is also closed and in need of time. There is good energy here, if not quite the visceral thrill of the very best years. (Drink between 2022-2040). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2021 |
Barbaresco Montestefano Riserva (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$194.96 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Biondi Santi |
2016 |
Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Greppo (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,311.99 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 97 (12/2021): The 2016 Brunello di Montalcino is a dark stallion of a wine that showcases both the depth and radiance of the vintage. At first, its bouquet is dark and earthy, yet quickly blossoms into an enthralling mix of musky red currants, wild peppery herbs, dusty rose and worn leather. While satiny in feel, it’s also sleek and lively, with a vibrant burst of sweet and sour citrus that enlivens its notes of tart cranberry and pomegranate, all wound tightly in a web of saline-minerals. Violet and lavender tones arch across the palate over a core of silky tannins that nicely frame the experience, as a hint of balsamic spice slowly tapers off. The 2016 is one of the most deep and balanced Brunellos that I’ve ever experienced from Biondi Santi. If this is the Annata, then I can only imagine what the Riserva might bring to the table. Something of note is that in 2016, production was down by 15% following the abundant 2015 vintage and the dry conditions in the early part of the season. Eric Guido. |
|
| I Cacciagalli |
2018 |
Zagreo Roccamonfina |
$39 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 92 (8/2021): The organic and biodynamic I Cacciagalli 2018 Fiano Zagreo (from the Roccamonfina IGT appellation) shows an amber hue of a color that is not quite orange but on its way, and there are suspended particles that give the wine a slightly veiled appearance. You gotta love the authenticity and pure Campania personality presented here in all its raw, punchy glory. There are aromas of dried apricot and honey, but you also get dusty aromas of crushed stone or dry cement.
VM 90 (6/2023): The 2018 Fiano Zagreo is a deep golden color. A savory blend of ground ginger and dried apricots makes up its bouquet. This flows across the palate, silky and with medium weight, as liquid floral concentration mounts and crisp orchard fruits cascade throughout. The 2018 finishes with a slight bitter tinge. Young peach and sour melon notes are nicely punctuated by a salty flourish. (Drink between 2023-2027). Eric Guido. |
|
| Dott G. Cappellano |
2009 |
Barolo Otin Fiorin Pie Rupestris (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,209.98 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2011 |
Barolo Otin Fiorin Pie Rupestris (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,168.98 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM NR (5/2017): The 2011 Barolo Otin Fiorin Piè Rupestris-Nebioli is dark, sensual and open-knit. Hints of spice, leather, menthol and dried cherry open up nicely in the glass. A slightly roasted quality is evident. Even so, the 2011 is sensual and deeply layered throughout. My preference would be to drink it on the earlier side, within the context of Cappellano, which is to say between the ages of 15 and 30. (Drink between 2019-2036). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Pio Cesare |
2012 |
Barolo Ornato (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$680.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Giacomo Conterno |
2010 |
Barolo Monfortino Riserva (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$5,213.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (6/2017): The 2010 Barolo Riserva Monfortino is a perfect wine and there are few things I am more sure of in this life. This is an extraordinary creation that bursts from the glass with a level of distinct intensity and elegance that is nothing short of breathtaking. The wine literally evokes an emotional and deeply visceral reaction thanks to the lasting impression it makes on your heart, mind and gut. This Barolo opens to a delicate garnet color that is brightened with crystalline luminosity. The bouquet offers an immediate curtain-raiser with chiseled aromas of wild berry, licorice, white truffle and tar. That explosive start is followed by a mounting crescendo of complexity and nuance. The wine is extremely silky and polished in terms of mouthfeel and this helps to underline its impressive persistence. Bravo!
JS 99 (10/2016): This is one of the most balanced, harmonious Monfortinos I’ve ever tasted. Aromas of dried rose petals and oranges. It’s full-bodied yet compacted and tight. Tannins are perfectly managed. All in harmony. This is from one of the latest harvests ever; it started October 29. So fabulous and so perfect now, why wait? But will age for decades.
VM 98-100 (3/2015): It's always great to get a glimpse of Monfortino as it ages in barrel. The 2010 is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Sweet red cherries, rose petals, smoke, licorice and savory herbs open up in the glass, but it is the wine's statuesque, towering personality that stands out most. Layers of nuance continue to build in a crescendo of aromas, flavors and textures that dazzles. Firm, chalky tannins support the huge finish. Conterno told me the 2010 might get an extra year in barrel to tame the the tannins, so it may be a while before the 2010 sees the light of day. When it does, the 2010 will make an eloquent case for itself among the greatest Monfortinos ever made. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Fattoria di Felsina |
2018 |
Fontalloro (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$451.99 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Angelo Gaja |
2014 |
Barbaresco Sori Tildin (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,365.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Azienda Agricola Falletto di Bruno Giacosa |
2007 |
Barolo Falletto Vigna le Rocche Riserva (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,856.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 98 (2/2011): The 2007 Barolo Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto bursts onto the palate with masses of dark fruit. The Riserva is a decidedly dark, brooding wine in this vintage. Scorched earth, smoke, menthol, licorice and new leather flow with marvelous intensity all the way through to the powerful finish. Over time the classic Giacosa bouquet of dried rose petal emerges, rounding out this fabulous effort in grand style. The imposing tannins will require a measure of patience, but the 2007 Riserva is shaping up to be another magnificent, towering Barolo from Bruno Giacosa. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Giodo |
2019 |
La Quinta Toscana IGT |
$45 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2021): The Giodo 2019 La Quinta is a pure expression of Sangiovese that sees less aging time compared to a Brunello (although the fruit is basically the same). The wine gives us a fascinating window onto a grape and a territory presented without all the extra bells and whistles required by the top-tier appellation of Montalcino. La Quinta gives us freshness and brightness with lots of dried cherry, redcurrant, mild spice and fresh acidity. There is a fun hint of dried mint and pressed violets on the close. A wine like this makes me very excited to taste the 2019 Brunellos when they are ready. |
|
| Giordano Lombardo |
2021 |
Vigne di San Martino Gavi |
$17 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Le Macchiole |
2017 |
Messorio IGT (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$575.99 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 95+ (1/2021): The 2017 Messorio (100% Merlot) is classy and polished to the core. It is also incredibly young and not at all forthcoming. Messorio is a wine that needs a surprising amount of time in bottle to truly shine. I expect that will be the case here as well. Today, the 2017 is all about fruit and density. Time in the cellar should allow for its aromatics to emerge more fully. Overall, though, this is a fairly restrained style, in keeping with the showing of 2017 Bolgheri reds more broadly. All the elements come together so gracefully in this striking wine. Production is down around 20%. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Tenuta dell' Ornellaia |
2008 |
Ornellaia
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$385.99 |
2 |
|
| |
| JS 98 (4/2011): I love Ornellaia. Amazing aromas of currants, blackberries, and hints of vanilla cream. Licorice too. Full bodied, with soft and velvety tannins and an amazing depth of fruit. Balanced and super long. I can't get over the wonderful texture to this young red. It touches every inch of your palate and caresses it. Leave it for four or five years still, but it's hard not to drink. Find the wine. |
|
| Emidio Pepe |
2022 |
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$580.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Giuseppe Rinaldi |
2013 |
Barolo Le Brunate (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$5,774.98 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 97+ (2/2017): Rinaldi's 2013 Barolo Brunate is dark, sensual and super-inviting. A wine of restraint, the 2013 is endowed with terrific depth and tons of personality. At the same time, the 2013 is not an explosive wine (like the 2010), but rather a Barolo that speaks to total finesse. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, menthol, violet and hard candy inflections give the 2013 much of its exceptional beauty and resonance. The wine's sheer inner sweetness makes it nearly impossible to put down the glass. |
|
|
2015 |
Barolo Le Brunate (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,393.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (6/2019): The 2015 Barolo Brunate benefits from a thicker soil profile in this vineyard that consequently bumps the wine's aromatic intensity and staying power up a notch or two. This wine is almost crunchy in texture, with a subtle snap or crackle as it hits the palate. It shows enormous beauty and richness with a dark fruit profile followed by elements of spice, tar, tobacco and moist potting soil. There are floral notes as well with rose and lavender. This wine will reward those with the patience to wait. Drink 2021-2045
VM 93 (2/2019): Rinaldi's Barolo Brunate is refined and light on its feet in 2015, with a bit less structure and overall depth than is the norm. That is not at all surprising, as the 2015 Brunate has always been a relatively light wine by Rinaldi standards. Dark red cherry, plum, licorice, sage and balsamic notes shape this expressive yet understated Barolo from Rinaldi. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| San Giusto A Rentennano |
2008 |
La Ricolma (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$455.96 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Podere Poggio Scalette |
2015 |
Il Carbonaione (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$498.97 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 97 (6/2018): Sit back and enjoy this very rich but beautifully polished Tuscan red, which is the essence of the sangiovese grape. Great concentration and a very long and silky finish that has a great bittersweet-chocolate character. Beautiful now, but it has many, many years ahead of it.
