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Inventory updated: Wed, Jan 15, 2025 04:02 PM cst
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Australia |
| Henschke |
2009 |
Hill of Grace Shiraz (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns  |
$2,127.99 |
3 |
|
| |
WS 98 (6/2015): This sings like a chorus that never runs out of breath. Layers of currant and dark plum fruit harmonize with black walnut, licorice, smoke and coffee notes, weaving through the long and immensely expressive finish. Has depth and great presence. Shiraz. Best from 2018 through 2030. 25 cases imported.
WA 97+ (2/2014): Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the nose on the 2009 Hill of Grace is a little closed, though it reveals notes of warm black plums, blackberry coulis and cloves with subtle nuances of dried Provence herbs, forest floor and lavender. Medium to full-bodied, it possesses layers of medium to full-bodied black fruit and earth-laced flesh elegantly structured by a medium to firm level of finely grained tannins, nicely balanced acid and a long finish. Drink it now to 2026+.
JS 97 (5/2017): One of the most triumphant top tier South Australian reds from the 2009 vintage, this has a layered and luxurious feel to it — a trademark array of spice and fruit characters with a lot of sage, fresh blackberry and toasty oak, some more meaty fermentation-derived notes and a graphite edge, smoky too. The palate is supple and even. Tannins have a polished sheen to them, layered and supple, great fleshy volume and drive. It is deeply ripe and the tannin structure is both subtle and profound. It resonates long, a very deep wine that's enduring, supple and fleshy with a sapid, purring finish.
VM 96 (7/2014): Inky ruby. Explosive spice- and smoke-accented black and blue fruits and incense on the intensely perfumed nose. Palate-coating, very primary blackcurrant, floral pastille and fruitcake flavors reach every corner of the palate, with juicy acidity providing lift and verve. Smoothly combines power and vivacity, and finishes with Outstanding clarity and thrust, the supple tannins building slowly. I suspect that this remarkable, deeply concentrated shiraz will still be alive and kicking a couple decades from now. Josh Raynolds.viding lift and verve. Smoothly combines power and vivacity, and finishes with Outstanding clarity and thrust, the supple tannins building slowly. I suspect that this remarkable, deeply concentrated shiraz will still be alive and kicking a couple decades from now. |
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|
2013 |
Hill of Grace Shiraz (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,775.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2017 |
Hill of Grace Shiraz (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,971.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2017 |
Hill of Grace Shiraz (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,981.95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Penfolds |
2003 |
Grange (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,746.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Torbreck |
2006 |
Run Rig Shiraz (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,622.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Le Carillon de l' Angelus |
2016 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,220.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (2/2019): From the team at Angélus yet from a separate terroir, the 2016 Carillon d’Angélus comes from 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, all of which spent 14-16 months in 50% new oak. This medium to full-bodied effort has some true Angélus character in its rocking nose of cassis, dried herbs, graphite, spice box, and chocolate-laced aromas and flavors. This gives way to a seamless, balanced, impressively textured wine that’s already drinking nicely yet promises to evolve for 10-15 years. |
|
| Ch. Belgrave |
2019 |
Haut Medoc (6.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$360.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Le Boscq |
2018 |
St. Estephe (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$441.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. de Cambes |
2015 |
Bordeaux Superieur (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$319.99 |
4 |
|
| |
JD 91+ (2/2019): From the team at Tertre Rôteboeuf and based on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc brought up in new barrels, the 2015 Domaine de Cambes is a serious, age-worthy wine from the Côtes de Bourg appellation, which is located on the right bank, north of Fronsac and along the river. Possessing more depth of fruit compared to the 2015, with loads of darker fruits, toasted bread, and graphite, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, good concentration, and a firm, structured, focused style. It just needs 2-4 years of bottle age.
VM 91 (2/2018): Super-ripe black cherry, plum, mocha, new leather and spice notes abound in the 2015 Domaine des Cambes. Plush on the palate, with silky tannins and no hard edges, the 2015 will drink well with minimal cellaring. This is another heady, exotically rich 2015 from François Mitjavile. Domaine des Cambes is predominantly Merlot and Cabernet Franc from clay/limestone soils on the lower slopes of the property. Antonio Galloni.
WA 90 (4/2018): The medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Domaine de Cambes opens with lovely red and black currants, spicy plums and blueberries with touches of pencil lead, tobacco and Indian spices. The palate is medium-bodied, firm and chewy with plenty of spicy fruit and a long, earthy finish. |
|
|
2018 |
Bordeaux Superieur (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$637.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Bordeaux Superieur (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$321.99 |
18 |
|
| |
|
| Les Allees de Cantemerle |
2015 |
Haut Medoc (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$319.98 |
8 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Cheval-Blanc |
2000 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$10,988.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (6/2010): Coming out of a relatively dormant state, this 2000 is a spectacular Cheval Blanc. Of recent vintages, I think only the 2009 can give it a run for its money. A blend of 53% Merlot and 47% Cabernet Franc, the wine has a sweet nose of menthol, melted licorice, boysenberry, blueberry, and cassis. A broad wine with compelling purity, a layered texture, and sweet tannin, with hints of coffee and earth in the background, this is by far the best Cheval Blanc since 1990 and before 2009. It is a legend in the making and can actually be drunk now, as the tannins have nearly melted away. This is a beauty with incredibly complex aromatics. Drink it over the next 25-30 years. VN 98 (2/2012): The 2000 Cheval Blanc was pure seduction. Espresso, plums and graphite were some of the many notes that emerged from this warm, expressive Cheval Blanc. Immensely harmonious and balanced, the 2000 was firing on all cylinders. Although I am quite sure the 2000 will continue to evolve positively, I also can't blame those who want to enjoy it today. Everything was simply in the right place.
NM 97 (2/2014): An ex-chateau bottle, this is the best bottle of Cheval Blanc 2000 that I have encountered in several years, though we had to reject one corked example first! Coming directly from the chateau, it has a backward, sultry bouquet that demands coaxing form the glass, but it eventually reveals wonderful delineation and brooding power with scents of dark plum, fireside hearth and anis. The palate has a sublime entry, almost understated until a wave of intense dark cherry and iodine crashes onto the back palate. Velvet smooth in the mouth, this is clearly a vin de garde that has a very long future ahead.
VM 94+ (10/2011): (a blend of 53% merlot and 47% cabernet franc; 43 h/h): Deep ruby. Penetrating blackcurrant, menthol, herbal, cocoa and tobacco aromas. Rich, ripe and dense, with a chocolatey, voluptuous mouth feel but also plenty of acidity to provide lift to the blackcurrant, plum and licorice flavors. Dominated by its merlot component, this wine finishes long and suave, with lingering notes of blackberry and black truffle. Although it's hard to resist this wine's thick creamy fruit, amazing balance and very polished tannins, I find it lacks the sheer complexity of great vintages of Cheval Blanc in which cabernet franc is prevalent. Finishes very long, and still extremely young.
JS 94 (3/2011): A very nice nose of blackberries, dark chocolate, and flowers. Full bodied and smokey, with a meaty, mushroom, tobacco, and berry character. Wonderfully long, long finish to this muscular wine with fine tannins. This is still evolving but needs another five or six years.
WS 93 (3/2003): Fresh mineral, berry and earth aromas. Decadent. Full-bodied, yet refined and silky, with a lovely, long finish that goes on and on, with tobacco, berry, cherry and spices. It's not the 1998, but it's very good indeed. Best after 2006. |
|
|
2009 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$10,932.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 100 (6/2019): Reminding me a little of the 2015, the 2009 Chateau Cheval Blanc is another powerful yet elegant wine that tops out on my scale. A huge nose of kirsch, cassis, flowery spices, forest floor, and tobacco all give way to a full-bodied, sweetly fruited 2009 that has no hard edges, perfect balance, integrated, perfectly ripe tannins, and a finish that won’t quit. It’s one of those magical wines that carries enormous richness and depth yet stays weightless and ethereal on the palate. Bravo!
WA 100 (3/2019): Deep garnet colored, the 2009 Cheval Blanc offers up profound notions of baked blueberries, blackberry compote and crème de cassis with suggestions of chocolate mint, new leather and cloves plus a waft of candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is an exercise in elegance with very classy, super fine-grained tannins, beautiful freshness and layer upon layer of mineral-laced blue and black fruits, finishing long and perfumed.
JS 99 (3/2019): Super-spicy, this is an extremely elegant 2009 with enormous concentration and finesse. The complex finish lights up the sky and you wonder how this spectacular ripeness could have been more perfectly expressed. Drink or hold.
WS 98 (3/2012): Dense, brooding and richly coated, with a well of steeped black currant, fig paste and roasted plum fruit to draw on while the layers of charcoal, Kenya AA coffee and loam resolve themselves. This displays both breadth and depth, offering a great undercurrent of acidity to match its heft. Should be among the most long-lived wines of the vintage. Best from 2017 through 2035. 7,330 cases made.
VM 98 (3/2019): The 2009 Cheval Blanc has a rambunctious nose with copious red fruit, meat juices, sage and crushed stone aromas, ineffably complex. This is so refined, constantly mutating in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, saturated tannin. There is a mixture of red and black fruit, hints of cassis, cardamom and allspice. Immense depth and grip towards the finish expresses ripe Cabernet Franc. This is an outstanding 2009 destined for long-term ageing. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting. Neal Martin. |
|
|
2009 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$5,292.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 100 (6/2019): Reminding me a little of the 2015, the 2009 Chateau Cheval Blanc is another powerful yet elegant wine that tops out on my scale. A huge nose of kirsch, cassis, flowery spices, forest floor, and tobacco all give way to a full-bodied, sweetly fruited 2009 that has no hard edges, perfect balance, integrated, perfectly ripe tannins, and a finish that won’t quit. It’s one of those magical wines that carries enormous richness and depth yet stays weightless and ethereal on the palate. Bravo!
