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 Wines Rated from 90-100 Points Minimize

 

Chateau Mouton Rothschild
1982 Bordeaux Blend
Pauillac


This wine remains one of the legends of Bordeaux. It has thrown off the backward, youthful style that existed during its first 25 years of life, and over the last 4-5 years has developed such secondary nuances as cedar and spice box. The creme de cassis, underlying floral note, full-bodied power, extraordinary purity, multilayered texture, and finish of over a minute are a showcase for what this Chateau accomplished in 1982. The wine is still amazingly youthful, vibrant, and pure. It appears capable of remaining fruity and vibrant in 2082! Thank God it is beginning to budge, as I would like to drink most of my supply before I kick the bucket. This is a great, still youthful wine, and, on occasion, one does understand the hierarchy of Bordeaux chateaux when you see the complexity and brilliance of this first-growth. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2050.

RP  100


Sale Price: $1299.99

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Chateau L'Evangile
2005 Bordeaux Blend
Pomerol


Dark in color, almost purple black, with pure tapenade and hints of ripe plum and berry. Full-bodied, with layer upon layer of velvety tannins and chocolate, berry, vanilla and tea flavors. Lasts for minutes. I am blown away by this wine. This has been amazing since the moment I tasted it from barrel. Reminds me of the superb 1950. Best after 2015.

WS  100


Sale Price: $289.99

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Colgin
2006 IX Proprietary Red Estate
Napa Valley


From the Pritchard Hill Vineyard, the 2006 IX Proprietary Red Estate is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. The good news is that there are 1,500 cases of this cuvee. It, too, reveals the noble sweetness of tannin, the extraordinary rich, intense mouthfeel, and sumptuous aromas of flowers, burning embers, blackberries, blueberries, spice box, and cedar. With extraordinary intensity, beautiful purity, a texture and flavors that build incrementally on the palate, and a significantly long finish, this is a perfect wine.

RP  100


Sale Price: $349.99

Charles Smith
2008 Royal City Syrah
Washington State


The 2008 Royal City Syrah was sourced from the Stoneridge Vineyard. It displays a soaring perfume of sandalwood, garrigue, lavender, smoke, bacon, game, blueberry, and black raspberry. Super-concentrated, it deftly marries power and elegance in a seamless wine that should see its 20th birthday in peak form. 
 

RP  99

Sale Price: $139.99

Aubert
2009 Chardonnay
Lauren Vineyard Sonoma Coast


When I am tasting with Mark Aubert, it always seems to be that his personal favorite is the Lauren Vineyard. Another blockbuster, the 2009 Chardonnay Lauren Vineyard is slightly less dense and lower in alcohol than the 2008. Its straw/green color is followed by crisp aromas of apple butter, lemon oil, orange blossoms, brioche and a subtle hint of smoke. The remarkable characteristic in all these Chardonnays is how little influence their 100% new French oak aging has had in their aromatic and flavor profiles. This 2009 should drink well for 7-8 years. 

RP  99

Sale Price: $139.99

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Quilceda Creek
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley


The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley is made up of 88% Champoux Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Quilceda Creek is a partner in the vineyard), 10% Red Mountain Cabernet, and 2% Merlot from the Palengat Vineyard. As good as the Palengat cuvee is, the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon takes it to another level. A slightly brooding bouquet displays aromas of sandalwood, exotic spices, incense, violets, and wild berry notes. On the palate it has extra layers of fruit, exceptional complexity, impeccable balance, and a 60-second finish. Jay Miller.

RP  99

Sale Price: $164.99

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Quilceda Creek
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley


The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley is made up of 88% Champoux Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Quilceda Creek is a partner in the vineyard), 10% Red Mountain Cabernet, and 2% Merlot from the Palengat Vineyard. As good as the Palengat cuvee is, the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon takes it to another level. A slightly brooding bouquet displays aromas of sandalwood, exotic spices, incense, violets, and wild berry notes. On the palate it has extra layers of fruit, exceptional complexity, impeccable balance, and a 60-second finish. Jay Miller.  

RP  99

( 1.5 lt ) Sale Price: $399.99

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Spottswoode
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley


This opulent wine offers up loads of blue and black fruits intermixed with licorice, a hint of lead pencil shavings, and of course, the telltale floral notes that seem to be a part of this estate vineyard. In the mouth, the wine is full-bodied, but seamless, rather exuberant and flashy by Spottswoode’s standards, but so pure, deep, and rich, one gets the impression that if Chateau Margaux were making Cabernet Sauvignon in St. Helena, it might well taste like this. There is virtually no noticeable oak, given the extravagant richness of the wine, and the balance and elegance, combined with the sensational texture, power, and length, are awesome. This should be a historic Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the next 30+ years.

RP  99

(1.5 lt) Sale Price: $399.99

Saxum
2008 Red Blend 
Booker Vineyard Paso Robles


The 2008 Booker Vineyard (92% Syrah and 8% Mourvedre, which had also been bottled immediately before my visit) has an opaque purple color and a wonderfully sweet nose of black cherry, black currant, licorice, incense, and some Asian spices. The wine has seamless lushness, a voluptuous texture, stunning purity, and a very long, 40-second-plus finish. Booker is another top site that I believe was planted with Justin Smith’s help. It is a 40-acre vineyard sitting on similar limestone soils. This incredible wine would probably benefit from a couple of years of cellaring, as the structure is more present, no doubt due to the high level of Syrah in the wine. It should evolve for 10-15 more years.

RP  98

Sale Price: $194.99

Nicolas Catena Zapata
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Mendoza Argentina


The flagship, the 2007 Nicolas Catena Zapata, a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Malbec, and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. It delivers an enthralling aromatic array of pain grille, pencil lead, mineral, espresso, mocha, incense, lavender, black currant, black cherry, and blackberry. This leads to a full-bodied, powerful yet elegant effort with great depth and volume, precision balance, and a voluptuous personality (a D-cup of a wine). It conceals plenty of structure and will effortlessly evolve for 6-8 years, drinking well through 2032 if not longer.

RP  98

Sale Price: $79.99

Shirvington
2001 Shiraz 
McLaren Vale


The 2001 Shiraz may be even more momentous than the Cabernet Sauvignon. There are nearly 1,000 cases of this blockbuster, opulently-styled, black beauty. Its inky/purple color is followed by an exceptional bouquet of black fruits, espresso roast, charcoal, and smoke. With great ripeness, intensity, purity, that fabulous seamless texture the Marquis team routinely obtains, and a finish that lasts more than a minute, it should offer profound drinking for at least a decade. 

RP  98

Sale Price: $119.99

Yalumba Octavius
2001 Shiraz 
Barossa Valley


Produced from yields of 1.2 tons of fruit per acre, the 2001 Shiraz Octavius spent 20 months in both French and American oak. A blockbuster, structured Shiraz with oodles of personality/soul, it offers a sumptuous bouquet as well as flavors of chocolate, white flowers, blackberry and cassis liqueur, prunes, figs, roasted meats, and burning embers. This full-bodied, hugely extracted, monster Shiraz has amazing balance and symmetry for its large-scaled style. It needs another 1-3 years of cellaring, and should last for 12-20 years, based on the longevity of some earlier examples. For instance, a gorgeous 1994 Octavius, drunk in 2004, had a decade of life remaining. A 1966 Shiraz/Cabernet The Signature tasted next to it, was still in spectacular shape. 

RP  98

Sale Price: $99.99

Two Hands Ares
2002 Shiraz
Barossa Valley


Virtually perfect, the 2002 Shiraz Ares (100% Shiraz from an ancient Barossa vineyard) spent 8 months in old oak, and 12 months in new French wood. Inky/blue/black to the rim, with an extraordinary nose of smoked meats, camphor, blackberries, creme de cassis, and a notion of bacon fat in the background, this is great stuff. Full-bodied with a sensational texture as well as stunning purity, balance, and length (the finish lasts nearly a minute), Michael Twelftree believes it has at least 20 years of cellaring potential, and I see no reason to disagree. Like many of the finest wines of South Australia, it is accessible now.

RP  98

Sale Price: $129.99

Rudd 
2007 Oakville Estate Red
Napa Valley


The flagship wine, the 2007 Proprietary Red from Oakville is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. A prodigious effort, it boasts a dense purple color along with gorgeously complex aromatics reminiscent of a hypothetical blend of a first-growth Pauillac and a top Graves. Notes of burning embers, forest floor, creme de cassis, blackberries, espresso, and a hint of chocolate soar from the glass of this full-bodied, well-delineated, structured wine with tremendous depth and texture. This awesome red is a future legend in the making. Give it 4-5 years of bottle age, and drink it over the following 30-35 years.

RP  98+

Sale Price: $159.98

Taylor Fladgate 
2003 Vintage Porto
Portugal


The 2003 Taylor Fladgate Vintage Port improved each time I raised it to my nose or mouth. It displays a black color and a salty, graphite-laced nose packed with sweet black fruits that is reminiscent of a stellar vintage of Chateau Latour. With air, notes of molasses, burnt sugar, spices, and jammy plums emanate from the glass. Full-bodied, hugely dense, immensely rich, as well as thick, this behemoth is also amazingly balanced and harmonious. Raisins, molasses, licorice, black cherries, plums, and a distinctive note of violets are found in its complex, seamless character. Its interminable finish reveals additional notes of chocolate, kirsch, red as well as black currants, dark cherries, and rose blossoms. Armed with exceptional power, depth, and purity, this Taylor will proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with the finest ever crafted by the Fladgate Partnership. Projected maturity: 2035-2060. Pierre Rovani. 

RP  98

Sale Price: $99.99

Chateau Palmer 
1989 Bordeaux Blend
Margaux ( 12 pk OWC )


Fairly light color, in contrast with the darker 1990. Elegant and complex bouquet, featuring a cornucopia of scents including jammy black fruits, cedar, mild spices, camphor, toast, tobacco, leather, truffle, and eucalyptus. Elegant in the mouth as well; full-bodied, yet refined and graceful. The 1989 is in perfect balance, with soft tannins and good acidity mingling effortlessly with the fruit. Extremely long, consistent, mesmerizing finish. In a “show of hands” voting, it was the 1989 that proved to to the “Wine of the Night,” beating the 1990 by two votes. It was almost as good as the 1961! ( OWC from inception )

RP  98

( case of 12 bottles ) Sale Price: $3500.00

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Finca Allende
2004 Aurus
Rioja Spain


The 2004 Aurus is not quite as large-scaled as the 2005 but makes up for it with elegance. This stylish wine has a splendid perfume of sandalwood, incense, truffle, Asian spices, lavender, and black cherry leading to an already complex, spicy, savory wine with superb volume and mouth-coating flavors. Give it another 4 years of cellaring and drink it through 2034. Collectors will discuss the merits of 2004 and 2005 for many years to come. Jay Miller.

RP  98

Sale Price: $149.99

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Harlan Estate
2006 Red
Napa Valley


Intense aromas of black pepper, blueberry, blackberry, tar, and black licorice. Full bodied, with amazing length and a toned muscular character. This lasts for minutes. Like a world class ballerina. It is held back and beautiful. Please leave this alone until 2015!

JS  98

Sale Price: $399.99

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Harlan Estate
2004 Red
Napa Valley


The 2004 Harlan Estate is probably the most precocious and accessible Harlan Estate that this perfectionist team has made. Already compelling, the wine has notes of roasted coffee, charcoal, blackberry, spring flowers, and some background sweet, toasty notes. Dense, fleshy, exuberant, even flamboyant by the standards of Bill Harlan, this wine exhibits no jaggedness or rough edges, has relatively high tannins, but they melt away on the palate. The wine is sensationally well-endowed, long, and rich – a tour de force in winemaking.

RP 98

Sale Price: $589.99

Saxum
2009 Red Blend
James Berry Vineyard Paso Robles


Simply put, the 2009 James Berry Vineyard is one of the greatest young wines I have ever tasted from California, or anywhere for that matter. Bright, floral aromatics lead to expressive red fruit in this impossibly elegant, dazzling wine. A melange of rose petals, mint and licorice follows as the James Berry shows off its breathtaking clarity and finesse. Fine-grained, chalky tannins frame the exceptional finish. Frankly, I am surprised this is the first wine of the tasting. Where does one go from here? Antonio Galloni.

RP  98

Sale Price: $224.99

Saxum
2008 Red Blend
James Berry Vineyard Paso Robles


Dense purple, with sweet notes of barbecue smoke and meats as well as roasted herbs, extravagant black cherry, black currant, and blackberry fruit are all present in this wine, but there is plenty of underlying structure that comes from both the minerality and the Mourvedre component. Pure, full-bodied, but again, impressively elegant and nuanced, this is a tour de force and another prodigious example of this extraordinary vineyard site.

RP 98

Sale Price: $189.99

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Araujo
1995 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Eisele
Vineyard Napa Valley

I believe the 1995 is the finest produced under the Araujo regime. It is close to perfection. The wine combines extraordinary power and richness with remarkable complexity and finesse. The saturated purple/black color is followed by aromas of sweet vanillin intermixed with riveting scents of black currants, minerals, exotic spices, coffee, and toast. There is nothing garish about this subtle yet powerful giant of a wine. A Napa Valley classic, it is full-bodied and extremely rich, yet retains its sense of balance and symmetry. This fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon should age effortlessly for 30 or more years. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2030.


RP  98

( 1.5 lt ) Sale Price: $678.99

Chateau Petrus
2008 Bordeaux Blend
Pomerol

It is hard to call Petrus a "sleeper of the vintage," but the 2008 will merit more attention than most consumers would think. Low yields of 30 hectoliters per hectare resulted in only 25,000 bottles of this beauty. A wine of great intensity (possibly the most concentrated wine of the vintage), this 100% Merlot boasts a dark purple color as well as a sweet perfume of mocha, caramel, black cherries, black currants, earth and forest floor. Deep, unctuously textured, full-bodied and pure, it will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring and should drink well for 25-30+ years.

RP  97

Sale Price: $2500.00

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Hundred Acre
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Ark Vineyard Howell Mountain Napa Valley ( 3 pk OWC )

The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard, a larger site on Howell Mountain, possesses a dense ruby/purple color as well as an extraordinary nose of spring flowers intermixed with blueberries, black raspberries, wet rocks and spice box. Deep, full-bodied, rich and intense, this gorgeous effort again demonstrates what brilliant winemaking and a top-notch terroir can produce. It should drink well for 15-20 years.


RP  97

Sale Price: $234.98

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Joseph Phelps
2008 Insignia
Napa Valley


The blend of the 2008 Insignia, 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 4% Merlot, is not terribly different from the 2007. However, I suspect the production will be a lot less given the frost damage in early spring. The color is an inky/purple and the wine shows lots of cassis, blueberry, graphite and floral notes, good acidity, stunning concentration and purity, and a long finish. Another great success for Phelps, the 2007 and 2008 Insignias may be the best back-to-back vintages they have produced since 1995 and 1994. The 2008 has some tannins to resolve whereas the 2007 has already assimilated them. It appears the 2008 will require 2-3 years of bottle age, but should last for three decades. 

RP  97

 *Sale Price: $134.99

Chateau La Mission Haut Brion
1986 Bordeaux Blend
Pessac Leognan ( 6 pk OWC 1.5 lt )


An extremely impressive, yet slightly hard wine; still closed, but could be as great as the 1952. Dark ruby in color and very aromatic, with a rich cherry aromas. Full-bodied, with full tannins and plenty of fruit, yet very closed and tight on the finish.--La Mission-Haut-Brion vertical. Best from 1998 through 2000. OWC from inception. 

WS  97

 (case of 6 bot 1.5 lt ) Sale Price: $2640.00

Clinet
1990 Bordeaux Blend
Pomerol


A sensational effort, and one of the two finest Clinets made before the 2008, this prodigious wine made by the late Jean-Michel Arcaute has always been a sprinter out of the gate. Even at age 19, it continues to strut its stuff. A dense blue/garnet/purple hue exhibits slight lightening at the edge, and the gorgeous nose offers up aromas of sweet blueberries, licorice, smoke, acacia flowers, and camphor. Full-bodied with silky tannins, low acidity, and terrific purity, this 1990 has hit its plateau of full maturity where it should remain for another decade. 

RP  97

 Sale Price: $249.99


Pichon-Longueville Baron
1990 Bordeaux Blend
Pauillac


A remarkable vintage for Pichon Longueville Baron, 1990 is one of this estate’s two or three finest wines made in the last 40 years. Still inky/blue/purple-tinged to the rim, it reveals an extraordinary bouquet of charcoal, incense, creme de cassis, blue and black fruits, and a hint of licorice as well as an impressively long finish. While drinkable, its evolution is extremely slow, and I would not be surprised to see it last another two decades or more.

RP  97

Sale Price: $241.99

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Louis Roederer
2004 Cristal
Champagne


The 2004 Brut Cristal has put on quite a bit of weight since I first tasted it earlier this year. It is a powerful, structured Cristal layered with considerable fruit. Chardonnay seems to play the leading role in 2004, at least today. Cristal is often accessible young, but that is far from the case here. This is a serious, painfully young Cristal that will require considerable patience. Readers who are willing to spend some time with the wine today will find a super-impressive, complete Cristal. The 2004 Cristal is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. Antonio Galloni. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

RP  97

 *Sale Price: $189.95


Ridge
2008 Monte Bello
Santa Cruz Mountains


The 2008 Monte Bello is striking. It is a decidedly muscular Monte Bello endowed with layers of dark fruit. Tobacco, mint, asphalt and crushed rocks develop in the glass, adding tons of complexity and finesse. A long, saline finish rounds things out beautifully. In 2008 the cold growing season stretched into October and the wine definitely has the feel of a cool vintage. The spring frost and the second year of drought conditions lowered yields significantly. Yields were just 1.25 tons per acre on average, but some of the older vineyards came in at less than 1 ton per acre. The balance of fruit, tannin and structure is simply extraordinary, but the wine needs time, most likely lots of it. In 2008 the blend is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038. Antonio Galloni. ( 3 bottle minimum purchase ) 

 

RP  97

 *Sale Price: $114.99


Antinori
2007 Guado al Tasso
Tuscany


Guado al Tasso is a wine that will make you fall uncontrollably in love with Italy. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are expertly blended to produce amazing intensity, purity and texture. You’ll appreciate aromas of mineral, ripe fruit, leather, tobacco and chocolate.
 

WE  97

 *Sale Price: $74.97


Kongsgaard
2008 The Judge Chardonnay
Napa Valley


The 2008 Chardonnay The Judge is exquisite. Full-bodied with layer upon layer of ripe stone fruits, crushed rocks, and floral notes, it is a honeyed, super-rich Chardonnay displaying a hint of tropical fruits in the long, 40-second finish (a remarkable length for a Chardonnay). This brilliant effort should last for 8-10 years.

RP  97

 Sale Price: $199.99

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Spottswoode
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley


A beautiful Cabernet nose with masses of black currants and sun baked stones. Full bodied, with heavy tannins and a big complex structure. The long finish rounds out this sleeping giant. Six to eight years from now this will be very ready to go. Pull the cork in 2018.

JS  97

 Sale Price: $149.99

Elderton
2005 Command Shiraz
Barossa Valley

Elderton’s flagship is the single vineyard Command Shiraz, a wine with serious aging potential, and one with which all other South Australia Shiraz must be compared. The opaque purple/black 2005 Command Shiraz was aged in French and American oak puncheons (500-liter barrels). It offers up a sexy/kinky bouquet of wood smoke, lavender, leather, game, mineral, black raspberry, and blueberry pie. Voluptuous on the palate, complex, and dense, it demands a decade of cellaring after which it should offer hedonists much pleasure through 2035. Jay Miller.



RP  97

Sale Price: $71.99

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La Massa
2007 Giorgio Primo
Tuscany
 

Dark and brooding, with intense aromas of lead pencil, blackberry, black cherry and licorice. Full-bodied, with velvety, polished tannins, followed by vanilla, berry and currant on the finish. Powerful and complex. Built like a brick house. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Best after 2013. Only 1,750 cases made.

WS  97

Sale Price: $74.99

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Torbreck
2005 Descendant
Barossa Valley

The 2005 Descendant is composed of 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier which are co-fermented. The fruit is sourced from a relatively young vineyard in Marananga planted with 11-year-old cuttings from the Run Rig vineyards and aged for 18 months in 2.5-year-old French barrels previously used for Run Rig. Opaque purple, with glass-coating glycerin, it offers up a complex array of lavender, violets, blueberry, blackberry, and fresh road tar. Full-bodied, on the palate the wine has great concentration with a noticeable uplift from the Viognier, gobs of spicy black fruits, opulence, and well-concealed tannins which will carry this wine for 10-15 years of further evolution. Drink it through 2030. Jay Miller.

RP  97

( 1.5 lt ) Sale Price: $228.99

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Torbreck
2005 The Factor Shiraz
Barossa Valley

The 2005 The Factor is 100% Shiraz sourced from dry grown vines from six sub-regions of Barossa. It spent 24 months in 30% new French oak. Opaque purple-colored, it delivers an expressive bouquet of pepper, smoke, espresso roast, blackberry, blueberry, and licorice. Full-bodied and voluptuous on the palate, nuances of saddle leather and mineral emerge to complement the layers of spicy blue and black fruits. The wine is beautifully integrated with enough well-concealed tannin to keep this wine evolving for a decade. The pure finish lingers for 60+ seconds to complete the experience of a totally hedonistic turn-on. Jay Miller.

RP  97

 Sale Price: $79.98

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Quilceda Creek
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
Galitzine Vineyard Columbia Valley

The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard comes from the fifth leaf of this estate vineyard and in this vintage contains 4.5% Merlot. The wine was aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak. Opaque purple-colored, its distinctive aromatics leap from the glass. Toasty oak, scorched earth, a hint of truffle, black cherry, black raspberry, and blackberry liqueur aromas are quite mesmerizing. On the palate, this sizable effort is firm, full-bodied, and structured, demanding 6-8 years of cellaring. It falls a bit short of the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon in terms of complexity but bear in mind that this is still a very young vineyard. It should be hitting its stride by 2015 and remain at that level through 2035.

RP  97

Sale Price: $123.99

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Chateau Guiraud
2005 Sauternes
Bordeaux

Delivers lots of botrytis spice, with lemon tart and cooked apple. Full-bodied, with cream, vanilla and an intense tropical fruit and honey aftertaste. Long and viscous, with a beautiful spicy finish. Best after 2014.

WS  97

Sale Price: $79.99

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Sequana
2007 Pinot Noir
Sundawg Ridge Green Valley

This distinctive Pinot Noir...is totally dry and silky and firm in acidity, yet soft in fine tannins. You might call it noble. It's eruptive in cherries, sweet smoky bacon, raspberry granola and oaky sandalwood. Gorgeous, seductive and brilliant, a truly great Pinot Noir that's impeccable now.

WE  97

Sale Price: $46.99

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Beringer Private Reserve
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon 
Napa Valley

Still a baby in terms of development, it is reminiscent of a first or second-growth Pauillac. Celestial notes of black currants, camphor, graphite, cocoa, white chocolate and spice box are all present in this full-bodied, extravagantly rich, multidimensional Cabernet. Although still primary, it is very classic with terrific purity, texture and length. It will need another decade to hit full maturity, but should easily last 15-20 years thereafter.

RP  97

(375 ml) Sale Price: $39.99

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Napa Angel
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Aurelio's Selection
Napa Valley

From Chilean winemaker, Aurelio Montes,  this 100% Cabernet shows massively concentrated flavors of ripe blackberries and cassis, with richer notes of dark chocolate, anise, spices and smoky cedar. What an amazing tannin structure, intricate, fine and complex. A wine to drink now for sheer opulence or to age for at least a dozen years.

WE  97

Sale Price: $ 69.99

La Serena
2006 Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany

Beautifully perfumed, this red features rose, peony, black currant, tar and licorice aromas and flavors. This is ripe and dense, with well-integrated tannins and acidity that funnel the fruit and savory notes into a long aftertaste. Complex and intense. Best from 2013 through 2026. 1,600 cases made.

WS  97

Sale Price: $ 59.98

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Dalla Valle
2008 Maya
Napa Valley

The 2008 Maya boasts an inky/blue/purple color as well as a sumptuous bouquet of blue, black and red fruits, crushed rock, spice box, licorice and subtle wood. Full-bodied, multilayered, pure and deep, this is a striking, seamless wine with flawless balance and great concentration as well as length. Multiple dimensions, incremental richness and a 45-second finish suggest this beauty is one of the top wines of the vintage.

RP  96

Sale Price: $ 299.99

Chateau de Beaucastel
2009 Chateauneuf du Pape
Southern Rhone Valley

One of the more endowed 2009s, this is packed with dark smoldering cocoa, mesquite, tobacco and roasted fig notes, all inlaid with pure cassis and plum preserves fruit flavors. Long and authoritative on the finish, with singed vanilla bean and tar adding length and dimension. Best from 2015 through 2026.

WS  96

Sale Price: $ 79.98

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Tensley
2009 Syrah
Colson Canyon Vineyard Santa Barbara County

Deep purple color and intense extraction are what come to mind when looking at a glass of 2009 Colson Canyon Syrah. Once you taste it, it does not disappoint. Sunny, warm days and cool nights have given this wine an extraordinary concentration of blackberries and black stone fruit. Low yields and stressing the vines by watering as little as possible has filled this wine with firm but round tannins leading to a lush mouthfeel and long finish. Notes of bittersweet chocolate and smoked meats add to the layers of flavor in this deeply complex wine. Enjoy The Colson now (with some decanting) or enjoy with any red meat or big pasta dish for 10 to 15 years. Winery notes.

 
QPR  96

Sale Price: $32.99

Futo
2005 Red Blend
Oakville Napa Valley ( 3 pk OWC )


Smooth, rich and generous, showing plush, supple, deeply concentrated currant, blackberry and wild berry flavors, with savory herb, cedary oak, mineral and pebble notes. Impressive for its combination focus, depth, purity of flavor and finesse. Drink now through 2014. Only 500 cases made. 


WS  96

Sale Price: $249.99

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Pahlmeyer
2007 Red 
Napa Valley


The sensational 2007 Proprietary Red Wine (a 7,000-case blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec) is slightly more restrained aromatically than the Merlot, but there is no doubting its extraordinary bouquet of subtle smoked meats, oak, mountain wild flowers, blueberries, blackberries, coffee, and cassis. Super-rich and full-bodied with noticeable, but stunningly sweet tannins, it possesses a rare minerality and definition, characteristics that seem to be found across the board in Napa’s 2007s. This dense, powerful red needs 3-5 years of cellaring, and should have 25 years of life ahead of it.

RP  96

*Sale Price: $95.98

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Pahlmeyer
2007 Red 
Napa Valley


The sensational 2007 Proprietary Red Wine (a 7,000-case blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec) is slightly more restrained aromatically than the Merlot, but there is no doubting its extraordinary bouquet of subtle smoked meats, oak, mountain wild flowers, blueberries, blackberries, coffee, and cassis. Super-rich and full-bodied with noticeable, but stunningly sweet tannins, it possesses a rare minerality and definition, characteristics that seem to be found across the board in Napa’s 2007s. This dense, powerful red needs 3-5 years of cellaring, and should have 25 years of life ahead of it.

RP  96

( case of 6 bottles ) Sale Price: $539.94

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Michele Castellani
2005 Amarone Classico Cinque Stelle
Veneto


Dense, with concentrated, balanced aromas of prune, date and polished oak. Full and compact, delivering layers of ripe fruit and fine, soft tannins that give a light pull on the long, long finish. A super Amarone, with elegance and length. Like cashmere. Drink now through 2012. Only 1,200 cases made. 


WS  96

Sale Price: $79.99

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Merus
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley


Rich and concentrated, with a generous mix of currant, blackberry, wild berry and mocha-laced oak. Intense, yet avoids being heavy, turning sleek and elegant. Deftly balanced and tightly focused, with a complex, lingering finish that ends with hints of herb and black olive. Drink now through 2015. Only 875 cases made.


WS  96

Sale Price: $134.99

iL Paradiso di Frassina
2006 Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany


I love the decadence and richness here with dark fruits, meat and very ripe plums. Full bodied, with a dense and beautiful palate. Ripe black cherries, with flowers. Such pure fruit. Powerful tannins, yet polished and elegant. Beautiful length. Give it three to four years of bottle age. This is phenomenal and made from organic grapes James Suckling.

JS  96

Sale Price: $59.99

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Clos Mogador
2008 Red Blend
Priorat Spain


The red wines begin with the flagship 2008 Clos Mogador. It is made up of 40% Garnacha, 20% Carinena, with the balance Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Dense purple in color, it sports an expansive bouquet of liquid minerality, wood smoke, game, Asian spices, truffle, and blackberry. Opulent on the palate with layered fruit and precision balance, this loaded Priorat provides a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2023. Jay Miller.
 
RP  96

Sale Price: $69.99

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Neely
2009 Chardonnay Holly's Cuvee
Santa Cruz Mountains


An exuberant, full-throttle Chardonnay from the same winemaking team that makes the Varner wines, Neely’s 2009 Chardonnay Holly’s Cuvee displays tremendous opulence along with abundant notes of lemon and orange custard, pear, and pineapple as well as a strong underlying minerality. With beautiful fruit and purity, it should drink well for 5-7 years. 


RP  96

Sale Price: $45.99

Aubert Vineyards
2009 Chardonnay
Reuling Vineyard Sonoma Coast


One of my favorite Aubert offerings that typically has a Montrachet-like character emerges from the Reuling Vineyard. Made from a suitcase clone from Burgundy’s most famous vineyard, it is an extraordinary effort. Readers looking for staggering levels of minerality and depth of flavor should check out this Chardonnay. The 2009 Chardonnay Reuling Vineyard may be the richest 2009 Aubert made. It is close in quality to the complexity and intensity of the 2009 Chardonnay UVSL. The 2009 Reuling reveals abundant notes of fruit blossoms, honeysuckle, apple skins, pears and a liqueur of crushed rocks. Superb intensity, medium to full body and a long finish make for a sensational wine.