VM 95+ (2/2019): The 2015 Il Carbonaione is fabulous. It is also quite a bit more refined than I expected in this warm year. Nuanced, silky and light on its feet for such an intense wine, the 2015 a has a lot to offer. As has been the case in the past, I expect the 2015 won't start to drink well until age ten or so. I am not sure I remember seeing a young Carbonaione with this much delineation and finesse. I can't wait to see how it ages. Carbonaione remains one of the most under the radar wines in Italy. Antonio Galloni.
WA 92 (10/2018): The 2015 Il Carbonaione presents a thick and darkly saturated side of Sangiovese. This expression opens to a dark garnet color with ripe aromas of black cherry, prune and blackberry. This edition delivers extra thickness and richness, yet that mid-weight approach is never compromised. This wine should spread out and gain in volume as it evolves in the bottle. Some 26,000 bottles were made (whereas only 2,000 bottles of the 2015 Capogatto were produced). |
|
| Tenuta di Trinoro |
2021 |
Le Cupole Rosso |
$36 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 94 (5/2023): The 2021 Le Cupole (a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot) is the well-priced entry-level red from one of the most prolific and creative wine estates in Tuscany. Le Cupole is velvety and full-bodied with dark fruit, dried cherry and sweet earth or terracotta. This is an incredible value. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, and the wine is matured in neutral barrique and cement.
VM 92 (8/2023): The 2021 Le Cupole is terrific. Bold, punchy and super-expressive, the 2021 offers up an exciting mélange of dark-toned fruit, leather, grilled herbs, lavender and bittersweet chocolate. Trinoro's entry-level Cupole delivers tons of intensity and richness a very affordable tariff, which is sure to make it a crowd pleaser. (Drink between 2023-2029). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| G.D. Vajra |
2020 |
Dolcetto D’Alba Coste & Fossati |
$24 |
12 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (9/2021): The 2020 Dolcetto d'Alba Coste & Fossati offers a bit more depth than the straight Dolcetto but with the energy that runs through all the 2020s here. Dark cherry fruit, leather, spice, tobacco and dried herbs lend notable complexity. This is beautifully done. (Drink between 2022-2030). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| | Loire |
| Dom. Huet |
1997 |
Vouvray Le Mont Moelleux 1er Trie |
$135 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (8/1999): The 1997 Vouvray Moelleux Le Mont reveals a touch of gold to its otherwise straw color. It offers a nose of deeply honeyed chalk with hints of botrytis as well as a complex, quince, candied almond, and acacia blossom-flavored personality. Medium-bodied and exceptionally pure, this wine is rich, flavorful, and simply gorgeous. Drink it over the next 15 years. |
|
|
2003 |
Vouvray Clos du Bourg Moelleux 1er Trie |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2003 |
Vouvray Le Haut Lieu Moelleux 1er Trie Very Lightly Scuffed Label |
$80 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2003 |
Vouvray Le Mont Moelleux 1er Trie |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2008 |
Vouvray Le Mont Moelleux 1er Trie |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Vouvray Le Haut Lieu Moelleux |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Vouvray Le Mont Moelleux 1er Trie |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 98 (10/2016): The 2015 Vouvray Le Mont Moelleux Première Trie is super clear, ripe and aromatic on the nose, highly elegant and with lovely flinty flavors. Intense and concentrated, with great finesse and vitality, this is a highly elegant and perfectly balanced wine with a persistent grip and salinity. Great balance and harmony. |
|
|
2015 |
Vouvray Le Mont Moelleux 1er Trie Nicked Label |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 98 (10/2016): The 2015 Vouvray Le Mont Moelleux Première Trie is super clear, ripe and aromatic on the nose, highly elegant and with lovely flinty flavors. Intense and concentrated, with great finesse and vitality, this is a highly elegant and perfectly balanced wine with a persistent grip and salinity. Great balance and harmony. |
|
| Hippolyte Reverdy |
2022 |
Sancerre |
$41 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Trotereau |
2019 |
Quincy |
$25 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| | Other France |
| Maison des Ardoisieres |
2020 |
Silice Blanc Jacquere |
$23 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Michel Tissot et Fils |
2015 |
Chateau-Chalon (375 ML) |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Other White |
| Franz Hirtzberger |
2005 |
Honivogl Smaragd Gruner Veltliner |
$149 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 96 (12/2006): Medium green-yellow. Gorgeous tobacco aroma along with acacia honey-laced peach on the nose, completed by peppery nuances. Juicy, dry and sharply focused, with an intense core of ripe apricot and lentil and a strong impression of extract. Finishes with outstanding persistence. This wine should be very long-lived. Drink 2008 to 2015. Peter Moser.
WA 93 (8/2006): Given the superlatives drawn forth by the wines that preceded it here, I keenly anticipated experiencing Hirtzberger’s 2005 Gruner Veltliner Smaragd Honivogl. While one could scarcely be disappointed with a wine as lovely as this, for the first time in my recollection it must give ground to the Rotes Tor bottling. Harvested November 15 and finished at 14% alcohol (which it largely hides), this Honivogel offers aromas and flavors of grapefruit, honey, and toasted cashew. Creamy in texture and suffused with a brothy expression of minerality and honeyed hints of nobly concentrated berries, it displays the same stately personality as the Axpoint, but with significantly more refinement. Esterous, honeyed, rich finishing flavors and a faintly alkaline mineral note satisfyingly stain the palate. As usual, do not hesitate to sock some of this away in your cellar for 8-10 years. |
|
| | Port |
| Taylor |
1983 |
Port (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,120.98 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2015): The 1983 Vintage Port is up for a status check. It is in a pretty good place now. It's been as hard as nails over the years. Not anymore. With softened tannins and a medley of old Port flavors on the finish, this is both sensual and delicious, with velvety texture and an irresistible finish. It doesn't have that hard edge any more, but it does wake up and become more intense with some air. At least from this bottle, it comes together rather promptly and drinks well. It's lacking just a bit of firmness, but its complex flavors and general demeanor make it rather sexy. The lingering finish seals the deal. It can keep going for quite some time--it is Port and they tend not to drop off the table if well stored--but this is a nice time to dive in. |
|
| | Rhone Red |
| Ch. d' Ampuis (Guigal) |
2014 |
Cote Rotie (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$613.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (12/2018): Brought up all in new oak and seeing the same elevage as the single vineyard cuvees, the 2014 Côte Rôtie Château D'Ampuis boasts terrific ripeness and depth, with a Burgundian style in its perfumed red and black fruits, spice box, and dried flower aromas and flavors. With medium body, fine tannins, and terrific balance, it’s not a blockbuster but a silky, elegant, complete Côte Rôtie to drink over the coming 10-12 years. |
|
| M. Chapoutier |
2015 |
Saint Joseph Les Granits (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$649.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (1/2018): The 2015 Saint Joseph Les Granits is another knockout wine, and if it wasn’t for its Le Clos counterpart, it would be the wine of the vintage. Coming all from the namesake vineyard of the appellation (the lieu-dit Saint Joseph), it offers a huge nose of black raspberries, Provençal herbs, spice and saddle leather. Much more open, sexy and opulent than the more concentrated, yet backward Les Varonniers, it's an incredible wine to drink anytime over the coming two decades. |
|
| Auguste Clape |
2017 |
Cornas (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,274.98 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Clos des Papes |
2010 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,193.98 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 98 (5/2022): Unprompted, Paul-Vincent Avril pulled a 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape from the admirable library stock he maintains at Clos des Papes. Who was I to say no? A stupendous effort that seamlessly marries full-bodied richness with a sense of lightness and ease, it's really just now maturing, although it has been drinkable for some time. Leather accents raspberry and blackberry fruit on the nose, while the long, silky-textured finish adds delicate notes of star anise, peppery spice and black olive. This complex, elegant masterpiece should continue to drink well for another decade and then some.
JD 98+ (12/2017): The 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Paul-Vincent continues to fire on all cylinders and is a big, rich, structured beauty that flirts with perfection. Black raspberries, kirsch, dried garrigue, and dusty earth-like aromas and flavors all emerge from this huge, concentrated, incredibly structured 2010 that’s just now starting to shed a touch of baby fat. It’s going to hit full-maturity in another 4-5 years and last for another two decades. It’s an incredible, world-class effort that every reader should try to taste.