WA 100 (3/2019): Deep garnet colored, the 2009 Cheval Blanc offers up profound notions of baked blueberries, blackberry compote and crème de cassis with suggestions of chocolate mint, new leather and cloves plus a waft of candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is an exercise in elegance with very classy, super fine-grained tannins, beautiful freshness and layer upon layer of mineral-laced blue and black fruits, finishing long and perfumed.
JS 99 (3/2019): Super-spicy, this is an extremely elegant 2009 with enormous concentration and finesse. The complex finish lights up the sky and you wonder how this spectacular ripeness could have been more perfectly expressed. Drink or hold.
WS 98 (3/2012): Dense, brooding and richly coated, with a well of steeped black currant, fig paste and roasted plum fruit to draw on while the layers of charcoal, Kenya AA coffee and loam resolve themselves. This displays both breadth and depth, offering a great undercurrent of acidity to match its heft. Should be among the most long-lived wines of the vintage. Best from 2017 through 2035. 7,330 cases made.
VM 98 (3/2019): The 2009 Cheval Blanc has a rambunctious nose with copious red fruit, meat juices, sage and crushed stone aromas, ineffably complex. This is so refined, constantly mutating in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, saturated tannin. There is a mixture of red and black fruit, hints of cassis, cardamom and allspice. Immense depth and grip towards the finish expresses ripe Cabernet Franc. This is an outstanding 2009 destined for long-term ageing. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting. Neal Martin. |
|
| Le Clarence de Haut Brion |
2008 |
Pessac Leognan (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,715.97 |
10 |
|
| |
WA 91 (5/2011): Le Clarence de Haut-Brion: The super 2008 (45% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc) exhibits soft, ripe tannins as well as copious black cherry and loamy soil notes intermixed with notions of smoke and roasted herbs. It is a beautifully pure, deep, already delicious and complex wine that should drink nicely for 10-12 years.
JS 90 (7/2013): The second wine of Haut-Brion. Very pretty, subtle tannins, with hints of dried fruits and tobacco. Medium-to-full body with integrated tannins.
WS 88 (12/2011): Open-knit, with a briary edge to the currant, tobacco, tar and roasted sage notes, followed by a lightly edgy feel on the finish. The renamed second wine of Haut-Brion (used to be Bahans). Drink now through 2014. 9,400 cases made. |
|
| Clarendelle |
2016 |
Bordeaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$181.99 |
20 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Clerc Milon |
2011 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,183.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 93 (2/2014): A chewy wine but the tannins are polished and pretty. Full body, intense fruit and tannins, and a persistent finish. Muscular but balanced. Try in 2018.
WS 91 (3/2014): Exhibits a solid core of crushed currant, blackberry and black cherry fruit, backed by refined tannins. The notes of roasted cedar and iron are well-buried for now. This should develop into a textbook Pauillac after some modest cellaring. Best from 2016 through 2026.
VM 90+ (7/2014): Very deep ruby. Cassis, vanilla and pipe tobacco aromas are complicated by coffee and cocoa on the deeply scented nose and palate. Broad and fleshy, with licorice and bitter chocolate qualities gaining strength with air. Shows serious power for the vintage, finishing chewy, sweet and very long, with rising tannins and lingering flintiness. Considering the difficult vintage, this strikes me as an extremely successful Clerc Milon.
WA 88 (4/2014): Administrator Philippe Dhalluin has produced a firmly structured 2011 Clerc Milon that displays notes of red and dark cherries intermixed with earthy, dusty characteristics, medium body and good purity. Slightly angular, it will benefit from some bottle age, and should evolve for 15 or more years. The only troublesome element is the tartness in the finish, which should soften and dissipate in several years.
NM 88-90 (5/2012): The 2011 Clerc-Milon, a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carmenere and 1% Petit Verdot, has a lifted sorbet bouquet that usually seems more extravagant and precocious than d’Armailhac. The palate shows slightly higher acidity than the d’Armailhac (pH 3.65 compared to 3.75 for the d’Armailhac.). It is slightly pinched at the moment, very linear and strict with a little hardness on the finish that should soften with time. This will be more representative after bottling. |
|
| Clos du Clocher |
2016 |
Pomerol (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$717.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Ducru-Beaucaillou |
2005 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,988.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (4/2008): The 2005 Ducru Beaucaillou is a 10,000-case blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot (they used to produce 18,000-20,000 cases). It is an exceptionally powerful wine with a dense purple color, superb intensity, and a beautiful, sweet nose of spring flowers, raspberries, blueberries, graphite, and creme de cassis. Full-bodied with fabulous concentration, exceptionally high tannin, good acidity, and massive layers of richness that build incrementally on the palate, this monumental effort is more structured than their Outstanding 2003. It may be the finest wine produced at this estate since the 1982 and 1961 Ducrus. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2050.
WS 95 (3/2008): Aromas of blackberry, currant and toasty oak, with a hint of spice, lead to a full-bodied palate, with plenty of blackberry, chocolate and Indian spices. Balanced, refined and very pretty, with a velvety texture and a long, beautifully textured finish. Best after 2013. 10,000 cases made.
VM 94 (6/2008): Good deep ruby-red. Wonderfully sweet, aromatic nose combines currant, chocolate and cedary oak. Fat, lush and silky, with atypical volume to the flavors of plum, tobacco and chocolate. Wonderfully supple, plump wine with layers of flavor, thoroughly sweet tannins and compelling aromatic persistence. Today the wine's substantial baby fat is masking its impressive underlying power. According to Borie, this 2005 combines the best traits of the chateau's 2003 and 2000. |
|
| Ch. Duhart Milon |
2016 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$558.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| JS 94-95 (4/2017): A firm and silky young red with a medium to full body and lovely chocolate, cedar and currant character. Flavorful finish. One of the best in a very long time. |
|
| Ch. L' Eglise Clinet |
2019 |
Pomerol (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,386.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98-100 (6/2020): Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 L'Eglise Clinet has a powerfully fragrant nose of violets, star anise, powdered cinnamon and jasmine over a core of plum preserves, blackberry pie, Black Forest cake and camphor with wafts of crushed rocks and iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is an exercise in poise and precision, possessing remarkably well-defined, bright, energetic black fruit and minerally layers, supported by beautifully ripe, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with a long-lingering, mesmerizing array of earth, rock and glittery fruit nuances. This is a wine that will stop you in your tracks and demand you to think, contemplate and reflect. And if all that isn’t enough, it is also fantastically delicious. The blend this year is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.
VM 97-99 (6/2020): The 2019 L'Eglise-Clinet is destined to be remembered as Denis Durantou's last vintage before he passed away in May 2020. It is a fitting testament to the late winemaker. It is blessed with a bewitching bouquet laden with intense, vivid red berry fruit suffused with liquorice, black pepper and clove scents. Extremely complex. The palate is wonderfully proportioned with fine tannins that frame the layered black and red fruit, lightly spiced with hints of tobacco and cracked black pepper on the finish imparted by that seasoning of Cabernet Franc. Quintessential l'Eglise-Clinet, it will give half a century of drinking pleasure and the perfect way to remember and raise a toast to one of Pomerol's finest vignerons. Neal Martin.
JS 99-100 (6/2020): This is incredibly powerful with fantastic depth and length. It goes on for minutes. Full-bodied yet so tight and intense. Blackberries and hints of spice. It has such energy and persistence. It is a wine that makes you really reflect. Bravo. Tiny production. |
|
| Ch. L' Evangile |
2012 |
Pomerol (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,835.98 |
5 |
|
| |
JS 94-95 (4/2013): A wine with plenty of deep fruit, spices and hazelnut character. Lovely fruit. Full-bodied, with lovely silky tannins and a long, long finish. So much going on here. Elegance with strength and structure. 93% Merlot and 7% Cabernet Franc.
WA 94 (4/2015): This dark ruby/plum Pomerol offers up sweet black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, velvety tannin, medium to full body, and a nice lushness and silkiness. A beauty with great fragrance and suppleness, it’s not enormously endowed, as a great vintage would be, but it is certainly an Outstanding wine and a brilliant effort from ’Evangile in 2012. Drink it over the next 15 years.
WS 92-95 (4/2013): Fleshy and unctuous, with dark plum and steeped currant fruit, rounded out by a healthy dose of toast and a long, charcoal-filled finish. Shows serious weight for the vintage. |
|
| Les Forts de Latour |
2006 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,258.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92 (2/2009): The brilliant second wine, the 2006 Les Forts de Latour, a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, possesses a dense ruby/purple color, a beautiful bouquet of asphalt, cassis, cedar, truffles, and earth, and a full-bodied, dense, beautiful style that is similar to a 1996 Pauillac. It will age effortlessly for 15 years.
VM 91 (6/2009): Deep ruby-red. Black fruits, licorice, minerals, tobacco and iron on the complex nose. The wine's sweetness almost comes as a shock, but the creamy blueberry and blackberry fruit flavors are given lift and clarity by firm acidity and solid underlying minerality. Finishes with sweet tannins and subtle persistence. An unusually accessible young Forts de Latour, and riper than it appeared to be in the early going: as I recall, its supple character is partly attributable to the fact that it includes a good bit of declassified Latour merlot but less Latour press wine than usual.