RP  96

Sale Price: $139.99

Henry's Drive
2001 Reserve Shiraz
Padthaway Australia


Some might feel the 2001 Shiraz Reserve is too much of a good thing, but it is neither port-like, pruny, nor flat. It is simply crammed with concentrated blackberry and cassis fruit in an obvious but spectacularly textured style. It possesses considerable nuances. Loaded and thick, with low acidity and huge amounts of tannin, all concealed by lavish quantities of fruit and extract, this stunning wine can be drunk now, but should age effortlessly for 7-10 years, possibly longer. No one really knows for sure given the fact that these are young vines and moderately high tonnage.

RP  96

Sale Price: $59.99

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Bond
2002 Melbury
Napa Valley


An exquisite effort, the 2002 Melbury Proprietary Red boasts a dense purple color to the rim along with a sweet perfume of acacia flowers, blueberry pie, licorice, and a hint of hot rocks. A wine of great intensity, tremendous voluptuousness and opulence, fabulous purity, low acidity, and silky tannin, this stunning 2002 can be drunk now and over the next 15-20 years. 

RP  96

Sale Price: $234.99

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Bond
2001 Vecina
Napa Valley


The most backward, earthy, muscular/masculine wine of the group is the 2001 Vecina. Still quite tightly knit, with loads of rugged tannins as well as distinctive notes of graphite and earth reminiscent of a St.-Estephe such as Chateau Montrose, the wine displays sweet, earthy blueberry and blackberry fruit, but then the tannins kick in. This full-bodied, massive wine needs a good 5-7 years of cellaring at the minimum, and whether it ever approaches the seamless/flawless perfection of a St. Eden or Melbury remains to be seen. 
 

RP  96+

Sale Price: $214.99

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Bond
2004 Vecina
Napa Valley


The 2004 Vecina shares an opaque ruby/purple color, smells of wet steel, crushed rocks, spring flowers, forest floor, and plenty of cedar and chocolatey black currant and blackberry notes. A huge, spicy, complex nose is followed by a wine of impressive ripeness, full-bodied power, and a multi-dimensional mouthfeel with huge amounts of glycerin, fruit, and thickness. This is a connoisseur’s treat, and despite the fruit-forward character of the vintage, this wine ideally needs 2-4 years of bottle age and should keep for 30-35+ years. 
 

RP  96

Sale Price: $228.99

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Bond
2002 St. Eden
Napa Valley


The inky/purple-tinged 2002 St. Eden Proprietary Red reveals notes of unlit cigar tobacco, beautiful blueberry and creme de cassis fruit, and notions of licorice, spice box, and incense. It is full-bodied, with wonderful sweetness and plumpness as well as a meaty richness that cascades over the palate with a seamlessness that must be tasted to be believed. 
 

RP  96

Sale Price: $247.99

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Turley Wine Cellars
2006 Petite Syrah Hayne Vineyard
Napa Valley


Never disappointing, and usually one of the finest Petite Syrahs made in California, the 2006 Petite Sirah Hayne Vineyard once again hits on all cylinders. A blockbuster Petite Sirah, inky purple in color with a glorious nose of charcoal, black raspberry, blueberry, creme de cassis, licorice, and crushed rocks, it is very full-bodied, powerful, with sweet tannin, decent acidity, and a 45+-second finish. This is an infantile wine that will benefit from 5-7 years of bottle age and last 25-30+ years.


RP  96

Sale Price: $74.99

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Quilceda Creek
2007 Red Blend
Palengat Vineyard Horse Heaven Hills


The 2007 Palengat Proprietary Red Wine is made up of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, with the balance Merlot and Petit Verdot. Deep purple in color, it delivers a captivating nose of olives, herbs, Asian spices, blackberry, and plum. Medium to full-bodied and elegant on the palate, it has outstanding volume and concentration, an opulent texture, and a suave personality. Already complex, it will continue to evolve with another 5-7 years of cellaring. Drink it from 2015 to 2027. Jay Miller.


RP  96

Sale Price: $139.99

MollyDooker
2005 Enchanted Path
McLaren Vale


The 2005 Enchanted Path (66% Shiraz and 34% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in primarily American oak, 60% new) is fashioned from relatively young vines. It reveals an amazing opaque purple/blue/black color (always a hallmark of Marquis wines), a full-bodied, powerful, smoky nose, extravagant layers of fruit, spice, glycerin, and extract, full body, superb intensity, tremendous richness, and a seamless personality. It is a textbook example of a southern Australian red at its richest, fullest, and most pure. For consumers with open minds and progressive palates, this amazing red should age beautifully for 10-15 years.


RP  96

*Sale Price: $72.99

fuligni

Fuligni
2006 Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany


Fuligni’s 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is one of the stars of the vintage. Sweet floral notes weave through a core of expressive red fruit as the wine opens up in the glass. The 2006 shows incredible purity and finesse, most notably in its silky, polished tannins. This isn’t a blockbuster, but rather a wine that conquers through its sheer finesse. The wine spent 27 days on the skins. The volume and weight are influenced by the modern school, everything else is traditional all the way. The 2006 is the first vintage in which the percentage of French oak has been dropped to 25%, which has allowed the purity of the fruit to shine through to a degree that I have seldom, if ever, seen here. Rain during June naturally lowered yields and may partly explain why Fuligni’s 2006 is so phenomenal. Simply put, readers won’t want to miss this superb Brunello. Antonio Galloni. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

RP  96

*Sale Price: $55.99

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Kongsgaard
2005 Roussanne/Viognier
Napa Valley


The best white Rhone Ranger made north of San Francisco is Kongsgaard’s blend of Roussanne and Viognier, a blend that he plays with and changes every year depending on what the vintage gives. The 2004 was a letdown after several thrilling vintages, but I have to say that the 2005 is possibly the best he has yet made. A 120-case blend of 63% Roussanne, and 37% Viognier, it is right up there with the great Sine Qua Non blended white from the Santa Barbara region. An unbelievably exotic nose of litchi, high class perfume, sweet apricots, and tropical fruits with hints of lilac is followed by a wine of great intensity, tremendous acidity, and a flamboyant personality.


RP  96

Sale Price: $99.99

Chateau Margaux
1983 Bordeaux Blend
Margaux ( 12 pk OWC )


The 1983 Margaux is a breathtaking wine. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes achieved perfect maturity in 1983, and the result is an astonishingly rich, concentrated, atypically powerful and tannic Margaux. The color is dark ruby, the aromas exude ripe cassis fruit, violets, and vanillin oakiness, and the flavors are extremely deep and long on the palate with a clean, incredibly long finish. This will certainly be a monumental wine, but it remains stubbornly backward and at least a decade away from maturity. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2030.

RP  96

( case of 12 bottles ) Sale Price: $6500.00

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Harlan Estate
2003 Maiden
Napa Valley


This second label of Harlan Estate comes from the estate vineyard, and shares much in common with the main wine, which is a bit more focused and concentrated. The similarities include the briary, wild herb scents of sage and thyme that complex the ripe red cherry pie filling fruit, cocoa, cola and licorice. As with the main wine, the tannins here are gorgeous. This is a balanced, harmonious wine that combines power and elegance.


WE  96

Sale Price: $129.99

Leonetti Cellar
2008 Merlot
Columbia Valley


This is 100% varietal, from the Loess, Seven Hills, Pepper Bridge, and Mill Creek Upland vineyards. A deep, intense take on Merlot, it's so dark and concentrated that it dances on the edge of bitterness, but in a style reminiscent of the finest Italian Merlots, that use that flavor to define and elucidate a dark and potent wine. In the mouth it fills out with luscious cherry and plum and blackberry fruit, baking chocolate, coconut and nougat. Yet it remains sleek and stylish, with a strong licorice note. Cellar Selection.

WE  96


*Sale Price: $64.99

Leonetti Cellar
2007 Reserve
Walla Walla Valley


The 2007 Reserve is composed of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot, and 9% Cabernet Franc aged for 23 months in new and seasoned French oak. Deep purple colored, it displays aromas of pain grille, earth notes, espresso, violets, black currant, and blackberry. Dense and rich on the palate with restraint and elegance, this lengthy effort will reward 5-7 years of patience from those who buy it. Jay Miller.

RP  96


*Sale Price: $129.99

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Robert Mondavi
2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley


Pure, rich and concentrated, this bold, graceful wine offers a deep core of earthy currant, blackberry and plum, with hints of herb, mocha and black licorice, giving it uncommon complexity and depth. Ends with firm tannins and a long, persistent finish. Best from 2010 through 2017.


WS  96


Sale Price: $99.99

Torrin
2008 The Maven
Paso Robles


A wine of amazing finesse and refinement, with a gorgeous purity of ripe dark fruit, showing complex plum, crème de cassis, wild berry, blackberry, blueberry, spice and black licorice notes. Full-bodied, elegant and graceful, this is seamless in texture, ending with a long, focused, detailed finish. No wonder it's so delicious. This uses Grenache from Saxum's James Berry Vineyard. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2021. Only 98 cases made.

WS  96


Sale Price: $128.99

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Kaesler
2006 Shiraz Old Bastard
Barossa Valley

 

The flagship 2006 Old Bastard Shiraz was sourced from a 114-year-old vineyard and aged for 19 months in new and one year French oak. It exhibits an expressive nose of toasty oak, earth notes, and wild blueberry followed by a thick, dense, super-rich, opulent Shiraz with tons of savory fruit, spice notes, and impeccable balance. This exceptionally lengthy wine will have a drinking window extending from 2014 to 2028.

RP  96


*Sale Price: $149.99

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Saxum
2008 Bone Rock
James Berry Vineyard Paso Robles

The 2008 Bone Rock (84% Syrah, 13% Mourvedre, and the rest Grenache) exhibits a chalky minerality intermixed with floral blackberry and blueberry fruit. Some subtle spice is present in this wine, which is made with a high percentage of whole clusters, yet no stemminess is apparent. Unctuously textured, it is one of the thickest and most viscous of any of the 2008s. The wine has profound concentration yet impressive delineation and acidity in the background.

RP  96

Sale Price: $199.99

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Domaine Raymond Usseglio
2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale
Southern Rhone Valley

The blockbuster 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale (90% Grenache and 20% other authorized varietals) comes from a vineyard planted in 1902. Aged 80% in tank and 20% in small wood barrels, it may be the finest wine I have yet tasted from Raymond Usseglio. This exquisite offering is Burgundian-like in its floral minerality mixed with dense kirsch liqueur and garrigue notes. Full-bodied, sensationally rich, and large-scaled as well as fresh, vibrant, and precise, this sensational effort can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years.


RP  96

Sale Price: $69.99

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Cheval des Andes
2006 Bordeaux Blend
Mendoza Argentina


The 2006 Cheval des Andes was bottled in early 2008 but has not yet been released. The 2006 vintage is superb throughout Mendoza and this wine, as in many other bodegas I visited in April 2008, shows off the extra dimension of complexity made possible in an exceptional year. The wine is composed entirely of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a bit more saturated than the 2005 with a splendid perfume of pain grille, mineral, espresso, black cherry, and black raspberry that leaps from the glass. More opulent and layered than the 2005, it also conceals a bit more structure. The finish seems to go on and on. Drink it from 2015 to 2035. Jay Miller. 


RP  96

Sale Price: $59.98

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La Ferme Du Mont
2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cotes Capelan
Southern Rhone Valley

The dense ruby/purple-colored, full-bodied 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cotes Capelan is an outrageously rich, complex wine exhibiting beautiful creme de cassis, kirsch, licorice, forest floor, and spring flower-like aromas. It is fresh, voluptuous, and opulent in the mouth, but the fresh acids and vibrancy give it exceptional precision as well as a refreshing style despite its weight, richness, and length. This is a superb, young Chateauneuf du Pape from an up-and-coming star of the appellation. Give it 1-3 years of bottle age and drink it over the following two decades.


RP  96

Sale Price: $59.99

Isole e Olena
2007 Cepparello
Tuscany

The 2007 Cepparello (Sangiovese) makes a case for itself as one of the finest wines ever made at Isole e Olena.  It is an open, sublime Cepparello endowed with tons of clarity and definition. The ripe red fruit floats on a core of refined, silky tannins that caress the palate with exceptional elegance and finesse. As the wine sits in the glass its inner perfume gradually emerges, leading to an eternal, beautifully crafted finish. Antonio Galloni. ( 3 bottle minimum purchase )


RP  96

Sale Price: $53.99

Marcassin
2006 Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast

The 2006 Pinot Noir Marcassin Estate has also shut down considerably since last year. Even though it was decanted, it just began to reveal its ultimate potential. Notes of forest floor, plums, black cherries and raspberries intermixed with notions of blueberries and smoked meats are found in this dark plum/ruby/purple-tinged wine. Clos de la Roche-like, it exhibits sweet tannin and impressive depth, but as mentioned above, it has tightened up considerably over the last year and is probably best forgotten for another 1-2 years. It should provide immense pleasure over the following 10-15 years.

RP  96

Sale Price: $224.99

Marcassin
2006 Chardonnay
Sonoma Coast

As for the 2006 Chardonnay Marcassin Estate, it is a more mineral-dominated wine displaying a liqueur of crushed rocks/wet stones, pears, and subtle smoky, honeysuckle, quince, and citrus oil notes. It also possesses exceptional length and richness as well as a full-bodied mouthfeel. Given the history of the vintage and the challenging conditions for Chardonnay, I would suspect these wines will evolve quickly by Marcassin's standards, meaning they are probably best drunk in their first decade of life.

RP  96

Sale Price: $199.99

Gramercy Cellars
2009 John Lewis Syrah
Walla Walla

Even better is the 2009 Syrah John Lewis which spent 24 months in barrel. It flaunts an extra dimension of complexity in its captivating perfume. Notes of bacon, sausage, garrigue, lavender, pepper, and assorted black and blue fruits are followed by a satin-textured, suave, rich Syrah which deftly combines elegance and power. This lengthy effort may well see its 20th birthday in peak form. Jay Miller.

RP  96

Sale Price: $105.99

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Araujo
1993 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Eisele
Vineyard Napa Valley

It is a mind-boggling Cabernet Sauvignon that is remarkably well-balanced for its size and intensity. The color is an opaque purple, and the nose offers up smoky, chocolatey, blackcurrant, licorice, and mineral scents. On the palate, the wine reveals fabulous density, concentration, sweetness of fruit as well as tannin, and a 30-40 second finish. Although there is a high percentage of new oak, this wine has completely soaked it up, a testament to its extract and concentration of fruit. While the wine displays a certain precociousness, unusual for a 1993, there is plenty of tannin lurking in the finish, but it is well-concealed by the wine's exceptional richness. This beauty is destined to age effortlessly for 20-25 years.


RP  96

( 1.5 lt ) Sale Price: $799.99

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Quintessa
2007 Red 
Napa Valley

There is a sense of sophistication and well-managed ripeness that seem a constant in the best Cabernets of the vintage, and both are apparent in this complex and very well-crafted wine. A nice splash of sweet oak highlights the very keen curranty fruit in its aromas and continues on as a sympathetic partner to themes of cassis and black cherries in the wine's lengthy and beautifully proportioned flavors. Ageworthy by dint of its balance rather than for forbidding astringency, this is one to hide away for at least a half dozen years and more.

CG  96

(1.5 lt) Sale Price: $199.99

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Numanthia
2006 Termanthia
Toro Spain

The 2006 Termanthia is a glass-staining opaque purple color. The aromatics are a bit taciturn at the moment but with coaxing, brooding black fruits, wood smoke, pencil lead, tar, espresso, and blackberry aromas emerge. On the palate, the wine is large-scaled, dense, and nearly impenetrable. The fruit is there; it is just densely packed and tightly wound. Give it a decade in the cellar and start drinking it from 2020 through 2046. Jay Miller.


RP  96

*Sale Price: $178.99

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Numanthia
2006 Termanthia
Toro Spain

The 2006 Termanthia is a glass-staining opaque purple color. The aromatics are a bit taciturn at the moment but with coaxing, brooding black fruits, wood smoke, pencil lead, tar, espresso, and blackberry aromas emerge. On the palate, the wine is large-scaled, dense, and nearly impenetrable. The fruit is there; it is just densely packed and tightly wound. Give it a decade in the cellar and start drinking it from 2020 through 2046. Jay Miller.


RP  96

( case of 4 bottles ) Sale Price: $559.96

Kapcsandy Family Winery
2007 Estate Cuvee
State Lane Vineyard Napa Valley

The 2007 Estate Cuvee State Lane Vineyard (a 750-case blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) boasts an inky/plum/purple color as well as a complex bouquet of melted licorice, chocolate, creme de cassis, mocha, and sweet forest floor aromas. Full-bodied and layered with exquisite purity, texture, and length, this large-scaled offering reveals a supple texture along with 20-25 years of drinkability. It is a seductive yet extraordinarily complex wine that should prove to be a future super-star.

RP  96

Sale Price: $129.99

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Andrew Will
2007 Red Blend
Ciel Du Cheval Vineyard


A completely different blend from the winery’s 2006 Ciel, this reflects Chris Camarda’s growing enchantment with Cabernet Franc, which is now 45% of the blend. Most of the rest is Merlot—a Right Bank style. The concept works. It captures the sleek minerality of the site, and puts the fruit into tight, laser- like focus. The wine seems almost crystalline—sharpedged and reflective, with penetrating angles and offset flavors. Cellar Selection.


WE  96


*Sale Price: $54.99

Pedestal Merlot 2006

Long Shadows Pedestal
2006 Merlot
Columbia Valley


8% Cabernet Sauvignon; 4% Petit Verdot; 2% Malbec. If this finely crafted wine is just a bit closed, it nonetheless delivers a fair dollop of concentrated black cherry fruit together with rooty and creme brulee richness in its layered aromas. Its slight tightness continues in the mouth, yet here the wine unbends just a touch more and offers complete and convincing proof that the depth and concentration presaged by the wine's early smells are wholly at hand. Rich, extracted, amply tannic and, yes, somewhat drying today, this one has all the pieces in place to mature handsomely over the next decade.


CG  96

Sale Price: $49.99

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Bond
2004 Pluribus
Napa Valley


A rich, opulent, fleshy style, brimming with ripe black cherry, wild berry and currant flavors that are supple and well-focused, keeping the fruit well-centered and ending with ripe tannins that have a nice earthy, cedary edge. There's wonderful length on the finish. Best from 2009 through 2018. Only 630 cases made.


WS  96

Sale Price: $218.99

Chateau Montrose
1982 Bordeaux Blend
St. Estephe


Intense aromas of kirsch, currant and spice follow through to a full-bodied palate, with round, velvety tannins and a long, long finish. This is complex, changing on the nose and palate. Layered and structured. Will improve for many years to come.


WS  96

Sale Price: $211.99

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Catena Zapata
2006 Argentino Vineyard Malbec
Mendoza Argentina


The 2006 Malbec Argentino is a blend of the Nicasia and Adrianna Vineyards with the same elevage. As so often happens, the combination is better than either of the individual components. It is more complex aromatically, seems more opulent, has tons of flavor, and a lengthy, 60-second finish.


RP  96

Sale Price: $88.99

Saxum
2009 Broken Stones
Paso Robles


The 2009 Broken Stones is sourced from all of the estate’s vineyards, which in this vintage includes Padereweski fruit for the first time, although most of the fruit was sourced from James Berry. Today it comes across as rather tightly wound and implosive, although with air the wine’s potential becomes more evident. Dark cherries, licorice and smoke wrap around the intense finish. Floral notes add the final layers of complexity and nuance. This is another fabulous effort. In 2009 the blend is 60% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre, 12% Petite Sirah and 8% Grenache. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021. Antonio Galloni.

RP  96

Sale Price: $149.98

Saxum
2007 Broken Stones
Paso Robles


The 2007 Broken Stones (71% Syrah, 18% Grenache, and 11% Mourvedre) is a gorgeously seamless wine with an inky/blue/purple color, a tight but promising nose of blue and black fruits, incense, charcoal, and extraordinarily pure black raspberry and blackberry fruit, fabulous concentration in the mouth, velvety, well-integrated tannins, and a mind-bogglingly long finish. This wine will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and should keep for 15 or more.


RP  96

Sale Price: $169.99

Buccella
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley


The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, which comes from multiple fruit sources in Rutherford, Oakville, Yountville, Coombsville, Oak Knoll and Carneros, was aged in 100% new French oak. A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it exhibits an opaque purple color, great intensity and a sweet nose of blue and black fruits intermixed with toasty oak, lead pencil shavings and forest floor. Rich, layered and full-bodied with silky tannins, this broad, savory 2008 should drink well for 15 or more years.

RP  95

Sale Price: $124.99

Chateau Palmer
1989 Bordeaux Blend
Margaux ( 12 pk OWC )


One of the superstars of the vintage, Palmer’s 1989 retains a dark plum/purple color with some pink and a hint of amber creeping in at the rim. A big nose of charcoal, white flowers (acacia?), licorice, plums, and black currants comes from the glass of this elegant, medium to full-bodied, very concentrated, seamlessly made wine. Gorgeous and seemingly fully mature yet brilliantly balanced, this wine may well turn out to be a modern-day clone of the glorious 1953. Anticipated maturity: Now-2020. Last tasted, Last tasted, 5/02. ( OWC from inception )

RP  95

 Sale Price: $289.00

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Pahlmeyer
2009 Chardonnay
Napa Valley

Consistently one of the top Chardonnays in California, Pahlmeyer’s 2009 exhibits an impressive, thick-looking, light gold color with green hues. Loads of peach, creme brulee, honeysuckle, and subtle oak are present in this full-bodied, well-endowed, pedal-to-the-metal style of Chardonnay that will appeal to those who like white Burgundy, but with additional richness. Given its track record, expect this wine to age nicely for 5-6 years. 

RP  95

*Sale Price: $59.99

Valdicava
2003 Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany

Enticing aromas of meat-and-mushroom pie mingle with rich plum and spices. Full-bodied, with silky, caressing tannins and intense fruit and mineral flavors. Well-crafted, finishing long. The flagship Brunello in 2003. This is the wine of the vintage. Best after 2010. Only 2,800 cases made.

WS  95

Sale Price: $89.99

Lamborghini Campleone
2000 Red Blend
Umbria

One of the most spectacular wines made in Italy, this unfined/unfiltered, Merlot/Sangiovese blend (about 3,400 cases produced) boasts an extraordinary perfume of saddle leather, smoke, cassis, prunes, and plums. Rich, full-bodied, and voluptuously-textured, with layers of concentrated fruit, a magnificent seamlessness, and a huge, explosive finish, it should drink well for 10-15 years. It is a wine of great stature as well as intensity.

RP  95

*Sale Price: $69.99

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Ravenswood
2007 Zinfandel
Teldischi Vineyard Dry Creek Valley


Full-bodied on the palate with its suppleness running to a bit of flesh, but balanced quite well, this wine tightens up and finds structure figuring prominently in its latter half. It is made in the classic, sweet berry, light spice mold of the Dry Creek Valley and is bound to entertain all but the most power hungry Zin fans. 

CG  95

Sale Price: $24.99

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Araujo
1994 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Eisele
Vineyard Napa Valley

The 1994 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is just beginning to emerge from a period of post-bottling dormancy. Like its siblings, it exhibits an impressively saturated dark purple color. This wine is intent on revealing its charms at a relatively early age given its knock-out aromatics. Although slightly less powerful than the 1993 and marginally less concentrated than the 1995, the 1994 is still a profoundly rich, silky-textured wine with an uncanny balance between its smooth tannin and layers of cassis and blackberry/mineral-tinged fruit. This wine is particularly impressive if it is first decanted for 45 or so minutes. It will age well for 15-20 years.

RP  95

( 1.5 lt ) Sale Price: $498.99

Paul Autard
2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee La Cote Ronde
Southern Rhone Valley


A stunner, combining the rich currant, fig and boysenberry fruit of the vintage with the region's characteristic charred apple wood, graphite, aged tobacco and black tea notes. The long, invigorating finish is supported by riveting acidity and well-embedded grip. When power and finesse work together, it's a beautiful thing. Drink now through 2025. Only 400 cases imported.

WS  95

Sale Price: $49.99

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Bond
2004 Melbury
Napa Valley


Readers looking for a fruit-forward vintage should check out the 2004 Melbury. A sensational wine with an inky bluish/purple color, fabulous blueberry and blackberry fruit with hints of lead pencil, acacia flower, pain grille, and spice, the tannins are supple and the wine exuberant, flamboyant, ripe, rich, and long. This is sensational stuff that can be drunk now or cellared for 20-25 years.

RP  95

Sale Price: $224.99

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Colgin
2006 IX Syrah Estate
Napa Valley


An amazing Syrah, vivid, juicy and concentrated, with blackberry and wild berry fruit providing the centerpiece to this complex, full-bodied beauty, which reveals hints of mineral, spice and pebble as it unfolds, ending with firm, chunky fruit flavors.

WS  95


Sale Price: $199.99

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Colgin
2007 IX Syrah Estate
Napa Valley


There are only 475 cases of the 2007 IX Syrah Estate, which offers up flowery, roasted meat, balsamic, tar, and blackberry characteristics in a full-bodied format. The wine reveals sweet tannin, and layers of fruit, including a note of lavender that emerges as the wine sits in the glass. It should drink well for a decade.

RP  95


Sale Price: $269.99

Mount Eden Vineyards
2008 Chardonnay Estate
Santa Cruz Mountains


Yet another in a line of great Chardonnays from this producer. Very rich and intense, deeply concentrated and perfumed, deliver- ing detailed flavors of white peach, honeysuckle, fig and citrus. Full-bodied, sleek and leesy, with a long lingering finish. Drink now through 2018.

WS  95


Sale Price: $43.99

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Michelle Castellani
2007 Amarone Classico Cinque Stelle
Veneto


Tar and leather notes, with dense tannins, frame and focus this powerful red, which is layered with subtle hints of kirsch, coffee liqueur, dried herbs and grilled nuts. It's tightly meshed right now, but with a seamlessness that creates an overall elegant style—the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove. The very long finish echoes smoke and kirsch notes. Best from 2015 through 2032. Only 500 cases made. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

WS  95


Sale Price: $54.99

Dumol
2007 Chardonnay Isobel
Green Valley Russian River


Slightly more color is evident in the medium-straw/light gold-hued 2007 Chardonnay Isobel. It took nearly a year for this cuvee to finish its malolactic fermentation, and it reveals more roasted hazelnut, tropical fruit, honeysuckle, peach jam, and marmalade characteristics. Made from fruit grown in the Charles Heintz Vineyard (the source of terrific Chardonnays from other producers such as Williams-Selyem), DuMol’s offering possesses very good acidity, and is a candidate for a decade of aging.

RP  95


Sale Price: $74.99

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Forman
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley


The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate may be one of Ric Forman's finest wines to date (keep in mind he was producing some of the great Sterling Cabernet Sauvignons of the early 1970s). The 2007 is a slightly more voluptuous, flamboyant, and exuberant version of the 2006. The color is a healthy dense purple, and the bouquet reveals plenty of creme de cassis, licorice, wood smoke, and forest floor notes, a soaring, multidimensional, velvety, full-bodied texture, and ripe tannins. The sweetness of the tannins and the wine's lush, heady texture are reminiscent of a ripe Pomerol. It will evolve over two decades.

RP  95


*Sale Price: $69.98

Domaine William Fevre 
2008 Chablis 1er Vaulorent
Burgundy


Blueberry and raspberry distillate as well as fresh lime, grapefruit and crushed stone both intrigue and invigorate on the nose, impressions reinforced on a palate that combines real richness of texture as well as succulence of fruit with bright acidity, citrus rind pungency, berry skin tartness, and a depth of marine mineral nuances. Vibrantly interactive and faintly sizzling in finish, this practically takes your breath away, and should continue dazzling for a decade or more. David Schildknecht.

RP  95

Sale Price: $49.99

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Joseph Phelps 
1992 Insignia
Napa Valley


The 1992 Insignia, the flagship proprietary wine of the Joseph Phelps portfolio, is a 67% Cabernet Sauvignon / 33% Merlot blend. The wine is extraordinary, with an opaque purple color, a big, spicy, licorice, vanillin, smoky, cassis-scented nose, sweet, ripe, massive flavor concentration, and well-integrated acidity and tannin, which make for an unctuous texture and a juicy mouthful of wine. It should drink well for 20+ years. It may be the most opulent and hedonistic Insignia since the debut release in 1974. 

RP  95

(1.5 lt) *Sale Price: $299.99

Concha Y Toro 
2006 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon
Puente Alto Maipo Valley Chile


The 2006 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon is a glass-coating opaque purple with an alluring bouquet of toast, tobacco, cedar, leather, mocha, and blackcurrant. Sweet, voluptuous (but not in a fruit bomb kind of way), layered, and complex already, its superb balance will ensure at least a decade of evolution and it should drink well through 2036.

RP  95

Sale Price: $49.99

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Bodegas Sierra Cantabria
2006 Amancio
Rioja Spain


The 2006 Amancio is more approachable. A deep purple in color, it displays aromas of pain grille, mineral, espresso, lavender, black cherry and blackberry. Dense and full-flavored on the palate, it has a smooth texture, excellent balance, and several years of aging potential. Drink it from 2014 to 2026. Jay Miller. 