VM 96 (1/2013): Inky ruby. Potent, intensely perfumed aromas on raspberry liqueur, cherry-cola, anise and smoky garrigue. Spicy and incisive, offering palate-staining red and dark berry flavors that become richer with air. Shows a superb balance of richness and vivacity, with dusty tannins giving grip to a long, spice- and floral-dominated finish. One of the top wines from the entire Rhone from this Outstanding vintage. |
|
|
2013 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$837.97 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (4/2016): Brilliant ruby. Highly perfumed aromas of ripe red berries, incense, garrigue and smoky minerals convey a sexy Asian spice nuance in the background. Supple, seamless and alluringly sweet, offering intense black raspberry and floral pastille flavors that stain the palate. Smooth, seamless and concentrated but energetic as well, with velvety, slow-building tannins giving shape to a very long, spice- and mineral-accented finish. Josh Raynolds.
WA 92 (10/2015): Tasted out of bottle, the 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape comes from miniscule yields of 13 hectoliter per hectare (25-39 hectoliters per hectare is normal for the appellation), and hits 14.8% natural alcohol. It has a darker, slightly more concentrated, austere feel than the 2014, and has ample kirsch, blackberry, peppery and crushed rock-like aromas and flavors. Vincent commented that he thinks this vintage will shut down after a few years in bottle, so if you’re going try one in its youth, find the corkscrew. While obviously not a great wine, it’s certainly Outstanding and has considerable charm and elegance. It will also have 10-15 years of overall longevity. |
|
|
2017 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$536.99 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 98+ (8/2019): One of the strongest wines in the vintage is the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape from Vincent Avril. This beauty has everything you could ask for. As with the 2018, the blend is heavily shifted toward Mourvèdre, and it offers a mammoth bouquet of black cherries, graphite, cured meats, Asian spices, and assorted garrigue-like nuances. Deep, full-bodied, and concentrated, it stays straight and focused on the palate (whereas the 2016 is more expansive and voluptuous), with a stacked mid-palate, ripe, silky tannins, and fabulous length. You’re going to want bottles of this in the cellar, and comparing the 2007, 2010, 2016, and 2017 over the coming two decades is going to be a treat.
WA 96 (8/2019): As predicted last year by Paul-Vincent Avril, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 45% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, about 10% Syrah and the rest other permitted varieties. It boasts a cool, fresh nose of strawberries, cola and tree bark, yet it's full-bodied and tannic on the palate. Dense and chewy, albeit with a mouthwatering sense of freshness, this will need a few years to relax and unwind, but it looks very promising. |
|
|
2021 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$497.99 |
10 |
|
| |
| JD 93-95 (11/2022): While production was down 40% due to the frost, Vincent was able to make a beautiful 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape that readers will love to have in the cellar. All about finesse and elegance, it reveals a classic Clos des Papes nose of both red and black fruits as well as tons of floral, pepper, and spicy notes. These carry to a medium-bodied 2021 that has good ripeness (the alcohol is 15%), a supple, silky mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's not far off the style of the 2020, and while it doesn't have the density of a top vintage, it nevertheless has balance, complexity, and elegance, and will have 15+ years of longevity. |
|
| Dom. St. Prefert |
2010 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Collection Charles Giraud (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,209.98 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 100 (9/2012): Absolutely monumental and a phenomenal bottle of wine, the 2010 Domaine Saint Prefert Châteauneuf-du-Pape Collection Charles Giraud, 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvedre, is the largest scaled wine in the lineup and boasts incredible richness and depth, while at the same time staying fresh, pure, and elegant on the palate. Possessing thrilling aromatics of blackberry liqueur, meat juice, roasted herbs, licorice, lavender, and garrigue, this hits the palate with a full-bodied, decadent, and voluptuous texture that carries masses of ripe tannin, beautiful freshness, and blockbuster length and focus on the finish. It is incredible stuff, hits all the right notes for me, and will drink well for two decades or more.
WA 100 (8/2014): An incredible wine that I thought was pure perfection on release, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Collection Charles Giraud still stays at the top of my hierarchy today. The most masculine, powerful and concentrated of the trio, it possesses massive amounts of fruit to go with darker-styled fruits, pan drippings, charred steak and roasted herbs. It has everything you could want in a Southern Rhone. Give it another year or two and enjoy bottles through 2030.
VM 95 (2/2013): Glass-staining ruby. Dark fruit preserves, cherry-cola, floral oils and Smoky Indian spices on the exotically perfumed nose. Stains the palate with deeply pitched blackberry and blueberry flavors, with zesty spice and mineral nuances adding vivacity and cut. Manages to be both weighty and lively, finishing with superb clarity, supple tannins and lingering sweetness. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Le Vieux Donjon |
2017 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$695.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 95+ (8/2019): The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape is a beautiful, elegant wine that also makes the most of this terrific vintage. Deep, rich, yet fabulously pure notes of blackcurrants, ground pepper, garrigue, and crushed flowers all emerge from the glass, followed by medium to full body, a stacked mid-palate, flawless balance, and a great, great finish. It's still backward and holding things a little close to its vest, yet it's a magical wine in the making. Give bottles 3-5 years of cellaring (although it's far from unapproachable today) and enjoy over the following two decades. It's as classic as it gets. The 2017 is a classic blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, and the balance Cinsault, brought up all in foudre.
WA 95 (8/2019): One of the few estates where the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape actually eclipses the 2016, this is a top-flight effort. Black cherries and red raspberries combine with dried spices in a complex swirl of fruity and savory elements, garnished with sprigs of garrigue. Full-bodied, round and rich, this velvety wine should drink well through at least 2035.
VM 94 (12/2019): Limpid ruby-red. A highly perfumed, expansive bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, garrigue and exotic spices, and a smoky mineral note emerges as the wine opens up. Sweet and broad on the palate, offering juicy raspberry, cherry compote, spicecake and candied lavender flavors that tighten up slowly on the back half. Conveys both power and finesse and betrays no rough edges. Fine-grained tannins come in late on a very long, spicy finish that leaves suave floral and red fruit preserve notes behind. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| | Rhone White |
| Clos des Papes |
2017 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,109.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (8/2018): Always a brilliant wine, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is the normal blend of all the permitted varieties, brought up in tank with malolactic fermentation blocked. This beauty offers classic apple blossom, crushed rock-like minerality, and ample citrus in a clean, crisp, yet also concentrated package. It will be better with short-term cellaring yet keep for two decades. |
|
| Etienne Guigal |
2017 |
Hermitage Blanc ex Voto (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$960.97 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (12/2019): Just about perfection in a glass, the 2017 Hermitage Ex Voto Blanc is a tour de force, offering a heavenly bouquet of white currants, quince, toasted bread, spice box, and assorted flower oil-like nuances. Deep, full-bodied, and massively concentrated on the palate, it has a distinct salty minerality, a stacked mid-palate, and bright acidity, all making for a Hermitage Blanc that needs 4-5 years of bottle age, yet will keep for two decades or more.
WA 95 (12/2019): Another terrific year for this wine, the 2017 Ermitage Ex Voto Blanc offers up smoky, bacony aromas, which add a mouthwatering note to the wine's citrus and melon flavors. It's full-bodied, maybe not as rich, dense or age-worthy as the 2016, yet with great freshness and incisive length. |
|
|
2023 |
Condrieu La Doriane (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$584.98 |
10 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (1/2025): Matured for 9 months in 100% new French oak, the 2023 Codrieu La Doraine takes off with toasty subtleties, mingling pristine white peach, apricot and jasmine with a touch of honeysuckle. Packing elevated flavor concentration on the dense palate, the 2023 is an outgoing, articulate La Doraine. Round and complex, it walks off the stage with a touch of lemon flesh and wet stone on the long, nuanced finish. Drink between 2026-2034. Nicholas Greinacher. |
|
| | Southern France |
| Dom. Grange des Peres |
2015 |
Vin de Pays de l’Herault (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,636.98 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Vin de Pays de l’Herault Blanc (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,368.98 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| | Spain |
| Vinedos del Contino |
2015 |
Rioja Reserva |
$65 |
12 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (2/2019): Deep lurid ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red and dark berry, potpourri and fruitcake scents, along with suggestions of cola and smoky minerals. Concentrated and supple in texture, showing impressive depth and definition to the juicy black raspberry, cherry liqueur and mocha flavors. A suave floral quality emerges with air and carries through the very long, gently tannic finish, which leaves behind sweet red berry and vanilla notes. (Drink between 2022-2032). Josh Raynolds. |
|
| R. Lopez de Heredia |
2010 |
Vina Tondonia Gran Reserva Rioja Rosado (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$802.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2020): The 2010 Viña Tondonia Rosado Gran Reserva was hitting on all cylinders. It was produced with 60% Garnacho (they use the masculine of the name here), 30% Tempranillo and 10% white Viura from vines averaging 91 years of age. Like all the wines, it fermented with indigenous yeasts (they have never used selected yeasts) in the 142 oak vats they have used since the beginning and then matured in old American oak barrels for four years. There is tons of complexity and nuance here; it's super elegant and layered, and as the wine sat in the glass, it developed more and more complex aromas, a subtle combination of balsam, red acid berries, a hint of medicine, fennel and wet chalk, a diesel-like touch, old wood and mushroom (beetroot?), licorice and yellow flowers, sweet spices... There's a lot more of everything. It's clean and crystalline, fresh and long, with terrific balance and depth. This has to be the finest rosado of recent times... 25,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in April 2016.