WS 89 (3/2009): Blackberry and violet aromas, with a hint of black licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, with slightly chewy tannins and a medium finish. A little hollow midpalate. The second wine of Latour. Best from 2013 through 2017. |
|
| Ch. La Gaffeliere |
2020 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$821.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96-98 (5/2021): Deep purple-black colored, the 2020 La Gaffeliere gallops out of the glass with exuberant scents of crushed black plums, boysenberries and fresh blackberries, plus hints of eucalyptus, dark chocolate, crushed rocks and iron ore, with a waft of lavender. The medium to full-bodied palate shimmers with compelling energy, delivering layers of black and red berries with fantastic tension and finely grained tannins, finishing very long and wonderfully minerally.
VM 96-98 (5/2021): The 2020 La Gaffelière has an intriguing, complex nose, a melange of red and black fruit, cigar box, undergrowth and mint, quite mercurial in the glass as it opens with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with lithe tannins, a beautiful seam of acidity and perhaps the most satin-like texture I have encountered on a young La Gaffelière. It sashays to a harmonious and precise finish and lingers with wonderful mineralite. This is a magnificent prospect. Neal Martin.
JD 95-97 (5/2021): Lots of blue fruits, leafy herbs, chocolate, and earthy goodness emerge from the 2020 Château Canon-La-Gaffeliere, a medium to full-bodied, dense, focused, elegant Saint-Emilion that needs plenty of air to show at its best. The purity of fruit is remarkable, and while it starts out tight and focused, it blossoms with air, showing a more expansive, layered, rich yet still fresh texture that keeps you coming back to the glass. It’s a thrilling Saint-Emilion readers should snatch up.
JS 96-97 (4/2021): Blackberry and black-olive aromas and flavors. Full-bodied with layers of fine tannins that fill the mouth. Expansive finish. The tannins are very fine, but abundant. Really impressive. |
|
| Ch. Haut Bailly |
1990 |
Pessac Leognan (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,132.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Haut Batailley |
2020 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$634.99 |
4 |
|
| |
JD 94 (3/2023): The Grand Vin 2020 Château Haut-Batailley is a step up and checks in as 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot. This medium to full-bodied, ripe, layered, elegant Pauillac has lots of classic Cabernet darker currant fruits, some chocolate, leafy herb, and damp earth nuances, a great mid-palate, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It already offers pleasure yet will evolve for 15-20 years.
VM 94 (2/2023): The 2020 Haut-Batailley, matured in 60% new oak for 14 months, has a vivacious nose with mint-infused blackberry and raspberry fruit, a light pencil lead note underneath. Certainly one of the more intense aromatics in Pauillac with disarming purity. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and a wonderful bead of acidity keeping it tensile throughout. There's a sweet core of plummy fruit, hints of orange rind towards the finish that contains plenty of energy. Excellent. Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. Lafite Rothschild |
2019 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,503.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97-99 (6/2020): The 2019 Lafite Rothschild is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, harvested from the 19th of September to the 7th of October. Deep garnet-purple in color, it rolls effortlessly out of the glass with compelling notions of baked black cherries, ripe blackberries and crème de cassis followed by hints of mocha, licorice, smoked meats and Sichuan pepper with a waft of eucalyptus. Medium-bodied, the palate is at once ethereally graceful and powerfully intense, featuring layer upon layer of profound smoky, savory flavors and decadently ripe fruit, framed by exquisite, silt-like tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with epic length. In terms of flavor profile, this is a surprisingly (atypically) hedonic, forward expression, with notably lower acidity/higher pH (the pH is 3.9). The alcohol is 13.4%, just a tick higher than the 2018 (13.3%). And yet, the tannins here are unmistakably Lafite, featuring all the tannic grace, finesse and densely pixilated poise fans will expect. What an exciting paradox for the palate—bravo!
JD 98-100 (6/2020): A truly great Lafite, and maybe the wine of the vintage, the 2019 Château Lafite-Rothschild reveals a deep purple color as well as an ultra-classic bouquet of crème de cassis, lead pencil, unsmoked tobacco, chocolate, and gravelly minerality. Deep, full-bodied, and flawlessly balanced, it's a magical, heavenly bottle of wine that's going to be approachable with just 5-6 years of bottle age yet evolve for 100 years or more. It reminds me of the 2016, only with a touch more sexiness and opulence.
JS 99-100 (6/2020): Complex aromas of blackcurrants and lead pencil. Incredible. Graphite and tar. Stunning. It’s full-bodied, yet shows such harmony and polish. Elegance and complexity with finesse. The tannins are so integrated and endless. It goes on for minutes. 94% cabernet sauvignon, 5% merlot and 1% petit verdot. |
|
| Ch. Lanessan |
2016 |
Haut Medoc (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$329.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 93 (2/2019): Currant, lead pencil and fresh rose-petal aromas follow through to a full body, round and nicely chewy tannins and a long finish. Balanced and polished. Drink in 2022.
WA 90 (11/2018): Medium garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Lanessan offers cassis and plums on the nose with a core of cedar, earth and herbs. Medium-bodied, the palate is firm, grainy and lively with good expression. |
|
| Ch. Langoa Barton |
2019 |
St. Julien (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$334.99 |
2 |
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VM 93-95 (6/2020): The 2019 Langoa Barton has a very typical Langoa nose, which is a good thing, sporting vivacious black cherries, blackberry, crushed iris, cedar and light blood orange scents lurking offstage. Lovely oak integration here. The palate is beautifully defined on the entry, a structured almost big-boned Langoa with enormous grip on the spicy finish. I love the generosity of this Saint-Julien, one that I suspect will be seductive on release but don't be deceived - it deserves cellaring lest you get a smacked wrist for being impatient.
JS 95-96 (6/2020): Very finely textured with pure blue fruit and lavender and violet undertones. It’s full-bodied with pure, focused fruit. Extremely long and refined. Clearly better than the 2018. |
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| Ch. Larmande |
2019 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$260.99 |
36 |
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| Ch. Leoville Poyferre |
2009 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,463.99 |
1 |
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JD 100 (2/2018): The greatest wine I’ve ever tasted from this address is the 2009 Leoville Poyferre, which is a step up over both the 2000 and the 2010. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and the balance Cabernet Franc that hit 13.9% alcohol, it offers everything you could ask of a wine and reveals a saturated purple color as well as incredible notes of crème de cassis, blueberries, lead pencil, exotic Spices, and dried flowers. Incredibly full-bodied, super concentrated, deep, and opulent, yet still pure, fresh, and lively, it has sweet tannin and a hedonistic vibe that hides its underlying structure. Drink it anytime over the coming three decades.
WA 100 (2/2012): One of the more flamboyant and sumptuous wines of the vintage, this inky/purple-colored St.-Julien reveals thrilling levels of opulence, richness and aromatic pleasures. A soaring bouquet of creme de cassis, charcoal, graphite and spring flowers is followed by a super-concentrated wine with silky tannins, stunning amounts of glycerin, a voluptuous, multilayered mouthfeel and nearly 14% natural alcohol. Displaying fabulous definition for such a big, plump, massive, concentrated effort, I suspect the tannin levels are high even though they are largely concealed by lavish amounts of fruit, glycerin and extract. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040.
VM 96 (3/2019): The 2009 Leoville Poyferre has an outstanding bouquet with blackberry, mint and cedar aromas, almost Pauillac in style, very dense and with plenty of horsepower. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, saturated tannins that frame layers of blackberry infused with graphite and white pepper. I love the symmetry and control of this Poyferre, in particular its persistent finish. This is a magnificent wine from Didier Cuvelier. Tasted at BI Wines & Spirits' Ten Year On tasting. Neal Martin.
JS 95 (2/2019): Ripe and creamy but also refined and lively, this is a beautiful 2009 Medoc, the fine tannins adding a lot to the long and silky finish. The obvious bitter chocolate note will either delight you or be a touch too much. Drink or hold.
WS 93 (3/2012): Solid notes of steeped black currant, ganache-coated fig and plum eau de vie pump along in this very dark red, but with well-integrated structure. Long and winey through the finish, with the grip extending everything nicely. Best from 2016 through 2026. 17,665 cases made. |
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2010 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,700.97 |
2 |
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JD 99 (2/2018): Another massive, incredible release from this estate is the 2010 Leoville Poyferre. Based on 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and the balance Petit Verdot, its inky purple color is followed by a massive, full-bodied, incredibly concentrated 2010 that has awesome notes of pure crème de cassis, licorice, graphite, and spring flowers. As with the 2009, it has incredible depth of fruit, yet a slightly more focused, classic style, which is very much in the style of the 2010 vintage. With its new oak completely absorbed by its wealth of fruit, perfect balance, and sweet tannin, it’s a sensational, monumental effort to drink over the coming 3-4 decades.
WA 98+ (2/2013): The wine out distances both Leoville Las Cases and Leoville Barton, but all three of them are compelling efforts. Full-bodied, dense purple in color, with floral notes intermixed with blackberries, cassis, graphite and spring flowers, this full-bodied, legendary effort is long and opulent, with wonderfully abundant yet sweet tannin, a skyscraper-like mid-palate and a thrilling, nearly one-minute finish. This spectacular effort from Poyferre that should drink well for 30+ years.