RP  95

*Sale Price: $119.99

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Bond
2003 St. Eden
Napa Valley


The 2003 St. Eden offers full-bodied, sweet cigar tobacco, spice, licorice, and meaty characteristics, good richness and fatness, and huge concentration and intensity. Performing even better from bottle than it did from barrel, it is a strong candidate for the top wine of the vintage. Already accessible, this beauty should age effortlessly for 15-20 years.

RP  95

Sale Price: $193.99

Tenuta di Trinoro
2007 Rosso Toscano
Tuscany


The estate’s Grand Vin, the 2007 Tenuta di Trinoro, is shaping up to be one of the vintage’s finest successes. A dark, richly-textured wine, the 2007 Tenuta boasts a seamless core of ripe fruit that flows onto the palate in a stunning expression of sheer elegance. This super-ripe, explosive wine offers spectacular density and richness in a full-bodied, immensely rewarding style. Hints of new leather, spices, grilled herbs and minerals linger on the sublime close. In 2007 Tenuta di Trinoro is 35% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Franc, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. Antono Galloni.

RP  95

*Sale Price: $199.99

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Vistalba
2007 Corta "A"
Mendoza Argentina


A wine that makes you take notice. The bouquet is intense, with minerality, char, huge black fruit aromas and handsome shadings of chocolate and coffee. Power and purity come on like gangbusters, and the flavors are a classic mix of blackberry, cassis and fine Swiss chocolate. Heady, smooth and impressive.

WE  95

Sale Price: $49.99

Torrin
2008 The Banshee
Paso Robles


Amazingly smooth and polished, gushing with ripe blackberry, berry jam, crème de cassis and black licorice flavors, with dashes of menthol and road tar and hints of dried herbs. Full-bodied, intense, focused and deeply concentrated, with a modest tannic grip on the finish. Mourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah and Alicante Bouschet. Only 94 cases made.

WS  95

Sale Price: $128.99

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Beringer Private Reserve
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley


One of the finest Private Reserves made over the last two decades, this phenomenal wine is obviously still an infant in terms of development, but it exhibits a dense purple color as well as an extraordinary nose of blackberries, white chocolate, licorice, tobacco leaf, smoky barbecue, charcoal and a burning ember-like note reminiscent of a Graves from Bordeaux. A dense, luscious, full-bodied, opulent style, with sweet tannin, this locked and loaded, intense, full throttle Private Reserve should be accessible in 5-6 years and last for 25-30.

RP  95

*Sale Price: $84.99

Felsina
2006 Fontalloro
Tuscany


Chocolate, blackberry and black cherry aromas lead to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and a deep concentration of fruit. Powerfully rich and polished. Big and structured. A blockbuster Sangiovese. Best after 2012. 3,300 cases made. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

WS  95

 *Sale Price: $39.99

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Continuum
2008 Red Blend
Napa Valley


(71% cabernet sauvignon, 17% cabernet franc, 7% petit verdot and 5% merlot):  Good full medium ruby.  Aromas of dark berries, dark chocolate and graphite minerality, lifted by a whiff of orange peel; vibrant and cool but not green.  Large-scaled and voluptuous yet light on its feet, with lovely floral perfume to the flavors of black cherry, minerals and sexy caramel oak.  This very young and broad wine finishes with well-buffered ripe tannins, captivating sweetness and superb aromatic persistence.  Seems every bit as strong as the 2007 bottling, and perhaps even more refined.
 
ST  95

( 1.5 lt ) Sale Price: $298.99

Amon Ra
2010 Shiraz
Barossa Valley

Amon-Ra 2010 is a dark purple with youthful hues, the nose is a compelling mix of dark stone fruits, coffee and blackberries. Supremely focussed yet rich and rewarding on the palate, the flavours are intense yet restrained as is the Amon Ra style. Astounding purity of expression and multilayered structure will allow this wine to mature with elegance for decades to come. Winery notes.

QPR  95

Sale Price: $89.99

Hall
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

As for those in bottle, my favorite is the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa. Most of this comes from the Sacrashe Vineyard as well. A dense, full-bodied wine with lots of creme de cassis, charcoal, licorice and forest floor, the wine is opulent and already delicious and powerful. It should continue to drink well for at least 12-15+ years.

RP  95

Sale Price: $39.99

Donelan Family Wines
2009 Syrah Cuvee Christine
Sonoma Coast

2009 Cuvée Christine presents a seamless and supple side of Syrah. The wine is built around hilltop Syrah from Windsor Oaks Vineyard, which is complemented with specifically selected barrels of our other sources such as Obsidian, Kobler, and Walker Vine Hill. I love the aromatics of the wine, which seem quintessential Syrah with meaty, fruity, and spicy notes layered together. We are also proud of its balanced, firm mouth feel that inspires another sip and another glass...and dare we say another bottle. Please drink with a happy heart. Winery.

QPR  95

Sale Price: $47.99

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Robert Foley
2007 Petite Sirah
Napa Valley


The black/purple 2007 Petite Sirah may well be around in 50-60 years, when most of us will be pushing up daisies. In fact, it probably needs to be forgotten for 8-10 years. A massive, pedal-to-the-metal Petite Sirah that looks like pen ink, the wine displays notes of creosote, pepper, spice box, blackberry, and blueberry, with hints of incense and floral undertones. It is dense and almost looks like syrup being poured into a glass. It is obviously not for everybody, as it is certainly a controversial New World wine, but these wines will become more and more civilized as they age, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this one is spoken of with reverence 40-50 years from now.

RP  95

Sale Price: $53.99

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Bond
2002 Vecina
Napa Valley


The big, rich, brawny 2002 Vecina Proprietary Red is a primordial, tannic beast with a beef blood-like concentration, a huge, opaque purple color, and notes of scorched earth, blackberries, chocolate, camphor, roasted meats, and cassis. It’s as if I took an aged porterhouse steak from Peter Lugar’s famed restaurant, put it in a Cuisinart, and aged it in new French oak. Give this amazing wine 5-6 years of bottle age, and drink it over the following 20-25 years.

RP  95

Sale Price: $238.99

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Allende
2004 Pago del Calvario
Rioja Spain


The 2004 Calvario is sourced from a single vineyard planted in 1945 and is composed of 90% Tempranillo, 8% Grenache, and 2% Graciano. The wine was aged for 14 months in 100% new French oak and bottled unfiltered. Opaque purple-colored, it offers up an expressive nose of toast, vanilla, spice box, floral elements, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur which leaps from the glass. This is followed by a mouth-filling wine with oodles of flavor, great definition, and plenty of ripe tannin leading to a finish lasting nearly a minute. Still an infant developmentally, the wine begs for another 6-8 years in bottle. It should last for at least 25 years. Kudos to Finca Allende for a magnificent set of 2004 Riojas!

RP  95

*Sale Price: $89.99

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Capanna
2006 Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany


Wonderful aromas of chocolate, crushed berries and raspberries, with vanilla and toasted oak undertones. Full-bodied, with deliciously ripe fruit and loads of berries, chocolate and coffee bean character. Love the length and beauty here. Best after 2013. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )
 
JS  95

*Sale Price: $39.99

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Dalla Valle
2006 Maya
Napa Valley


Tight, firm and structured, with a rich, focused beam of blackberry, black cherry, currant, herb and anise. Full-bodied, intense and concentrated, this unfolds slowly and enticingly to reveal extra dimensions of complexity and nuance, getting better with every sip. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2010 through 2017. Only 300 cases made.

WS  95

Sale Price: $299.99

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Merus
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley


Merus’s 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits an inky/purple color as well as an extraordinary bouquet of blueberry liqueur intermixed with graphite, charcoal, cassis, and spice. The wood seems pushed to the background given the extraordinary concentration of fruit. Full-bodied, powerful, and rich with chocolaty espresso notes intermixed with blackberries and blueberries, this pure, impressively textured, long Cabernet should evolve for two decades.

RP  95

Sale Price: $139.99

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Merus
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley


The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Malbec and Petit Verdot) boasts an inky/purple color along with a rich bouquet of creosote, blueberries, blackberries, sweet earth, and smoky, spicy oak. With full body, abundant fruit, glycerin, and sweet tannin, a multilayered mouthfeel, and stunning upside potential, it is accessible enough to be drunk in 2-3 years, or cellared for two decades.

RP  95

Sale Price: $179.99

Aubert Vineyards
2009 Chardonnay
Larry Hyde & Sons Los Carneros


The lighter-styled 2009 Chardonnay Hyde and Sons Vineyard exhibits a greenish hue to its light gold color, medium to full body and juicy orange marmalade, lemon oil, crushed rock and poached pear characteristics. With good acidity as well as lower alcohol than the 2008, it, too, should drink well for 5-7 years.

RP  95

Price: $124.99

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Quintessa
2007 Red Blend
Rutherford Napa Valley


A very fine Cab from the estate, which is in the north-central part of the Rutherford appellation. Judging from the tannins, it’s too youthful to drink now, with a tight, astringent mouthfeel and fleshy, unintegrated oak. But the flavors are extraordinary. They flood the mouth with the essence of Cabernet, with ripe blackberries, black currants, raspberries and mocha, and the spicy finish lasts for a full minute. Give it until 2013, and it should provide great drinking through 2019, at least.

WE  95

*Sale Price: $109.99

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Winter
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley


Offers gorgeous fruit, with amazing purity of flavor, delivering rich, concentrated, supple layers of currant, blackberry, black licorice and mocha, with subtle loamy earth. Ends with a long, full and persistent finish. Drink now through 2019. Only 680 cases made.

WS  95

Sale Price: $129.99

Henry's Drive
2003 Reserve Shiraz
Padthaway Australia


The 2003 Shiraz Reserve, which I assume is made from the richest barrels, has all the same characteristics of the regular bottling, with more weight, opulence, and persistence. The 16% alcohol is beautifully concealed by its prodigious concentration. Readers who love the extroverted personalities of these wild and crazy Australian reds should drink it over the next 10-12 years.

RP  95

Sale Price: $49.99

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Sbragia Family Vineyards
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Monte Rosso Vineyard Sonoma


One for the cellar. It's vibrantly rich and forward in blackberries, black cherries, plums, dark chocolate and sweet smoky new oak, yet very tannic. Creates an astringency that lasts through the spicy finish. It would be a pity to open it before 2012, and will last for years after.

WE  95

Sale Price: $39.99

Rubicon Estate
2008 Cask Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford Napa Valley


Gorgeous, elegant and ageworthy. With a softly tannic structure, it's drinkable now, but should age and gain complexity for 10 years. Dry and smooth, it has complex flavors of blackberries, black cherries, currants, red licorice, cola and oak. Give it some time to breathe. Now-2017.

WE  95

Sale Price: $49.99

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Robert Mondavi
2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley


The full-bodied, powerful, pure 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is another outstanding effort revealing notes of spring flowers, toasty oak, creme de cassis, licorice, and graphite. One would have to go back to the 1990, 1991, 2001, or 2002 to find a Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve this impressive. The 2007 should evolve for 20-25 years. 
 

RP  95

*Sale Price: $79.99

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Robert Mondavi
2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley


Weaves together a complex array of ripe, rich currant, anise, smoky oak and black cherry. Dense, concentrated and persistent, with great depth and focus. Ends with an amazingly long, richly flavored finish. Best from 2008 through 2018. 
 

WS  95

Sale Price: $99.99

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Venge Family Reserve
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Oakville Napa Valley


The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Family Reserve is an exceptional 2006. Blackberry liqueur intermixed with creme de cassis, licorice, incense, and floral notes as well as a hint of subtle oak emerge from the glass of this full-bodied, super-concentrated, rich, intense wine. A baby in terms of its potential development, it will benefit from 5-10 years of bottle age and should drink well for 20 or more years - that's a given.

RP  95

Sale Price: $94.99

Frescobaldi Castelgiocndo
2006 Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany


Frescobaldi’s Brunello always delivers great quality in just about any vintage. Gorgeous nose of ripe berries and slice plums with an almost peach undertone. Full bodied, with a solid core of gorgeously clean and clear dark fruits. Dense and integrated tannins on the finish. So long and fascinating. Best after 2013.

JS  95

Sale Price: $49.99

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Turley Wine Cellars
2008 Zinfandel
Hayne Vineyard Napa Valley


A classic Zinfandel emerges from a vineyard in St. Helena, the 2008 Zinfandel Hayne Vineyard. As always, the 2008 is a prodigious effort. Dramatically better than the 2007, 2006, or 2005, it reveals a dense purple color along with an extraordinary bouquet of pure black raspberries, creme de cassis, licorice, roasted herbs, and pepper. Dense, with massive body and flavor concentration yet silky tannin and well-integrated spice, acidity, and alcohol, this wine should drink well for 10-12 years.

RP  95

Sale Price: $74.99

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Beaulieu Vineyard
2006 George de Latour Private Reserve
Napa Valley


Even in this vintage, which was not so great, Beaulieu has succeeded with this dramatic, classic Cabernet Sauvignon. It's absolutely delicious, offering a range of blackberry, black currant and cedar flavors, complexed with notes of chocolate, anise, sweet smoky leather and Asian spices. Beautiful now for its velvety softness, but has the inherent structure to last for a long time. Through 2013, and much longer if you like older Cabernet.

WE  95

Sale Price: $79.99

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Gran Elias Mora
2005 Tempranillo
Toro, Castilla Leon Spain


This red has an iron grip now, but there's impressive concentration, and once the tannins release, it shows rich cassis, coffee, anise and tar notes that unfold on the finish. Great density and balance. Best after 2009. Only 830 cases made.

WS  95

Sale Price: $51.99

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Warre's 
2007 Vintage Porto
Portugal


I love the nose on this, with blackberry, black licorice, and dark chocolate. Full-bodied, medium sweet and very, very dense. What seductive mouthfeel, with polished, round tannins that caress the palate. This may be better than the fantastic 1994. 
  

WS  95

Sale Price: $59.99

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Catena Zapata 
2006 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard
Mendoza Arentina


The 2006 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard received the identical elevage as the Nicasia cuvee. It has a racier personality with a silky palate feel, sweet flavors, and exceptional length. It, too, merits 6-8 years of cellaring and will present a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2026.
 

RP  95

*Sale Price: $99.99

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Domaine Saint Damien 
2007 Gigondas Cuvee Louisiane
Southern Rhone Valley


The 2007 Gigondas Louisiane (80% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, and 5% Cinsault from 70- to 80-year-old vines) merited 98 points at one tasting, but I’ll be conservative here. This amazing wine possesses a dense purple color as well as an extraordinary nose of a liqueur of rocks intermixed with cassis, kirsch, licorice, incense, and spring flowers. Made from incredibly low yields of 22 hectoliters per hectare (which no doubt explains the remarkable focus, concentration, richness, and 50-second finish), this historic Gigondas is a tour de force in winemaking. It should drink well for 20+ years.

RP  95

 Sale Price: $39.99

Ridge Vineyards
2009 Lytton Springs
Dry Creek Valley


The 2009 Lytton Springs is the biggest and most structured of these 2009 Zinfandel-based reds, largely owing to the earthier soils and the presence 23% Petite Sirah. Black fruit, plums, tar, licorice and smoke are some of the notes that flow from this generous, inviting red. The Lytton Springs is fairly structured, and can definitely benefit from another year or two (perhaps more) in bottle. The blend is 74% Zinfandel, 21% Petite Sirah and 5% Carignane. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2029. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

RP  95

Sale Price: $34.99

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Chateau Les Asteries
2005 Bordeaux Blend
St. Emilion


Part of the garagiste efforts from Jonathan Malthus, Les Asteries is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc. The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2005 reveals spicy, oaky aromas intermixed with scents of chocolate, blackberries, espresso roast, and graphite. This thick, juicy, modern-styled St.-Emilion offers impressive concentration, purity, and depth in its flamboyant personality. Very impressive! Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025.
 

RP  95

Sale Price: $98.99

Chateau Doisy-Vedrines 
2007 Grand Cru Classe Sauternes
Bordeaux


This has a much more precocious nose than other 2007s: honey, apricot, peach, a touch of spice, mandarin and a soupcon of warm alcohol, in other words, quintessential Doisy-Vedrines. The palate is full-bodied, viscous on the entry and maintaining good balance, fine acidity cutting through the rich honey, quince and apricot fruit, with great definition and vitality towards the botrytis-rich finish. There is real pedigree here, and the 2007 surely represents their best wines since the triumvirate of 88, 89, and 90. This is a benchmark Doisy-Vedrines. Drink 2015-2045.


RP  95

( 375 ml ) Sale Price: $29.99

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Two Hands
2005 Aerope
Barossa Valley


Medium red. An exotic bouquet includes raspberry, candied cherry, sandalwood, vanilla and pungent herbs. Lush, creamy and sweet, with deeply concentrated red fruit and smoky herb flavors and deftly knit, silky tannins. Finishes on notes of pure red berries and red licorice, with outstanding persistence. Twelftree says that this wine represents his eight best barrels of grenache, from vines ranging from 50 to 80 years of age, and is their stab at "a luxury Chateauneuf."


ST  94

Sale Price: $58.99

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Dalla Valle
2007 Collina Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley


The 2007 shows notes of fresh cherry, plum and cinnamon stick on the nose. Tannins are soft, but the fruit intensity gives the wine significant length, and the bold fruit flavors are enhanced by notes of cardamom, citrus peel, and black tea. While it may continue to evolve for many years, the Collina Dalla Valle is intended for immediate enjoyment. Winery notes.

QPR  94

Sale Price: $109.99

MollyDooker
2010 The Velvet Glove
McLaren Vale Australia


Dark black violet in color, this wine has an intensely spiced nose with fruit aromas of fresh raspberry, plum and blueberry with an edge of tar, mocha and blackberry jam extending the complexity. The palate shows amazing purity of fruit with delicate flavours, fine oak tannins and creamy oak. Simply unique it has the ability to coat your entire mouth with the softest of textures yet unleashes such an intense and amazing array of fruit, completely rich and voluptuous with undeniable elegance. The grapes were grown on the Gateway vineyard in McLaren Vale. Barrel fermented and matured in 100% new American oak. Winery notes.

QPR  94

*Sale Price: $139.99

Pride Mt. Vineyards
2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma and Napa Counties


Bright ruby-red. Expressive nose offers black cherry, black raspberry, coffee, smoked meat and minerals. Essentially silky in texture but juicy and youthfully tight, with terrific purity of dark fruit and mineral flavor. This impressively intense wine seems more primary today than the reserve claret. Finishes very long and minerally, with building, fine-grained tannins. These top 2004 cuvees boast terrific acidity for the vintage and are likely to evolve slowly.

ST  94

Sale Price: $99.99

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Damilano
2006 Barolo Cannubi
Piedmont Italy


Starts out supple, with the smooth texture framing black cherry, bitter almond and licorice notes. A firm base of tannins is offset by sweet fruit, as this glides to a lingering aftertaste of tobacco, spice and cherry. Best from 2013 through 2032.

WS  94

*Sale Price: $49.99

 

Loring
2010 Pinot Noir
Rosella's Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands


Combines dense, fresh earth, snappy wild berry, underbrush and mineral notes, fanning out and gaining depth and richness. Ends with a touch of black licorice and spice.

WS  94

Sale Price: $44.99

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Altamura
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley


Combines very ripe, spicy dark berry fruit that's even a touch racy, with a firm backbone and a well-structured mix of acidity and tannins. The fruit is potent and concentrated, yet also shows a suppleness and measure of grace. Should only get better. Drink now through 2024. 

WS  94

*Sale Price: $79.99

Chateau Mouton Rothschild
1983 Bordeaux Blend
Pauillac


Super-refined 1983 Bordeaux with an excellent deep ruby color and intense cigar-box, plum and berry aromas and flavors; there's even a hint of mint. It's full-bodied but very reserved in style with fine tannins and a seductively long finish.

WS  94

( 3 lt double magnum ) Sale Price: $1999.99

Campo Eliseo
2005 Tempranillo
Toro, Castilla Leon Spain


Savory and sanguine notes add focus to the ripe, sweet fruit flavors of blackberry, fig and chocolate. The texture is broad but smooth, with crisp acidity to keep this focused. This is plenty oaky, but still quite traditional in style, boasting earthy, gamy notes. Better than previously reviewed. Drink now through 2016. Only 833 cases made.

WS  94

*Sale Price: $71.99

Montes
2007 Purple Angel Carmenere
Colchagua Valley Chile


The 2007 Purple Angel is a blend of Carmenere and Petit Verdot that might be the only competition for Terrunyo's Carmin de Peumo for top Carmenere-based wine in Chile. Purple/black in color, it displays a splendid nose of exotic spices, herbs, lavender, incense, blueberry, and blackberry. Dense, chewy, and opulent on the palate, this is a rich, already complex offering that is meant strictly for pleasure-seekers. Enjoy it from 2013-2022.


RP  94

Sale Price: $49.99

 

Antinori
2008 Tignanello
Tuscany


The 2008 Tignanello is unquestionably one of the wines of the vintage. The 2008 isn’t a huge or obvious Tignanello, rather it is a wine that impresses for its sublime elegance and precision. Understated layers of fruit caress the palate like cashmere in this impeccable, soft wine. There is not a hard edge to be found. Black cherries, tobacco, smoke and licorice are some of the notes that come through on the finish. The flavor profile is decidedly on the dark side, but the wine’s structure is medium in body and intensity. In 2008 the Tignanello has more energy, focus and length than the Solaia. It is a fabulous achievement! The 2008 Tignanello is 80% Sangiovese aged in 300-liter French oak barrels (1/3rd new), 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, both aged in 100% new 225-liter French oak barriques. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. ( 3 bottle minimum purchase )

RP  94

 Sale Price: $69.98

Remelluri 

Remelluri
2007 Red Blend
Rioja Spain


The 2007 Remelluri is composed of 90% Tempranillo, 5% Graciano, and 5% Garnacha fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged for 16 months in seasoned French and American oak. Deep purple in color, it reveals an already complex bouquet of exotic spices, leather, violets, mineral, and assorted black fruits. In the glass it is succulent with plush fruit, terrific grip and volume, and a lengthy, rich, supple finish. It can be approached now but is likely to continue filling out for several more years. Jay Miller. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )


RP  94

 Sale Price: $29.99

Spring Valley Vineyard
2004 Frederick
Walla Walla Valley


The 2004 Frederick further raises the bar. Composed of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, this is Spring Valley’s interpretation of a classified growth Saint-Julien. Purple-colored, it offers up an expressive array of pain grille, pencil lead, espresso roast, black currants, and blackberry liqueur scents. Full-bodied, with layers of spicy black fruits, and terrific integration of oak, fruit, and acidity, this packed wine has a 60+ second finish. Give it 6-8 years in your cellar and drink it through 2040. Jay Miller.

RP  94

Sale Price: $39.99

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Domaine Santa Duc
2007 Gigondas
Southern Rhone Valley


The 2007 Gigondas Tradition, a 3,000-case cuvee, is a big-time sleeper of the vintage and well-worth latching onto, since its availability is very good. Dense purple to the rim, with an exquisite nose of charcoal, blueberry and blackberry fruit, chalk, and floral notes, the wine is rich, full-bodied, with sensational concentration, admirable purity, and beautiful texture and length. The wine is still young and unevolved, but it is very accessible. The acids buttress the wine’s substance, and give it vibrancy and focus. Drink it over the next 10+ years.

RP  94

Sale Price: $39.99

Epoch Wines
2007 Authenticity Red Blend
Paso Robles


Perhaps the densest wine, with the most structure and potential for 10+ years of evolution, is the 2007 Authenticity, a blend of 88% Syrah and 12% Mourvedre. Extraordinarily rich, with notes of camphor, creme de cassis, blackberry, licorice, and graphite, the wine is dense, full-bodied, still somewhat tannic, but pure and beautifully layered, with admirable equilibrium. Give this wine another 1-2 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 10-12+ years.

RP  94

Sale Price: $79.99

Epoch Wines
2007 Ingenuity Red Blend
Paso Robles


The 2007 Ingenuity (another intriguing blend of 46% Grenache, 43% Syrah, and the rest Petite Sirah, Mourvedre, and Tempranillo) has a dense ruby purple color and a slightly more reserved, restrained style when compared to the exuberant Veracity. Much more delineation and minerality are present in this wine, which exhibits plenty of red and black fruit as well as note of graphite, crushed rock, and spring flowers. The sweetness of the tannin and the seamless, silky integration of all the component parts are impressive, and the wine is capable of drinking well for another 5-8 years.

RP  94

Sale Price: $79.99

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Keenan
2008 Cabernet Franc
Spring Mountain District Napa Valley


The 2008 Cabernet Franc (100% Cabernet Sauvignon from estate vineyard planted at a 2000 foot elevation) now represents 524 cases. Cabernet Franc has performed brilliantly at this height, and this is another example of the potential of Spring Mountain. This dense purple-hued wine is richly fruity with a beautiful floral, blueberry, raspberry and black currant-scented nose, good underlying minerality and a gorgeous fruit intensity without any sense of heaviness (14.3% alcohol). Elegant, pure and well-textured, this is a stunning Cabernet Franc to drink over the next decade.

RP  94

Sale Price: $54.99

Epoch Wines
2007 Veracity Red Blend
Paso Robles


The 2007 Veracity, a blend of 48% Grenache, 39% Mourvedre, and the rest Syrah, is a sexy style of wine with a beautiful nose of kirsch, black currant, lavender, and sweet earth. A healthy dark ruby color, the wine is succulent, fleshy, full-bodied, and totally charming. It is impossible to resist, yet it should drink well for another 5-6 years.

RP  94

Sale Price: $79.99

Booker
2009 White
Paso Robles


The 2009 Booker Proprietary White (Roussanne/Viognier) was aged in a combination of cement and barrel, but saw extended contact with the skins, which has given the wine an intense but cloudy color. It is a dazzling wine endowed with sensual perfume and layers of fruit that emerge from its expressive, creamy frame. Simply put, it is stunning, but readers should be aware of the unconventional (for these parts) approach to winemaking. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017.

RP  94

Sale Price: $49.99

Mica by Buccella
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley


After tasting the 09' Mica Cabernet Sauvignon, I have to admit if may be the best Mica yet. Huge amounts of dark fruits surround the palate with touches of dark cherry-chocolate. Smooth, balanced and most of all, elegance in a glass. Enjoy.

 
QPR  94

Sale Price: $59.98

ladera 

Ladera
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Howell Mountain Napa Valley


A tour de force Cabernet. Dense, plush, rich and concentrated, with wall-to-wall flavors, offering layers of black cherry, black currant, black licorice, mineral and graphite. Full-bodied and tightly wound with firm tannins, yet finishes with a mix of juicy berry and mineral flavors. Drink now through 2020. 3,000 cases made. Highly Recommended Selection. 


WS  94

Sale Price: $49.99

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Dalla Valle
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley


Pure, rich and polished, which is unusual for this wine at this stage, since it can be quite tannic. Intense, with a fleshy, supple core of blackberry, currant, spice, mineral and wild berry flavors. Full-bodied, picking up a nice fruity lift on the finish. Drink now through 2022. Only 340 cases made.

WS  94

Sale Price: $199.99

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Vina Montes
2003 Alpha M Santa Cruz
Rapel Valley Chile


Gorgeous, racy and pure, with black cherry, black tea, mineral, espresso and sanguine notes running along finely stitched tannins and fresh acidity. Long, detailed finish echoes with cocoa and fruit. Delivers a lot without being bombastic. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2012.


WS  94

Sale Price: $74.99

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Kongsgaard
2008 Chardonnay
Napa Valley


The 2008 Chardonnay Napa, which was bottled in July, 2010, has far more minerality along with notes of orange blossoms, honeyed melons, nectarines and crushed rock. This mineral-dominated Chardonnay tastes like a California version of a Burgundian Chevalier-Montrachet. Full-bodied, fresh, lively and well-delineated, this gorgeous white should last for 4-6 years. 


RP  94

*Sale Price: $79.99

 

Keenan
2007 Cabernet Franc
Spring Mountain District Napa Valley


There are just under 1,000 cases of the 2007 Cabernet Franc, a wine that admirably demonstrates the heights to which this varietal can climb. A brilliant effort, it boasts elegant blue, red, and black fruit notes intermixed with abundant spring flower and forest floor aromas. Intense, yet light on its feet, medium to full-bodied, stylish, and gracious, it is a compelling example of Cabernet Franc from a high elevation (2,000 feet) vineyard. It will be fascinating to follow this lovely wine’s evolution over the next 10-15 years.


RP  94

Sale Price: $54.98

 

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Dalla Valle
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley


One would have to go back a decade to find a Dalla Valle Cabernet Sauvignon as strong as the 2007. Sweet black currant fruit intermixed with unsmoked, high class cigar tobacco, creosote, herbs, and licorice are found in the complex aromatic profile. In the mouth, the sweetness of the tannin, and the exuberance of the pure red and black fruits gently touched by oak and herbs are admirable. This deep, lush, full-bodied wine should drink nicely for 15+ years.


RP 94

Sale Price: $189.99

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Peter Michael Winery
2003 Les Pavots 
Knights Valley

The 2003 Les Pavots (61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 13% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot) exhibits notes of melted licorice, tapenade, damp earth, black currants, and cedar. Slightly more herbaceous than the 2004, with notions of barbecued meat as well as blue and black fruits, this full-bodied, dense 2003 may not have quite the potential of the 2002 or 2001, but it is a brilliant effort to consume between 2008-2020.


RP  94

( 1.5 lt ) Sale Price: $349.99

 

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Robert Mondavi
2003 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley


The rich and intense 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve has a saturated ruby/purple color and is sweet and dark, with a complex nose of creme de cassis, blackberry, subtle oak, and smoke. It is medium to full-bodied and seems richer, fuller, and more intense than the 2004, but again reminds me of a St.-Julien made in Napa.