VM 95 (4/2021): Bright, copper-hued orange. Intensely perfumed strawberry, cherry, blood orange and floral scents are complemented by emerging spiciness and a hint of nuttiness. Energetic red berry, citrus fruit and candied rose flavors show impressive depth as well as vivacity. Lingers with outstanding tenacity on the penetrating finish, which strongly echoes the floral, spice and red fruit notes. This singular wine is showing even better than it did a year ago. (Drink between 2023-2032). Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Dominio de Pingus |
2017 |
Flor de Pingus (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$689.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Psi Ribera del Duero |
$31 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93+ (10/2021): The 2019 PSI combines their knowledge of the vineyards and their new winery. They learned a lot in 2018, a more heterogeneous vintage, and their sorting machine for grapes had to work a lot. 2019 was more homogeneous, an easier harvest when most people made better wine. In the winery, they invested in a simple building but top technology. They used some 10% Garnacha in the blend, which was done one year after aging the lots separately. It really reminds me of the young wines from Ribera del Duero from the early 1990s, with some aromas of orange peel, earthy and smoky (very mild) and with fine-grained tannins. It has good ripeness at 14% alcohol and integrated acidity but great balance. It showcases the style of the 2019s here, fresher than expected and still a sunny vintage, when 2018 was more crystalline. A triumph over the natural conditions of the year. |
|
|
2019 |
Psi Ribera del Duero Nicked Label |
$31 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93+ (10/2021): The 2019 PSI combines their knowledge of the vineyards and their new winery. They learned a lot in 2018, a more heterogeneous vintage, and their sorting machine for grapes had to work a lot. 2019 was more homogeneous, an easier harvest when most people made better wine. In the winery, they invested in a simple building but top technology. They used some 10% Garnacha in the blend, which was done one year after aging the lots separately. It really reminds me of the young wines from Ribera del Duero from the early 1990s, with some aromas of orange peel, earthy and smoky (very mild) and with fine-grained tannins. It has good ripeness at 14% alcohol and integrated acidity but great balance. It showcases the style of the 2019s here, fresher than expected and still a sunny vintage, when 2018 was more crystalline. A triumph over the natural conditions of the year. |
|
|
2020 |
Flor de Pingus (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$680.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (1/2023): There is around 20% new oak in the 2020 Flor de Pingus, and because it has a little younger vines (there was a land-consolidation project in La Horra in 2006!), there'll be some Garnacha starting in 2021 and maybe some oak vats for aging too. All this shows the direction, where he found structure and volume in the palate, with textured tannins. It's harmonious and elegant, aromatic and floral, perfumed and showy, with contained ripeness and around 14% alcohol. The palate is quite powerful, with abundant but fine tannins. 110,000 bottles were filled in July 2022. |
|
| Vega Sicilia |
1991 |
Unico Ribera del Duero (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,729.99 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (4/2004): The current release of Vega Sicilia’s flagship offering, the 1991 Unico Reserva, will have to satisfy lovers of this great Spanish red until the 1994 is released in 2005. The 1991 is a gorgeous, deep ruby/purple-colored, remarkably youthful effort offering sweet vanilla notes intertwined with black currants, cherry liqueur, flowers, spice box, and tobacco leaves. Full-bodied and intense, with sweet tannin, Outstanding density as well as purity, and a layered mouthfeel, this unevolved 1991 needs another 3-4 years of cellaring; it should last for 20-25 years. It’s a wine of great elegance as opposed to power. |
|
|
1994 |
Unico Ribera del Duero (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$9,159.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (6/2005): This bodega has produced many profound wines, but the 1994 Unico Reserva may be the greatest vintage released since their legendary 1970 and 1968. A truly prodigious effort, it boasts an opaque ruby/purple color as well as a gorgeously sweet, expansive bouquet of sweet cherries interwoven with black currant, truffle, licorice, and scorched earth aromas. Full-bodied, potent, powerful, and well-delineated with crisp acidity, sweet but noticeable tannin, a multidimensional, expansive, layered palate feel, and a pure yet refreshing finish, it should be a wine for the history books. Anticipated maturity: now-2035.
VM 95+ (10/2005): Full ruby-red. Knockout nose combines roasted blackberry, minerals, cedar, graphite and flowers; reminded me of a very ripe vintage of Chateau Lafite. Creamy and sweet, but with penetrating, perfectly integrated acids and a structure of steel. Powerful yet wonderfully elegant wine, with flavors of crushed redcurrant, minerals, flowers, chocolate and truffle. Finishes with great length and grip. An Outstanding vintage for Unico, with the sheer acid structure and flavor intensity to go on in bottle for at least another two decades. |
|
|
1996 |
Unico Ribera del Duero (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,327.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (2/2007): The 1996 Unico seems more developed aromatically than the 1995 with elements of coffee and mocha but not quite the richness of fruit of the 1995. It is more supple on the palate but with less depth. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 20 years.
VM 94 (8/2007): Deep ruby. Complex, heady bouquet of kirsch, candied plum, cured tobacco, licorice, dried rose and cedar. Pungent herbal notes build with aeration and repeat on the palate, adding complexity to the deep, ripe cherry and dark berry liqueur flavors. Remarkably elegant wine with precise cherry/berry flavors and a slow-mounting mocha quality on the long, sappy finish. There's a very impressive interplay of fruit and tannins here. |
|
|
2015 |
Valbuena (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,164.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Villota |
2019 |
Rioja |
$25 |
6 |
|
| |
VM 93 (4/2021): Deep, lurid ruby. Mineral- and smoke-accented blackberry, cherry and tobacco scents pick up floral and vanilla accents with air. Sappy, expansive black and blue fruit and violet pastille flavors open up steadily, energized by a spicy topnote. Concentrated yet lively in style, with a smoky mineral quality that adds cut to the impressively long, floral- and spice-driven finish. (Drink between 2024-2033). Josh Raynolds.
JD 91+ (6/2022): The 2019 Villota checks in as 84% Tempranillo, 11% Graciano, and 5% Garnacha. It's slightly more closed and reticent but has similar red, black, and blue fruits as well as floral, spicy, mineral-laced aromas and flavors. Concentrated and medium to full-bodied, with good acidity and ripe tannins, it's going to benefit from a year or three of bottle age and keep for a decade. (Drink between 2023-2032). |
|
| | USA Red |
| Barnett Vineyards |
2001 |
Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (3.0 L) |
$300 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92 (5/2011): An excellent performance by this Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, Barnett’s 2001 exhibits the tell-tale mountain characteristics of deep, dark raspberries, spring flowers and blueberries intermixed with hints of crushed rocks and forest floor. Some firm tannins still exist in this 10-year old Cabernet, but the wine is medium to full-bodied, deep, pure and well-balanced. It will not hit its peak for another 3-4 years and it should last for 15-20 years thereafter. Very impressive!
VM 89 (6/2020): Good dark red. Subdued, rather loamy aromas of red plum, currant, mocha and tobacco leaf. Fine-grained, supple and vinous, but its moderate fruit sweetness is reduced by menthol and herb character. The wine's substantial broad, dusty tannins turn a bit dry, even peppery, on the back end. But this Cabernet still retains good savory energy, and a subtle sweetness to its red fruit flavors. (Drink between 2020-2026). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Beaux Freres |
2018 |
The Beaux Freres Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 95 (8/2020): Brilliant ruby. Intense red and blue fruit, floral and spice qualities on the highly perfumed nose, along with hints of cola and licorice. Juicy and precise, offering concentrated raspberry, boysenberry and floral pastille flavors that take on a five-spice-powder nuance with air. Plays power off delicacy with a sure hand and finishes extremely long and silky, with polished tannins framing lingering red fruit and candied rose notes. 45% new oak. (Drink between 2023-2031). Josh Raynolds.