VM 97 (4/2020): The 2010 Leoville-Poyferre has a very intense bouquet with blackberry, briary cedar and light estuarine/seaweed aromas that are very well defined. Pure class. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, layers of pure black fruit laced with pencil lead and a pinch of white pepper. It fans out wonderfully towards the finish, a Saint-Julien demonstrating wonderful density and precision. What an outstanding wine, perhaps less flamboyant than other vintages, one that will last decades. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal. Neal Martin.
JS 95 (2/2013): Wow. Very intense and aromatic nose with crushed currants and blueberries with hints of nuts and dried flowers. Full body, with very refined tannins and a lovely undercurrent of fruit. Balanced and juicy. Better in 2018.. Best from 2015 through 2030. 17,833 cases made. |
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2010 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,790.95 |
1 |
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JD 99 (2/2018): Another massive, incredible release from this estate is the 2010 Leoville Poyferre. Based on 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and the balance Petit Verdot, its inky purple color is followed by a massive, full-bodied, incredibly concentrated 2010 that has awesome notes of pure crème de cassis, licorice, graphite, and spring flowers. As with the 2009, it has incredible depth of fruit, yet a slightly more focused, classic style, which is very much in the style of the 2010 vintage. With its new oak completely absorbed by its wealth of fruit, perfect balance, and sweet tannin, it’s a sensational, monumental effort to drink over the coming 3-4 decades.
WA 98+ (2/2013): The wine out distances both Leoville Las Cases and Leoville Barton, but all three of them are compelling efforts. Full-bodied, dense purple in color, with floral notes intermixed with blackberries, cassis, graphite and spring flowers, this full-bodied, legendary effort is long and opulent, with wonderfully abundant yet sweet tannin, a skyscraper-like mid-palate and a thrilling, nearly one-minute finish. This spectacular effort from Poyferre that should drink well for 30+ years.
VM 97 (4/2020): The 2010 Leoville-Poyferre has a very intense bouquet with blackberry, briary cedar and light estuarine/seaweed aromas that are very well defined. Pure class. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, layers of pure black fruit laced with pencil lead and a pinch of white pepper. It fans out wonderfully towards the finish, a Saint-Julien demonstrating wonderful density and precision. What an outstanding wine, perhaps less flamboyant than other vintages, one that will last decades. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal. Neal Martin.
JS 95 (2/2013): Wow. Very intense and aromatic nose with crushed currants and blueberries with hints of nuts and dried flowers. Full body, with very refined tannins and a lovely undercurrent of fruit. Balanced and juicy. Better in 2018.. Best from 2015 through 2030. 17,833 cases made. |
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| Ch. Lynch Bages |
2016 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$853.97 |
1 |
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WA 97+ (11/2018): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Lynch Bages comes charging out of the gate with pronounced cassis, chocolate-covered cherries, mulberries and menthol notions, backed up by scents of garrigue, tilled soil and a waft of tapenade. Medium to full-bodied, rich and fantastically concentrated, the generous fruit is superbly framed by firm, ripe, grainy tannins with tons of pepper, cinnamon and cloves layers coming through on the finish. Truly, a legendary Lynch Bages!
JS 97 (1/2019): Very rich and exotic with blackberry, black-tea, graphite and lead-pencil aromas. Full-bodied, dense and structured with lots of ripe tannins and a long, flavorful finish of currants and forest floor, combined with fresh mushrooms and bark. Needs four to five years to show its true potential. Try after 2024.
VM 97 (1/2019): The 2016 Lynch-Bages delivers on its promise from barrel with an intense blackberry, cedar and mineral-driven bouquet that actually reminds me of Lafite-Rothschild. A faint dark chocolate scent makes a brief appearance. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe tannin, pure black fruit and a velvety texture. There is wonderful structure and focus on the finish, followed by a persistent saline aftertaste. This is an outstanding Lynch-Bages, easily the best since the twin titans of 1989 and 1990. Neal Martin.
WS 97 (3/2019): This is built for the cellar, with a generous core of kirsch, raspberry paste and plum preserve flavors waiting to unfurl. Will take time, due to the licorice snap, roasted apple wood and sweet tobacco elements draped over the fruit. Should meld with age, as the structure is invigorating in feel, showing both acidity and tannins in lockstep with the fruit. Best from 2025 through 2040.
JD 95+ (2/2019): The flagship 2016 Château Lynch Bages is a powerhouse, checking in as 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot raised in 75% new French oak. This deep, concentrated, powerful 2016 is going to be one for the ages, but if you’re looking for instant gratification, this isn’t for you. Saturated purple-colored, with thick black fruits, graphite, and scorched earth aromas and flavors, it fills the mouth with fruit, has masses of tannins, and beautiful overall balance. Don’t even think about opening bottles before 7-8 years from now, and it’s going to have 3-4 decades of longevity. |
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| Ch. Mouton-Rothschild |
2009 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,768.97 |
1 |
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WA 99 (4/2019): Deep garnet colored, the 2009 Mouton Rothschild gives up bold earthy notions of underbrush, tilled soil and fungi over a core of crème de cassis, plum preserves and Indian spices with a waft of camphor. Full-bodied with a firm, velvety tannin texture and packed with black fruit preserves and exotic spice layers, it has seamless freshness and a very long, decadently fruited finish.
WS 98 (7/2017): This will always be a great contrast to the dark power of the 2010, sporting lush layers of fig, boysenberry and blackberry confiture, carried by velvety tannins, flowing through a long, anise-, tobacco- and cocoa-fueled finish. Not shy on grip, but much rounder and plusher in feel. Hard to resist now, but there's absolutely no rush.--Non-blind Mouton-Rothschild vertical (March 2017). Best from 2020 through 2050. 16,000 cases made.
JS 98 (2/2019): With a ton of ripe blackcurrant and some bitter chocolate this is a rich and rather opulent wine that still retains a delightful freshness and has a long, positively dry finish. Drink or hold. |
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2020 |
Pauillac (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,661.97 |
1 |
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| |
VM 99 (2/2023): The 2020 Mouton Rothschild is very clearly one of the great, great wines of the Left Bank in 2020. All the elements are in perfect balance. A wine of total sensuality and nuance, Mouton is all finesse in 2020, all elegance. An explosion of dark cherry fruit, plum, pomegranate, mint and cinnamon are all amplified. From barrel, the 2020 Mouton hinted at greatness. Today, that greatness is evident. The rich, vibrant finish is a thing of beauty. Antonio Galloni.
JD 97_ (3/2023): The 2020 Château Mouton Rothschild is in the running for the biggest, baddest, and most concentrated wine in the vintage. Based on 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petite Verdot brought up in new barrels, this inky hued beast of wine offers up classic Mouton ripe black fruits, scorched earth, tobacco leaf, and freshly sharpened pencil-like aromatics. These carry to a full-bodied, concentrated, tannic, backward 2020 with terrific purity, building, mouth-coating tannins, terrific balance, and one gorgeous finish. Unfortunately, as with many of the top 2020s, this isn't for those looking for instant gratification, and a decade (or more) of cellaring is advised. This hit 13.1% natural alcohol with a pH of 3.78. It will be a 50-, 60-, 70+-year wine.
JS 99-100 (4/2021): This is a great and impressive Mouton with plushness and precision. A million layers of tannins. It’s full and very friendly, even seductive, in a rich and opulent way, yet it always remains fresh. Balanced and refined. Nothing sticks out here. Every so fine-grained tannins provide flesh. Looking forward to seeing its evolution. 84% cabernet sauvignon, 13% merlot, 2% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.
WA 97-99 (5/2021): The 2020 Mouton Rothschild is composed of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, with an alcohol of 13.1% and a pH of around 3.78. Deep purple-black colored, it starts off with subtle notions of fresh raspberries and blackberries, needing considerable swirling and patience to unlock its intense core of blackcurrant pastilles, rose oil, licorice and cardamom, plus touches of cedar chest, black truffles and crushed rocks. The medium-bodied palate is like a tightly coiled spring, possessing exhilarating tension and very firm, ripe, multi-grained tannins to frame the layer upon layer of black and red fruits intertwined with earthy and mineral accents, finishing very long and very fragrant. It is certainly the most coy, reticent and elegant grand vin of this trio of vintages (2018, 2019 and 2020), bearing Mouton's signature perfume, opulence and stylishness with great grace and sophistication as opposed to devil-may-care flamboyance. It's this gently teasing, achingly beautiful restraint that collectors are not going to want to miss. |
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| Ch. Palmer |
1989 |
Margaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$7,395.98 |
1 |
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NM 96 (11/2010): Tasted at Handford’s 21st anniversary tasting. Served from magnum, the Palmer 1989 is the best release from the Margaux estate. Like many 1989s, the nose is developing more tertiary element with age, perhaps an autumnal bouquet with dried leaves, woodland and undergrowth underlying the ripe black fruits. With continued aeration there is just a touch of brine. The palate is tannic on the entry with very good density, even more so than the Mouton ’89 poured alongside, with a smoked meat note appearing right on the persistency, grippy finish. This is a multi-faceted Palmer that continues to offer immense pleasure and yes, I do think it out-classes Chateau Margaux. Drink now-2030.
WA 95 (2/1997): Palmer's 1989 is one of the vintage's great successes. The wine exhibits a dark ruby/purple color, a sweet, jammy nose of black fruits, intermingled with floral scents, licorice, and a touch of truffles. Full-bodied and supple, with low acidity, copious quantities of ripe fruit and glycerin, and a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, harmonious, seamless texture, this is a gorgeous Palmer. It may turn out similar to this estate's brilliant 1962 and 1953. Although approachable, it will improve for another decade, and last for 20-25 years.