RP  94

Sale Price: $99.99

 

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Merus
1999 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley


A dark, rich, hearty style that has its decadent side, with potent earthy currant, black cherry, wild berry, mineral, leather and cedary oak flavors. Firms up on the finish, with rich, dense tannins. Patience required. Best from 2004 through 2012. Only 325 cases made.

WS  94


Sale Price: $118.99

 

Chateau Haut Brion
1994 Bordeaux Blend
Pessac-Leognan ( 3 pk OWC 3 lt )


Has wonderful richness and suppleness, lovely fruit and harmony. A superb example of a graceful, balanced wine that is delicious now and can evolve over many years. OWC from inception.

WS  94


( case of 3 bottles 3 lt ) Sale Price: $4200.00

 

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Pahlmeyer
1999 Merlot
Napa Valley


A mouthful of wine that packs in lots of rich, deep, plush and concentrated flavors, with tiers of currant, blackberry, raspberry and wild berry fruit. Well-integrated tannins smooth out the finish. Drink now through 2010.

WS  94


Sale Price: $49.99

 

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Bond
2001 Matriarch
Napa Valley


A great introduction to Bond’s style is the 2001 Matriarch, which Bob Levy calls, “our elegant leftovers.” This is a three-vineyard blend of the juice that was not rich or concentrated enough to be included in the single vineyard bottlings. Beautifully made, with wonderfully sweet notes of smoke, lead pencil shavings, black cherries, and cassis, an opulent texture, impressive concentration, low acidity, and silky tannin, it possesses more up-front charm and accessibility than its bigger siblings. Enjoy it over the next 10-12 years.

RP  94


Sale Price: $104.99

 

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O'Shaughnessy
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Howell Mountain Napa Valley


The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is comprised of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest six other grapes - Merlot, Malbec, St. Macaire (how often do you see that!), Petit Verdot, Carmenere, and Cabernet Franc - and is aged 20 months in three-fourths French oak. It has a dense purple color, a wonderful, crystalline nose of crushed rock, camphor, creme de cassis and spring flowers, and a full-bodied mouthfeel. The tannins are moderately high, but they are soft and well-integrated. This is a wine of tremendous intensity and plenty of up-side. Give this wine 2-3 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 20-25 years.

RP  94


Sale Price: $69.99

 

bollinger

Bollinger
nv Special Cuvee
Champagne


A rich, smoky Champagne, with hints of marzipan and fennel seed accenting honeyed malt, bread dough, baked apple and gingersnap flavors. It's all focused by intense acidity, which meshes beautifully into the layers of flavor and refined texture, with a lingering finish. Drink now through 2021. Highly Recommended Selection. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

WS  94

Sale Price: $44.99

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Betz Family
2007 Clos de Betz
Columbia Valley


The 2007 Clos de Betz is a blend of six grape varieties (56% Merlot, 21% abernet Sauvignon, and the balance Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Mourvedre, and Petit Verdot) sourced from several Columbia Valley AVAs. It was raised in 70% new French oak for 12-14 months. Purple-colored, it reveals an alluring bouquet of spice box, violets, incense, black currant, and blackberry. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it displays an elegant personality along with considerable complexity. Expressive black fruits mingle with earth and spice notes, plenty of ripe, fine-grained tannin, and a lengthy finish. Give this rich, substantial effort 4-6 years of additional cellaring and drink it from 2013 to 2027.


RP  94

Sale Price: $49.99

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Kistler
2007 Chardonnay
Hudson Vineyard Carneros


Green-tinged gold. A cool and incisive bouquet displays citrus fruits, smoky minerals, hazelnut and spearmint, plus a strong note of oyster shell. Juicy and bracing, with an intensely spicy character to the mineral-dominated lemon, orange and pear flavors suggesting moderate but not excessive ripeness. Becomes smokier and more powerful with air and finishes with outstanding clarity, cling and spicy persistence. Josh Raynolds.

 
ST  94

Sale Price: $89.99

Chateau Mouton Rothschild
1990 Bordeaux Blend
Pauillac


Bright red with a pale rim. Knockout nose of aromatic herbs, strawberry, sweet spices and acacia flower; yet another wine strongly marked by its cabernet franc presence. Fresh and vibrant, this absolutely dances on the palate with strawberry, sour red cherry and raspberry flavors complicated by gunflint and herbs. High acidity provides great clarity and cut to the long, floral, smoothly tannic finish. This has improved considerably with bottle age. Harvested from September 18 through October 3, this Mouton offers amazing balance and fragrance.

ST  94

Sale Price: $441.99

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Chimney Rock
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Stags Leap District Napa Valley


This is Chimney Rock's best Stags Leap Cabernet since the 2005, and continues a string of successful vintages. Dry and smooth and silky in the mouth, it's pretty tannic, but very rich, offering waves of cherry, blackberry, blueberry, cocoa and sweet cedar flavors. Absolutely delicious, wonderfully elegant, and should age well for a decade. ( 3 bottle minimum purchase )

WE  94

Sale Price: $42.99

Beringer Private Reserve
2008 Chardonnay
Napa Valley


The 2008 Chardonnay Private Reserve continues the success Beringer has enjoyed with this program. Notes of brioche, hazelnut, marmalade, honeyed tropical fruits, buttered citrus, and a gentle touch of smoke are found in this full-bodied, concentrated wine with impressive purity, depth, and length. It should drink well for 4-5 years. 
 

RP  94

*Sale Price: $28.89

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Donum
2007 Pinot Noir
Carneros

A tantalizing mix of perfectly ripe, juicy raspberry and tangy black cherry flavors, with a rich, powerful loamy element of fresh earth, clay and spice. Licorice, kirsch and spice box notes detail the wine, which is delicate and layered, with a creamy texture. Drink now through 2014. Only 800 cases made. 
 

WS  94

*Sale Price: $49.99

 

Fanti
2004 Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany

Shows blackberries and dried flowers on the nose. Full-bodied, with lots of ripe berry and cream character. Rich and flavorful. Long and beautiful. It's layered and velvety. Seductive.

 
WS  94

Sale Price: $47.99

Pichon-Longueville
1990 Comtesse De Lalande
Pauillac ( 12 pk OWC )

Concentrated. Medium-ruby color, with ripe plum, cigar tobacco and smoke aromas. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. Still closed, almost clumsy. Give it time.

WS  94

( case of 12 bottles ) Sale Price: $1800.00

Saxum
2008 Broken Stones
Paso Robles

The 2008 Broken Stones (79% Syrah, 13% Grenache, and the rest Mourvedre) has a bluish purple color to the rim, with the classic nose of camphor, charcoal, black currant, and blackberry with hints of licorice and smoke. This intense wine displays great fruit, some structure, and a beautifully seamless texture. It is more evolved and open than the 2007 was at the same time, and just slightly less profound. It should drink nicely for at least a decade.


RP  94

Sale Price: $113.99

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Robert Foley 
2006 Claret 
Napa Valley

Smooth, rich and complex, this is full-bodied, with firm, focused currant, sage and dusty berry fruit that runs deep with concentration, unfolding to reveal blackberry, mineral and light cedary oak flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2010 through 2016. 1,700 cases made.
 
WS  94

Sale Price: $87.95

trilogy

Flora Springs 
2008 Trilogy
Napa Valley

A flashy, classy wine, grown in the estate vineyard in the benchlands and hills above Rutherford. Shows lots of sweet, ripe cherry fruit and toasty oak, but has enough of an acid-tannin structure to dry it out for balance. Should hold and develop over the next 6–8 years. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

WE  94

Sale Price: $36.94

Altesino 
2006 Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany

Medium red.  High-pitched aromas of raspberry, blood orange, minerals, mocha and cocoa powder:  I was reminded of Burgundy.  Wonderfully tight and perfumed in the mouth, with superb youthful definition to the raspberry and floral flavors.  Perfumed and light on its feet.  Finishes sharply delineated, firmly tannic and impressively long.  With three full days in the recorked bottle, this wine became denser and more minerally, offering a leathery hint and terrific sexy breadth. 

 
ST  94

*Sale Price: $49.98

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Vinedos de Paganos
2005 El Puntido
Rioja Spain

The 2005 El Puntido is 100% Tempranillo sourced from a vineyard of the same name planted in 1975. Malolactic fermentation was sur lie in new French oak for four months followed by 18 months in new French barriques. Purple/black-colored with a brooding nose of great promise, it shows off notes of new oak, crushed stone, scorched earth, roasted herbs, incense, and blackberry. Voluminous yet elegant on the palate, it is mouth-filling and rich with gobs of fruit and plenty of ripe tannin. Give this lengthy effort 6-8 years of cellaring and drink it from 2016 to 2030.


RP  94

Sale Price: $44.99

phifer

Phifer Pavitt
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

This gorgeous wine, the best yet from this producer is sumptuous, graceful, rich and fleshy, with ripe blueberry, plum and wild berry fruit that's dense, elegant, focused and layered. Full-bodied, ending with a long, lingering finish. Drink now through 2022. Only 400 cases made.

WS  94

Sale Price: $64.99

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Peter Michael
2003 Les Pavots
Knights Valley

The 2003 Les Pavots (61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 13% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot) exhibits notes of melted licorice, tapenade, damp earth, black currants, and cedar. Slightly more herbaceous than the 2004, with notions of barbecued meat as well as blue and black fruits, this full-bodied, dense 2003 may not have quite the potential of the 2002 or 2001, but it is a brilliant effort to consume between 2008-2020.


RP  94

Sale Price: $149.99

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Pio Cesare
2006 Barolo
Piedmont Italy

The 2006 Barolo offers up a super-classic profile of tar, roses, raspberries and licorice, all wrapped around a firm core of tannins. Fresh and vibrant throughout, the Barolo impresses for its superb balance and poise. Deceptively medium in body, the wine sneaks up on the mid-palate, gaining more and more volume through to the finish. There is the subtlest hint of French oak that points to the slightly updated style the estate is going for with this bottling, but not enough to detract from the classic feel. This is a magnificent, impeccable Barolo from Pio Cesare, but it will be even better in a few years. The estate’s Barolo is made from a number of vineyards in Serralunga, Grinzane Cavour, La Morra, Novello and other villages. The wine is aged mostly in cask, although 30% sees French oak. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031. Antonio Galloni.

RP  94

*Sale Price: $44.99

Luca
2006 Nico Malbec
Mendoza Argentina

Laura Catena’s flagship is the 2006 Nico by Luca. It was sourced from Malbec vines averaging 49 years of age in Altamira and La Consulta and aged for 18 months in new French barriques. Saturated purple/black in color, it exhibits a superb nose of toasty oak, Asian spices, incense, lavender, black cherry, and blackberry. Full-bodied, dense, and powerful, it managed to remain light on its feet. Smooth textured, succulent, and long, this is a pleasure-bent effort that will satisfy hedonists from 2013 to 2026. Jay Miller.

RP  94

*Sale Price: $104.99

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Domaine de Villeneuve
2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes
Southern Rhone Valley

This estate did not offer their 2008 for tasting, but they have hit the bull’s eye with their brilliant 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape. Aged 80% in tank and 20% in old barrels, this blend of 70% Grenache, 16% Mourvedre, and the rest Syrah, Cinsault, and the white grape Clairette is made from vines that average 65 years of age (some are over 100 years). This dense ruby/purple-hued offering smells like the essence of raspberry jam intermixed with boysenberries and blueberries. Exceptionally pure, with a layered mouthfeel and sweet tannin, this is undeniably the finest wine made by Proprietor Stanislas Wallut since he purchased Domaine de Villeneuve in 1992. The great oenologist Philippe Cambie consults at this biodynamically farmed property (over 75% of Cambie’s Chateauneuf du Pape clients are biodynamically farmed vineyards – an impressive statistic). This 2007, which was bottled unfiltered, should drink beautifully for 15-20 years. It is undeniably a big-time sleeper of the vintage.


RP  94   

Sale Price: $49.99

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Turley Wine Cellars
2008 Zinfandel
Ueberroth Vineyard Paso Robles


Perhaps the finest example yet made from Paso Robles, the 2008 Zinfandel Ueberroth Vineyard (a site planted in 1885) tastes like a Chapoutier Ermitage because of its liqueur of minerality. This vineyard’s chalky limestone soils have given the wine extraordinary definition, fabulous concentration, and a style that seems like a hypothetical blend of a great grand cru Burgundy with an outstanding wine from St.-Emilion’s limestone hillsides. This sensational 2008 needs 1-2 years of cellaring, and should keep for a decade thereafter. Black cherry, black currant, and crushed chalky notes along with terrific acidity and sensational concentration and depth are all present in this beauty. It’s good to see the Turleys exploit this vineyard to its maximum potential. 
 

RP  94

Sale Price: $53.99

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Turley Wine Cellars
2006 Zinfandel
Ueberroth Vineyard Paso Robles


Deep ruby-red. Superripe aromas of raspberry, mocha, black olive and game. Large-scaled, saline and sappy, conveying a powerful impression of terroir with its notes of syrah-like game, mocha, truffle and pepper. Wonderfully tactile zinfandel, finishing extremely long, with tannins covered by peppery fruit. The Turley wine from this site has been consistently spectacular in recent years

ST  94

Sale Price: $64.99

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Turley Wine Cellars
2008 Zinfandel
Moore Earthquake Vineyard Napa


One of the old classics, Turley’s 2008 Zinfandel Moore Earthquake Vineyard (made from extremely old vines) it exhibits southern Rhone-like characteristics of roasted peppers, licorice, lavender, crushed rocks, kirsch, and other black fruits. With excellent intensity, richness, and full body, it is another example of this sensationally strong, impressive vintage for Turley Wine Cellars. 
 

RP  94

Sale Price: $68.99

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Turley Wine Cellars
2008 Zinfandel
Fredericks Vineyard Sonoma


The 2008 Zinfandel Fredericks Vineyard is another awesome example of this varietal. About as good as Zinfandel can be, it is a sexy, voluptuously-textured effort displaying extravagant levels of sweet black and blue fruits intertwined with cedar, spice box, pepper, and foresty notes. The wine possesses a super texture, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long finish with no hard edges. It will offer irresistible drinking over the next 7-10 years.
 

RP  94

Sale Price: $59.99

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Turley Wine Cellars
2008 Petite Syrah
Hayne Vineyard Napa Valley


All five of Turley’s 2008 Petite Syrahs (they do not spell it “Sirah”) are extraordinary, and I could probably write the same tasting notes for each. My favorites include the Hayne Vineyard and Library Vineyard, followed by the Pesenti Vineyard, which shows more chalky graphite characteristics. They all possess huge aromas of blackberries, blueberries, and ink, massive fruit concentration, enormous body, and a lot less alcohol than the Zinfandels (a character of this varietal). Readers who purchase any of these cuvees should forget them for 10 years, and drink them over the following 25-30 years. They will handsomely repay the investment in patience.
 

RP  94

Sale Price: $74.99

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Turley Wine Cellars
2009 Petite Syrah
Pesenti Vineyard Paso Robles


Both the 2009 Petite Syrah Turley Estate and 2009 Petite Syrah Pesenti Vineyard are outstanding, full-bodied, powerful wines that possess slightly more civilized personalities. However, they also reveal less intensity and potential for development beyond 20 years. As I have said so many times, Petite Sirah is by far the most underrated varietal in California, so it is reassuring to see how many producers continue to make remarkable wines with around 13-14% alcohol as well as 20-40+ years of aging potential.

RP  94

Sale Price: $49.99

Booker
2009 The Alchemist
Paso Robles


The 2009 Alchemist comes across as powerful, tightly coiled and quite inward. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot add considerable structure as layers of blue and black fruit saturate the palate. This is another powerful, long wine endowed with exceptional definition and a dark, brooding personality. In 2009 the blend is 65% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 10% Grenache. The wine saw 55% new barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. Jay Miller.
 

RP  94

Sale Price: $64.99

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Bodegas Teso la Monja
2007 Alabaster Tempranillo
Toro Spain


The 2007 Alabaster came from pre-phylloxera vines yielding a miniscule half ton of fruit per acre. It went through ML in new French oak before being transferred to a different set of new French oak barrels for 18 months of aging. Glycerin oozes down the glass of this remarkably rich effort. Purple/black colored, it offers up a brooding nose of licorice, fresh tar, black cherry, and blackberry. On the palate it is full-bodied, dense, and chewy, but in balance. This behemoth demands 8-10 years of cellaring but should ultimately reward patient cellaring in a big way. Jay Miller.


RP  94

*Sale Price: $139.99

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Numanthia
2007 Numanthia
Toro Spain


The 2007 Numanthia is marginally more approachable but it, too, is a dense, layered, voluminous, structured wine. Given the requisite cellaring, it will eventually become both elegant and powerful. Jay Miller.


RP  94

*Sale Price: $45.99

 

Sbragia Family
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Rancho del Oso Howell Mountain Napa Valley


From Howell Mountain, the dense purple-colored 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Rancho del Oso (an 1,800 foot elevation vineyard) is composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Sweet blackberry, black cherry, plum, anise and crushed rock aromas jump from the glass of this opaque purple-colored wine. Broad and full-bodied on the palate with hints of white chocolate and subtle oak/toast, it reveals terrific fruit, texture and opulence. Drink it over the next 20-25 years.

RP  94

Sale Price: $58.99

Muga Prado Enea
2004 Gran Reserva
Rioja Spain


The 2004 Prado Enea Gran Reserva is not quite as dense as the 2005 but is more expressive on the nose and rounder on the palate. It is a complete effort that should prove to be one of the best Prado Eneas Muga has produced.

RP  94

*Sale Price: $49.89

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Turley Wine Cellars
2009 Zinfandel
Cedarman Vineyard Howell Mountain


A sensational offering, the 2009 Zinfandel Cedarman boasts a deep plum/purple color as well as notes of blueberries, raspberries, spring flowers, damp earth, pepper and licorice. It is a complex, full-throttle, deep, rich Zinfandel to enjoy over the next 6-8 years.

RP  94

Sale Price: $38.99

Gramercy Cellars
2009 Syrah Lagniappe
Columbia Valley


The 2009 Syrah Lagniappe surrenders an inviting nose of smoked bacon, game, lavender, pepper, clove, blue, and black fruits. Velvety in the mouth, this plush bordering on voluptuous offering displays impeccable balance and a lengthy, pure finish. This pleasure-bent wine should continue to deliver the goods through 2024 if not longer. Jay Miller.

RP  94

Sale Price: $39.99

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K Vintners
2009 Syrah
Cougar Hills Walla Walla


Straight-up funky and wild, the 2009 K Vintners Syrah Cougar Hills boast rock star aromatics of hung game, lavender, loads of black olive, and deep, earthy, and yet beautifully pure dark fruit characteristics. Full bodied and balanced, with a sexy, lush texture and a superb, long, and mineral-laced finish, this up-front beauty can be enjoyed now or cellared for 3-5 years. Fun stuff and hard to imagine this coming from anywhere else. The Rhone Report.

RR  94

*Sale Price: $39.98

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Ravenswood
2007 Zinfanel 
Belloni Vineyard Russian River


A terrific Zinfandel, with a polished, pretty structure and ripe, vibrantly classic Zinny flavors. Floods the mouth with berries, cola, licorice, mocha and dusty spices, wrapped into beautifully fine, ripe tannins. Impossible to resist sip after sip. Defines Russian River Zinfandel at its best.
 

WE  94

Sale Price: $26.99

St. Clement Winery
2006 Oroppas 
Napa Valley


The structure and pedigree of this fine wine are immediately apparent. It hits the mouth with a wonderful balance of ripe fruit, fine tannins, firm acidity and perfectly integrated oak. The deep flavors of blackberry jam spread onto buttered toast, and drizzled with anise liqueur and melted chocolate, are irrisistable. But the tannins are still hard. Decant now for a few hours, or drink through 2014. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

WE  94

*Sale Price: $31.99

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W.H. Smith
2007 Pinot Noir 
Maritime Vineyard Sonoma Coast


This has been a great bottling from W.H. Smith, and it is the most interesting and complex of the winery's current releases. Very dry, its elegantly silky structure frames intricate flavors of baked cherry, cherry skin, red currant, root beer, licorice and cedar, with an elaboration of Asian spices and a sprinkle of cocoa. Really fascinates as it changes in the glass, and best now and through 2013.
 
 

WE  94

Sale Price: $44.99

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Kosta Browne
2008 Pinot Noir 
Kanzler Vineyard Russian River Valley


Full-bodied, complex and focused, with aromas of cola, sassafras, ripe plum and wild berry. The flavors fan out nicely, gaining richness and picking up a touch of black tea and plum jam flavors. Ends with fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2016. Only 564 cases made. 
 

WS  94

Sale Price: $99.99

Fattoria Scopone
2006 Brunello di Montalcino 
Tuscany


Another aromatically gorgeous red, with blackberries, blueberries and flowers. Licorice too. Full body, with soft and silky tannins and plenty of fruit. Wonderful length to as well. Give it three to four years of bottle age.
 

JS  94

Sale Price: $39.99

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Ridge Geyserville
2008 Red Blend
Sonoma


It has never been easy to regard Ridge's Geyserville bottlings simply as Zin, for, as once again is so evident here, they show a measure of depth and a degree of complexity rarely found in wines of the same name. Both rich and refined with sweeping impressions of red and black berries, sweet oak, briar, and just a touch of spiced candy, the wine exhibits remarkable energy and is never other than perfectly balanced. Its polish is sure to tempt many into drinking it now, but it has the pedigree and pieces in place to grow for years. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

CG  94

Sale Price: $21.99

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Guarachi Family
2008 Pinot Noir 
Sonoma Coast


Impressive for its richness, depth and layers of ripe cherry, wild berry and raspberry fruit, shaded by loamy earth and black licorice notes that continue to build and expand. Full-bodied, ending with a long, persistent finish that focuses on the fruit themes. Drink now through 2017. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. Only 690 cases made.

WS  94

Sale Price: $44.99

DeLille Cellars
2008 Chaleur Estate Blanc 
Columbia Valley


DeLille’s take on a first-growth Bordeaux Blanc really shines in this excellent vintage. Toasty and firm, it captures the lushness of the Sémillon fruit while mixing in bright citrus. The barrel aging adds warm brioche, toasted almond and caramel. There is just a tiny suggestion of honey in the finish, a rush of tropical fruits.

WE  94

*Sale Price: $29.99

Swanson Vineyards
2007 Merlot 
Oakville Napa Valley


One of the best Merlots of the vintage, at a good price for the quality. Shows a structural quality and ripeness that are pure Oakville, with ultra refined tannins, good acidity and plush, complex flavors of black cherries, red currants and licorice that go on and on into a long, spicy finish. New oak comprises 40% of the barrels and adds beautiful notes of toast and warmth. 
 

WE  94

Sale Price: $27.99

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Ridge Vineyards
2009 Geyserville 
Sonoma County


The 2009 Geyserville is a gorgeous wine. It shows expressive inner perfume, sweet black cherries, menthol and minerals. This is an understated, exceptionally elegant red endowed with considerable finesse and fabulous overall balance. A round, sensual finish makes it impossible to resist a second taste. In 2009 the blend is 74% Zinfandel, 17% Carignane, 6% Petite Sirah, 2% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Mourvedre. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2029. Antonio Galloni.

RP  94

*Sale Price: $29.99

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Tensley
2009 Syrah 
Tierra Alta Vineyard Santa Barbara County


Possessing brilliant purity, the 2009 Tensley Syrah Tierra Alta Vineyard shows brambly and spicy berry fruit aromatics with floral, and mineral notes showing more with time in the glass. Medium+ bodied on the palate, with noteworthy purity to the fruit, good acidity, and a supple, smooth texture, this outstanding Syrah should drink well for a decade. The Rhone Report.

QPR  94

Sale Price: $39.99

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Long Shadows Sequel
2005 Syrah
Columbia Valley


The 2005 Sequel is made by John Duval, former winemaker of Penfolds Grange. The wine is 96% Syrah and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 16 months in mostly French oak. Aromas of cedar, smoke, game, bacon, and violets are alluring while leading to a round, layered, smooth-textured, full-bodied wine with several years of aging potential. This hedonistic effort will be at its best from 2012 to 2020. 
 

RP  94

Sale Price: $49.99

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Brewer Clifton
2007 Pinot Noir 
Santa Rita Hills


A fabulous introduction, the generic cuvee, the 2007 Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills (just over 1,000 cases produced), possesses a deep plum/ruby hue as well as gorgeously sweet, sexy, plum, cherry, forest floor, and spring flower notes. Sensual and medium to full-bodied with great fruit, good acidity, and an incredible Burgundian-like character that suggests something from Morey-St.-Denis or further north, it should drink well for 7-8 years.

RP  93

Sale Price: $39.99

Loring
2009 Pinot Noir
Clos Pepe Vineyard Santa Rita Hills


Firmly tannic, well-structured and deeply concentrated, with a complex mix of dark berry, spice, plum and blackberry. Full-bodied and well-balanced, this is one of the most backward and promising of the young new Lorings. Best from 2011 through 2020. Only 1,000 cases made.

WS  93

Sale Price: $39.99

Sineann
2009 Pinot Noir
Schindler Vineyard Willamette Valley


Lithe, supple, delicate and refined, this offers lovely raspberry and red currant notes, with a hint of mint, mingling harmoniously as the finish sails on serenely. Drink now through 2019. Only 96 cases made .
 

WS  93

Sale Price: $41.99

Astrales
2007 Tempranillo
Ribera Del Duero Spain


The 2007 Los Astrales is 100% Tinto Fino aged for 17 months in 30% new French and American oak. Purple/black colored, it delivers a superb aromatic array of smoke, pencil lead, espresso, spice box, blackberry, and licorice. On the palate this full-bodied, opulent offering is packed and stacked with dense black fruit and spice notes, enough structure to blossom for another 4-6 years, and a lengthy finish. It admirably combines power and elegance and will be in its prime from 2014 to 2027. Jay Miller.

RP  93

Sale Price: $44.99

Ernie Els Signature
2006 Red Blend
Stellenbosch South Africa


A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 5% each of Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc and matured for 20 months in French oak, the 2006 Ernie Els Signature almost scores a hole in one. It has a very sensual, harmonious bouquet with dark red fruits, mocha, cedar and a touch of tobacco, whilst the palate is beautifully balanced with silky smooth tannins. The 14.7% alcohol is barely noticeable on the finish with touches of orange rind enlivening the long finish. Allow this at least a couple of hours decanting to show its true potential. Superb. Drink now-2017.

RP  93

Sale Price: $76.99

Andrew Will
2008 Bordeaux Blend
Champoux Vineyard Horse Heaven Hills


Powerful, focused and compelling for its layers of black cherry, mineral, animal and spice flavors, swirling together on the beautifully constructed finish. This has presence, depth and distinction, with miles to go. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2013 through 2020.

WS  93

*Sale Price: $56.99

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Feather
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Columbia Valley


The 2006 Feather is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon cuvee made by Randy Dunn of Napa Valley fame. The wine was sourced from several prime vineyards and aged for 22 months in new French oak. The nose gives up aromas of toasty oak, scorched earth, Asian spices, black currant, and blackberry. Firm and structured yet elegant on the palate, there are layers of fruit and enough tannin to evolve for another 4-6 years. The wine will be at its best from 2013 to 2026.


RP  93

*Sale Price: $49.99

Amon Ra
2004 Shiraz
Barossa Valley


This dense ruby/purple-colored wine exhibits a sweet nose of vanilla, graphite, blackberry, and cassis. Full-bodied and pure, with decent acidity and a moderately tannic, silky finish, it is accessible enough to be drunk now, but will be even better in 1-3 years. It should last for a dozen years or more.

RP  93

Sale Price: $68.99

Pelissero
2009 Barbera d'Alba Piani
Piedmont Italy


The 2009 Barbera d’Alba Piani is fabulous. Freshly cut flowers, red fruit and spices are just some of the nuances that flow from this pliant, hugely delicious Barbera. A hint of oak frames the finish, but the Piani is really about fruit. It is a beautifully balanced, totally harmonious wine of the highest level. I loved it. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Antonio Galloni ( 12 bottle minimum purchase )

RP  93

Sale Price: $19.99

La Bastide Saint Dominique
2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Secrets de Pignan Vielles Vignes
Southern Rhone Valley


Bright purple. Extremely pure and seductive aromas and flavors of blackberry, Moroccan spices, white pepper and incense. Lush on entry but shows impressive energy and sappiness to its black and blue fruit preserve flavors. The palate-staining finish doesn't let up and leaves notes of boysenberry and spice cake behind. This looks to be one of the sexiest wines of the vintage.

ST  93

*Sale Price: $54.99

Giorgio Pelissero
2007 Barbaresco Nubiola
Piedmont


The 2007 Barbaresco Nubiola caresses the palate with layers of round, sumptuous fruit. This is a more generous, enveloping style than the Tulin, and shows just an extra touch more depth. Dark red fruit, sweet spices, flowers, licorice and new leather come together beautifully in this harmonious Barbaresco. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2027. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

RP  93

Sale Price: $29.99

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Turley Wine Cellars
2009 Zinfandel
Pesenti Vineyard Paso Robles


The broad, structured, mineral-dominated, deep plum/purple-colored 2009 Zinfandel Pesenti Vineyard is made from head-trained old vines planted in pure limestone. It possesses copious notes of pepper, flowers, black cherries, black currants and a hint of chalk. With more structure and tannin than most of its siblings, it will benefit from 6-12 months of bottle age, and should keep for 5-6 years.