WA 94+ (12/2020): The medium ruby-purple colored 2018 Pinot Noir The Beaux Frères Vineyard opens to lush rhubarb, cranberries and loamy earth with layers of blood orange, tea leaves, charcuterie and flowers. The medium-bodied palate offers broody, concentrated fruits with fine earth and spice accents, with a seamless, silky frame and lifted finish. |
|
| Bella Oaks |
2017 |
Proprietary Red |
$259 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (12/2023): The 2017 Proprietary Red Wine is a wine I tasted from barrel that I then missed from bottle, as the estate chose to release the 2018 first, and this wine fell through the cracks. Several recent bottles of the 2017 have all been sublime. Readers will find a wine that shows the mid-weight, approachable style of the year off to great effect. Silky tannins wrap around dark-toned fruit, mocha, spice, licorice and chocolate. The 2017 is an elegant, beautifully balanced Cabernet Sauvignon to drink now and over the next decade or so. If I have any quibble with the 2017, it is that the oak is a bit evident. I suspect much of that has to do with the mid-weight structure of the wine itself. (Drink between 2023-2032). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Proprietary Red (1.5 L) |
$559 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98+ (1/2021): The 2018 Proprietary Red Wine is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it slips slowly, sensuously out of the glass with expanding notions of blackcurrant pastilles, fresh, ripe blackberries and preserved black cherries with suggestions of iron ore, garrigue and dusty soil plus a waft of black olives. The full-bodied palate is tightly coiled with tons of black fruit and earthy layers supported by firm, finely grained tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. A highly energetic wine with an amazing array of bright sparks—this is an absolute jaw-dropper!
JD 98 (12/2023): I loved the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, a remarkably complex, elegant wine that has so much to love. Cassis, black cherries, hints of black olive, chocolate, and ripe tobacco all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with a concentrated, multi-dimensional character offering beautiful tannins and a great finish. Coming from a tiny site in Rutherford (east of Staglin) that was made famous by Joe Heitz’s single vineyard releases, this world-class beauty is based on 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that was aged in 70% new oak. It’s approachable today yet I wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve for 30+ years if well stored. Nigel Kinsmen has been the winemaker here starting in 2017. (Drink between 2023-2053).
VM 98 (1/2021): A majestic, totally riveting wine, the 2018 Bella Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon soars out of the glass with breathtaking aromatics. The 2018 reveals layer after layer of complexity with time in the glass in a stunning display that is hard to fully describe. Dark cherry/plum fruit, mocha, dried herb and floral notes build into the sensual, utterly riveting finish. This is a mind-blowing debut from proprietor Suzanne Deal Booth and winemaker Nigel Kinsman. Wow!! (Drink between 2026-2043). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Bevan Cellars |
2010 |
Sugarloaf Mountain Proprietary Blend |
$175 |
5 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (12/2012): The 2010 Proprietary Red Oscar Sugarloaf Mountain is notably sweeter, richer and more powerful than the Impetus, Bevan's other Merlot/Cabernet Franc blend. Chocolate, sweet spices, cloves, black berries and plums all jump from the glass in this full-bodied wine. The 2010 is full-throttle, intense and unapologetically opulent, but it all works, and beautifully. I expect the 2010 to give years of sheer pleasure once it recovers from its current slightly shut down stage. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2012 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
7 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
McGah Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$165 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2016): From Rutherford comes the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon McGah Vineyard. It is a small cuvée of 125 cases. Dense purple to the rim with notes of blackberry, cassis, white flowers, cedar wood and smoky barbecue, the wine is full-bodied, opulent, fleshy and showing extremely well already. This wine will continue to offer considerable pleasure for another 15 or more years. |
|
|
2014 |
Wildfoote Vyd. Vixen Block Cabernet Sauvignon |
$250 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 99 (10/2016): Another nearly perfect wine is the 125-case cuvee of 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vixen Block. This is Stags Leap, owned by former Screaming Eagle Vineyard owner and realtor Jean Phillips. A stunning floral nose intermixed with blackcurrant, black cherry, licorice and gravel is followed by a long, multidimensional wine with terrific blue and black fruits, loads of glycerin, sweet tannin and a stunning finish of more than a minute. This is spectacular stuff. Drink it over the next 20 years.
VM 94+ (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vineyard Vixen Block is one of the most bold, racy wines in the lineup this year. Intensely aromatic, layered and exquisite, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vineyard Vixen Block is a classic Stags Leap Cabernet long on class and intensity. The 2014 still needs time to come together, but it is impressive today. Red and purplish-hued fruits, wild flowers, mint and sage build into the super-expressive finish. Russell Bevan gets virtually all of the fruit of Wildfoote, a property owned by Jean Phillips. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2015 |
Tench Vyd. The Calixtro Cabernet Sauvignon |
$209 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 99 (12/2017): Very deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard The Calixtro conjures notions of lavender, wild thyme, dusty earth and pencil shavings over a core of red and black currants plus a touch of charcuterie. Full-bodied, rich, ripe and oh-so-seductive, the palate features ripe, velvety tannins and fantastic freshness, lifting the incredibly long, fruity finish.
JD 98 (12/2017): Another gem from this site in Oakville is the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard The Calixtro. It gives up complex notes of blackberry jam, tobacco leaf, violets, seaweed and crushed rock, and is stacked on the palate, with full-bodied richness and sweet tannin. It’s a beautifully complete, layered, balanced 2015 that does everything right. Drink it over the coming two decades. (Drink between 2018-2038) |
|
|
2015 |
Sugarloaf Mountain Proprietary Blend |
$215 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 100 (12/2017): Another perfect wine from Bevan is the 2015 Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard Proprietary Red Wine and it’s a Cheval Blanc-like blend of 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot brought up all in French oak. This huge, full-bodied, opulent 2015 carries itself like a ballerina and is elegant, weightless and even graceful, with remarkable purity of fruit. Currants, Blueberries, liquid violets, Asian spices and a distinct minerality all emerge from the glass and it has both incredible complexity and richness. Bravo! (Drink between 2018-2038).
WA 98 (2/2021): Sugarloaf is a cooler site in south Napa, above a quarry. It usually allows for a longer hang time, often lending a minty or herbal lift to this label. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Proprietary Red Sugarloaf Mountain has a powerful nose of black raspberries, black and red plums and warm cassis with hints of tar, eucalyptus, bay leaves and pencil lead with a waft of cedar. The palate is full-bodied with opulent fragrant earth notes and seducing black berry layers, supported by fine-grained tannins and tons of freshness, finishing very long and perfumed. Stunning! |
|
|
2015 |
Tin Box Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (12/2017): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Tin Box Vineyard gives a very deep garnet-purple color and nose of dried herbs, red currant jelly and underbrush over a core of plum preserves, crème de cassis and fungi with a waft of mossy bark. Medium-bodied with beautiful elegance and freshness in the mouth, it has a firm backbone of grainy tannins and great freshness, finishing long and earthy. Needs time but should age fantastically!
JD 95+ (12/2017): From old Martini Clone Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Tin Box Vineyard will be the last vintage from this cuvee. It’s a masculine, full-bodied, structured beauty that possessing lots of ripe black fruits, scorched earth, cedar and licorice aromas, and flavors. It packs serious fruit but has enough tannin to warrant 3-4 years of bottle age.
VM 95 (1/2018): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Tin Box Vineyard is distinguished by a bit more energy, freshness and linearity next to the other Oakville Cabernets in this range. The aromatics are quite open and expressive, but the wine is less expressive on the palate. Bright floral notes, espresso and red cherry fruit open up, but only with considerable reluctance. My instincts say the wine's reticence is a good sign for the future. Readers looking for a showy 2015 Cabernet will find that in other wines in this range, but not here. I would cellar the 2015 for at least a few years. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2015 |
Wildfoote Vyd. Vixen Block Cabernet Sauvignon |
$169 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2017): Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Vixen Block Wildfoote Vineyard offers up a very serious nose of cassis, blackberry pie and blueberry compote with hints of dried lavender, underbrush, Chinese five spice and cigar box, plus a waft of dark chocolate. Full-bodied and densely packed with black fruit preserves and earthy layers, it has a firm frame of finely grained tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with epically long exotic spice nuances. Only 125 cases were produced.