MB [****[*]] (10/1999): At its best. Many notes from glorious, generously endowed in cask to the Grand Awards 'Super-seconds' tasting in New York. Now maturing; rich, ripe (52% Merlot in '89), open, biscuity; sweet, delicious fruit and flavour. Still tannic. Drink now-2015.
WS 92 (12/2009): Displays impressive sweet berry and floral aromas, with hints of cedar and light new oak. Medium- to full-bodied, offering fine tannins and a fresh finish. This wine is just now opening, with a racy backbone of tannins and dark fruits on the finish. This is turning out to be more balanced than I remember. Ready.
JS 91 (1/2011): I find this a little austere with mineral, tar, and currant character. It’s a little subdued. Full and silky on the palate, it’s firm and bright, even tight. Served from imperial bottle. |
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1995 |
Margaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,889.99 |
1 |
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NM 95 (6/2008): This Palmer has a fresh, lively nose with blackberry, freshly rolled tobacco and gravel. Very good definition. The palate is medium-bodied, very fresh with fine tannins. Like other 1995s it is has more masculinity than it showed in its youth, but has great delineation and poise with cedar and a touch of graphite towards the slightly foursquare (for Palmer) finish. Drink now-2025.
WS 94 (12/2007): Big and powerful, with loads of fruit and chewy tannins. Still just a baby. Full-bodied, with lots of structure and a long, long finish. Give it time.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2010. 14,500 cases made.
MB [***[**]] (2/2001): An unusually high percentage of Merlot for the Medoc: 50.8%, the rest being Cabernet Sauvignon. Quality apparent from a half bottle cask sample in May 1996 and the wine never looked back. One of the 'Super-seconds' at the Wine Experience in New York, October 1999: fairly deep, velvety, crisp fruit; very tannic. Totally delicious at the MW tasting in November 1999: Most recently, four days apart, at the Sichel and Farr Vintners/Mahler-Besse tastings: still very deep; the nose needed time to come out of its shell. A lovely wine, for me a cross in style, weight and quality between the '59 and '66. Drink 2005-2015.
VM 90 (6/1998): Red-ruby color. Lower-pitched, redder aromas of plum, redcurrant and mulberry. Soft, sweet and lush, with an enticing layered texture and plenty of body. Currently more expressive in the middle palate than the '96 but not quite as sharply delineated; conveys an impression of lower acidity. Finishes with very good length and even, ripe tannins. This gentle, ripe, seductive wine seems virtually unaffected by the bottling.
WA 90 (12/1998): Bottled in July, 1997, this wine includes an extremely high percentage of Merlot (about 43%). It is a gloriously opulent, low acid, fleshy Palmer that will be attractive early and keep well. Dark ruby/purple-colored, with smoky, toasty new oak intertwined with gobs of jammy cherry fruit, and floral and chocolate nuances, this medium to full-bodied, plump yet elegant wine is impressive. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2020. |
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2007 |
Margaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,097.98 |
1 |
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| |
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| Ch. Pavie |
2010 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$4,105.99 |
1 |
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| |
WA 100 (3/2020): Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Pavie delivers tantalizing suggestions of candied violets, star anise and tapenade over a core of prunes, blueberry compote, Morello cherries and fruitcake with touches of underbrush and bouquet garni. Full-bodied, rich and exotically opulent, the palate has a rock-solid texture of velvety tannins and bold freshness supporting the generous palate of black and blue berry preserves, finishing long and fragrant.
JD 100 (11/2019): The 2010 Château Pavie is straight-up magical, and while it matches the 2000, 2005, 2009, and 2015, it has a style all its own. (It’s probably most similar to the 2005, yet even more tannic and backward.) Checking in as blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon from tiny yields of 26 hectoliters per hectare, it’s still ruby/plum-colored and has a powerful, inward bouquet of blackcurrants, smoked earth, graphite, chocolate, and white truffle. Deep, powerful, and massive on the palate, yet also incredibly delineated and focused, it’s shed just a touch of the baby fat it had in its youth and still needs another 4-5 years to hit prime time. Given its depth of fruit, flawless balance, and both purity and freshness, it’s going to be a 75- to 100-year wine.
JS 99 (3/2018): This is really exceptional with such freshness, firmness and focus. Full body, incredibly tight tannins and a lengthy finish. Such power and elegance at the same time. The beginning of a new era of Pavie.
VM 96 (4/2020): The 2010 Pavie has a very generous bouquet with intense red cherries, cassis, orange essence and even a hint of dried honey. This is exuberant and very intense. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannins, wonderful detail and precision. The energy in this Pomerol is palpable and it fans out gloriously towards the finish. This represents one of the best examples of the 2010 Pavie that I have tasted. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal. Neal Martin. |
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| Ch. Pavie Macquin |
2019 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$417.99 |
4 |
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| |
WA 95-97 (6/2020): Composed of 78% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Pavie Macquin was harvested from the 23rd of September to the 11th of October. Yields were 47 hectoliters per hectare this year with about 90% of the production going into the grand vin. Deep garnet-purple in color, the wine opens with the most tantalizing perfume of lavender, lilacs and forest floor, giving way to a core of crushed blackberries, baked plums and blueberry preserves plus wafts of licorice and bay leaves. The full-bodied palate offers layer upon layer of black fruits and earthy nuances, sporting a solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and tons of freshness, finishing with great length and depth. About 5,500 cases are anticipated to be made.
VM 95-97 (6/2020): The 2019 Pavie Macquin feels very tight on the nose at first and certainly from my sample bottle, I allowed it 15-20 minutes to open. Eventually it reveals very intense scents of black cherries, cassis and crushed violet, touches of blood orange in the background. The palate has a satin-like texture, almost Vosne-Romanee-like, with extraordinarily pure blue and black fruit. Seamless! There is fine tension on the finish with impressive persistence. This is a seriously good Pavie-Macquin from Nicolas Thienpont and his team. Neal Martin.
JD 95-97 (6/2020): While this cooler terroir always yields a more austere wine that requires bottle age, the 2019 Château Pavie Macquin has a wonderful elegance and plushness to its fruit that gives surprisingly upfront appeal. Nevertheless, it has bright acidity, good concentration, and rocking purity of fruit, all pointing toward a good decade before it hits maturity. Dense purple, with lots of cassis, violets, spring flowers, crushed stone, and graphite, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, stunningly polished, silky tannins, and a great, great finish. I'll be a buyer.
JS 98-99 (6/2020): Really classy red, offering blueberries, minerals, salt, limestone and light fresh herbs. It’s full-bodied, but so refined. Fine layers of fruit and tannins. It’s like millefeuille. The 2018 is more exuberant, but I love the elegance and structure here. Subtle and complex. 78% merlot, 20% cabernet franc and 2% cabernet sauvignon. |
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| Ch. Pichon-Longueville Baron |
2013 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,658.99 |
1 |
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| |
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2019 |
Pauillac (3.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$603.99 |
3 |
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| |
JD 98+ (4/2022): Based on 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot raised in 80% new French oak, the 2019 Château Pichon-Longueville Baron is pure class and just a beautiful, seamless Pauillac that does everything right. Revealing a deep purple hue as well textbook notes of blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, freshly sharpened pencils, and liquid violets, it shows the more medium to full-bodied, elegant style of the vintage yet is brilliantly concentrated, has a supple, layered mouthfeel, ripe yet building tannins, and a great, great finish. It's more open and expressive than Mouton and shares plenty of similarities with Comtesse with its layered, supple, just perfectly balanced and classy style. It unquestionably already offers pleasure today (and it's a good time to try a bottle, as I wouldn't be surprised to see it close down), but it will need a decade to hit maturity and it will be a 50-year wine.
WA 97+ (4/2022): The 2019 Pichon-Longueville Baron will go down as one of this château's great wines of the modern era, along with 2016, 2010 and 1989. Unfurling in the glass with aromas of cassis and plums mingled with notions of cigar wrapper, sweet loamy soil and violets, it's full-bodied, velvety and layered, with superb concentration, lively acids and rich, powdery tannins. Perfumed and resonant, this is a profound young Pauillac that bears more of a resemblance to its neighbor Château Latour than to Pichon Lalande this year. Pichon Baron was one of the great deals of the en primeur campaign, and readers who purchased futures are to be congratulated on their foresight.
VM 97 (2/2023): The 2019 Pichon Baron is quite closed on the nose, blackberry, bilberry and incense, with graphite and cedar developing with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, not quite as finessed as Pichon Lalande, but with great structure and density on the close. It needs a little more precision to develop on the finish but just give it time. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. Neal Martin. |
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| Reserve de la Comtesse |
2014 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$328.99 |
1 |
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| Ch. de Sales |
2016 |
Pomerol (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$460.99 |
7 |
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2018 |
Pomerol (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$460.99 |
3 |
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| |
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| Ch. St. Pierre |
2016 |
St. Julien (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$686.97 |
2 |
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JS 93-94 (4/2017): Blueberry, blackberry and fresh currant-leaf character. Full-bodied, refined, beautiful, dense and tight. Great depth. Best ever.
WS 89-92 (4/2017): This sports bright damson plum notes along with racy mint and savory hints before giving way to juicy raspberry and cassis accents that fill up the finish. Shows the racy grip of the vintage too. |
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2022 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$904.98 |
5 |
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JD 95-97+ (5/2023): A real "wow" wine in the making, the 2022 Château Saint-Pierre (Saint-Julien) checks in as 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. This darker, powerful wine offers up loads of pure cassis and black cherry-like fruits as well as ample chocolate, graphite, and lead pencil nuances. Full-bodied, concentrated, and structured, it nevertheless stays pure, impeccably balanced, and shows a real sense of elegance. The alcohol here is 13.9% and the élevage is in 48% new French oak. Tasted twice with consistent notes.