RP  93

Sale Price: $39.99

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Turley Wine Cellars
2009 Zinfandel
Heminway Vineyard Napa Valley


The 2009 Zinfandel Heminway Vineyard, a new Napa source for Turley, exhibits terrific black raspberry and black cherry fruit intertwined with notions of licorice, lavender and incense. Broad, savory, full-bodied and rich, this is one of the stars of 2009. 

RP  93

Sale Price: $49.99

Chateau Leoville Barton
1990 Bordeaux Blend
St. Julien


Believe it or not, the 1990 Leoville Barton can actually be drunk - something that cannot be said about the broodingly backward, still excruciatingly tannic 1982. The exceptionally concentrated 1990 reveals more polished, sweeter tannins along with a big, sweet kiss of black currant, forest floor, cedar, and spice box notes. While it still has some tannins to shed, this full-bodied, powerful, long wine is approachable. It should continue to evolve for another two decades)

RP  93

Sale Price: $119.99

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Terrrabianca
2007 Toscana Campaccio
Tuscany


Very silky and floral, this red reminds me of Burgundy with its bilberry, violet and raspberry aromas and flavors. The grainy tannins show the other side to this wine, which needs time for the two components to balance. Ends with a long, intense, fruit-filled finish. Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon.
( 12 bottle minimum purchase )

WS  93

Sale Price: $19.99

Mocali
2006 Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany


Lovely tobacco, tar, leather and dried cherry aromas and flavors mark this Brunello, which is sweet and tannic, the two components playing off each other through the finish. This has excellent harmony and a long aftertaste. Best from 2013 through 2026. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

WS  93

Sale Price: $33.98

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Giovanni Manzone
2005 Barolo Castelletto
Piedmont


The 2005 Barolo Castelletto is the sweetest and richest of these offerings. Made in a round, generous style, the Castelletto flows onto the palate with an explosive array of dark red fruit. Sweet medicinal herbs, licorice and spices emerge with notable clarity on the long finish. The Castelletto can be enjoyed today for its exuberant, textured fruit, or cellared for those who prefer more tertiary complexity. Either way, it is a beautiful 2005 Barolo. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2025.


RP  93

Sale Price: $39.99

Ben Glaetzer
2010 Anaperenna
Barossa Valley


Almost opaque in colour, the 2010 wine has masses of blackcurrant fruit on the nose with aromas of liquorice and mixed spice. The palate is full-bodied yet has great refinement and focus. The Cabernet structure will take some time to fill out and develop meaning the wine is precise and tight at release with a high degree of minerality. This will be one of the longest lived of the Anaperenna releases thus far. 72% Shiraz , 28% Cabernet. - Ben Glaetzer


QPR  93

Sale Price: $69.99

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K Vintners
2008 Syrah Northridge
Wahluke Slope Walla Walla Valley


Extremely concentrated, intense color. Notes of huckleberry, cedar, cigar and kirsch. Built like a brick sh*t-house; exuberant ripe fruit with grippy backbone and spice and a seamless finish. Winery notes.


QPR 93

Sale Price: $32.99

Domaine Servin
2009 Chablis Les Forets
Burgundy


The 2009 Chablis Les Forets is an excellent choice for readers seeking a more mineral-driven style in this vintage. Citrus and white flower notes sit on a tense, wiry frame. The Forets possesses gorgeous length and focus. This could use another year or two in bottle. It is striking in every way. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. Antonio Galloni.

RP  93

Sale Price: $28.99

iL Palazzino
2006 Bertinga
Tuscany


The 2006 Bertinga (Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot) is strikingly beautiful. Gorgeous, finely knit aromatics meld into expansive dark red fruit. This is one of the more open 2006 Tuscan reds I have come across lately, yet there is plenty of muscle and depth lurking in the background. All of the elements are balanced beautifully in this textured, utterly vivid Bertinga. The finish is long, seductive and sublime. This is a wonderful effort from the Sderci brothers. The only question that remains is why some of the other new releases are so far off the mark. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020.

RP  93

Sale Price: $34.99

 

Zenato
2007 Amarone
Veneto


Light tannins add subtle grip to this supple Amarone, framing flavors of sticky, sun-dried date, black cherry, and crushed black raspberry, with aromatic hints of sweet smoke, loose tea leaf and lots of ground spice. The finish is long and refined. Drink now through 2030. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

WS  93


Sale Price: $49.99

 

Londer Vineyards
2007 Paraboll Pinot Noir
Anderson Valley


A rich, supple, full-bodied Pinot, showing layers of fleshy plum, black cherry and berry, with hints of spice and sage. Full-bodied and sharply focused, with a long, lingering finish.

WS  93


Sale Price: $45.99

 

Chateau Haut-Surget
2009 Bordeaux Blend
LaLande de Pomerol


Blueberry and mineral aromas follow through to a full body, with velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. Enjoy the sweet and pretty fruit in this. JS Barrel tasting. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

WS  93


*Sale Price: $24.99

 

Sbragia Family Vineyards
2007 Chardonnay
Gamble Ranch Napa Valley

Remarkably complex and layered, full-bodied, elegant and polished, with tiers of nectarine, peach, melon and light toasty oak. Offers a broad range of flavors while remaining delicate, ending with a clean finish. Drink now through 2014.

WS  93


*Sale Price: $29.99

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Martinelli Vineyards
2007 Pinot Noir
Zio Tony Ranch Russian River Valley

A rich, fleshy style that's intense, full-bodied and focused on a core of cola-laced black cherry, wild berry and black licorice galore that's deep, persistent and concentrated, long and intriguing. Drink now through 2013. Only 590 cases made.


WS  93

Sale Price: $79.99

MollyDooker
2010 Carnival of Love
McLaren Vale

The grapes were grown on the Gateway vineyard in McLaren Vale. Barrel fermented and matured in 100% new American oak.Dark opaque violet with deep crimson hue, this wine bursts from the glass a dense melange of berry fruits, dark plum, licorice, and fragrant spice. The palate displays layers of sweet fruit with creamy mocha oak, black pepper hints and superbly balanced tannins, seeming to last for an eternity. Winery notes.

QPR  93

*Sale Price: $74.99

Collier Falls
2007 Zinfandel
Dry Creek Valley

100% Zinfandel aged in American oak for 15 months and cold soaked for 48 hours in small tanks and pumped over twice daily during fermentation. From the first inhale the dark yet graceful wine displays soft and inviting layers of ripe fruit. Blackberry and strawberry flavors on the nose are followed by flavors of red licorice and raspberry. A toasty finish and lush mouthfeel make this wine a compliment to any meal. Winery notes.

QPR  93

Sale Price: $29.99

Caymus
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

On the palate is where this wine shines. Plum and cherry emerge The wine is unbelievably silky smooth, with a velvety texture. Flavors of cassis,plum and berry burst from the glass. The finish is complex, with lovely moderate tannins. Big and powerful, the wine’s aromas, soft textures and a complex lingering finish are superb. Winery notes. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )


QPR  93

*Sale Price: $58.99

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Terry Hoage Vineyards
2007 The 46
Paso Robles

The 2007 The 46 is a blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah. Blackberry, charcoal, incense, and Acacia flower aromas are followed by an exceptionally dense, opulent wine with superb purity, a brilliant, multilayered texture, and a long finish. Already a challenge to resist, it is capable of lasting 8-10 years.

RP  93

Sale Price: $49.99

Kanzler Vineyards
2008 Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast

A savory style, with a mix of cola, rhubarb, sassafras, spicy plum and blueberry flavors that are rich, intense and full-bodied, yet graceful and refined, ending with a pleasant minerality. Drink now through 2015. Only 438 cases made.


WS  93

Sale Price: $69.99

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Bond
2003 Vecina
Napa Valley

More difficult to evaluate than its siblings, the 2003 Vecina, which comes from a site near Harlan Estate, is a firm, tannic, backward wine displaying a gravelly, scorched earth, hot rock, black currant, licorice, and herb-scented bouquet. In the mouth, it is tight, rich, and ruggedly constructed with medium to full body as well as a boatload of tannin. Give it 4-5 years of cellaring, and consume it over the following 15.


RP  93

Sale Price: $188.99

Dominus
2008 Napanook
Napa Valley

The 2008 Napanook (84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot) may be one of the greatest Napanooks made. It is a deeper, richer, more intense wine with full body, an endearing texture and a long, pure finish. These two are “take your pick” vintages, but wine enthusiasts would probably be remiss in not having both 2007 and 2008 in their cellars. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )


RP  93

*Sale Price: $41.99

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Patrick Lesec
2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Galets Blonds
Southern Rhone Valley

The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Galets Blonds is composed of 85% Grenache, 12% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre. It exhibits a deep ruby/purple color as well as classic notes of creme de cassis, kirsch, licorice, spice box, pepper, and truffles. Full-bodied with layers of fruit, lovely sweetness, sweet tannin, and a lusty, heady, hedonistic finish, it should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 15+ years.


RP  93

Sale Price: $39.99

Passopisciaro
2008 Red
Sicily

The 2008 Passopisciaro emerges with gorgeous textural richness in its elegant, silky tannins. Despite its considerable concentration, the wine literally floats on the palate with layers of perfumed red fruits. Everything is perfectly balanced in this harmonious, utterly impeccable wine. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022.

RP  93

Sale Price: $29.95

Hidden Ridge
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon 55% Slope
Sonoma County

The wines from our vineyard this year show complex cassis, bramble, tea and tobacco notes buoyed by unusually rich and dense chocolate enrobed blackberry, dark cherry and black plum flavors laced with clove and nutmeg. As the wine finishes flavors turn to blackberry, mocha, anise, and a hint of mint carried on rich velvety mountain tannins. Beautiful now with decanting, the wine will continue to develop for a decade or more. Winery.
 

QPR  93

Sale Price: $34.95

Hidden Ridge
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon 55% Slope
Sonoma County

Produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grown on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas Mountains. It is a glass-staining opaque purple-black color. Concentrated fresh black berry and currant fruit are prominent in the nose, with menthol/mint, licorice, and vanilla adding complexity. Velvety smooth on the palate and through to the finish. Enjoyable now and over the next 10 years.Winery.( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

QPR  93

*Sale Price: $29.99

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Brother Timothy
2001 Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

The wine has deep, rich color with aromas of black cherry, currant, a hint of vanilla and enticing suggestions of spices. A velvety texture, soft tannins and a lovely structure are complemented by long, lingering flavors. Drink Now thru 2020. Dr. Su Hua Newton.


QPR  93

Sale Price: $99.99

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Caymus
2009 Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

Temptingly rich and layered, with complex mocha, plum and wild berry fruit that's spicy and aromatic. Full-bodied, gaining depth and turning ever more elegant and detailed, with tannins that give this traction. Drink now through 2019.

 
WS  93

*Sale Price: $98.95

Cliff Lede
2008 Poetry
Stags Leap District Napa Valley

Ratcheting up the level of elegance and complexity, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry Stags Leap...is very Chateau Margaux-like with its floral notes interwoven with black currants, graphite and toast. With admirable power, finesse and freshness, it is a beautifully balanced, medium to full-bodied wine with a layered richness and a long, supple finish. Consume it over the next 15-20+ years.

 
RP  93

*Sale Price: $136.99

Booker
2008 White 
Paso Robles

(60% roussanne and 40% viognier) Yellow-gold. An explosively perfumed, exotic bouquet displays scents of peach nectar, orange marmalade, smoke lees and dried flowers. Heady and expansive, offering deep pit fruit and candied citrus flavors and smoky herb qualities. Pretty wild stuff, with serious, chewy texture, depth and finishing grip. Jensen said that he "makes this like a red wine; it's not for shellfish, unless they're drowning in butter." This is quite a bit more serious than the comparatively lithe 2007 version.


ST  93

Sale Price: $39.99

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Staglin Family Vineyard
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

Staglin’s primary red wine is their estate Cabernet Sauvignon, which comes from their beautifully manicured and cared-for vineyards in the hillsides of Rutherford. None other than David Abreu looks after the viticulture, and of course that means yields are frightfully low. The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate has a Bordeaux-like, cedary nose intermixed with black currants, crushed rocks, smoke, and earth. The wine has beautiful texture, lots of layers, depth, richness, and a long finish. The overall impression is one of elegance and restraint, but without sacrificing richness. This wine should evolve nicely for at least two decades.


RP  93

Sale Price: $149.99

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Dry Creek Vineyard
2006 Zinfandel
Somers Ranch Dry Creek Valley

Healthy garnet hue. Mixed aromas of coffee bean, ginger and lavender. Blackberry, raspberry and baker’s chocolate flavors with drying tannins that provide adept support. Excellent length and weight with lingering notes of oak, flint and chalk.


WN  93

Sale Price: $27.99

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Cliff Lede
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Stags Leap District Napa Valley

The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap (75% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc) is everything that one expects in a wine from this sector that is known for elegance, harmony, and Margaux-like finesse. A perfectly balanced Cabernet, it exhibits a dense purple color along with a big, sweet nose of spring flowers, black and red currants as well as graphite. It is deep, rich, young, and promising with plenty of tannin, but an unmistakable, profound minerality. Although accessible, 2-3 years of bottle age will be beneficial, and the wine should age for two decades. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

RP  93

Sale Price: $49.99

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Leviathan
2008 Red
California

Starts understated, building depth and dimension, featuring bright, rich black currant, anise, sage and black licorice character. A full-bodied orchestration of flavors at the end weave together into a tapered finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 202. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )


WS  93

Sale Price: $39.99

 

Rochioli
2009 Chardonnay
Russian River Valley

Ripe and expressive, with a range of baked apple, ripe pear, spice, nutmeg, mint and mineral flavors. Full-bodied, ending with a long, persistent finish that echoes a pithy grapefruit aftertaste. Drink now through 2017.( 6 bottle minimum purchase )


WS  93

Sale Price: $39.99

Carlisle
2009 Zinfandel
Papera Ranch Russian River Valley

Opaque purple. Sexy aromas of blackberry, smoky herbs, rose oil and licorice are supported by a lively mineral undertone. Plush and expansive, with a pliant, silky texture to the intensely spicy black and blue fruit and violet pastille flavors. This shows excellent concentration and gets into every nook and cranny of the palate. Finishes sweet, with outstanding persistence and firm tannic grip, echoing the blue fruit note.  

ST  93

Sale Price: $45.99

Achaval Ferrer
2008 Quimera Red Blend
Mendoza Argentina

The 2008 Quimera is a blend of 40% Malbec, 22% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot (a blend of all the traditional Bordeaux grapes except Carmenere). A glass-coating opaque purple, it delivers a superb nose of toasty black fruits and floral aromas leading to a rich, complex, savory wine that has terrific density combined with elegance, excellent concentration and volume, and a seamless finish. This pleasure-bent effort can be cellared for another 2-3 years and will be in its prime from 2012 to 2018.
 

RP  93

Sale Price: $32.99

Domaine les Aphillanthes
2009 Cotes du Rhone Villages Rasteau
Southern Rhone Valley

Thee 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau is nearly all Grenache from a parcel planted in 1921. Yields were an absurdly low 7 hectoliters per hectare. The wine offers dense chocolaty, strawberry, and black cherry aromas and flavors, huge body, and massive concentration, yet a freshness and elegance that belie the size and mass of this powerhouse Grenache. Deep, chewy, and dense, with its tannins largely concealed by a cascade of fruit and glycerin, it should drink well for a decade or more. Bravo!

RP  93

Sale Price: $28.99

Chateau Rieussec
1988 Sauternes
Bordeaux

Although the 1988 received the highest marks of the 1988, 1989 and 1990 vintages, it remains a very backward wine. Full-bodied and powerful, extremely rich and dense, it may be the least evolved 1988. The nose offers enticing coconut, orange, vanilla, and honeyed scents. The flavors are highly extracted. The wine's acidity and youthfulness suggest this wine needs another 5-10 years of cellaring. It should keep for 30 years.

RP  93

Sale Price: $83.99

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Beringer Private Reserve
1995 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

The 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is a full-bodied, explosively rich, deep purple-colored wine bursting with ripe fruit. It displays smoky oak, gobs of cassis, a touch of cigar box and cedar, and a layered, multi-dimensional feel. This voluptuous, seductive offering is already drinking well, yet should age effortlessly for 15-20 years.

RP  93

Sale Price: $99.99

Piancornello
2006 Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is a huge, dark wine that saturates the palate with black cherries, licorice, new leather and French oak. Despite the extroverted style, this shows gorgeous delineation in its aromatics and plenty of vibrancy. Warm mocha and chocolate overtones add complexity on the finish. This is one of the more full-throttle wines of the vintage, and the extroverted personality of the wines from this part of the zone is quite evident, but all of the elements come together beautifully. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Antonio Galloni.

RP  93

Sale Price: $42.99

Argiano
2006 Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is a gorgeous wine laced with red cherries, tobacco, cedar and underbrush, all supported by a firm tannic spine. Argiano's 2006 Brunello shows beautiful inner perfume and the structure to develop positively for a number of years. Floral notes appear on the vibrant, polished finish. The estate's Brunello spent 12 months in French oak (which is mostly felt in the wine's textural richness) and completed its aging in cask.

RP  93

*Sale Price: $44.99

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Kistler
2007 Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast

The 2007 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast displays plenty of raspberry and floral notes, has a deep ruby/purple color, nicely integrated wood, medium to full body, and a spicy finish. Drink it over the next decade.
 

RP  93

Sale Price: $119.99

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Kistler
2008 Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast

The 2008 Pinot Noir (made from a Calera clone) exhibits a dark ruby hue as well as notes of plums, blueberries, brioche, flowers, raspberries, and pomegranate. Medium-bodied, fresh, and lively, it should drink nicely for a decade. 
 

RP  93

Sale Price: $79.99

De Lancellotti Family
2008 Pinot Noir
Chehalem Mountains Willamette Valley

The 2008 Pinot Noir Estate was also fermented with native yeasts and spent 18 months in 20% new barrels. It gives up a splendid bouquet of smoke, Asian spices, incense, black cherry, and black raspberry leading to a rich, loaded, layered Pinot with superb volume, intensity, and length. It will reward 2-3 years of cellaring and will offer a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2023. Jay Miller.

RP  93

Sale Price: $49.99

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Araujo
2003 Altagracia
Napa Valley

Araujo’s second wine, Altagracia, is almost too good to be true. There are 750 cases of the 2003 Altagracia, a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. It is much more fruit-forward than its bigger sibling, but definitely displays the Eisele Vineyard style in its deep purple color, sweet nose of flowers, crushed rocks, blueberries, creme de cassis, and earth, super-sweet tannin, well-integrated acidity, and opulent personality. This gorgeous wine should drink well for 10-15 years, perhaps longer.

RP  93

Sale Price: $78.99

Catena Alta
2008 Chardonnay
Mendoza Argentina

Very pale color. Captivating aromas of lemon cream, nectarine, papaya, cinnamon, mace and smoky oak. Dense and lush on entry, then sweet but shapely in the middle, with vibrant flavors of pineapple, peach and spices. Surprisingly sappy acidity gives this wine terrific verve and grip. Spreads out to saturate the palate without leaving any impression of weight. I would call this Burgundian, but it's really chardonnay in its own distinctive style—and one of the best examples of the variety I've yet tasted from Argentina.

ST  93

 Sale Price: $26.99

bramasole

La Braccesca
2006 Syrah Bramasole
Tuscany

Black licorice, black pepper and meat aromas. Complex and full-bodied, with velvety tannins and chocolate, meat and fruit character. Polished and beautiful. Goes on and on. Like a pretty single-cru Côte-Rôtie. Best after 2010.

WS  93

Sale Price: $39.99

MollyDooker
2010 Enchanted Path 
McLaren Vale

Dark opaque purple with ruby hue, this is a very powerful blend combining Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon to create a wine with immense fruit weight and uninhibited length. Varietal Cabernet notes dance among the vibrant fruit profile of the Shiraz presenting blackberry fruit, cassis, lifted anise spice with underlying plum jam and tar. The palate offers a rich explosion of fruit, toasty oak, cedar notes, and layers of spice, with fine grain tannins and endless length. Winery notes.

QPR  93

*Sale Price: $74.99

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Vietti
2007 Barolo Castiglione 
Piedmont

The 2007 Barolo Castiglione deftly balances the open, radiant personality of the vintage with considerable underlying structure. Warm, dense and full-bodied, the 2007 Barolo Castiglione flows effortlessly across the palate with generous fruit and fabulous overall balance. The wine was even better when I tasted it from bottle a few months later. It is another overachieving wine from Vietti and a bottle that is exceedingly fairly priced. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027. Antonio Galloni.

RP  93

*Sale Price: $39.99

ladera

Ladera
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon 
Howell Mountain Napa Valley

The most expensive offering is the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain. A classic Howell Mountain wine, it is tannic and backward with blueberry, blackberry and floral notes intermixed with lots of minerality as well as a boatload of tannin. This is a long-term wine so forget it for 3-4 years and drink it over the following two decades. The highly respected Karen Culler is the winemaker for Ladera, who have produced a trifecta of delicious 2007s. ( 12 bottle minimum purchase )

RP  93

*Sale Price: $49.99

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Spring Valley Vineyards
2006 Uriah 
Walla Walla

Smooth and focused, with a cigar box character to make the ripe blackberry and currant fruit more interesting, finishing with polished tannins. Has great presence without being pushy, and the finish doesn't quit. Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.

WS  93

Sale Price: $39.99

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Bond
2002 Matriarch
Napa Valley

Wonderful aromatics, with rich cassis, kirsch and blackberry. Both intense and concentrated, this shows a suppleness at midpalate that lets the flavors glide across the finish. It ends with excellent structure and a touch of cedar. Best from 2007 through 2014. Only 1,200 cases made.

WS  93

Sale Price: $99.99

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Bond
2000 Matriarch
Napa Valley

An awesome wine, with rich, vivid, concentrated currant, black cherry, plum and wild berry flavors that are sharply focused. The tannins are ripe and smooth on the palate, with a supple, graceful finish redolent of rich fruit flavors.

WS  93

Sale Price: $85.99

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Bond
2004 Matriarch
Napa Valley

I think the 2004 Matriarch is opulent and impressive. Dark ruby/purple, beautifully exotic and full-bodied, with notes of incense, toasty oak, blackberry, licorice, and chocolate espresso, the wine is round, fleshy, and succulent. Drink it over the next 12-15+ years.

RP  93

Sale Price: $98.99

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Melville
2006 Pinot Noir
Carries Santa Rita Hills

The floral blueberry and raspberry characteristics are also seen in the dark ruby/purple-tinged 2006 Pinot Noir Carrie’s. This wine is pure, full-bodied, and again, elegant, deep, and rich. I am not sure some of these wines couldn’t be blended together, given how small the differences are, but I respect the effort to show the difference in parcels or clonal choices.

RP  93

Sale Price: $47.99

Sineann
2009 Pinot Noir
Schindler Vineyard Willamette Valley

Lithe, supple, delicate and refined, this offers lovely raspberry and red currant notes, with a hint of mint, mingling harmoniously as the finish sails on serenely. Drink now through 2019. Only 96 cases made .

WS  93

Sale Price: $41.99

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Turley Wine Cellars
2008 Petite Syrah
Library Vineyard Napa Valley

Bright medium ruby. Captivating nose melds cherry pit, black raspberry, black tea and Christmas spices. Sweet and silky but impeccably focused, with a lovely floral scent lifting the slightly exotic dark berry flavors. This boasts terrific fruit and finishes with ripe tannins and terrific persistence.

ST  93


Sale Price: $49.99

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Turley Wine Cellars
2006 Zinfandel
Dusi Vineyard Paso Robles

Good bright ruby-red. Superripe aromas of berry liqueur, dark chocolate and fruity pepper, with some distinctly exotic high tones. Lush, sweet, seamless and superripe, boasting terrific depth of fruit and bright framing acidity. This is magically light on its feet for a wine with 16.4% alcohol. Finishes very long, with suave tannins. Downright thick but not at all cloying.

ST  93


Sale Price: $46.99

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Kamen
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma

Kamen’s brilliant 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the more complete Cabernets I have tasted from that vintage. Beautiful blue and black fruit along with subtle background oak and floral aromas soar from the glass of this full-bodied effort. The wine possesses silky tannin (a good sign in this vintage), a layered mouthfeel, a long finish, and a pure, stylish, Margaux-like delicacy and complexity. It should drink well for 15-20 years.

RP  93

Sale Price: $64.99

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Kamen
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma

Wonderful aromas of currants and blackberries, with hints of spices and licorice developing in the glass. Full bodied, with very well integrated tannins and a clean, fruity finish. This is elegant and pretty for a rich wine. Pull the cork after 2013.
 

JS  93

*Sale Price: $64.98

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Kistler
2007 Chardonnay
Dutton Vineyard Russian River Valley

Bright gold. Nervier and more mineral-driven than the McCrea, offering vivid lime and lemongrass aromas and notes of quinine, ginger and spicecake. Taut, focused and pure, with an impressive blend of depth and briskness to its citrus, pear and floral flavors. The finish repeats the pear and mineral notes and clings with excellent tenacity.


ST  93

Sale Price: $99.99

stephan ridge

Stephan Ridge
2010 Red Blend
Paso Robles

70% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot. 100% Estate Fruit and only 700 cases produced. This wine is ruby red, with aromas of fresh raspberries, mineral notes, and fresh fig. Coffee notes are repeated in the mouth, along with red berry fruit, fresh plum, and blueberries. Stephan Ridge 2010 sees very little oak, and was designed for early and easy drinking. Perfect patio/ barbecue wine, it is also an excellent foil to fresh cheese, burgers, pizza, and tapas. Winery.

QPR  93

Sale Price: $22.95

 

Silkwood
2007 Petite Sirah
Stanislaus County

This wine is Amazingly rich and palate staining with pure blueberry pie and the crust to go with it...Best to open up the day before and let it breathe for 24 hours. It has layers upon layers of flavors to please the palate. Enjoy. Aged for 48 months is French oak.


QPR  93

Sale Price: $34.99

Siduri
2010 Pinot Noir
Sierra Mar Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands

The 2010 Pinot Noir Sierra Mar is ripe, juicy and explosive. Layers of dark red fruit, gorgeous fragrance and freshly cut flowers are some of the notes that flow from this generous, fleshy Pinot. Silky tannins frame the exceptionally elegant, polished finish. This is a stunning wine from Adam and Dianna Lee. This is only the third vintage for Sierra Mar, but based on what I have tasted so far, this certainly seems like a superb spot for Pinot. The predominant clones are 943, 777, 23 and Pommard. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. Antonio Galloni.

RP  93

Sale Price: $39.99

BV
2007 Tapestry
Napa Valley

Shows excellent structure, intensity, depth and concentration, with a mix of spice, dried currant, blackberry, mocha, cedar and licorice. Full-bodied, at points rustic and chewy, yet also elegant and refined, ending with earthy graphite tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Best from 2011 through 2020. 

WS  93

Sale Price: $39.99

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Fontodi
2008 Chianti Classico
Tuscany

This is a solid Chianti Classico, with beautiful plum, berry and milk chocolate aromas and flavors. Full body, with soft and velvety tannins and a long juicy finish. Really excellent. Fontodi is one of the stars of the region. Made from organic grapes. Drink now. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase ) 

JS  93

Sale Price: $27.99

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Blackbird Vineyards Illustration
2008 Proprietary Red
Napa Valley

Lush. smooth and complex, this Merlot-based blend seems capable of a little development in the cellar. It’s pretty tannic, although the cherry fruit is sweet and bright. Try holding for a year or two, but if you pop the cork now, give the wine a few hours of decanting.
 

WE  93

 *Sale Price: $77.99

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Blackbird Vineyards Arise
2008 Bordeaux Red
Napa Valley

Very much reminiscent of fine claret in structure but charged with lots of well-ripened Napa Valley fruit, "Arise" is a tighter, more structured wine than its cellarmate below and offers up a different mix of dark currants, raspberries, briar and sweet loam. It makes good use of creamy oak and is always controlled in its richness, and, while it does come with the curt tannic warning that it wants plenty of patience, it will age without risk for as long as a decade or more.

CG  93

*Sale Price: $44.99

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Bond
2003 Pluribus
Napa Valley

Bond’s new baby, Pluribus, is primarily all Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyard planted high on SpringMountain (at a 900 foot elevation). As one might expect, the 2003 Pluribus exhibits an inky/blue/purple color in addition to a beautiful bouquet of blueberries, violets, and crushed rocks. Pure, rich, and streamlined, with blue and black fruit flavors that linger on the palate, this distinctive red should drink well for 15 or more years.

RP  93

Sale Price: $197.99

novy syrah

Novy
2008 Syrah
Gary's Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands

The 2008 Syrah Garys' Vineyard is a seriously endowed, voluptuously textured, opulent effort. It possesses an opaque ruby/purple color, a sweet, peppery, meaty nose with lots of black fruits and forest floor characteristics, a seamless personality, gorgeous fruit concentration, and a long, layered finish. It, too, should be consumed over the next 5-7 years. 
 

RP  93

*Sale Price: $34.99

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Michele Castellani
2006 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Colle Cristi
Veneto

Shows dried berry, spice and cigar box notes, with dried fruits. Full-bodied, with round, caressing tannins and lots of ripe fruit and toasty oak, yet balanced and juicy. Why wait? But patience will pay off. Best from 2011 through 2018. Only 2,000 cases made.
 

WS  93

Sale Price: $39.99

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Beringer
1993 Merlot
Howell Mountain Bancrof Ranch Napa Valley

The 1993 and 1994 Bancroft Vineyard Merlots are two of the greatest Merlots that have been produced in California. Both are huge, massive, exceptionally concentrated Merlots with opaque purple colors, marvelous, concentrated flavors, lush, viscous textures, an expansive inner-core of fruit, and well-integrated tannin.