JD 96 (12/2017): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vineyard Vixen Block is one of the more refined, elegant wines in the lineup and reveals a perfumed bouquet of white flowers, blue fruits, violets, and spice. It’s seamless and silky on the palate, yet has building underlying tannin and is beautifully balanced. It’s one of those wines that carry loads of intensity and texture yet just glides over the palate. Drink it anytime over the coming two decades. (Drink between 2018-2038) |
|
| Bond |
1999 |
Matriarch |
$195 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2003): Those lots deemed not quite up to the standards of the Melbury, Vecina, and St. Eden labels are blended together to form Bond’s second wine, The Matriarch. This is a second wine in name only. The complex 1999 The Matriarch displays a deep plum/purple color along with sweet, succulent aromas of smoky oak, lead pencil shavings, and a sexy concoction of chocolate, black currants, and licorice. Drink this rich, medium to full-bodied beauty over the next 10-12 years. |
|
| Caymus |
1992 |
Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon |
$219 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/1995): The 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection (a February, 1996 release) is superior to the 1991 and 1990. The 1992 displays an opaque ruby/purple color, followed by huge, full-throttle aromatics offering a blast of sweet, toasty new oak combined with exceptional red and black fruits. Full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, with not a hard edge to be found, this low acid, fat, delicious Cabernet will be drinkable upon its release; it will last for 12-15 years. |
|
| Hall |
2012 |
Bergfeld St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon |
$200 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
The Bishop Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98+ (12/2017): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon The Bishop is another staggeringly good wine from this estate. Ripe, unctuous, and blockbuster stuff all the way, it gives up loads of black, black fruits, chocolate, roasted plum, licorice, and graphite. It's one of the larger scaled, more concentrated wines in the lineup, has a huge mid-palate, ripe tannin, and notable freshness, all of which make it almost impossible to resist. Brought up in 90% new oak, you can drink it today or cellar bottles for 2-3 decades. One of the eye-opening tastings while working on this report was the lineup from Kathryn Hall’s estate located in St. Helena. There’s a wealth of wines here, yet they all have deep, concentrated, pure profiles as well as singular characters. You could pretty much randomly select from this lineup and be guaranteed to have a brilliant wine. Hats off to winemaker Steve Leveque. All the 2016s, and the majority of the 2015s, were tasted as barrel samples. (Drink between 2018-2048).
WA 96 (10/2017): Inky purple-black in color, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon The Bishop is a little youthfully shy to begin, opening out to glorious crushed blackberries and plums notes with underlying violets, mocha, forest floor and truffles plus a touch of wild thyme. Voluptuous, full-bodied, rich and very seductive in the mouth, the generous fruit is well framed by plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with lingering fragrant fruit notes. |
|
| Harlan Estate |
1991 |
Proprietary Blend |
$2,100 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/1995): I had the privilege of tasting the exquisite 1991 from barrel. Finally, 938 cases of the 1991 have been bottled unfiltered and released. Produced from a rocky, terraced vineyard on the western hillsides of Napa, looking down on Martha's Vineyard and the Oakville Grade area, this wine is one of the most promising and profound Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines made in California. Bill Harlan, proprietor of the luxurious Meadowood Country Club and Resort, has dreamed of producing a classic California Cabernet for years, and he experimented with small micro-vinifications from the mid-eighties. The 1991 will finally bring to the world's attention what Bill Harlan, along with his two wine-makers, Bob Levy of Merryvale and Michel Rolland of France, has achieved. The 1991, two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance Cabernet Franc and Merlot, is even more impressive now than it was earlier. The wine boasts an opaque purple/dark ruby color, followed by an extraordinarily profound bouquet of sweet cassis, vanilla, minerals, toast, chocolate, and tobacco. Remarkably rich, full-bodied, and layered, with thrilling extract levels, yet soft tannin, this wine continues to remind me of a California fantasy blend of La Mission-Haut-Brion and Cheval Blanc. Strikingly powerful and intense, as well as unequivocally graceful, it is a compelling wine that propels Harlan Estate into the upper echelon of Cabernet Sauvignon wine producers.
VM 90 (7/2018): Healthy dark red. Sexy aromas of plum, raspberry and mocha. A tad tart but nicely concentrated and distinctly claret-like, with its red fruit flavors joined by a strong herbal element. Still, this wine – or at least this bottle – shows modest sweetness and thickness and is a bit past its peak and lacks expansiveness. Juicy and alive but the tannins are a bit dry and the finish a touch sour. Incidentally, 1991 was just the second commercial vintage for Harlan Estate; it was released at the same time as the 1990. (1,000 cases were made, vs. just 300 in 1990) (Drink between 2018-2023). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2005 |
Proprietary Blend |
$975 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (12/2017): A big step up over the 2003, the 2015 Harlan Estate is still youthful and vibrant with incredible purity and elegance, as well as a huge, opulent, sweetly fruited, irresistible style. Blackberries, blueberries, violets, spring flowers, lead pencil and a remarkable minerality all emerge from this sensational wine that has sweet, present tannin, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. It’s certainly a joy to drink today but will keep for another two to three decades.
WA 98+ (6/2015): Its bigger brother, or sister, depending on the point of view, is the extremely young, fresh, vigorous, yet still exuberant and promising 2005 Harlan Estate. Normally, the blends on these wines tend to be 85%-90% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest tiny proportions of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and possibly some Petit Verdot, although I don’t recall that being a very important part of the estate vineyard. The 2005 is incredibly youthful at age ten, although certainly drinkable. And who wouldn’t consume it if they had the opportunity? It will benefit from another 5-10 years of cellaring and certainly has 30 or more years left in its evolutionary curve. Gorgeous, and tasting akin to a hypothetical Pauillac blended with a great Pessac-Leognan from Bordeaux comes to mind because of the smoky, subtle barbecue notes, fruitcake, forest floor, graphite and minerality. The wine has stunning fruit and a full-bodied, powerful richness, yet is still nimble on its feet. This is a classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon from an absolutely magnificent hillside vineyard in the Mayacamas Mountains overlooking the Oakville corridor on the valley floor. This opaque, garnet/purple wine is another tour de force and, once again, proves that Harlan Estate is not only one of the greatest wines of California, but of the world.
JS 96 (2/2011): This is very, very floral with sage, black currants, black berries, and hot stones. Full bodied, with blackberry, black olives, and cashmere like tannins. It finishes broad and is completely captivating. This is starting to come around, but be patient for another two years. Pull the cork in 2012.
VM 95 (9/2017): Open-knit, sensual and perfumed, the 2005 Harlan Estate is super-expressive today. Like so many 2005s, the Harlan is a bit lacking in intensity and overall structure relative to the very best years. The 2005 is a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next 15-20 years. At some point during that arc of time, the 2005 is likely to become a bit frail, but that does not appear to be imminent. Even after thinning to a cluster per shoot, the clusters and berries were large, which required some bleeding in the tanks, a technique that is not often used at Harlan Estate. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Horsepower Vineyards |
2020 |
High Contrast Vyd. Syrah |
$95 |
6 |
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VM 96+ (8/2023): The 2020 Syrah High Contrast Vineyard is youthfully restrained, with blackberry and clove offset by wet stone and sage. This is soft and enveloping, with silken textures and ripe black fruits, all energized by brilliant acidity. This finishes with a salty flourish, gripping the palate with youthful tension. Spiced citrus mingles with silty tannins as savory hints of rosemary fade. This is so giving today, yet also beautifully balanced for the cellar. (Drink between 2024-2032). Eric Guido.
JD 95 (6/2023): Similarly translucent purple-hued, the 2020 Syrah High Contrast Vineyard has a brilliant perfume of cassis, leafy herbs, ground pepper, and smoked meat, with some background iodine, lavender, and assorted Rocks funk all developing with time in the glass. The palate is terrific as well, with a dense, concentrated mid-palate, building tannins, and a great finish. This meaty, smoky, gamey, exotic Syrah will benefit from a few years of bottle age and evolve for 10-15 with ease. (Drink between 2025-2040).
WA 92 (5/2023): Displaying a deep magenta core and an open-knit nose, the 2020 Syrah High Contrast Vineyard is earthy with spicy and savory tones that sway with black cherry skin and hot rocks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate reveals a dense and chewy mouthfeel with spicy and umami essences before gliding to a fresh, lingering finish with a tannic edge and persistent mineral essences. |
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2020 |
Sur Echalas Vyd. Grenache |
$95 |
3 |
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VM 94 (8/2023): The 2020 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard wafts up with a mentholated freshness, mixing crushed wild berries and exotic spices with savory sage and ashen stone aromas. This is round and supple, displaying ample weight yet also balance, with a pepper mix of woodland berries and spiced citrus. Juicy acidity maintains a lovely freshness as the 2020 finishes pleasantly chewy yet still fresh with silty tannins. (Drink between 2023-2030). Eric Guido.