VM 94-96 (5/2023): The 2022 Saint-Pierre was picked 12-26 September at around 35hL/ha and matured in 48% new oak. It has an intense bouquet with black cherries, iodine and touches of blood orange. Delineated and focused. The palate is where the action is with gorgeous svelte tannins, perfectly judged acidity, harmonious, plush but not overbearing. Velvety toward the finish, yet there is real tenderness here. It actually is reminiscent of Las-Cases at the moment. Neal Martin.
WA 93-94+ (5/2023): A particular success for this estate, the 2022 Saint-Pierre offers up aromas of cassis, licorice and violets, followed by a medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy palate that's lively and sapid, with powdery structuring tannins and a penetrating finish. Its tannic weight tempers the wine's sweetness of fruit to deliver a classy, nicely balanced result. |
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| Ch. Talbot |
2009 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,089.99 |
1 |
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JS 94 (2/2012): Aromas of cocoa powder and currants, follow through to a full body, with ultra-fine tannins and a juicy, berry and chocolate aftertaste. Lovely polish to this. Try in 2018.
WA 91 (2/2012): Extremely sexy, soft, supple and opulent, with notes of cedar, herbs, incense and black currant fruit, this is a full-bodied, generously endowed but silky Talbot to drink now and over the next 20+ years. By any standard of measurement, this is irresistible.
WS 91 (3/2012): Dark plum and blueberry compote notes lead the way, followed by dark cocoa and tobacco. A fleshy feel runs throughout, with a stony edge adding length and balance on the finish. Best from 2013 through 2021.
VM 91 (7/2012): Bright ruby-red. Slightly rustic aromas of musky black raspberry, black cherry, dark chocolate, leather and game. Sweet, glossy and pliant, with lovely intensity and lift to the flavors of dark cherry, cherry pit and spices. Hints at the horsey quality typical of this chateau but boasts terrific enveloping fruit and noteworthy sweetness. Finishes with broad, plush tannins and excellent length. One of the top few Talbot vintages of the last 25 years. Stephen Tanzer.
NM 88 (7/2013): Served blind at the Southwold 2009 tasting. The Talbot ‘09 displays a touch of gaminess on the nose of this wine that is well defined: blackberry, graphite and undergrowth. It is feral at first but calms down in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a delicate, understated graphite entry. I would have liked more weight, more density in the context of the growing season, although it retains fine length. Tasted January 2013. |
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|
2018 |
St. Julien (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$441.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 91-93 (4/2019): Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Talbot is just a little reduced to begin, opening out to reveal notions of warm red and black currants, baked plums and mulberries with touches of sauteed herbs, tilled soil, fallen leaves and unsmoked cigars. Medium to full-bodied, it has commendably ripe, fine-grained tannins and restrained, earthy layers on offer in the mouth with an herbal lift on the finish.
WS 93-96 (4/2019): Shows range, with cassis, blueberry and plum fruit and a nice snap of licorice throughout. Fleshy, but with latent drive on the finish. A concentrated, solid wine.
VM 91-94 (5/2019): The 2018 Talbot is super-refined and nuanced from start to finish. Powerful yet also impeccably refined. Talbot is a wine of real character and glass. Savory Cabernet Sauvignon inflections of grilled herbs, cedar, tobacco, menthol, licorice and coffee all add shades of nuance. At times, Talbot can be a bit light. Not in 2018. Simply put, the 2018 Talbot is stellar. Tasted two times. Antonio Galloni.
JD 93-95 (5/2019): This estate is on a roll and the 2018 Château Talbot might just be the best yet. A deep purple/blue color is followed by a mammoth-sized bouquet of crème de cassis, dark chocolate, tobacco, and lead pencil. Rich, full-bodied, and powerful, it nevertheless stays pure, balanced, and elegant, with a beautiful finish. Its tannins are ripe and integrated, it has balancing acidity, and this is unquestionably another beautiful vintage for this estate.
JS 94-95 (4/2019): Very attractive core of pretty fruit and polished yet chewy tannins. Medium to full body, integrated tannins and a driven finish. One of the best Talbots in a long time. |
|
| Ch. Tertre Roteboeuf |
2008 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,042.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (7/2011): Saturated medium ruby. Exotic aromas of black raspberry, smoked meat, roast coffee and minerals; this has to be the sexiest nose of the vintage. Lush, sweet and silky, like a wave of dark berries, smoke and minerals washing over the palate. Finishes with sweet tannins and palate-staining persistence. This may not last forever (Tertre-Roteboeuf has a record for mid-term aging), but for tickling your G-spot over the next 10 or 12 years, this is pretty much of a sure thing. |
|
|
2009 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,169.98 |
1 |
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| |
| VM 95 (7/2012): Dark ruby-red. Ripe red cherry, raspberry liqueur, coffee and underbrush on the concentrated nose. Then rich, dense and suave on the palate, with a chocolatey ripeness to the red and dark fruit flavors. Finishes very long, with enticing juiciness and smooth tannins. This very rich, sweet Tertre-Roteboeuf is in the process of shutting down and actually offers less of the exuberantly rich sweet fruit it showed during the Primeurs, but it has the stuffing and backbone for a glorious mid-term life in bottle. Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Ch. Tour Saint-Christophe |
2019 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$265.99 |
1 |
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| |
WA 92-94+ (6/2020): In 2012, Hong Kong-based Peter Kwok purchased this vineyard located in Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes. The average age of vines is 30 years old. The wine is aging in 40% new oak barrels, 40% one-year-old barrels and 20% two-year-old barrels. The blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, with fruit from the Cassevert lieu-dit, and the wine has 14.3% alcohol at a pH of 3.6. Deep purple-black in color, the 2019 Tour Saint-Christophe leaps from the glass with gregarious notes of fresh red and black cherries, mulberries and wild blueberries plus suggestions of eucalyptus, chocolate pie, cinnamon stick and clove oil with a waft of cedar chest. The full-bodied palate has seriously impressive freshness, featuring a firm, finely grained frame and loads of energetic black fruit layers, finishing long and spicy.
VM 94-96 (6/2020): The 2019 Tour Saint Christophe was picked from 27 September until 15 October at 37hl/ha. Matured in 40% new oak, this has an incredibly concentrated bouquet that needs to shrug off a little reduction when I taste it. Layers of blackberry and blueberry, wilted violets and orange rind burst from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with juicy ripe grippy tannins that frame the layers of dense black fruit tinged with allspice and graphite. It is a Saint-emilion clearly built for the long-term, powerful and uncompromising, perhaps one that will be in need of cellaring for several years before it becomes approachable. Neal Martin.
JD 95-97 (6/2020): From an estate that continues to fire on all cylinders, the 2019 Château Tour Saint Christophe reveals a saturated purple color to go with a pretty, floral bouquet of black raspberries, mulberries, violets, graphite, and crushed stone. Fabulously balanced, medium to full-bodied, with good acidity as well as sweet tannins, it's a finesse oriented, elegant version of this cuvee that does everything right. This estate has backed off the power and ripeness over the past few vintages, and the wine is more elegant, balanced, and seamless. It's a better wine today.
JS 96-97 (6/2020): This is tight with finesse and focus. Minerally and salty with an ultra-fine palate and polished tannins. It goes on and on and on. Strength and finesse at the same time. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc. |
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| Ch. Trotanoy |
2019 |
Pomerol (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,606.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Vieux Chateau Certan |
2009 |
Pomerol (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,674.99 |
2 |
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| |
JS 100 (2/2012): This is a wine that had extreme intensity of electrifying tannins and acidity, with supercharged fruit. Full-bodied, yet agile and lively. It touches every taste bud on your palate. Chocolate mousse and fruit. I am lost for words. Legendary 1950 all over again. Try it in 2020.
WA 99 (2/2012): The 2009's nearly 14% natural alcohol, exquisite ripeness, and incredible complex bouquet of Asian spices, fruitcake, licorice, smoke, blackberries and black currants are to die for. A blend of 84% Merlot and the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, it possesses a viscous texture as well as a freshness and vibrancy that are remarkable given the wine’s weight, richness and potential massiveness. This extraordinary effort is one of the finest Vieux Chateau Certans made over the last sixty years. It will undoubtedly shut down in bottle, requiring a decade or more of cellaring. It should keep for 50 years thereafter. Proprietor Thienpont thinks it is a modern day version of the 1948.
WS 97 (3/2012): This shows gorgeous silk and polish, brimming with beguiling plum, cherry eau de vie and red currant fruit flavors laced with supple toasty vanilla and cedar hints. But in the background brews a darker side, with loam, maduro tobacco and iron notes, which take over on the finish authoritatively. This feels like it will get a lot bigger before it fully melds—and that will be a while. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2018 through 2035. 4,300 cases made.