RP  93

Sale Price: $69.99

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Beringer
1996 Merlot
Howell Mountain Bancrof Ranch Napa Valley

The 1996 Merlot Bancroft Ranch was showing much better when I tasted it this year than it did eleven months earlier. The wine boasts a saturated purple color, as well as an exquisite nose of brandy-infused black cherries intermixed with melted chocolate. Dense and full-bodied, with striking sweetness and purity, this full-bodied, multi-layered Merlot has developed beautifully. Although it will benefit from another 4-5 years of bottle age, it can be drunk now, or cellared. It will keep for 15 years. Beringer does a superb job with its production from the Bancroft Ranch on Howell Mountain. About 8,000 cases of their single vineyard Merlot are produced. The wine spends 20 months in French oak coopered by the well-known house of Seguin-Moreau.  

RP  93

Sale Price: $79.99

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Beau Vigne
2007 Juliet Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

A very good value in top-flight Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is Beau Vigne’s 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Juliet. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it exhibits a dark ruby/purple color in addition to abundant amounts of creme de cassis and floral characteristics, full-bodied power, supple tannins, a layered mouthfeel, and a long, savory finish. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 15+ years.
 

RP  93

Sale Price: $49.99

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Valle Reale
2007 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo San Calisto
Abruzzi

The top of the line 2007 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo San Calisto flows across the palate with layers of blue and black fruit. Mineral notes appear later, adding balance and proportion as the wine builds towards its explosive, elegant finish. The San Calisto spent 18 months in new French oak, all of which has been absorbed with no issues whatsoever.

RP  93

Sale Price: $26.99

Seghesio
2007 Zinfandel San Lorenzo
Alexander Valley

The late-released 2007 Zinfandel San Lorenzo is primarily Zinfandel with some Petite Sirah and Carignan in the blend, which is typical of these old-vine parcels, planted by the first and second generation of Italian farmers to come to Northern California. Deep ruby/purple, with plenty of briary, berry fruit, the wine is peppery and spicy, with wonderful opulence and a full-bodied mouthfeel. Delicious already, but also complex and mouthfilling, this is a stunning California Zinfandel to drink over the next 4-5 years.

RP  93

Sale Price: $42.99

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Seavey
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals the vintage’s burly, masculine, and muscular side. The wine is stacked and packed with fruit, extract, tannin, and muscle, but possesses much less suppleness and complexity than the 2005 or the sweetness of the 2007. The 2006, with chocolate, scorched earth, blackberry, and espresso roast notes, is shut down and dense at present, but is impressive, although in a backward style. This wine needs to be forgotten for at least 5-6 years. It is a powerful wine, but don’t touch it before 2013, and drink it over the following three decades.

RP  93

Sale Price: $59.99

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Fisher Coach Insignia
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

Inviting elements of black cherries and raspberries are overlain in the nose by a rich veneer of cocoa, caramel and sweet toast, and, while the wine similarly does not stint on creamy oak in its flavors, optimally ripened fruit is what drives this well-focused working from beginning to end. Full in weight, fleshy and nicely extracted, it has the tannic underpinnings of a wine meant for age. Leave it alone for at least three or four years and expect it to deepen for a decade or more.

CG  93

Sale Price: $62.99

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Linne Calodo
2008 Nemesis
Paso Robles

(82% syrah, 14% mourvedre and 4% grenache) Opaque ruby. Complex, decadent aromas of blackberry liqueur, licorice, black cardamom, spicecake and espresso. Deep, sweet and tactile on the palate, offering dense dark fruit flavors and surprising energy. Finishes with a firm tannic backbone and lingering bitter chocolate, blackberry compote and candied licorice notes. Forget this one for a few years, at least.
 
ST  93

Sale Price: $89.99

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Erna Schein
2005 Petite Sirah
Spring Mountain District Napa Valley

Saturated medium ruby. Wild, reduced nose offers liqueur-like black fruits, licorice and meat. Superconcentrated, chewy and sweet, with syrah-like saline and game qualities to the intense dark fruit, violet and chocolate flavors. Very densely packed if a bit youthfully aggressive wine, finishing with serious tannic clout and persistent flavors of meat and raspberry liqueur. Is it possible these old vines are actually syrah?

ST  93

*Sale Price: $52.99

Keplinger
2008 Lithic
Amador County

(46% mourvedre, 40% grenache and 14% syrah, with some of the grenache vinified with whole clusters; from uplifted volcanic soil rich in quart, basalt, shale and soapstone at an altitude of 1,700 feet; done in neutral oak):  Good full red.  Aromas of roasted strawberry, tree bark and minerals.  Sweet and plush on entry, then quite firm in the middle, thanks to strong flinty minerality and gunmetal notes that give cut to the wine's broad, dry finish.  This very complex, mourvedre-dominated wine displays a compelling weightless quality.  Finishes with excellent energy and substantial suave tannins. 

ST  93

Sale Price: $39.99

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DeLille Cellars
2004 Chaleur Estate
Yakima Valley

The 2004 Chaleur Estate is a blend from three vineyards, predominantly in the Red Mountain AVA, and is composed of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot,7% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Purple-colored, it presents a Bordeaux-like perfume of cedar, vanilla, spice box, cranberry, cassis, clove, and black currants. This is followed by a full-bodied wine with gobs of ripe fruit, serious depth and concentration, soft tannins, and complex flavors. Drink this hedonistic effort over the next 10-12 years.
 

RP  93

Sale Price: $64.99

Quilceda Creek
2007 Red Blend
Columbia Valley

The 2007 Red Wine is composed of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Malbec. As always, it is a great value offering a fragrant, already complex nose of confiture of black fruits, incense, and Asian spices. On the palate it is savory and elegant with a plush texture. It is likely to evolve for several years but there is no compelling reason to defer gratification. Jay Miller. 
 

RP  93

Sale Price: $56.99

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John Duval Wines
2006 Eligo
Barossa Valley

The top cuvee is the 2006 Eligo Shiraz which spent 20 months in 66% new French oak hogsheads. Opaque purple-colored, it emits a fragrant, captivating nose of Asian spices, toasty oak, incense, blueberry, and licorice. Full-bodied and structured with the fruit to match, this packed effort will evolve for 5-7 years and offer a drinking window extending from 2015 to 2026. Jay Miller.

RP  93

*Sale Price: $89.99

mauritson cab 

Mauritson
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma County

The 2007 Mauritson Sonoma County Cabernet is explosive in the nose. Ripe red fruit jumps out of the glass accented with aromas of dust, cassis, vanilla, and hints of mineral. On the front palate, the wine is both juicy and serious. The lush fruit gives way to tobacco and sweet oak. The fine grained nature of the tannins begins to present itself: at first the mouth feel is broad and sweeping, but as the wine moves back on the palate, it gains focus, finishing with full tannins. There is nothing astringent or overpowering about the wine, yet the delicacy and complexity can not fully be appreciated until after the last sip is gone. Please enjoy this responsibly over the next 7 to 10 years. Winery.
 

QPR  92

Sale Price: $24.99

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Araujo
2005 Altagracia
Napa Valley

As for the 2005 Altagracia, which had been bottled several months before my visit, much like its sibling, it is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot. (The 2004 is 94% Cabernet Sauvignon.) A slightly bigger cuvee of nearly 1,200 cases, the wine has an almost French personality with its elegant, pure cedary and black currant fruit intermixed with hints of chocolate, oak, and earth. The tannins are supple, and the wine medium to full-bodied, very enjoyable already, yet capable of lasting 12-15 years." Organic/biodynamic (not certified).

RP  92

Sale Price: $71.99

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Luca
2009 Malbec
Mendoza Argentina

The 2009 Malbec spent 16 months in 60% new French oak. It displays a fragrant perfume of lavender, wood smoke, spice box, black cherry, and blackberry leading to a smooth-textured, succulent, easygoing Malbec with a bit of hidden structure and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. Although it is likely to evolve for 1-2 years, it can be approached now and over the next 10 years.
( 12 bottle purchase only )

RP  92

*Sale Price: $24.97

Chateau L'Arrosee
1986 Bordeaux Blend
St. Emilion

For L'Arrosee, this vintage has taken an atypically long time to round into shape. It has always possessed considerable power as well as a muscular, concentrated style and hefty tannin. Beginning to shed its tannin, it reveals an intriguing dusty herb, black cherry, kirsch, and mineral-scented nose, with subtle vanillin from new oak in the background. There are medium-bodied, concentrated flavors with some firm tannin, but by and large this is a very accessible wine. It remains youthful, with only a hint of amber at the edge of its deep ruby/purple color. This will undoubtedly be one of L'Arrosee's longest lived wines since their 1961. Anticipated maturity: now-2012. ( 12 bottles available)

RP  92

Sale Price: $89.99

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Pahlmeyer
2008 Merlot
Napa Valley

One of the few world-class Merlots in Napa Valley has always come from Pahlmeyer, and the 2008 looks to be no exception. Inky purple-colored, the wine offers up chocolatey espresso/mocha/cocoa notes as well as plenty of plum, black cherry and blacker fruits. Medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins, surprising elegance, and good richness, it is not the blockbuster it can be in some vintages, but it is very stylish and should drink well for 10-15 years.

ST  92

*Sale Price: $65.99

Quilceda Creek
2008  Red Blend
Columbia Valley

The Quilceda Creek lineup begins with the 2008 Red Wine made up of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Aromas of cedar, spice box, mineral, incense, black currant, and blackberry inform the nose of a ripe, savory, smooth-textured wine. In the glass it displays more minerality, excellent volume, and enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years. Enjoy this first-class effort now through 2020.

RP  92

Sale Price: $49.99

Laurent-Perrier
2002 Brut Millesime
Champagne

Light, bright yellow. Fragrant, complex scents of Meyer lemon, pear, peach pit and toasty lees. Juicy and precise, with very good depth to its spice citrus and floral flavors. The deeper pear and peach notes come back on the finish, which lingers with serious smoky intensity. This Champagne's density and focus bode well for cellaring. ( 3 bottle minimum purchase )

ST  92

Sale Price: $46.99

Siduri
2006 Pinot Noir
Terra de Promissio Vineyard Sonoma

A gorgeous Pinot Noir that combines cool, classic Sonoma Coast with the Siduri style of lush fruit. This wine is not a blockbuster, but is extraordinarily good now, with grilled blackberry, cherry, cola, cinnamon, clove and anise flavors. Does the magical trick of balancing power and delicacy.

WE  92

Sale Price: $34.99

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White Rock Vineyards
2004 Laureate Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

Impressive from the first sniff of ripe currants, creamy oak, sweet cherries and hints of pencil lead all the way through to its firm but accessible, lengthy finish, this lovely wine is a triumph at every stop. Its full and supple feel on the palate is reminiscent of the best from the Stags Leap District.

CG  92

Sale Price: $41.99

Domaine Servin
2009 Chablis Vaillons
Burgundy

The 2009 Chablis Vaillons shows gorgeous vibrancy and freshness throughout. Freshly cut flowers, sweet herbs and peaches are some of the notes that emerge from this wiry, focused offering. The Vaillons impresses for its impeccable balance and poise. A finely knit fabric of expressive fruit caresses the palate from start to finish, where high-toned saline notes add the last nuances of brightness. Antonio Galloni.

RP  92

Sale Price: $28.99

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Beringer
1994 Merlot
Howell Mountain Bancroft Ranch Napa Valley

Beringer's Merlot Bancroft Vineyard from their holdings on Howell Mountain tends to be a blend of approximately 90% Merlot and equal portions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. The 1994 Merlot Bancroft Vineyard is one of the most dazzling Merlots they have yet produced. While closed initially, the wine opens quickly in the glass. The dark ruby/purple color is followed by smoky, chocolatey, and black cherry aromas with new oak in the background. In the mouth, this wine is full-bodied, with explosive levels of glycerin and richness on the back of the palate. Dense, concentrated, tannic, and angular, it is capable of lasting 15+ years.

RP  92

Sale Price: $69.99

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Turnbull
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

The brilliant 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is the real deal. Incense, forest flowers, black fruits, and crushed rock, jump from the glass of this inky purple-colored wine. Full-bodied, dense, and voluptuously textured, this is a beauty, a superb bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon that should drink well young but age 15-10 years. Bravo! 

RP  92

Sale Price: $37.99

Kesner
2008 Chardonnay
Hudson Vineyard Carneros

Light greenish gold. Wild, highly perfumed aromas of poached pear, dried fig, candied ginger and iodine, with a smoky mineral overlay. Deeply pitched and smoky in the mouth, offering dense orchard fruit and floral flavors with brighter notes of orange rind and anise. The iodine element comes back strong on the finish, which leaves spice and mineral notes behind. Very impressive, and complex enough to drink now. 

ST  92

*Sale Price: $49.99

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John Anthony
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

A great buy considering the high quality of the wine, this purple-colored 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon offers up copious aromas of flowers, blueberries, black currants and cherries intermixed with notions of licorice and underbrush. Full-bodied and pure, it builds incrementally in the mouth displaying impressive winemaking craftsmanship. Enjoy it over the next 10-15 years. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase ) 

RP  92

Sale Price: $42.99

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Cellars Can Blau
2007 Mas Can Blau
Montsant

Glass-staining purple. Exotically perfumed bouquet of raspberry, blueberry, violet, cracked pepper and olive, plus a slow-building cola quality. Intense dark berry flavors stain the palate, yet this wine possesses a pinot-like delicacy and precision, with lively mineral and Asian spice qualities adding energy and back-end lift. The cola note repeats on the tangy, focused, very long finish. This wine has the balance to reward a few more years in the cellar but is delicious right now, so why wait? ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

ST  92

*Sale Price: $36.99

Etude
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa (2,565 cases produced) is a delicious, fruit-forward, opaque ruby/purple-colored, elegant wine displaying lots of blackberry and cassis flavors. A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec, it is a round, generous, seductive red dominated by blue and black fruits. Enjoy it over the next 10+ years. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

RP  92

Sale Price: $49.99

Chateau Calon Segur
1996 Bordeaux Blend
Saint-Estephe

Dark ruby-colored, with a complex nose of dried herbs, Asian spices, and black cherry jam intermixed with cassis, it possesses outstanding purity, and considerable tannin in the finish. This classic, medium to full-bodied, traditionally made wine improves dramatically with airing, suggesting it will have a very long life. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2028. ( 12 bottles available )

RP  92

Sale Price: $108.99

Pegasus Bay
2006 Pinot Noir
Canterbury New Zealand

Fermented with 10% whole bunches and matured in 30% new French oak, the intellectual 2006 Pinot Noir has a very natural nose, less fruit-driven than expected with more woodland, tertiary scents. Very well-balanced on the palate, slightly grainy tannins, dark fruit but not the usual black cherry. This has damson and mulberries to the fore, again that beguiling sense of earthiness. Introverted on the very natural elegant dry finish. Superb. Neal Martin.

RP  92

Sale Price: $38.99

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Ridge
1994 Monte Bello
Santa Cruz Mountains

Dark-colored, rich and earthy, with complex, mouthcoating currant, anise and minerally scents that pick up a tobacco and leather quality on the finish. Youthful and still firmly tannic, this is a well-balanced, inviting young Cabernet that should keep well for another decade.

WS  92

*Sale Price: $129.99

Beni di Batasiolo
2004 Barolo Riserva
Piedmont Italy

A harmonious version, boasting sweet cherry, berry and plum flavors accented by licorice and leather notes. This is well-toned and dense, but stays light on its feet. Very elegant overall. Best from 2014 through 2028.

WS  92

Sale Price: $29.99

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BenMarco
2008 Expresivo
Mendoza Argentina

The 2008 BenMarco Expresivo is a blend of 50% Malbec, 20% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Tannat and Petit Verdot aged for 14 months in new French and American oak. Dark ruby red in color, it displays an already complex bouquet of wood smoke, Asian spices, incense, and assorted black fruits. On the palate it is supple-textured, rich, and plush with no hard edges. There is a bit of underlying tannin in this lengthy effort which is likely to evolve for several more years. It will provide a drinking window extending from 2012 to 2023. Jay Miller. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )


RP  92

*Sale Price: $29.99

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Araujo
2006 Altagracia
Napa Valley

One of the best second wines made in California is the selection for what Araujo calls Altagracia. The 2006 Altagracia is a soft, round, up-front, seductive wine with sweet black currant and cherry fruit interwoven with hints of licorice, roasted herbs, and earth. This gracious, generously endowed wine is pure, lush, and ideal for drinking over the next 10 or so years. 

RP  92

Sale Price: $84.99

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Robert Mondavi
1996 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

The 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve may be no better than the Oakville, but it is made in a slightly different style. The color is opaque purple, and the wine reveals more vanillin, a touch of mint, and plenty of black currant fruit in its moderately intense aromatics. Some of the vintage's dry tannin (from this year's stressed vineyard conditions) is present in the wine's finish. A more stylish, restrained, less exuberant example than the 1996 Oakville, it is an outstanding offering that should be consumed between 2002-2025.
 

RP  92

Sale Price: $69.99

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Merus
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon 
Napa Valley

Although closed at present, Merus’ inky/purple-colored 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon displays enormous power and richness. It is a massive, blockbuster-styled effort possessing black fruits, plenty of spicy oak, hints of licorice and graphite, and mouth-staining tannins and extract in the finish. Forget it for 4-5 years, and drink it over the following 20-25.

RP  92

Sale Price: $139.99

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Turley Wine Cellars
2007 Petite Syrah
Pesenti Vineyard Paso Robles

The dense purple-colored 2007 Petite Syrah Pesenti Vineyard (limestone hillsides) boasts huge body, great acidity for a wine of such mass and substance, and an almost impenetrable, broodingly backward personality. This monster should only be purchased by true connoisseurs who have cool cellars, and the patience to wait for this wine to come around. Give it 5-10 years of bottle age, and drink it over the following 30+ years.

RP  92

Sale Price: $69.99

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Turley Wine Cellars
2009 Zinfandel
Zampatti Vineyard Sonoma County

From Sonoma, the dark plum/ruby-tinged 2009 Zinfandel Zampatti Vineyard (a vineyard planted in 1905) reveals abundant aromas of lavender, Provencal garrigue, black cherries, black currants and balsam wood. With a Provencal-like personality, this medium to full-bodied, supple Zinfandel is best consumed over the next 5-6 years.

RP  92

Sale Price: $49.99

Colonial Estate
2006 Emigre
Barossa Valley

The Colonial Estate’s two flagship wines come from their own property. The 2006 Emigre is a blend of four vineyards and six grape varieties (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, and Muscadelle) with yields less than one ton per acre. The complex aromas include smoke, underbrush, mineral, espresso, black cherry, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a full-bodied, layered, concentrated wine with spicy, savory flavors, good depth, and several years of aging potential. Drink it from 2012 to 2025. Jay Miller.

RP  92

Sale Price: $59.99

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Kistler
2007 Chardonnay
McCrea Vineyard Sonoma Mountain

The minerality is evident in virtually all of these wines. It jumps from the glass of the 2007 Chardonnay McCrea Vineyard. This cool Sonoma Mountain site offers up notes of tropical fruit, honeysuckle, citrus blossoms, and wet stones. It is full-bodied, crisp, restrained, but loaded with concentrated fruit and long in the mouth.

RP  92

Sale Price: $89.99

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Kosta Browne
2008 Pinot Noir
Gap's Crown Vineyard Sonoma Coast

Supple, open-knit, smooth-textured and full-bodied, with a mix of ripe plum, black cherry, wild berry and raspberry, gaining depth and velocity. Ends with touches of spice and black tea, with fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2016. Only 690 cases made.

WS  92

Sale Price: $76.99

Diadema
2007 D'Amare
Tuscany

A round, fruity red, with dried dark fruits and toasty oak, as well as some coffee. Full-bodied, with a juicy finish. Best after 2010. Only 1,500 cases imported.

WS  92

Sale Price: $37.99

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La Jota
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Howell Mountain Napa Valley

The grapes for our Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon were grown in our La Jota Estate vineyard and our Keyes vineyard. La Jota vineyard is located high upon a volcanic Howell Mountain plateau overlooking Napa Valley. Our unique spot, surrounded by pines, firs, oak and madrone trees, is characterized by cool-climate terroir and winds coming up the canyon. We choose a selection of our softer-textured Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard blocks to give this wine earlier approachability, while capturing full expression of La Jota's cool-climate terroir. The Keyes vineyard, a mile down the road and with a very different terroir, provides a 'pop' of bright fruit character and broader tannins. The Petit Verdot was harvested from a small planting near the winery. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase ) 

QPR  92

*Sale Price: $34.99

Nickel & Nickel
2009 Chardonnay
Medina Vineyad Russian River Valley

Floral and mineral components are quite expressive in the 2009 Medina Chardonnay. Muscat overtones laced with flavors of kiwi and apple mix with an oily, mineral quality that fills the middle palate. The natural acidity is nicely balanced by this medley of flavors and offers up hints of citrus that leave the mouth watering. This wine strikes a nice balance between fruit, acid and oak creating a wine with an opulent middle palate that carries the fruit into a long, persistent finish. Winery notes.

QPR  92

*Sale Price: $32.99

Tikal
2008 Jubilo
Mendoza Argentina

The 2008 Jubilo is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Malbec aged for 12 months in 70% new French oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it gives up an alluring nose of pain grille, pencil lead, spice box, incense, black currant, and black cherry. This is followed by an already complex, velvety-textured, plush wine with layered fruit, excellent volume, impeccable balance, and a lengthy finish. Drink it from 2013 to 2023. Jay Miller. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

RP  92

*Sale Price: $32.99

Tikal
2009 Amorio Malbec
Mendoza Argentina

The 2009 Amorio is 100% Malbec sourced from an ungrafted 43-year-old vineyard and aged for 16 months in 60% new French oak before bottling without fining or filtration (as are all of these wines). Purple-colored with legs that coat the glass, it exhibits an expressive nose of balsam wood, smoke, spice box, lavender, and black cherry. This leads to a medium-bodied, elegant style of Malbec with plenty of savory fruit and incipient complexity. Give this lengthy offering 2-3 years of additional cellaring and drink it from 2012 to 2024. Jay Miller. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

RP  92

*Sale Price: $27.99

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K Vintners
2009 Syrah
Pheasant Vineyard Wahluke Slope

The single vineyard 2009 K Vintners Syrah Pheasant Vineyard sports a clean, fresh profile with blackberry and raspberry style fruit aromatics that are laced with lavender, spice, and toast nuances on the nose. Probably the most straight forward aromatically, showing a more fruit forward character, the wine is medium to full bodied on the palate and possesses a rich, chewy, and mouth filling texture, ripe tannin, and solid length on the finish. I like it now, but as with the other Syrahs from this estate, it should continue to evolve and age well for up to a decade. The Rhone Report.

RR  92

*Sale Price: $31.98

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Soda Canyon Cellars
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

This is a very lively and somewhat boldly stated Napa Cab. It has a wonderful aroma of rich black cherry, mocha, black licorice, crushed herbs and rocky soil. It is a brooding arrangement of Cabernet in its masculine form. The palate is thick and dense with more of these aromas taking shape in the mouth. The licorice leaps quickly into play, followed by the blackberry fruit, dried black stone fruits and savory minerality. The tannins are firm but not too pushy. More sincere black chocolate and mocha than pure tannic adrenaline. The mouthfeel is filling and speaks in many ways to the terroir of where this wine is from. It is a "young soul" Cab for certain. Only 300 cases made. Winemaker's notes. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

QPR  92

Sale Price: $43.99

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Dalla Valle
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon has put on considerable weight over the last 12 months. It exhibits aromas of melted licorice, creme de cassis, burning embers, black currants, cherries, and smoky, meaty notes. Rich, full-bodied, and dense, but surprisingly accessible, it is ideal for drinking over the next 15+ years.
 

RP  92

Sale Price: $189.99

Chateau Leoville Barton
1996 Bordeaux Blend
St. Julien

This impressive wine is a classic. Although backward, it exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to abundant black currant fruit intertwined with spicy oak and truffle-like scents. The wine is brilliantly made, full-bodied, and tightly-structured with plenty of muscle and outstanding concentration and purity. It should turn out to be a long-lived Leoville Barton, and somewhat of a sleeper. However, patience will be required. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2030.

RP  92

Sale Price: $119.99

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Linne  Calodo Cellars
2007 Screwball
Paso Robles

The affectionately named 2007 Screwball (90% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre) is again a wine with loads of floral-infused, deep berry fruit and blackberries, a hint of charcoal, a lush, fat concentrated mouthfeel, and a full-bodied finish with loads of glycerin and intensity. It’s a beauty and should drink nicely for 10-15 years.

RP  92

Sale Price: $95.99

Lynsolence
2003 Bordeaux Blend Grand Cru
Saint-Emilion

A tiny 6.5-acre vineyard planted in light gravel/sandy soils not far from Monbousquet and Valandraud, Lynsolence’s proprietor, Denis Baraud, is an up-and-coming star of St.-Emilion. Made from yields of 19 hectoliters per hectare, the 2003 (100% Merlot that achieved 14.5% alcohol) is an exuberant, flamboyant, modern-styled St.-Emilion displaying an inky/plum/purple color, a big, sweet, ostentatious bouquet (smoke, new oak, blackberries, cassis), low acidity, a dense, chewy personality, abundant fruit and glycerin, and plenty of flesh covering its structural skeleton. Sadly, there are only 525 cases of this gorgeous offering. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 12-14 years of life.

RP  92

Sale Price: $39.99

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Guarachi Family
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

Firm, intense and concentrated, presenting a complex mix of loamy earth, dried currant, cedar and blackberry fruit that's fresh and vibrant, picking up anise and blackberry flavors on the finish. Drink now through 2018. 1,269 cases made.

WS  92

Sale Price: $49.99


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Chateau Fonplegade
2005 Bordeaux Blend
St. Emilion

Now owned by an American syndicate, this hillside property, not far from Angelus, has been completely renovated, and the quality has risen with each new vintage. The finest wine I’ve tasted over the last three decades is their 2005, which exhibits a dense purple color as well as a sweet nose of black currant and cherry jam intermixed with licorice, smoke, espresso roast, and scorched earth. Full-bodied with impressive concentration, a beautiful texture, and a long, 40+ second finish, this superb wine is unquestionably a sleeper of the vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2030.

RP  92

Sale Price: $49.98

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Martinelli Vineyards
2007 Pinot Noir
Bondi Home Ranch Green Valley

Vivid red. Vibrant red and dark berry scents are complicated by white pepper, dried rose and smoky minerals. Impressively fresh strawberry and black raspberry flavors stain the palate, picking up a bitter licorice quality on the back end. Puts on weight with air and finishes with a jolt of smoky Indian spices. This is the most open-knit of the pinots this year.

ST  92

Sale Price: $69.99

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Sea Smoke Cellars
2006 Pinot Noir Ten
Santa Rita Hills

Combines a mix of bold, ripe and richly flavored black cherry, wild berry, plum and blackberry fruit with touches of spice, cedar and wild berry. Ends with a long, elegant, detailed finish. Drink now through 2012. Only 1,500 cases made.

WS  92

Sale Price: $99.99

Paul Dethune
Grand Cru Brut Rose
Champagne

Dark pink.  Lively aromas of strawberry, raspberry and pungent flowers, with smoky minerality and a touch of Asian spices.  Very pinot today, offering zesty red fruit and spice flavors and a sexy rose pastille quality.  A chalky mineral quality adds cut and lift to a long, sappy finish.  This will be extremely flexible with food.  Déthune’s vineyards are all in the grand cru village of Ambonnay.
 
ST  92

Sale Price: $49.99

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Saint Cosme
2004 Cote Rotie
Northern Rhone Valley

The floral, exotic 2004 Cote Rotie is one of the better examples I tasted in this vintage (the crop was gigantic). Its deep ruby color is followed by copious amounts of sweet raspberry fruit intermixed with pepper, herb, and toasty new oak notes. Drink it over the next 8-10 years.

RP  92

*Sale Price: $49.99

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Saggi
2005 Proprietary Red Blend
Columbia Valley

The 2005 Saggi is made by Ambrogio and Giovanni Folonari of the well-known Tuscan family whose winemaking history dates back to the late 1700s. The wine is made up of 45% Sangiovese, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Syrah aged for 16 months in 70% new French oak. This purple-colored wine offers aromas of pain grille, spice box, earth notes, black cherry, and blueberry. Smooth-textured, layered, and ripe, this well-balanced effort has gobs of savory fruit, excellent depth and concentration, and a lengthy finish. It should be in its prime from 2012 to 2020.

RP  92

Sale Price: $39.99

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Merry Edwards
2006 Pinot Noir
Tobias Glen Russian River Valley

Keyed in the nose on the pure, cherry- like fruit that exemplifies Russian River Valley Pinot Noir at its best, this wine shows both plenty of depth and an uncommon sense of sophistication right from the very first. Although balanced and even a touch supple to start, it follows its mates insofar as it firms and takes on a slight bit of latter-palate toughness, but its fruit and its impressions of depth do not abate, and age is again very much needed.

CG  92

Sale Price: $59.99

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Merry Edwards
2006 Pinot Noir
Olivet Lane Russian River Valley

Not unlike the Marimar wines, but more fully concentrated, this wine has always contained quite ample acidity and asked for bottle aging. Its fairly precise varietal aroma of red cherries with hints of sweet spices and a dollop of creme brulee and slightly toasty oak puts it out ahead of the crowd, and its full and impeccably balanced palatal impressions only add to its luster. It will benefit from bottle age but does not demand overly long patience.