JD 94 (6/2023): Revealing a translucent ruby hue, the 2020 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard has a complex bouquet of earthy red and black fruits, cold fireplace, rose petals, and charcoal, with an incredibly meaty, gamey style that develops beautifully with air. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has fine tannins, a lively, elegant mouthfeel, and outstanding length. I don't think it matches the 2019, but it's clearly a beautiful, elegant, classic 2020 with tons to love. It should evolve for 10-15 years. (Drink between 2023-2038).
WA 88 (5/2023): The 2020 Grenache Sur Echalas Vineyard opens to leathery and savory notions on the nose with wilted dusty flowers and hints of olive and red and black peppercorns. Medium to full-bodied, the wine initially shows a tight mineral tension on the palate, with gripping tannins and a slight prickle as the fruit and tertiary expressions subside for persistent, bitter and astringent sensations that leave me chewing the wine. While the nose is lovely and savory, I really can't get past the clipped, tannic and chewy finish to bring myself back for a second sip this year. |
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2020 |
Fiddleneck Vyd. Grenache |
$99 |
3 |
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VM 92 (8/2023): The 2020 Grenache Fiddleneck Vineyard is savory and earthy to the core, wafting up with an herbal-tinged bouquet of wild strawberries, spiced citrus, olives, wet stone and underbrush. This is round and soothing on the palate, mixing salty and sweet with vividly ripe red fruits and candied orange offset by exotic spice and saline minerals. It finishes long and peppery with a slightly smoky sensation as grippy, somewhat bitter tannins resonate. I must admit to finding this wine wildly attractive, yet the finish gives me a bit of pause. That said, it's a beauty. (Drink between 2023-2029). Eric Guido.
JD 90+ (6/2023): Ripe black cherries, mulberries, sappy herbs, spring flowers, and scorched earth notes all emerge from the 2020 Grenache Fiddleneck Vineyard, a more medium to full-bodied, structured, tannic Grenache that has lots of minerality as well as some firmer tannins that emerge on the finish. It's not as successful as the Sur Echalas Vineyard, and it's going to be interesting to see where this goes.
WA 89 (5/2023): Dark, dense and almost overripe with broad-shouldered, dark red-fruited expressions, the 2020 Grenache Fiddleneck Vineyard offers a firmly mineral nose with savory essences. Medium to full-bodied, the wine initially shows a full, firm and rich mouthfeel that quickly compresses to reveal a compact tannic edge. It shed away the fruit expressions to end with a strict, astringent and bitter finish. |
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2020 |
The Tribe Vyd. Syrah |
$109 |
6 |
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VM 97 (8/2023): The 2020 Syrah The Tribe Vineyard lifts from the glass with a savory bouquet, mixing crushed peppercorns with grilled herbs, wet stones and currants. It’s profoundly textural and massive upon entry, with a core of vibrant acidity to balance, along with tart wild berry fruits and zesty acidity that offsets its power and intensity. The 2020 finishes remarkably fresh yet grippy, with inner violet and olive tones, as silty tannins add a pinch of cheek-puckering tension. The 2020 The Tribe mixes vibrancy and power in a way that I find wildly attractive. There is 90-100% whole-cluster fermentation, and it’s refined for fifteen months in neutral oak French demi muids and foudre. (Drink between 2024-2032). Eric Guido.
JD 97 (6/2023): Similar meaty, mineral-laced, smoky notes emerge from the 2020 Syrah The Tribe Vineyard, another classic Rocks Syrah from this team. Black cherries, mulberries, smoked earth, ground pepper, savory herbs, and tons of meaty, almost bloody notes define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, with wonderful purity, fine tannins, and a great finish. This brilliant Syrah already offers pleasure yet will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and have upwards of two decades of overall longevity. (Drink between 2025-2040).
WA 95 (5/2023): Beginning with an open-knit nose and generous expression, the 2020 Syrah The Tribe Vineyard is spicy, fruity and nutty with elements of savory herbs, stewed plum skin and notes of olive tapenade. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is spicy with umami notes that sway with spicy potpourri essences followed by notes of worn leather, iodine, baked clay, graphite and pencil shavings. The wine continues to evolve and unlock new savory expressions as it glides to a delightfully spiced and firmly mineral finish with a lingering tannic edge. The wine rested for 15 months in neutral oak barrels. Enjoy with barbecue. |
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| Kinsman Eades |
2019 |
Anjea Cabernet Sauvignon |
$359 |
2 |
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| |
JD 98 (2/2023): Last of the 2019s, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Anjea (always 100% Clone 22 Cabernet Sauvignon) is more floral and aromatic, with perfumed red, blue, and black fruits as well as lots of floral, truffle, chocolate, and tobacco nuances. As with the other 2019s here, the balance is flat-out perfect, and the wine is medium to full-bodied, with ripe, polished tannins and a gorgeous finish.
VM 98 (2/2023): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard is the most sensual of the Kinsman Eades Cabernets, as it always is. Silky tannins wrap around a core of inky red fruit, blood orange, mint and crushed flowers. Classy and alluring the Anjea is a total knock-out. It's a tremendous example of Sleeping Lady and the vintage. Readers lucky enough to own it should be thrilled. (Drink between 2026-2039). Antonio Galloni.
WA 96+ (9/2022): Sourced from the Bettinelli Family's Sleeping Lady Vineyard in Yountville, the 2019 Anjea offers up a bouquet of mixed cherries and complex baking spices, plus hints of mint and thyme. It's full-bodied, with crisp acids that serve to accentuate the wine's soft tannins, resulting in a slightly hard edge on the long, lingering finish. Give it a few years in the cellar. |
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2019 |
Anjea Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$719 |
1 |
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JD 98 (2/2023): Last of the 2019s, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Anjea (always 100% Clone 22 Cabernet Sauvignon) is more floral and aromatic, with perfumed red, blue, and black fruits as well as lots of floral, truffle, chocolate, and tobacco nuances. As with the other 2019s here, the balance is flat-out perfect, and the wine is medium to full-bodied, with ripe, polished tannins and a gorgeous finish.
VM 98 (2/2023): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Anjea Sleeping Lady Vineyard is the most sensual of the Kinsman Eades Cabernets, as it always is. Silky tannins wrap around a core of inky red fruit, blood orange, mint and crushed flowers. Classy and alluring the Anjea is a total knock-out. It's a tremendous example of Sleeping Lady and the vintage. Readers lucky enough to own it should be thrilled. (Drink between 2026-2039). Antonio Galloni.
WA 96+ (9/2022): Sourced from the Bettinelli Family's Sleeping Lady Vineyard in Yountville, the 2019 Anjea offers up a bouquet of mixed cherries and complex baking spices, plus hints of mint and thyme. It's full-bodied, with crisp acids that serve to accentuate the wine's soft tannins, resulting in a slightly hard edge on the long, lingering finish. Give it a few years in the cellar. |
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2019 |
Rhadamanthus Cabernet Sauvignon |
$409 |
1 |
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VM 98+ (2/2023): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Rhadamanthus Diamond Mountain District is a heady, hillside wine endowed with an explosive energy that races across the palate from the very first taste. Scorched earth, menthol, gravel, licorice and a good dose of Cabernet Franc/Petit Verdot savoriness add weave through a core of dark fruit. The tannins are pretty much buried in this captivating Cabernet from Nigel and Shae Kinsman. (Drink between 2026-2039). Antonio Galloni.
WA 98+ (9/2022): Sourced from the old Reverie Vineyard on Diamond Mountain planted by Norm Kiken, the 2019 Rhadamanthus is roughly 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, co-fermented when possible, depending on what is ripe at each pick. Incredibly dark and concentrated, it delivers huge cassis fruit, accented and made savory through the addition of some sage and bay nuances. It's full-bodied, rich and velvety, with maybe just the barest hint of warmth. Long and softly tannic on the finish, with hints of licorice, this is a superb effort that may threaten triple digits in another decade.