VM 95 (7/2012): Bright medium-deep ruby. Musky aromas of red plum, blackcurrant, cocoa and tobacco leaf. Juicy, sappy and rather stylish on the palate, combining pepper and herb qualities with a subtle touch of sweetness. Not a hugely concentrated wine but amazingly well balanced and silky, and with insidious depth of flavor. Finishes with suave, spreading tannins. |
|
| | Bordeaux White |
| Ch. Palmer |
2019 |
Vin de Table Blanc (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$843.95 |
1 |
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| |
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2021 |
Vin de Table Blanc (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$538.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Rieussec |
1996 |
Sauternes (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$829.98 |
1 |
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| |
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2010 |
Sauternes (24x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$625.98 |
1 |
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| |
WA 96 (4/2014): The 2010 Rieussec was missing a little intellect when I tasted it from barrel. Now in bottle it has become a contender for the finest Sauternes of the vintage. It is blessed with a pure and lifted bouquet with ripe peach, nectarine and honey, hints of shaved ginger poke their head above the surface with aeration. It is very subtle. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, perfectly judged acidity and convincing harmony. This is a sophisticated Sauternes with superb mineralite and Outstanding persistency. I will confess that I pinned this as “Yquem” and was both shocked and pleased when its identity was revealed. Go buy. Drink 2016-2035.
JS 95-96 (4/2011): I love the botrytis spice character to this wine with dried apricots and tropical fruits. It’s full bodied, medium sweet with a long intense finish. It’s very layered. Sweet wine of the vintage.
WS 94 (7/2015): A muscular version, with dacquoise and marzipan notes leading the way for creamed orange, white peach, ginger, mirabelle compote and tangerine accents that pump through the piecrust-filled finish. Has the vintage's raw oomph, as well as range and cut for balance. Best from 2018 through 2035. 6,000 cases made.
VM 92-94 (8/2011): Bright straw-gold. Spectacular, intense, exotic botrytized nose is redolent of honeyed yellow peach, apricot and saffron. Then very sweet in the mouth, with concentrated flavors of dried peach, ginger and honey lifted by bright acidity. The finish is long and polished, featuring persistent peach, honey and white pepper nuances. Ian D'Agata. |
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|
2014 |
Sauternes (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$594.98 |
3 |
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| |
JS 97-98 (3/2015): This has a phenomenal finish. It’s dense yet agile with dried tropical fruits and spices. Honey, too. Yet so intense and powerful. It really lasts for minutes. Medium sweet yet so fruity and energetic. This shows how you can have ripeness with fruit and then lots of botrytis. Exciting wine.
WA 95-97 (4/2015): The Château Rieussec 2014 is a blend of 93% Semillon, 5% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle, picked from 15 to 29 October through seven tries, the yield half the normal crop at 13 hectoliters per hectare. Charles Chevalier, how lest we forget started here and not chez Lafite, told me that the beginning of September had overripe grapes with passerillage – the second part had very good levels of botrytis. The blend is from these two parts. The bouquet is very well defined with crystal clear honeysuckle and white peach scents. The palate is beautifully balanced with nigh on perfect acidity that makes this seem just so…effortless. I would like to see a little more persistence on the finish, but otherwise this is classic Rieussec that might...and I stress might...just give that Sauternes beginning with the 25th letter of the alphabet, a run for its money.
VM 93-96+ (4/2015): The 2014 Rieussec is a real stunner. Rich, ample and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2014 boasts fabulous richness and exceptional overall balance. An exotic melange of honey, mint, chamomile, jasmine, candied lemon and coconut captivates the senses. The voluptuous 2014 is a real showstopper from Rieussec.
WS 92-95 (4/2015): Praline, peach and pecan notes lead the way, followed by apricot and nectarine fruit flavors. Juicy and lush, this has good depth and the vibrancy to match through the finish. |
|
| Ch. Valandraud |
2018 |
Bordeaux Blanc (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$562.99 |
36 |
|
| |
JS 95-96 (3/2019): This is a wonderful young white with layers of fruit, such as fresh peaches and lemons and then some cream and stone. Full-bodied and layered. Only 4,000 bottles made.
JD 93-95 (5/2019): Checking in as a blend of 50% Sauvignon Gris, 40% Sauvignon Blanc, and 10% Semillon, the 2018 Valandraud Blanc is a powerful, medium to full-bodied white that somehow manages to stay incredibly pure, crisp and racy on the palate, with fabulous notes of white peach, crushed citrus, and brioche as well as an undeniable salty minerality. Hats off to the Thunevin team for fashioning such a terrific wine in this challenging vintage (speaking strictly in regard to the whites). It’s going to benefit from a year in bottle and keep for over a decade.
WA 92-94 (4/2019): The Valandraud 2018 Blanc comes sashaying out of the glass with beautiful orange blossoms, beeswax, crushed rocks and lime leaves scents over a core of green guava, pink grapefruit and yuzu. Medium to full-bodied, the palate bursts with citrus and tropical layers, with a satiny texture and fantastic tension, finishing long and mineral laced.
VM 91-94 (4/2019): With the 2018 Valandraud Blanc, Murielle Andraud has crafed a white that is much brighter and more focused than in the past. That approach seems to have worked beautifully, as Valandraud Blanc is one of the more interesting whites of the year at this stage. Citrus peel, white pepper, flowers and mint shape this super-expressive wine. The blend is 50% Sauvignon Gris, 40% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Semillon. Antonio Galloni.
WS 91-94 (4/2019): Juicy and engaging, with delicious tangerine, peach and acacia notes in the making. The sneaky length at this early stage is a good sign. |
|
| | Burgundy Red |
| Dom. Arnoux-Lachaux |
2011 |
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Suchots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,832.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Olivier Bernstein |
2015 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Lavrottes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,139.95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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2017 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Lavrottes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,571.99 |
1 |
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| |
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2020 |
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru (3.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,987.99 |
2 |
|
| |
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2020 |
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,045.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
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2020 |
Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,116.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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2020 |
Mazis Chambertin Grand Cru (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,404.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Bouchard Pere et Fils |
2010 |
Bonnes Mares Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,077.99 |
2 |
|
| |
| BH 95 (4/2012): (from a .24 ha mix of terres rouges and terres blanches but with a bit more of the former.) Soft wood influence does not materially diminish the lightly spiced and beautifully fresh nose that is composed of red berry fruit, stone hints and earth nuances. The remarkably rich, round and concentrated flavors exude a focused power while coating the palate with impressive reserves of dry extract that also buffer the very firm tannins. This should be excellent in time as there is Outstanding intensity yet impeccable balance and length. Drink 2025+. Don't miss! |
|
|
2012 |
Le Corton Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,057.99 |
1 |
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| |
BH 93 (4/2014): A lavish application of wood all but overwhelms the red currant, menthol, earth and pungent sauvage nuances. There is excellent punch to the large-scaled, intense and mineral-driven flavors that possess fine mid-palate concentration before terminating in a robust and moderately austere finish that delivers superb depth and seriously good length. This is an old school Corton and while not overtly rustic it's clear that this will require plenty of cellar time to arrive at its full apogee. In a word, excellent. Drink 2027+.
VM 93 (3/2015): Medium red, a bit pale at the rim. Soil-inflected aromas of red fruits, potpourri spices, minerals, flowers and truffle. Plush, rich and fine-grained, showing terrific volume and breadth and a restrained sweetness to the flavors of red fruits, smoke and earth. This seamless, stylish wine boasts strong soil tones and an inviting, very smooth finish. A beauty--and perhaps deceptively accessible today.
WS 91 (4/2015): Ripe, rich and spicy, this red is intensely flavored, featuring wild cherry and strawberry fruit, with anise, sandalwood and mineral notes. Sleek, yet almost chewy, with lingering spice accents. Best from 2018 through 2028. 150 cases imported.
WA 90-92 (2/2014): The 2012 Le Corton Grand Cru comes from 2.4 hectares of vine on chalky soils. It has a very attractive bouquet with abundant red cherry and wild strawberry scents that are very well-defined. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, velvety smooth in the mouth with pure redcurrant and strawberry fruit. The oak is a little conspicuous at the moment (around 35% new) but it is very well assimilated on the finish. This is a well-crafted Corton. |
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|
2012 |
Echezeaux Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,170.99 |
1 |
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| |
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2012 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,361.99 |
5 |
|
| |
BH 92-95 (4/2014): (from Domaine-owned fruit in two similarly sized parcels - one at the top and the other at the bottom of the slope). Bouchard often does quite well with this appellation and so it is again in 2012 as there is fine complexity to the brooding nose that is less spicy than the Ech but earthier with game and underbrush nuances to the dark berry fruit aromas. There is excellent volume and focused power to the broad-shouldered, intense and concentrated flavors that possess an abundance of palate coating dry extract, all wrapped in a firm, serious, persistent and moderately austere finale. This will not be a good candidate for early consumption, indeed it will require plenty of cellar time. Drink 2027+.
VM 92-94 (1/2014): (from estate vines planted in 1978 and 1956; a blend of the top and bottom of the cru): Bright, dark red. Pungent stony minerality and black cherry on the rather cool nose. Then dense, sappy and sweet, showing a very fine-grained texture and terrific inner-mouth lift. This pliant, deep wine really saturates the palate on the long aftertaste, with the tannins thoroughly buffered by fruit. Just four barrels produced, vs. a permitted ten.