CG  92

Sale Price: $57.99

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Luca Beso de Dante
2007 Red Blend
Mendoza Argentina

The 2007 Beso de Dante is a blend of 55% Malbec and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 12 months in 70% new French oak before bottling without fining or filtration. It emits an alluring bouquet of pain grille, pencil lead, violets, black currant, and black cherry. Dense, spicy, and concentrated on the palate, this full-bodied effort has layers of savory fruit, enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years, and a lengthy finish. Drink it from 2011 to 2022. Jay Miller.

RP  92

*Sale Price: $42.99

Newton
2007 Unfiltered Chardonnay
Napa Valley

Very dry, a lean, austere Chardonnay currently marked by aloof flavors of lemons, limes and oak. Yet there's something going on. As the wine warms in the glass it becomes richer, showing hidden pineapple tart, macadamia and creme brulee. Firm, minerally acidity is there throughout, making for a mouthwatering cleanliness. Drink this streamlined, Chablis-like wine now–2013.

WE  92

Sale Price: $39.99

Chateau La Tour Blanche
1988 Sauternes
Bordeaux

The 1988 exhibits superb richness, plenty of botrytis, creamy, honeyed, tropical fruit (pineapples galore), wonderfully integrated, toasty oak, crisp acidity, and a rich, full-bodied, long finish. The wine is just beginning to evolve and it is clearly capable of lasting for 25-35 years. This is a classic Sauterne that remains underpriced given the resurgence of this well-known estate.

RP  92

Sale Price: $69.99

Justin
2008 Isosceles
Paso Robles

Far more showy was a barrel sample of the 2008 Isosceles Reserve, composed of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. It exhibits sweeter tannins along with dense black fruits intermixed with charcoal, creme de cassis, roasted herbs, and spice box. It is a big, thick, juicy, nearly over-the-top wine with impressive balance.

RP  92

*Sale Price: $49.99

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Atteca
2007 Armas 
Old Vines Calatayud

(100% garnacha from vines planted in 1909) Opaque purple. Heady aromas of black and blue fruits, incense, smoky minerals and cured beef. Deep, sweet and expansive, offering vivid blackberry and blueberry flavors along with candied violet and suggestions of cinnamon, allspice and clove. The spiciness repeats strongly on the finish, which is strikingly fresh, energetic and long. This is very seductive right now and ready to drink.

ST  92

Sale Price: $34.99

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Luca
2007 Chardonnay
Mendoza Argentina

The Chardonnay has arguably been one of the 3-4 best produced in Argentina for a number of years and the 2007 Chardonnay is no exception. It was 100% barrel-fermented, went through full malolactic fermentation, and was aged for 12 months in 50% new French oak on its lees. Light gold-colored, it has an outstanding bouquet of spiced apple and poached pear, with tropical fruits in the background. Medium to full-bodied, mineral and oak notes emerge on the palate accompanied by lively acidity, layered flavors, and excellent balance. Drink this classy Chardonnay over the next 3-4 years. Jay Miller.

RP  92

*Sale Price: $27.99

Leonetti Cellar
2008 Sangiovese
Walla Walla Valley

The 2008 Sangiovese is redolent of dark cherries and spices. Intense, racy, and structured, this beautifully proportioned wine will perform optimally from 2012 to 2023. Jay Miller.

RP  92

*Sale Price: $58.99

Au Bon Climat
2007 Pinot Noir Isabelle 
Santa Maria Valley

Light, bright red. Sexy aromas of strawberry, raspberry, Asian spices and rose; smells like a suave Chambolle-Musigny. Light on its feet, with graceful, concentrated red fruit flavors and notes of candied flowers and tangy minerals. Impressively elegant pinot with strong finishing florality and lingering sweetness. I'd love to serve this to a die-hard Burgundy lover.

ST  92

Sale Price: $47.99

Lewis Cellars
2009 Chardonnay 
Napa Valley

Combines ripe, rich fruit with a sense of elegance and finesse, offering a depth of fruit, with spice, pear, apple, honeydew melon and toasty, cedary oak. Full-bodied, intense and concentrated, ending with a long, full finish. Drink now through 2016.

WS  92

*Sale Price: $51.98

Breggo
2009 Pinot Noir 
Anderson Valley

Pure, ripe, vivid and structured, this full-bodied, with a mix of mineral, loamy earth, currant, dried berry, sage and cedar flavors. Very tightly wound, finishing with a wild berry aftertaste. Drink now through 2018.

WS  92

*Sale Price: $35.99

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StarAngel by Montes
2007 Red Blend 
Paso Robles

Marked by complex flavors built around rich mineral, graphite, dried berry, sage and cedar notes that are slow to unfold but offer wonderful depth, focus and length as they do. Syrah, Grenache and Mourvdre. Drink now through 2022.

WS  92

Sale Price: $59.99

Feudi Di San Gregorio
2005 Serpico 
Campania  Italy

The 2005 Serpico is a marvelous wine that is also in a beautiful place right now. The fruit and aromatics are still impressively vibrant and fresh, but gorgeous varietal notes have begun to develop, rounding out the wine beautifully. Smoke, game, ash, violets and blackberries are some of the nuances that emerge from this medium to full-bodied Serpico. Sweetness from the French oak lingers on the finish, but it is quite subtle and should continue to fade over time. The 2005 has developed beautifully since I last tasted it two years ago. This is a fabulous effort from Feudi. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020+. Antonio Galloni.

RP  92

Sale Price: $49.99

Wallis Family Estate
2007 Little Sister Cabernet Sauvignon 
Diamond Mountain District Napa Valley

The 2007 Little Sister is similar to the Estate cab in that it has a nose of blueberry, cloves, vanilla and toast. Very ripe flavors linger on the pallet with sweet dark fruit, excellent tannin balance with pretty dark chocolate and toasty oak tones. There is a little mocha wrapped around dark chocolate in the finish. This wine is made to be drunk more immediately than the Estate yet could age for an additional 3 or 4 years. Only 300 cases produced. In the recent past, here's where our family fruit has been used: 01,02,03 Ramey and 04,05 Lokoya. Winery notes.
 

QPR  92

Sale Price: $35.99

Pra
2006 Amarone 
Veneto Italy

The 2006 Amarone della Valpolicella from Pra is a big, richly textured wine loaded with dark fruit, flowers, minerals and graphite in a sleek yet beautifully delineated style. This enveloping, beautiful Amarone closes with a long, refreshing finish. As attractive as the wine is today, it will be even better in a few years, once the tannins settle down. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021. Antonio Galloni.

RP  92

Sale Price: $55.99

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Caravina
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon 
Seavey Vineyard Napa Valley

The 2005 Caravina (100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1,100 cases) is showing even better this year than last. Gorgeous fudge/chocolate notes intermixed with blackberry and cassis, sweet silky tannins, and a long finish with no hard edges make for a delicious wine already showing complexity and best drunk over the next 10 years.

RP  92

Sale Price: $39.99

Far Niente
2010 Chardonnay
Napa Valley

Far Niente Chardonnays are classically structured wines that are lush and round on the palate, while displaying the typical intensity of fruit and spicy oak aromas that have become synonymous with our "house style.” While the finish is long and clean, the flavors become increasingly full and complex with time. Winery. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

QPR  92

Sale Price: $34.95

La Colombina
2004 Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany

Very aromatic, showing orange peel and plum, with hints of prune. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, rich finish. This is really rich in the end, with loads of attractive, ripe fruit. Best after 2012. Only 1,000 cases made.

WS  92

Sale Price: $43.99

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Sbragia Family Vineyards
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Cimarossa Howell Mountain Napa Valley

From another Howell Mountain vineyard, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Cimarossa (96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc) , from a vineyard owned by Betty O'Shaughnessy, is a layered, voluptuously textured effort displaying lots of wild mountain berry fruit intermixed with Asian spices, graphite, toasty oak and forest floor. This massive, rich but beautifully balanced Cabernet is aged 24 months in 100% new French oak casks (as are the other Sbragian Cabernets). It should age effortlessly for 15-20 years. 

RP  92

Sale Price: $58.99

Siduri
2006 Pinot Noir 
Amber Ridge Vineyard Russian River

Very much keyed on the pure cherryish fruit that seems so often the message of fine Russian River Pinot Noir, Siduri's Amber Ridge Vineyard bottling is further lifted by a veneer of rich oak and shows touches of briary spice, plums and toast that herald complexity to come. So, too, are there the first signs of velvet beginning to appear, and, as admittedly inviting and fascinating as the wine is now, we would vote for a couple of year's patience with expectations that a very good thing will get even better.
 
CG  92

Sale Price: $39.99

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Quintessa
2006 Red
Napa Valley

A big, powerful wine. Shows classic Quintessa ripeness and density, with focused black cherry, currant, mocha, violet and cedar flavors articulated by firm tannins. Bone dry, this wine, from the winerys hilly estate vineyard in the northeast quadrant of Rutherford, will develop beyond 2012.

WE  92

*Sale Price: $93.99

DeLille Cellars
2007 Doyenne AIX
Columbia Valley

The 2007 Aix is made up of 61% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Mourvedre sourced entirely from the Red Mountain AVA. It gives up a splendid, slightly exotic nose of smoke, spice box, lavender, grilled meat, black currant, and plum. Forward, plush, and spicy, this full-flavored, pleasure-bent offering can be enjoyed now and over the next 6-8 years. Jay Miller. 

RP  92

Sale Price: $36.99

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Bond
2003 Melbury
Napa Valley

The classic, structured 2003 Melbury offers beautiful blueberry, blackberry, and cassis notes interwoven with notions of spring flowers and espresso. This pure, full-bodied, opulent, silky 2003 should age for 10-15 years.

RP  92

Sale Price: $179.99

Marietta
2007 Angeli Cuvee
Alexander Valley

The aromas are deep and rich with layers of dark berry fruits, chocolate notes, brown spices, and a nice background of toasty oak. The flavors are concentrated and lush with very ample tannin and acidity to compliment the weighty mouth feel. This wine will evolve and age gracefully for up to at least 15 years.Winery notes. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

QPR  92

Sale Price: $26.99

Trinchero
2008 Cabernet Franc
Napa Valley

Cabernet Franc is most often used in blends, but it’s intriguing to me to bottle some Cabernet Franc on its own. This wine has an incredible deep garnet color, sarsaparilla and black cherry cola aromas with Cabernet Franc’s signature dried herb aromatics. It boasts juicy red fruit, melted licorice, and toasted green peppercorns and has an uncharacteristically soft mouthfeel for a Cabernet Franc.

QPR  92

*Sale Price: $49.98

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Taylor Fladgate
2005 Vintage Porto Quinta de Vargellas
Portugal

A deep black/opaque hue. A very pure, well-defined nose of black cherries, cassis and plum with a certain “coolness” about it. The palate is full-bodied but for me just lacking a little definition and tension. But very pure again with notes of plum, liquorice, a hint of black pepper and quite a fleshy, supple finish. Very fine.
 

RP  92

Sale Price: $47.98

Barbi
2006 Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany

The 2006 Brunello di Montalcino is one of the more elegant, understated wines of the vintage. Sweet red cherries, tobacco, licorice and new leather are some of the notes that emerge from this somewhat lithe yet totally classy wine. The 2006 doesn’t look to have the structure of vibrancy to support long-term cellaring, but it should drink nicely for at least a number of years. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

RP  92

Sale Price: $ 34.99

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Janotsbos
2006 Puligny Montrachet
Burgundy

This is a Puligny-Montrachet like it should be. It has body, an intense bouquet of fruit (e.g. apple and peach). It's complex, refined, with nice acidity on the palate. The aftertaste is very long and stays pleasant. It combines the full-bodiedness of the Meursault with the minerality of the Saint Aubin and the fruitiness of the Chassagne-Montrachet. It's simply great. The wine can be kept for several years without losing any of its fruity and lively character. Winery.

 

QPR  92

Sale Price: $ 49.99

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Robert Foley Vineyards
2008 Griffin
Napa Valley

Even more powerful than our first Griffin from the '07 vintage, the '08 is a blend of 42% blockbuster Petite Sirah, 40% super-ripe Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% black and soft Charbono, and 8% ripe and round Merlot. This California red wine blend is a mouthful of fruit, which will stand up to any varietal wine and will entice you to break out the barbecue. Winery notes. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

QPR  92

Sale Price: $ 26.99

Robert Foley Vineyards
2009 Merlot
Napa Valley

Make no mistake; our Merlots are for Cabernet lovers. Ripe bright cherry-like aromas with a hint of raspberry. The palate displays a rich middle flooded with flavors of berries, chocolate, and espresso. A long finish is graced with gentle fine tannins – this is a Merlot for Cab lovers. All Merlot, our homegrown Howell Mountain fruit again combines with Merlot from the warmer Valley floor vineyards to provide a delightful balance of structure and a big round middle. Even if you think you don’t like Merlot, reserve judgement until you’ve tried ours.

QPR  92

Sale Price: $ 49.99

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Casa Lapostolle
2008 Clos Apalta
Colchagua Valley

Clos Apalta 2008 is a blend of 73% Carmenère; 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. After harvest the wine is racked straight into 100% new French oak barrels by gravity. Malolactic fermentation happens in barrels, where the wine stays for 22 months, ageing patiently. The wine is bottled by gravity without any treatment or filtration. Clos Apalta 2008 has a deep purple inky red color. The nose is focused, with a very special purity of fresh black and red fruit and elegant herbs aromas. The palate has an elegant balance with silky and juicy tannins. More fruit flavours and a very long finish. Winemaker's notes. 

QPR  92

*Sale Price: $ 59.94

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Vineyard 29
2007 Cru Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

One of Napa's finest Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines in the $50 range is Vineyard 29's 2007 Cru. Produced by owners Chuck and Ann McMinn and their consulting winemaker, Philippe Melka, there are 5,000 cases of this blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The grapes are all purchased, and the wine is made at their state-of-the-art facility just off Highway 29 north of St. Helena. This beautiful wine exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as pure black currant fruit aromas intermixed with notions of licorice, charcoal, subtle smoke, and high class unsmoked cigar tobacco. It is an elegant, stunningly concentrated, seductive, lush wine that should age nicely for a decade or more.

RP  92

Sale Price: $ 48.94

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Beringer Private Reserve
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

The blend of course is Beringer’s beautiful 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve, always proving that the sum is better than the component parts. A dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by a big, sweet nose of smoked meats, black currant jam, chocolate, pain grille, and espresso roast. Rich, full-bodied, and deep, with silky tannin and loads of length and concentration, it should drink well for 15-20 years.

RP  92

Sale Price: $ 79.99

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Produttori del Barbaresco
2006 Barbaresco
Piedmont Italy

The 2006 Barbaresco is a gorgeous, generous Barbaresco loaded with ripe dark fruit. This is an especially harmonious, refined Barbaresco from the Produttori that is also somewhat unusual for its dark, brooding personality. Licorice, leather and tar linger on the powerful finish. Today the wine is remarkable for its depth and concentration, while the aromatic complexity will develop in bottle. If the regular Barbaresco holds this much power, I can only wonder what the Riservas might have in store. Simply put, this is a marvelous effort. This is Lot 9.125 Anticipated maturity: 2011-2031. Antonio Galloni. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

RP  92

*Sale Price: $24.99

Orin Swift
2010 The Prisoner
Napa Valley

The 2010 vintage of The Prisoner has a deep ruby hue that is nearly opaque. The aromas elevate from the glass starting with black currant, dark blackberry, cherry, and cassis rounded out by subtle hints of seasoned French and American oak. The entry of the wine is massive and leads into a lush middle framed by bright acid and supple tannins. The finish is long, lingering and filled with soft velvety tannins lasting for nearly thirty seconds. This is a sexy wine with great polish and verve. Very drinkable now, it will benefit from 12-18 months in the bottle. Winery notes.

QPR  92

Sale Price: $32.98

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Fontodi
2004 Chianti Classico
Tuscany

Medium ruby-garnet color. Enticing aromas of cherry cordial and preserved plums with an aromatic waft of bouquet garni. The palate provides plenty of ripe, rich fruit with great acid and tannin balance. Pleasantly grippy. Complex, long, layered finish. Drink now to 2012. Lisa Perrotti-Brown.

RP  92

Sale Price: $28.99

Brigaldara
2007 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
Veneto

You can’t help but fall in love with Brigaldara’s delicious Amarone, especially if you love bold, dense wines. The aromas roll out slowly and with care, giving space to elements of cola, red cherry, blackberry, drying mineral and dark teriyaki sauce. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

WE  92

Sale Price: $44.99

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Radio Coteau 
2006 Pinot Noir 
Alberigi Vineyard Russian River Southern Valley

Bright red. Aromas of red berries, Asian spices, flowers and minerals offer a compellingly elegant profile. Fresh raspberry and bitter cherry flavors are impressive for their clarity and punch, with silky tannins arriving late. Clean and brisk, with great finishing lift and a lingering impression of red licorice. This is really sexy. 

ST  92

Sale Price: $49.99

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Radio Coteau 
2006 Pinot Noir 
Savoy Vineyard Anderson Valley

Bright red color. Sexy, intensely perfumed aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry, fresh rose and minerals. Fleshy red fruit flavors stain the palate and offer excellent vivacity, picking up fine-grained tannins with air. A clean, brisk style of pinot, with no excess weight and great finishing thrust.  

ST  92

Sale Price: $59.99

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Argyle
2009 Nuthouse Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley

For those of you familiar with the Nuthouse style, you’ll know that on release these wines don’t always leap out of the glass, they need time in the bottle to open up aromatically. Not the case with the 2009 Nuthouse Pinot Noir! This wine is alive with aromas of darkest cherry, cloves and cinnamon. It is no different on the palate—almost explosive in its expression of sweet juicy marionberry, raspberry cordial, and black cherry cobbler framed in subtle oak tannins. Definitely a big wine, but a big wine with grace and elegance enough to lift you up and put a smile on your face. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

 

QPR  92

*Sale Price: $32.98

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Cliff Lede
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Stags Leap District Napa Valley

The least expensive cuvee, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap, exhibits a deep plum/ruby/purple color along with a sweet perfume of cedar, black currants, flowers and a subtle hint of toast. Medium to full-bodied with beautiful density, ripeness, elegance and balance, it should drink well for 15+ years. Elegant, well-made Cabernets continue to emerge from this reputable as well as increasingly high quality producer in the tiny corridor of Stags Leap where the Yountville Crossroad intersects the Silverado Trail. Cliff Lede’s forward, delicious 2008s merit attention from readers.

RP  91

Sale Price: $54.98

 

G D Vajra
2007 Barolo Albe
Piedmont

The 2007 Barolo Albe is a huge over-achiever in this vintage. Dark cherries, spices, menthol and flowers caress the palate in this deep, plush Barolo. With a little air some of the wine’s firmness melts away. The Albe is made in an approachable style meant for near-term drinking. I don’t think that will be much of an issue here. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. Antonio Galloni.

RP  91

Sale Price: $29.99

William Fevre
2008 Chablis 1er Cru Montmains
Burgundy

William Fevre makes a Montmains from its own domaine, as well as this bottling, which includes purchased fruit. This wine's acidity stretches its balance to the limit, matched, somewhat unusually, by rich flavors-salty saltwater taffy flavors, spicy green pear, orange and ginger. It's almost resinous with chalk, the stoniness and acidity merging in wild herbal spice. For the cellar.

W&S  91

Sale Price: $32.99

 

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Turnbull
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

A fine Cabernet from this veteran producer, elegant and stylish. Not one of your fruit bombs, it shows modulated blackberry, currant and herb flavors, leading to a long, spicy finish. Really distinguished, although it’s not an ager. Contains a splash of Syrah and Petite Sirah for complexity and color.

WE  91

*Sale Price: $34.99

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Firriato
2006 Santagostino
Sicily

Shows focused aromas of boysenberry, blackberry and light vanilla. Full-bodied, with soft, round tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Beautiful and juicy. Drink now.

WS  91

Sale Price: $28.99

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Belle Glos
2008 Pinot Noir
Clark & Telephone Vyrd Santa Maria Valley

Firm and well-structured, with a ripe, rich, concentrated mix of wild berry, blueberry and strawberry flavors, with scents of wild flowers. Full-bodied, complex and layered on the finish. Drink now through 2017.

WS  91

Sale Price: $39.99

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Domaine Saint Damien
2009 Gigondas Les Souteyrades
Southern Rhone Valley

The top cuvee is the 2009 Gigondas Les Souteyrades, which also comes from 60+-year-old vines and is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre. Again, it is all aged in old wood foudres and bottled unfined and unfiltered. This wine plays it closer to the vest, and one can see that there is a level of density and richness that might eclipse the other two wines, but there is also more tannin and a striking near-liqueur of minerals in this wine. It is very reserved and restrained, but super-concentrated, full-bodied, and incredibly impressive, with much of the character of the La Louisiane but tighter. It may have more up-side potential that any of these wines, but will probably need 1-3 years of bottle-age and then drink well for at least 15 years.

RP  91

Sale Price: $28.99

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Domaine Saint Damien
2009 Gigondas Cuvee Louisiane
Southern Rhone Valley

The 2009 Gigondas La Louisiane, which is the most powerful of these wines at 15.3% alcohol, comes from 60-year-old vines and is a blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, and the rest tiny percentages of Cinsault and Syrah. Deep ruby/purple with a sensational nose of crushed rock/wet steel interwoven with blueberry liqueur, sweet black currants and black cherries, incense, and forest flora, it seems to be both powerful and elegant at the same time, with stunning purity, texture, and length, but it never comes across as heavy despite the rather lofty alcohol. This wine should drink beautifully for 10-15 years.

RP  91

Sale Price: $28.99

Booker
2009 Veritgo
Paso Robles

This classic Rhone blend of 48% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 17% Mourvedre offers a dense ruby hue. The nose is lead by sweet, delicate black cherry and cassis fruit, spring flowers, licorice, pepper followed by a beautiful minerality on the palate. Extended aging in 100% French new oak barrels add an elegant roundness to the wine. Enjoy the beauty now and over the next decade. Winery.

QPR  91

Sale Price: $59.99

Orin Swift
2009 Mercury Head
Napa Valley

Opens with aromas of cassis, cocoa and boysenberry. Big and lush with bright, voluptuous blackberry and Bing cherry flavors on the palate. The mouth is rich, forward and approachable with a hint of toasty oak. Great structure, balance and acidity. The finish is long and soft with strong well integrated tannins. Winery.

QPR  91

Sale Price: $79.99

MollyDooker
2010 Gigglepot Cabernet Sauvignon
South Australia

Dark garnet purple in color, Gigglepot is distinctly Cabernet with serious intensity. The nose displays blackcurrant, fresh plum and blackberry fruits, with hints of dried bay leaf, clove and loads of spice. Greatly concentrated, with fine integrated tannins and lively acidity it finishes with lingering cassis, soft vanilla and cedar oak.

QPR  91

*Sale Price: $39.99

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Chateau St. Jean
1995 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma County

Still very tightly wound with bound-up currant, earth, mineral and cedary oak flavors that are youthful and concentrated, making it seem as if it's still not ready. The focus is sharp, the flavors are complex and deep and the tannins are sturdy without being overbearing.--1995 California Cabernet retrospective. Best from 2006 through 2014. Only 450 cases made.


WS  91

Sale Price: $69.99

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Soda Canyon Cellars
2009 Barrel Chaser
Napa Valley

The color of this wine instantly grabs you.  It has a wonderful, dark hue with a full expression of ripe black fruit, raspberry and strawberry all melded into one.  The nose is wonderfully lifted in the front with an envelope of rhubarb, cola and even a touch of espresso bean.  Moments into the glass, there are hints of game, cured meats and dried herbs.  The palate explodes with savory flavors of dried currant, plum, blackberry and hints of tobacco.  The Chaser's finish stretches with many fine tannins driving from the center right through the end.  This is a delightful wine that seemingly, and enjoyably, changes with every sip.  It has the size to attract the most bullish of tasters while approachable to the most novice of connoisseurs. Only 600 cases made. Winemaker's notes. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

QPR  91

*Sale Price: $33.99

Shining Hill
2006 Red Blend
Columbia Valley

Velvety in texture, this is rich with coffee and sandalwood accents to its supple blackberry and currant fruit, lingering generously. Stylish and deftly balanced. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Cabernet Franc.Winemaker notes.

QPR  91

Sale Price: $29.99

Orin Swift
2010 Palermo
Napa Valley

Aromas of dark, brooding fruit with subtle French oak in the background lead into a smooth entry of ripe cherry and fig. The mid-palate is subtle and stretches with loads of bright acidity and candied cassis. Layers of stone fruit and ribena lead into a round, supple, lingering finish of integrated soft tannins that roll on and on. This wine is amazing now and has another 8 to 10 years in it at least! Winemaker's notes. Reviewed by Joey Bagadonuts.

QPR  91

Sale Price: $34.99

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Blair Estate
2003 Red Blend
Blair Vineyard Napa Valley

700 Cases A classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot; Harvested from low-yielding small vines at optimal ripeness, the level of concentration is noticeable. The Cabernet Sauvignon is the elegant essential core of the blend (45%); while the Cabernet Franc (28%), and Merlot (27%) provide the spicy current, earth, and fruit. Aging in French oak gracefully integrates these flavors while providing an intensifying toffee and vanilla undertone. Winemaker notes.


QPR  91

Sale Price: $48.99

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Samsara
2008 Pinot Noir
Ampelos Vineyard Santa Rita Hills

The 2008 Pinot Noir Ampelos Vineyard (biodynamically farmed site with clay soils utilized by Brewer-Clifton as well) has deep, rich plum and black currant fruit with some roasted herbs, damp earth, and spice box. It is a chewy, structured wine, large-scaled, full-bodied but tannic, although not as backward as the Turner (no doubt because it possesses more richness and density). Patience is suggested, as this wine will benefit from 1-2 years of bottle age and keep for at least a decade or more.

RP  91

Sale Price: $34.99

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Etude
2008 Pinot Noir
Carneros

The least expensive offering, the 2008 Pinot Noir Estate exhibits copious aromas of forest floor, strawberries, black cherries and hints of Allspice and herbs. Medium-bodied, beautifully textured and complex, it is ideal for drinking now and over the next 5-6 years. ( 6 bottle  minimum purchase )


RP  91

Sale Price: $22.98

Larkmead Vineyards
2006 Firebelle Red
Napa Valley

A blend of 55% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Malbec…beautiful nose of sweet black cherries, white chocolate, coffee beans, and subtle earthiness is followed by a full-bodied, powerful, moderately tannic wine that looks set for 10-15 years of aging. It is accessible already, with its terrific aromatics and plush, succulent style. It is also a fairly priced wine from one of the benchmark vineyards of Napa Valley.


RP  91

Sale Price: $49.99

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Saint Cosme
2004 Chateauneuf du Pape
Southern Rhone Valley

Dark red. Intensely spiced raspberry and cherry scents, with a strong mineral undertow. Sappy red fruit flavors display impressive concentration and focus. Finishes elegant and spicy, with excellent persistence.


ST  91

*Sale Price: $29.99

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Sea Smoke
2009 Pinot Noir Southing
Santa Rita Hills

Deep violet color.  Intense, oak-spiced aromas of dark berries, cherry liqueur, potpourri and woodsmoke.  Deeply pitched black raspberry and cherry cola flavors show good breadth, surprising vivacity and a silky texture (this has a low pH of 3.3, by the way), with notes of candied lavender and sassafras coming up with aeration.  In a ripe but energetic style, finishing with very good cling and lingering spiciness.

ST  91

Sale Price: $57.99

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Domaine Jean Royer
2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige
Southern Rhone Valley

Dark ruby. Powerfully scented, complex bouquet of wild strawberry, raspberry, garrigue and tapenade. Creamy red fruit liqueur flavors pack solid punch but maintain a graceful quality thanks to juicy minerality. Finishes with outstanding persistence-there's nothing exaggerated here.
 

ST  91

Sale Price: $24.99

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JC Cellars
2005 Zinfandel
Arrowhead Vineyard Sonoma

Perhaps the measure of just how good a winemaker Jeff Cohn  is the strength of his 2005 Zinfandel Arrowhead Mountain. From a very challenging year for Zinfandel, Cohn has turned out one of the vintage’s finest wines. Its deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by loads of briery, peppery, spicy fruit, good acidity, medium to full body, and a substantial mouthfeel.


RP  91

Sale Price: $26.99

Antinori
2005 Pian delle Vigne Brunello di Montalcino 
Tuscany

Pian delle Vigne comes from vineyards planted in lower lands compared to many other Montalcino crus. This results in slightly higher temperatures during the growing season and thicker, sweeter wines. What it loses in complexity it gains in generous tones of sweet cherry, chocolate and spice. The wine's texture is round, rich and opulent. 

WE  91

*Sale Price: $56.99

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Patrick Lesec
2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Rubis
Southern Rhone Valley

The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Rubis is a blend of 75% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, and 5% Syrah from 30- to 50-year-old vines. Three-quarters of the blend was aged in stainless steel tanks and the rest in old small oak barrels. Soft, ripe, and round, with sweet black raspberry and black cherry fruit interwoven with notions of pepper and roasted herbs, this full-bodied, succulent, rich, velvety-textured, long wine is ideal for drinking now and over the next 10-12 years.

RP  91

*Sale Price: $41.99

Chateau Pontet-Canet
1994 Bordeaux Blend
Pauillac

Readers should take note that the Tesseron family is making major efforts to rebuild the image of Pontet-Canet and establish it as one of the finest wines of the northern Medoc. Quality has soared since the 1994 vintage, but prices have not yet caught up with the "new" Pontet-Canet. However, this is not a forward, luscious, rich, sweet, fruity style of Pauillac (such as the charming Pichon-Lalande and Haut-Batailley), but rather, a dense, masculine, massively-styled wine meant for long-term cellaring. One of the finest as well as longest-lived wines of the vintage, this opaque purple-colored 1994 needs 7-10 years of cellaring. A rich, impressive, full-bodied wine, it represents the finest Pontet-Canet produced since the 1961. This full-bodied, purely made wine is crammed with blackcurrant fruit, as well as forbiddingly tannic and backward. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025. Impressive!