JD 98 (2/2023): A different blend compared to the 2018, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Rhadamanthus checks in as 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. As with the Voleuse Du Chagrin, this is more elegant and finesse-driven, with a full-bodied, seamless, wonderfully pure profile that carries lots of ripe, darker fruits, notes of truffly earth, flowers, and earthy tobacco, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. While it has plenty of up-front appeal given its balance and elegance, it has ample underlying structure. It's going to keep for two decades as well. (Drink between 2023-2043). |
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| Robert Mondavi |
2001 |
Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
2 |
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| WA 92 (12/2003): The Chateau Margaux look-alike, the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District, exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet nose of acacia flowers, white chocolate, and asphalt presented in a medium to full-bodied, well-delineated, lush style that manages to conceal serious tannin in the finish. A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot, this beauty can be enjoyed now and over the next 12-15 years. |
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| No Girls |
2019 |
Double Lucky #8 Red Blend |
$49 |
5 |
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VM 93 (3/2023): The 2019 Double Lucky #8 is smoky in the glass, smoldering up with notes of olive tapenade, musky black currants and rosemary. It’s silky-smooth and supple on the palate, with brisk acidity, enlivening its dark fruits, as saline-tinged minerals add contrast. This leaves salted licorice and hints of sweet spice tapering off with a lovely freshness. While I don’t see the 2019 as a wine for long-term cellaring, it should perform beautifully over the next five to six years. That said, there’s a lot of balanced pleasure to be found here already. The Double Lucky #8 is primarily Grenache with a balance of Syrah and Tempranillo. (Drink between 2023-2028). Eric Guido.
JD 92 (6/2023): Spiced black cherries, framboise, rose petals, and peppery herbs all emerge from the 2019 Double Lucky, a juicy, fruit-forward, complex, layered red offering plenty of classic Rocks funk as well as pure, clean fruit. It's a delicious, balanced red to drink over the coming 7-8 years. (Drink between 2023-2031).
WA 92 (10/2022): The 2019 Double Lucky #8 is black and red-fruited, with a spicy note of cured meat and lavender flowing from the glass along with a delightful mineral essence. Medium to full-bodied, the wine is broadly-layered and possesses fine-grained tannins and succulent acidity, making me crave charcuterie. The gorgeous wine will remain food-friendly for years and ends with a lingering, spicy grip. |
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2019 |
Walla Walla Valley La Paciencia Vyd. Grenache |
$79 |
6 |
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WA 96 (10/2022): The 2019 Grenache la Paciencia Vineyard opens to a classic, dusty and red-fruited core with savory tones, worn leather and smoked cherry compote. Medium-bodied, the palate offers a fine mineral tension with an essence of umami before swaying to show the more savory and floral side of Grenache. The wine continues to gain complexity before concluding with a gorgeous floral lift, persistent spicy edge and firm tannic finish. Bravo, this is delicious juice!
JD 95 (7/2022): Sporting a translucent ruby hue, the 2019 Grenache La Paciencia Vineyard offers up a savory, exotic nose of mulled cherries, darker strawberries, truffle, rose petals, orange tea, and scorched earth. This is always an ethereal, seamless, exotic expression of Grenache, and the 2019 is medium-bodied, has a seamless, incredibly pure, almost Burgundian mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. Drink bottles any time over the coming 10-15 years. (Drink between 2022-2037).
VM 94 (3/2023): The 2019 Grenache La Paciencia Vineyard lulls me in with a nuanced mix of dusty violets, wild strawberries, with stems and all, complicated by a whiff of crushed stones. This splashes across the palate, silky and refined yet energetic, with mineral-tinged red fruits that slowly saturate under an air of rosy inner florals. It leaves a reverberation of spicy tension through the finish, while becoming quite mineral and nearly salty in character. Hints of green olive and sage slowly fade. The Grenache from La Paciencia vineyard is refined for 22 months in neutral demi-muids and foudre. I love its savory profile and spicy nature, yet another year or two of cellaring is recommended. The soils of La Paciencia are much sandier than the surrounding vineyards, which tends to add an extra level of elegance to the No Girls portfolio. (Drink between 2023-2029). Eric Guido. |
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2019 |
Walla Walla Valley Tempranillo |
$79 |
3 |
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JD 96+ (7/2022): Lastly, the 2019 Tempranillo sports a slightly denser purple/plum color to go with both red and blue fruits supported by complex cedar, sandalwood, tobacco, and saddle leather-like nuances. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it's another seamless, elegant wine from this incredible winemaker that has ultra-fine tannins, a great mid-palate, plenty of density, and a great finish. It's a gorgeous wine that can be drunk today or cellared for two decades if you're so inclined. (Drink between 2022-2042).
VM 95 (3/2023): The 2019 Tempranillo is zesty, thrilling with an old-world bouquet of red currants and dried strawberries complemented by dusty rose, balsam herbs, spiced citrus rinds and worn leather. It’s silky and refined, propelled by vibrant acidity which also helps to enliven and sweeten the tart wild berry fruits within. The 2019 finishes lightly tannic yet full of energy, with blood orange and sour cherry candies that linger on. This is deceptively drinkable today, yet with the balance to excel through medium-term clearing. The No Girls Tempranillo refines for 22 months in a combination of demi-muids and barrels, of which 50% are new. Stunning. (Drink between 2024-2031). Eric Guido.
WA 93 (10/2022): Juicy and dark-fruited, the 2019 Tempranillo la Paciencia opens to fresh and savory aromas in the glass. Medium-bodied, flavors of oak and dusty plum sway with notions of dark cherry and blackberry skin before showcasing a balanced structure with lifting tannins. Displaying finesse and power, the wine glides to a food-friendly finish that will remain crushable for years. Enjoy with food. |
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| Oakford Vineyards |
1993 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (3.0 L) Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$199 |
1 |
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| |
|
| Quilceda Creek |
2012 |
Galitzine Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
1 |
|
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| VM 94+ (11/2015): (15.2% alcohol; 3% of this Cabernet comes from Wallula): Bright, dark ruby. Very refined, high-pitched aromas of blackberry, cassis, boysenberry and violet; smells lighter than the flagship Cabernet and more peppery. Dense, silky and weightless in the mouth, conveying a refined texture to its very intense flavors of cassis, licorice pastille and dark chocolate. Less fleshy and sweet today than the Cabernet but this wine is still youthfully imploded. Big, building tannins are less suave than those of the Cabernet, despite the fact that both wines are made with the same Cabernet Sauvignon clone. Finishes with a sexy cocoa powder quality that must be from the Taransaud barrels. |
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| Rudd |
2014 |
Samantha’s Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$169 |
2 |
|
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JD 98 (12/2017): A blend a 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec, there's 928 cases of the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate and it's unquestionably one of the wines of the vintage. Blackcurrants, unsmoked tobacco, graphite, and damp earth all flow from this ethereally textured, seamless, gorgeous wine that has no hard edges, excellent acidity and a great finish. It’s slightly more elegant and polished than the more powerful 2015 and will shine of 20-25 years. (Drink between 2018-2043).
WA 94+ (12/2016): The 2014 Samantha’s is cut from the same mold as the 2013, just denser, with slightly less tannin and a reticent character, but it is loaded with upside potential. Give this wine 3-4 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 25 years.
VM 93 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Samantha's is another impeccable wine from Rudd. Stylistically, the Samantha's is more supple and open-knit than the Estate Red. Dark stone fruits, mocha, torrefaction and chocolate give the wine its sumptuous, racy personality. It should drink well with minimal cellaring. (Drink between 2018-2029). Antonio Galloni. |
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| Williams Selyem |
2016 |
Olivet Lane Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$109 |
4 |
|
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| WA 93 (4/2018): The 2016 Pinot Noir Olivet Lane Vineyard is pale to medium ruby-purple in color and gives up notions of warm plums and baked raspberries with wild blueberries, tilled soil and dark chocolate hints plus a waft of bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied and generously fruited, it fills the palate with juicy black berry flavors supported by plush tannins and finishing with an herbal lift. 290 cases produced. |
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2021 |
Estate Pinot Noir |
$115 |
3 |
|
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| WA 94+ (10/2024): The 2021 Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard, matured for 16 months in 69% new oak, is bursting with scents of pomegranate and raspberry preserves, orange peel, licorice, allspice and earth. Medium-bodied and powerful, the palate features concentrated, hedonistic flavors. It has a surprisingly elegant structure of silky tannins and bright acidity and boasts a long, perfumed finish. |
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| | USA White |
| Perchance |
2022 |
Beckstoffer Carneros Lake Chardonnay |
$95 |
4 |
|
| |
JD 97 (3/2025): Brought up all in new barrels, the 2022 Chardonnay Beckstoffer Carneros Lake Vineyard is stunning stuff offering a kaleidoscope-like bouquet of honeyed lemon, caramelized orange, flower oil, citrus, and hints blanched almonds. It's full-bodied, has a deep, beautifully layered mouthfeel, and a serious finish. Drink bottles through 2032.
WA 93 (10/2024): Composed of Clone 96 planted in 1995 and barrel fermented in 100% new French oak, half of the 2022 Chardonnay Beckstoffer Carneros Lake Vineyard underwent malolactic fermentation. It boasts a subtle honeyed element, plus ripe melon and pear notes. Full-bodied, plump and generous, with a long, richly textural finish, it's a beauty to enjoy over the next several years. |
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