RP  91

Sale Price: $79.99

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Sbragia Family Vineyards
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Monte Rosso Sonoma North Coast

Although still tightly-knit and backward, the dense purple-tinged 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Rosso is bursting with abundant loamy soil/earthy terroir notes. Like many of these offerings, it represents a very fine value in high class Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Composed of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc, this offering from one of the great heritage sites in northern California possesses sweet blackberry, black cherry, dusty, loamy, earthy notes intermixed with hints of spice box and unsmoked high class cigar tobacco. Full-bodied with abundant sweet tannins, this 2007 will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring and should drink well for 15-20+ years. 

RP  91

Sale Price: $42.99

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Robert Biale
2003 Petite  Sirah
Crane Ranch Napa Valley

Biale produces an impressive array of Petite Sirahs, including the 2003 Petite Sirah Old Crane Ranch. A limited production, dense ruby/purple-tinged effort, it offers a gorgeously sweet nose of graphite, blueberry liqueur, and cassis. With remarkably sweet tannin, excellent purity and richness, and a long, heady finish, it is uncommonly civilized and approachable for a Petite Sirah, and should drink well for 10-15 years.
 

RP  91

Sale Price: $34.99

Louis Roederer
2004 Brut Rose
Champagne

Bright salmon-skin color. Fresh redcurrant and blood orange aromas are underscored by notes of talc and quinine, with gentle leesiness adding depth and a sense of richness. Displays youthfully tight citrus and mineral qualities on entry, but more powerful red berry notes come on strong in the middle palate. Graceful but powerful too, with good finishing grip and a lingering note of spicecake. I find this complex enough to enjoy right now. This is made from 70% pinot noir and 30% chardonnay.

ST  91

Sale Price: $59.99

MollyDooker
2010 Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz
South Australia

Black crimson in color, this wine leaps from the glass with powerful aromatics of blueberries, ripe sweet fruit, licorice and undertones of chocolate biscuit. The seductive texture is laced with fresh fruit flavours, coffee and warm spice, a full bodied Shiraz with an endless depth of fruit. The Blue Eyed Boy on the label is Sarah and Sparky's son, Luke. The grapes were grown on the Joppich and Birchmore vineyards in Langhorne Creek and the Kirwin and Mollydooker vineyards in McLaren Vale. Barrel fermented and matured in 70% new and 30% one year old American oak. Winemaker notes.

QPR  91

*Sale Price: $38.99

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Banknote the Vault
2007 Red Blend
Napa Valley

A nose of beautifully integrated ripe plum, vanilla, and sweet oak, spiced with aromas of mocha and cracked pepper. An intense yet silky palate follows with layered flavors of wild boysenberry jam, dark chocolate, plum sauce, fresh tobacco, espresso, and a hint of rustic tannins. Drink The Vault now or hold for ten to twelve years.Winemaker notes.

QPR  91

Sale Price: $29.99

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Turley
2008 Zinfandel
Pesenti Vineyard Paso Robles

From the limestone soils of the Turley-owned Pesenti Vineyard, the 2008 Zinfandel Pesenti exhibits zippy, fresh, sweet and sour cherry and raspberry notes, tart acids, medium body, and a Burgundian-like personality. It should drink well for 7-8 years.

RP  91

 Sale Price: $43.99

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Sea Smoke Cellars
2007 Pinot Noir Ten
Santa Rita Hills

Saturated red. Powerful, smoky aromas of dark berries and cherry compote, with exotic spice and incense notes adding complexity. Deeply concentrated black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors are enlivened by a suave mineral quality and framed by velvety tannins. Distinctly rich pinot with very good finishing breadth and a lingering note of candied licorice.

ST  91

Sale Price: $86.99

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Domaine Yann Chave
2007 Crozes Hermitage Le Rouvre
Northern Rhone

Inky ruby. Highly perfumed bouquet of sexy dark berry preserves and flowers, plus notes of spicecake, anise and cola. Sweet, penetrating black raspberry and violet flavors are given spine by juicy acidity, with soft tannins making a late appearance. Finishes long, with lively mineral snap and lingering floral and anise notes. This has a supple character that makes it very attractive right now.

ST  91

Sale Price: $29.99

Leoville Barton
2006 Bordeaux Blend
St. Julien

Not surprisingly, this wine is closed, masculine, but super-rich, with a denser, more complete and full-bodied style than its sibling, Langoa Barton. Some toasty vanillin is apparent in the black currant aromas intermixed with tobacco leaf, cedar, and spice box. The wine is full-bodied and has a boatload of tannin, not unusual for this estate, as well as an impressively pure, long finish. Everything is here, but this wine, made with uncompromising vision, is meant to be cellared for an exceptionally long period of time. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035.

RP  91

Sale Price: $62.99

Failla
2008 Syrah
Phoenix Ranch Napa Valley

Black ruby color. Knockout nose channels the northern Rh o ne with its notes of blackberry, pepper, violet and smoked meat. Powerful, intense black fruit flavors are lifted by fruity pepper and spices. The tannins are similarly tannic, even a bit youthfully tough: I'd give this wine a good three or four years of cellaring and a long aeration. Jordan vinified 80% whole clusters. The pH here is near 4.0 but the wine hardly lacks for structure owing to its stem tannins and the small berries of the year.

ST  91

*Sale Price: $39.99

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Landmark Vineyards
2007 Syrah
Steel Plow Vineyard Sonoma

Saturated ruby. Extremely primary nose displays dark berry and cherry skin scents, along with cracked pepper and black olive. Deep and sweet on the palate, with chewy dark fruit compote flavors, youthfully firm tannins and a late note of candied violet. Gains energy with air and finishes with impressive lift and cut.

ST  91

Sale Price: $23.98

 

Pisoni 
2009 Estate Pinot Noir
Santa Lucia Highlands

The 2009 Pinot Noir Pisoni is a big wine with powerful tannins that frame a core of dark, black fruit. Today it is the structural elements that dominate the wine’s balance, but this could merit a higher score if the fruit begins to emerge. My sense is that the new oak (65%) may be a bit on the high side. The Pisoni was made from four separate blocks and vinified with 20% whole clusters. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.

RP  91

Sale Price: $64.98

 

Felsina
2008 Chianti Classico Riserva
Tuscany

The 2008 Chianti Classico Riserva possesses wonderful depth in its black cherries, licorice, tar, smoke and leather. This is a relatively muscular vintage for the Riserva with firm yet well integrated tannins and an authoritative finish. Smoke, incense and licorice reappear on the juicy finish. A powerful vein of intense minerality gives the wine its center. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2023. Antonio Galloni. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

RP  91

*Sale Price: $24.99

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A.P. Vin 
2007 Pinot Noir
Clos Pepe Vineyard Santa Rita Hills

Intense and spicy, with vivid black cherry and wild berry fruit that's pure and focused, elegant and stylish. Medium-bodied, this sustains its fruity character on the long, lingering finish. Drink now through 2014. Only 175 cases made.   

WS  91

Sale Price: $49.99

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Kistler 
2007 Chardonnay
Durell Vineyard Sonoma Coast

Nectarine, orange blossom, lemon custard, and whole currants are present in the 2007 Chardonnay Durell Vineyard. This is, again a wine with crisp, zesty acidity, striking liquid minerality, and a long, full-bodied finish.

RP  91

Sale Price: $79.99

Nicolas Maillart 
Grand Cru Rose Brut
Champagne

The NV Brut Grand Cru Rose (from vines in Bouzy) is an intense yet subtle wine that needs time in the glass for its richness to emerge. The wine reveals gorgeous inner perfume in its fragrant fruit in an incredibly elegant, understated style. Here, too, the wine offers terrific length and balance. Antonio Galloni.

RP  91

Sale Price: $54.99

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Domaine Saint Damien 
2009 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes
Southern Rhone Valley

The 2009 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes (a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre from 40-year-old vines) is a rich, full-bodied Gigondas with notes of crushed rock, boysenberry, black raspberry, camphor, and a hint of pen ink. The wine displays terrific fruit on the attack, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel with good acid, superb purity, texture, and length. This deep ruby/purple-colored wine should drink well for at least 10-15 years. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )
 

RP  91

Sale Price: $26.99

 

faust 07

Faust 
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

A worthy successor to the highly lauded 2007 vintage in Napa Valley. The wine opens with aromas of red and black cherries, hints of violets and warm spices. A lush, full entry on the palate with blackberry, cassis, nutmeg and dark chocolate flavors leads to a plush, supple mouthfeel. A complex finish lingers with dark fruit and plenty of richness. 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot. Winery notes. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

QPR  91

*Sale Price: $36.95

Orin Swift 
2008 Papillon Red
Napa Valley

The wine has a deep red color with a garnet hue that is almost black. The aromas are of classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with cedar box, rose petal and hints of soft French oak. The entry is subtle ripe raspberry and boysenberry. Loads of cherry, plum and intense cassis frame long chains of soft tannins that form a long and lingering finish. Winery.

QPR  91

Sale Price: $53.97

Lankmark 
2009 Damaris Reserve Chardonnay
Sonoma County

Vivid gold. Sexy, expansive aromas of pit fruits, hazelnut and musky lees, with a subtle iodine nuance adding complexity. Rich and supple but dry, with a lightly spicy quality and gentle sweetness to its flavors of peach nectar, orange marmalade, ginger and nutty oak. Finishes with very good persistence, echoing the ginger and orange notes. This fruit was sourced from the Rodgers Creek Vineyard. ( 6 bottle minimum purhase )

ST  91

*Sale Price: $32.99

Lyndenhurst by Spottswoode  
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

This wine is a compelling offering that will entice you with its heady aromas of vanilla, black tea, and warm blackberry and dark cherry pie. These berry pie notes follow on the palate, which delivers dense, deep flavors that are laced with rich dark cocoa powder. Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignona truly alluring and expressive wine from a singular vineyardthe Spottswoode Estate!

QPR  91

*Sale Price: $52.98

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Philippe Collotte 
2009 Chambolle Musigny VV
Burgundy

The 2009 Chambolle-Musigny Cuvee Vieilles Vignes is a gorgeous wine laced with expressive perfume, the silkiest of tannins and fabulous generosity in its fruit. This is a slightly firm style of Chambolle, but all of the elements are woven together in a fabric of inimitable grace. It is another superb, beautiful wine from Philippe Collotte. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Antonio Galloni. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

RP  91

Sale Price: $41.99

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Williams Selyem 
2006 Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley

Deep red. Captivating, perfumed bouquet of spicy raspberry, blackberry and fresh rose. Sappy and broad, with deep but energetic red fruit flavors, supple texture and no obvious tannins. Gains power on the finish, which delivers a wallop of sweet raspberry and candied blackcurrant.

ST  91

Sale Price: $49.99

Huber 
2007 Riesling Berg Eiswein
Austria

Pale green-yellow with golden highlights. Intense pineapple and mango aromas lifted by lemon zest and complemented by a subtle touch of honey. The substantial sweetness of this wine is very nicely integrated and by no means cloying, thanks to abundant minerality and vibrant acidity. In fact, this abundantly charming wine offers lovely finesse thanks to its clearly delineated flavors and firm supporting structure. Accessible now but will benefit from further bottle maturation. Drink 2010 to 2027.

ST  91

( 375 ml ) Sale Price: $29.99

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Araujo
2004 Altagracia
Napa Valley

The second wine, which now is a cuvee of 800-1,200 or so cases, is called Altagracia, and the 2004 exhibits scorched earth, hints of charcoal, black currant, licorice, and some spicy oak with distinctive elegance and terroir character, medium body, and nice, long fruit in the finish. It is meant to be drunk earlier than the Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, but it shares some of the same characteristics.

RP  90

Sale Price: $84.99

the Terraces
2007 Zinfandel
Napa Valley

Deep ruby color with ripe berry and black cherry aromas lead to full body with moderate tannins and a long, fruit-filled finish. The primary Zinfandel block is between 300-400 foot elevation in the eastern foothills of Rutherford. The volcanic fufa soil and the Werle clone first planted on the site in the 1880's produce intense flavored small clusters and small yields. Winery notes.

QPR  90

Sale Price: $26.99

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Uccelliera
2007 Rosso di Montalcino
Tuscany

A clean, fruity red, with strawberry, raspberry and a hint of creamy mineral. Medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a fresh, fruity finish. Well-balanced and delicious. Drink now.

WS  90

Sale Price: $29.99

Chateau Rieussec
1996 Sauternes
Bordeaux

Planted to 92% Semillon, 5% Sauvignon and 3% Muscadelle, Rieussec is a First Growth estate of which the entire vineyard is one single unit which borders Yquem. This property has always had an outstanding reputation since the 1800s, in fact, and continues to be a superstar under the ownership of Lafite Rothschild. Marzipan, honey and toasted hazelnut on the nose. Moderately viscous and currently rather oaky. Has an impressively chewy texture but is not yet displaying its personality.

ST  90

*Sale Price: $69.99

Cesari
2007 Amarone
Veneto Italy

This grippy red shows a rich note of fresh earth supporting flavors of kirsch, date, damson plum preserves and cigar box, with a sublayer evoking the sweet smoke of burning vine clippings. Integrated tannins are lightly chewy toward the finish. Drink now through 2022. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

WS  90

*Sale Price: $34.99

Ghost Block
2006 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

Bright floral aromas of roses, blueberries, and cassis lead into a ripe full bodied mouthfeel loaded with flavors of blackberries, cherries and spice. The wine lingers on the palate with a nice citrus, chocolate and tobacco finish. Winemaker's notes.

QPR  90

Sale Price: $79.99

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B. Wise Vineyards
2007 Trios
Sonoma Valley

Deep ruby color with purple hues, the nose bursts with fresh raspberry, red cherry, and plum. The pure fruit flavors are intertwined with nuances of licorice, savory herb, mineral, and mocha. A touch of oak and rich, round tannins fill the mouth and offer a deliciously long finish. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )
 

QPR  90

*Sale Price: $26.99

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Pride Mountain Vineyards 
2003 Cabernet Franc
Sonoma & Napa

Blue fruits, ethereal lightness, and considerable elegance characterize the 2003 Cabernet Franc. It reveals minty, floral, blue and black fruit characteristics, admirable intensity and palate saturation, and considerable lightness on the palate. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.

RP  90

( 1.5 lt ) Sale Price: $129.99

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Barone Ricasoli 
2006 Brolio Chianti Classico
Tuscany

Dark-colored, with a meat, berry and dark chocolate undertone. Full-bodied, with a silky texture and lots of fruit. Long and rich. Almost decadent. Drink now through 2012.

WS  90

Sale Price: $26.99

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Turley
2009 Old Vines Zinfandel
California

Jammy and elegant, yet at the core there's a dense and complex structure. Aromas of smoky black raspberry lead to rich, ripe plum, toasty licorice and cinnamon flavors that finish with supple tannins. Drink now through 2017.

WS  90

Sale Price: $39.99

Domaine Servin
2009 Chablis Butteaux
Burgundy

The 2009 Chablis Butteaux is one of the more open, creamier wines in the lineup. It shows excellent up-front intensity in its ripe, succulent fruit. This is a decidedly ripe, overt style with tropical undertones and plenty of depth. It looks to be a relatively early drinker. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

RP  90

Sale Price: $25.99

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Bond
2003 Matriarch
Napa Valley

The 2003 Matriarch (1,500 cases) is a ripe, spicy, supple-textured effort offering beautiful plum, anise, black currant, tobacco, and toasty oak notes. Full-bodied, lush, and concentrated, it should drink well for 10-15 years.

 RP  90

Sale Price: $84.99

Chateau St. Jean
2006 Cinq Cepages
Sonoma County

The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Cinq Cepages (in this vintage, truly a Cabernet Sauvignon rather than a proprietary red as it is a blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot) possesses soft, seductive notes of cedarwood, roasted herbs, licorice, red and black currants, and dusty, loamy soil undertones. Medium to full-bodied and silky-textured, it can be enjoyed in its youth or cellared for a decade. ( 3 bottle minimum purchase )

 RP  90

Sale Price: $36.99

Burly
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

Rough-hewn, dense and chunky, exhibiting intense, concentrated flavors of mineral, blackberry, wild berry, cedar and gravel. Full-bodied and backward, this offers a muscular presentation that's best given plenty of air or cellar time. Best from 2011 through 2017. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

WS  90

Sale Price: $47.99

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Williams Selyem
2006 Pinot Noir
Sonoma County

Deep red. Fresh red berry, orange peel and baking spice aromas offer very good clarity, taking on a floral quality with air. Vibrant redcurrant and wild strawberry flavors are light on their feet, with tangy citrus peel and white pepper adding verve. Finishes sweet, clean and brisk. Cabral told me that this is virtually all
Russian River Valley fruit, and that 40% of the grapes were estate-grown.

ST  90

Sale Price: $64.99

Domaine Faiveley
2008 1er Cru Mercurey Clos Des Myglands
Burgundy

Lovely cherry and raspberry aromas and flavors highlight this elegant, juicy red, which is firmly structured, with fine balance and length. Best from 2012 through 2020. Only 604 cases imported.


WS  90

Sale Price: $39.99

faust 07
 
 

Faust
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley

The 2007 vintage of Faust delivers classic Napa Valley Cabernet aromas plush with blackberry, cassis, red plums and dark chocolate undertones. It makes a dramatic entry on the palate with abundant concentrated fruit and notes of coffee and cocoa. Balanced and complex, the rich and luxurious finish leaves you longing for another sip. 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc. Barrel aged 19 months in French oak (30% new). Alcohol 14.2%. Winery notes.
 

QPR  90

( 1.5 lt ) Sale Price: $79.99

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Neely Vineyard
2007 Chardonnay Hollys Cuvee
Santa Cruz Mountains

The steely, crisp 2007 Chardonnay Holly's Cuvee comes from a high elevation vineyard in the
Santa CruzMountains. It exhibits delicate notes of pineapples, white peaches, poached pears, and citrus blossoms in a medium-bodied, zesty style. While it is no doubt barrel-fermented and aged, the oak is kept well in the background, with the structure and terroir fully in charge. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.
 
 
RP  90

Sale Price: $39.99

Saintsbury
2008 Pinot Noir
Stanly Ranch Carneros

Combines delicate, ripe, up-front plum and black cherry fruit with firmer tannins and mineral and cedary oak touches. Full-bodied, complex and focused, ending with a mix of pastel flavors. Drink now through 2015. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

WS  90

*Sale Price: $34.98

Deutz
nv  Brut Classic
Champagne

This is a pretty, entry-level wine. Warm, generous fruit comes together beautifully in this rich, expansive, mid-weight Champagne. The bouquet, texture and purity of the finish are all first-rate. The Brut Classic is equal parts Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Like all Deutz Champagnes, it undergoes full malolactic fermentation.

RP  90

*Sale Price: $26.99

Orin Swift
2010 Abstract
California

Abstract is a blend of Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino Grenache, Petite Sirah, and Syrah primarily from hillside vineyards. The aromas are laced with crushed black fruits and bing cherry. A mouth coating entry leads nicely into a mid palate with excellent structure and balanced acidity. Ripe cherry and strawberry dominate the finish which is clean and long. Winery. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

QPR  90

Sale Price: $27.99

Chateau Monbousquet
1994 Bordeaux Blend
Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Opaque purple-colored, with a tight but promising nose of cherry jam, blackcurrants, smoked herbs, and grilled meats, this dense, chewy, medium to full-bodied wine exhibits the vintage's tough tannin. However, this 1994 possesses enough fruit, glycerin, and extract to counterbalance the wine's structure. It will need 2-3 years of cellaring, yet promises to keep for 15 years.

RP  90

Sale Price: $48.99

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Saint Cosme
2009 Gigondas
Southern Rhone Valley

The outstanding, pure, big 2009 Gigondas, a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 17% Mourvedre and 3% Cinsault aged 12 months in 1- to 4-year-old wood barrels (70%) and cement and wood tanks (30%). Its opaque ruby/purple color is followed by a massive concentration of black and red fruits intermixed with notions of crushed rocks, spring flowers, blueberries and black currants. The tannins are noticeable and the wine will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring. It should keep for 10+ years. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

 RP   90

*Sale Price: $26.99

 

Leoville-Las Cases
1993 Bordeaux Blend
St Julien

Michel Delon, a great man, is the consummate proprietor, meticulously administering this vast estate spread out along the St.-Julien/Pauillac border, separated from Latour's finest vineyard by a mere ten feet. The 1993-95 vintages from Delon are brilliant wines. Leoville-Las-Cases remains one of the irrefutable reference points for high class Bordeaux. This saturated purple-colored wine possesses remarkable sweetness, powerful, chocolatey, cassis-scented aromas, and dense, medium to full-bodied flavors with a superb inner-core of fruit. Purity, balance, and super-concentration and intensity are hallmarks of this remarkable wine. Readers who find it difficult to believe that the 1993 vintage could turn out wines such as this only need to pull the cork on a bottle of the 1993 Leoville-Las-Cases. Anticipated maturity: now-2012. This lion never falls asleep on the job!  

 RP   90

( case of 12 bottles ) Sale Price: $1100.00

 

Camigliano
2006 Brunello di Montalcino
Tuscany

Palish bright red. Pretty, ethereal nose combines flowers and marzipan.  Silky and juicy, with a light touch to its flavors of red fruits, minerals and flowers.  Slightly tart acids carry through to the finish, which offers subtle length. Very refined, elegant sangiovese. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

ST  90

Sale Price: $38.48

   

Paul Dethune
Grand Cru Brut
Champagne

(70% pinot noir and 30% chardonnay; disgorged December, 2009): Light gold. Musky orange pith and red berries on the nose, with suave floral and spice accents adding complexity. Juicy, focused and very energetic, offering fresh citrus and red berry flavors and a hint of honeysuckle. Nuttier and more leesy on the finish, which echoes the orange and spice notes. I like this Champagne's marriage of power and vivacity.

ST  90

Sale Price: $39.98

Joseph Phelps
2007 Le Mistral
Central Coast

The 2007 Le Mistral is smooth and seductive, with dark fruit, licorice and white pepper. Rich in color and character, it is spicy with complex layers of dark currant, dried herbs and a long, lingering finish. Winery.
 

QPR  90

Sale Price: $33.99

   

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Pride Mountain Vineyards
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Sonoma County 

The top end offerings include the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. Last year I reviewed the 2005 (although it was listed as the 2006), which did not turn out nearly as well as the 2006. The deep ruby/purple-hued 2006 exhibits notes of cassis, tar, crushed rocks, chocolate, and berry fruit in a full-bodied, fleshy format. It should drink nicely for a decade.

RP  90

Sale Price: $52.99

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Buoncristiani Family
2007 O.P.C. Red Blend
Napa Valley

Buoncristiani’s 2007 O.P.C. is a fairly priced, impressively endowed blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Syrah, 17% Merlot and 10% Malbec. It possesses a dense ruby/purple color as well as abundant aromas of charcoal and camphor intermixed with background oak and spice. Medium to full-bodied with excellent purity, texture and length, this impressive effort should drink nicely for 7-8 years.

RP  90

Sale Price: $38.98

Chateau Les Trois Croix
2008 Red Blend
Fronsac Bordeaux

A solid, mouthfilling, slightly gutsy style, with briary grip carrying the blackberry, fig and espresso notes, all laced with hints of dark olive and bittersweet ganache. Taut tannins on the finish will need to soften in the cellar. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2015. Only 6,000 cases made. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

WS  90

Sale Price: $24.99

 
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Krutz Family Cellars
2007 Pinot Noir
Anderson Valley

Winery notes.On the nose it offers dark berry, wild strawberry flavors with a hint of green tea, and cola impressions. On the palate this well-rounded Pinot offers a gorgeous palate of lush red berries and a-typical Pinot expressions. The finish is velvety and long.  

QPR  90

*Sale Price: $39.99

 

Mer Soleil
2009 Chardonnay
Central Coast

Citrus-driven nose. Hints of matchstick, pineapple, banana and coconut. Soft and round entry. Oak is apparent but not defining. Mid-palate goes on to reveal other layers of flavors—vanilla, lemon meringue pie, and again coconut. Finish is rich with viscosity that coats the mouth for minutes after your last sip.

QPR  90

Sale Price: $27.95

 

Twomey Cellars
2005 Merlot
Napa Valley

Our 2005 Twomey Merlot is a voluptuous, robust and balanced expression of this noble variety. It has a deep garnet color and an intensely concentrated nose of black cherry, blackberry essence, wild game and freshly ground black pepper. On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, with fine-grained tannins and an extremely long finish. Winery.

QPR  90

Sale Price: $39.98

 

Duckhorn Vineyards
2008 Merlot
Napa Valley

The 2008 growing season has produced a particularly complex and complete expression of Napa Valley Merlot, combining bright, lifted red fruit elements with darker, more extracted layers. This depth is on display in the aromatics, where notes of Asian spice, red current, plum and blueberry crisp are supported by a subtle streak of earthiness. The palate is both velvety and balanced, with flavors that echo the aromas. These flavors are held together by granular tannins and accented by oak-inspired notes of molasses and nougat. Winery notes.

QPR  90

Sale Price: $38.85

Chateau Beau-Sejour-Becot
1995 Red Blend
St. Emilion

Beau Sejour Becot's sexy 1995 offers a dark plum color, followed by a sweet, vanillin, spicy, black cherry, and curranty nose that jumps from the glass. In the mouth, this is a supple, round, hedonistically-styled claret with copious quantities of palate pleasing plushness, no hard edges, and an impressively-endowed, rich finish. Although the wine is accessible, I recommend another 1-2 years in the bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2014. Robert Parker 89.

QPR  90

Sale Price: $64.99

 

Whispering Angel
2010 Rose
Cotes de Provence

A blend of Grenache (73%), Rolle (4%), Cinsault (9%), Syrah (8.5%) and Mourvedre (5.5%), this pale salmon-colored wine is crisply dry yet full of fruit aromatics and strawberry-like flavors, with a long, spicy finish. Whispering Angel is made from fruit harvested from sunrise to noon by hand only, then destemmed and slightly crushed at low temperatures to avoid coloration. Both the free-run and pressed juices are fermented over an unusually long time in stainless steel and matured on the lees. The result is what wine authorityJancis Robinson calls, "the best pink wine to have come my way. Winery. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

QPR  90

Sale Price: $13.89

 
 

Domaine Collotte
2010 Marsannay Rose
Burgundy

100% Pinot Noir. As soon as the grapes arrive at the cuverie, they are pressed, and fermentation and "élevage" takes place in stainless steel in order to keep all the fruit of this wine and preserve its freshness and youth. The Marsannay Rosé, soft and fruity, is backed with good strength and liveliness. Its rosé color has red currant hues. The aroma evokes freshly-harvested peaches. Winemakers notes.

QPR  90

Sale Price: $16.98

 
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Failla
2006 Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast

The outstanding 2006 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast offers sweet pomegranate, cherry, and currants notes intermixed with spice and earth in a delicate, almost Cotes de Beaune-like style. The color is medium ruby, the wine moderate in body, but with beautiful sweetness and harmony. It should drink nicely for 5-6 years.

RP  90

Sale Price: $32.99

 
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Failla
2010 Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast

This rich, fruit-forward Pinot Noir is drinking surprisingly well now, in its infancy. Dark cherries galore, blueberry sauce, pie spice, a little red rose, licorice and truffle. Low acid and “gushy.” This is mostly “Keefer Ranch” fruit. ( 6 bottle minimum purchase )

QPR  90

*Sale Price: $28.99

Roederer  
 
 
 
 
 

Roederer
Brut Premier
Champagne

The NV Louis Roederer Brut Premier is a delicate Champagne, with spring blossom, smoke, yellow apple and anise flavors set on a fine-grained texture. The moderate finish is fresh and juicy, with the smoky note lingering. Better than previously reviewed. Drink now through 2019. ( 12 bottle minimum purchase )

WS  90

*Sale Price: $27.99

 
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Rochioli
2008 Pinot Noir
Russian River

The delicious 2008 Pinot Noir Estate (just under 4,000 cases produced) is one of the finest generic Pinots one can find from Russian River. It exhibits sweet pomegranate, raspberry, cherry, roasted herb notes along with a hint of smoky oak in its seductive, round, opulent personality. It should drink well for 7-8 years.

RP  90

Sale Price: $49.99

 
 
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Turley Wine Cellars
2008 Zinfandel
Salvador Vineyard Contra Costa

From a vineyard planted in the 1890s, the 2008 Zinfandel Salvador Vineyard possesses terrific mulberry and black currant fruit intertwined with a note of roasted herbs, striking minerality and earthiness, a big, sweet, full-bodied mouthfeel, and a heady, succulent finish. This is another beauty to enjoy over the next 7-8 years.

RP  90

Sale Price: $48.99

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Seventy Five Wine Company
2009 Cabernet Sauvignon
Amber Knolls District Lake County

The 2009 Seventy Five Wine Company Cabernet Sauvignon is nothing short of impressive.. It boasts an explosive nose of black currant, vanilla, bacon fat and spice box. Terrific concentration with multiple dimensions and layers, this wine is voluptuous, dense and powerful, all the while maintaining great acidity, structure and finish. This is a serious wine for the true Cabernet hedonist.

QPR  90

*Sale Price: $16.99

*Denotes items that are available but may not be in stock,
please allow 3-4 days for delivery

Sarasota  941-926-9463

  

 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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