WA 88-90 (2/2014): The 2012 Clos Vougeot Grand Cru, which was bought in 1995, is populated by vines planted in 1956 and 1978 that are vinified separately. It has a slightly “static” bouquet: clean brambly red fruit that just lack the energy of its peers. The palate is medium-bodied with a ripe entry of tart cherries that give way to raspberry and fresh strawberry. This is nicely balanced in the mouth with quite a long succulent finish and a tinny aftertaste. Hopefully the nose will gain a little energy by the time of bottling. |
|
| Dom. Chandon de Briailles |
2019 |
Savigny Les Beaune 1er Cru Aux Fournaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$625.95 |
1 |
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| |
|
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2020 |
Savigny Les Beaune 1er Cru Aux Fournaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$811.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
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2020 |
Savigny Les Beaune 1er Cru Aux Fournaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$414.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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2021 |
Savigny Les Beaune 1er Cru Aux Fournaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$440.95 |
10 |
|
| |
|
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2022 |
Savigny Les Beaune 1er Cru Aux Fournaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$471.95 |
10 |
|
| |
|
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2022 |
Savigny Les Beaune 1er Cru Aux Fournaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$516.99 |
18 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Drouhin-Laroze |
2015 |
Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$868.95 |
1 |
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| |
| BH 91-94 (1/2017): (from a .52 ha parcel in En la Chapelle.) Discreet but not invisible wood sets off an attractively layered nose that features notes of plum, anise, violet, earth and a beguiling array of spice elements. There is a caressing mouth feel to the rich, round and delicious middle weight plus flavors that tighten up significantly on the serious and youthfully austere finish that makes clear that this will not be an especially good candidate for early drinking. Drink 2030+. |
|
|
2015 |
Gevrey Chambertin (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$799.95 |
2 |
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| |
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2015 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,004.95 |
1 |
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| |
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2016 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,792.99 |
3 |
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| |
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2017 |
Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$846.99 |
3 |
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| |
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2017 |
Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$853.95 |
1 |
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| |
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2017 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$819.99 |
6 |
|
| |
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2017 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$898.95 |
1 |
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| |
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2018 |
Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$906.95 |
1 |
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| |
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2018 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$804.99 |
6 |
|
| |
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2019 |
Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$698.95 |
3 |
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| |
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2019 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,237.99 |
1 |
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| |
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2020 |
Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,041.99 |
1 |
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| |
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2020 |
Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,125.95 |
2 |
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| |
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2020 |
Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$523.95 |
2 |
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| |
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2020 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,246.95 |
2 |
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| |
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2020 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$468.95 |
2 |
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| |
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2020 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$491.99 |
2 |
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| |
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2021 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$445.95 |
1 |
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| |
|
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2022 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,477.95 |
10 |
|
| |
|
| David Duband |
2012 |
Le Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,287.99 |
2 |
|
| |
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2012 |
Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,282.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
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2013 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$910.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
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2014 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Sentiers (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$855.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Bernard Dugat-Py |
2020 |
Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,173.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
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2022 |
Gevrey Chambertin Coeur du Roy Tres Vieilles Vignes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,193.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Dujac |
2013 |
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$4,911.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
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2013 |
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$4,965.95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Faiveley |
2008 |
Corton Clos des Cortons Faiveley Grand Cru (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$380.99 |
2 |
|
| |
WS 94 (9/2010): Very focused and juicy, with pretty raspberry, currant, violet and stone aromas and flavors that meld nicely with the firm structure and sleek profile. Elegant overall, with beautifully defined fruit and nice length. Best from 2013 through 2028. 10 cases imported.
VM 92+ (4/2011): Medium red with a palish rim. Pungent aromas of red berries, stone and flowers. Full, sweet and powerful, conveying an impression of strong extract. Very rich but very young wine with a serious underlying mineral spine.
BH 91-94 (1/2010): Almost invisible wood allows the lightly spiced and earthy red berry fruit aromas that are admirably pure to merge into relatively supple yet well-detailed broad-shouldered flavors that culminate in a lingering and solidly firm finish. This is unusually approachable but I expect that it will tighten up considerably after it is bottled. If so, this will definitely be a wine for the patient. Drink 2020+. |
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2016 |
Chambertin Clos de Beze Les Ouvrees Rodin Grand Cru (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,140.99 |
1 |
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2017 |
Echezeaux Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,238.95 |
1 |
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2017 |
Echezeaux Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,276.99 |
2 |
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| Dom. Fourrier |
2018 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Gruenchers Vieilles Vignes (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,102.99 |
1 |
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2018 |
Gevrey Chambertin Vieilles Vignes (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,263.99 |
1 |
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| BH 88-91 (1/2020): (from Les Champs Perriers in Brochon.) A top note of pomegranate can be found on the red currant, earth and attractively spicy aromas. There is better energy as well as better delineation to the relatively refined bitter cherry-inflected finish. Lovely. Drink 2025+. |
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| Dom. Jean Grivot |
2008 |
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Beaux Monts (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,249.97 |
1 |
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VM 88+ (3/2011): Palish medium red. Reticent, polite aromas of cherry, raspberry and minerals. Juicy, tight and youthfully imploded, with floral and spice elements emerging on the palate. In a very dry style but more refined than the Charmois. The pure finish features attractive floral/mineral lift.
WA 88 (5/2011): The 2008 Vosne-Romanee reveals good inner tension in its sweet crushed flowers, tobacco and incense. This, too, could use a little more complexity. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2016.
BH 88 (1/2011): 940% of the blend is from Aux Ravioles on the Nuits border.) A classic Vosne nose of spicy violet suffused red and blue pinot fruit where the spiciness carries over to the supple middle weight sour cherry-infused flavors that possess a firm tannic spine and a hint of rusticity on the otherwise balanced and long finish. A good villages. Drink 2015+.
WS 79 (12/2011): This is stingy, with light berry and spice notes followed by an astringent finish. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 260 cases imported. |
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2012 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,477.98 |
1 |
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2019 |
Nuits St. Georges Les Lavieres (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$618.95 |
1 |
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2020 |
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Beaux Monts (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$4,487.99 |
2 |
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2020 |
Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Boudots (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,669.99 |
1 |
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2020 |
Nuits St. Georges Les Lavieres (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$575.99 |
1 |
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2020 |
Echezeaux Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,823.99 |
1 |
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2021 |
Nuits St. Georges Les Lavieres (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$679.95 |
1 |
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| |
|
| Dom. Robert Groffier |
2021 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Hauts Doix (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,840.99 |
2 |
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| |
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| Dom. Anne-Francoise Gros |
2022 |
Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$263.95 |
10 |
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| |
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| Dom. A&F Gros |
2022 |
Clos de Vougeot Le Grand Maupertuis Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,508.95 |
3 |
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| |
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| Dom. Gros Frere et Soeur |
2012 |
Richebourg Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$4,832.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Dom. Alain Hudelot-Noellat |
2013 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,006.99 |
2 |
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2020 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Charmes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,970.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Louis Jadot |
2009 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,282.99 |
5 |
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2010 |
Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,602.99 |
1 |
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| BH 93 (4/2013): ( from En Gemeaux; these are the oldest vines of the entire Jadot portfolio of owned vineyards.) This was quite reduced at first and required more than an hour of aeration to finally reveal fresh, cool and mineral-inflected red berry fruit, earth, game, humus and forest floor aromas. There is superb intensity to the almost aggressively stone and beautifully well-delineated large-scaled flavors that possess an extremely firm, mouth coating and driving finish. There is a real sense of underlying tension with an overt austerity to the very serious and stunningly long finish. The En Gemeaux character of pungent minerality is about as front and center as I have ever seen it. I repeat that this is at present one very, very austere wine and there is absolutely zero reason to open a bottle young. However, if you choose to commit wine infanticide of such an egregious nature, give it 4 to 6 hours in a decanter. I believe based on how the wine evolved over several days that it will in time be genuinely excellent as the underlying material is certainly present but this is most definitely a "bury in the back of the cellar and forget you own it" Chapelle. Drink 2030+. |
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2011 |
Corton Greves Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$573.99 |
4 |
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2012 |
Le Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,287.99 |
2 |
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2012 |
Bonnes Mares Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,053.99 |
1 |
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2012 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$978.99 |
3 |
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2013 |
Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$898.99 |
1 |
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| |
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2013 |
Corton Greves Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$656.99 |
6 |
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2014 |
Corton Greves Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$656.99 |
3 |
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2014 |
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,162.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Dom. Joblot |
2021 |
Givry 1er Cru Clos de la Servoisine Rouge (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$571.99 |
2 |
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| |
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| Dom. Michel Lafarge |
2019 |
Beaune 1er Cru Les Greves (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$681.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Dom. des Lambrays |
2013 |
Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$838.99 |
1 |
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WS 94 (5/2016): Spicy and aromatic, featuring sandalwood, green olive, cedar and nutmeg notes, framing cherry and currant flavors. Crisp, taut and balanced, with fine tannins adding support on the finish. Still pretty raw, but has excellent potential. Best from 2019 through 2035. 100 cases imported.
VM 94 (3/2016): Medium-deep red. Complex, high-pitched perfume melds blackberry, cherry, wild herbs, black pepper, underbrush and dried flowers. Classic Clos des Lambrays in its combination of red and black fruits, dried flowers, minerals, spices, licorice and earth and its pungent inner-mouth energy. This wine actually reminded me of a 1978! Finishes with firm, noble tannins and terrific piquant length. This is actually easier to taste today than the village wine but should evolve very slowly. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 93 (9/2016): Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting in Beaune, the 2013 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru is a divisive wine, not one for those seeking layer upon layer of fruit. It is more mature in appearance than its peers, perhaps missing the fruit intensity one would anticipate from a grand cru of this stature. There is something a little "dusty attic" here although that ebbs away with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly leafy entry, gentle and elegant, full of personality. It is missing the weight and volume that a more benevolent vintage would have lent and it does not quite possess the structure or substance to suggest long-term. Yet, it remains a well-crafted and to put it prosaically, is absolutely delicious.
BH 92-94 (1/2015): (produced from two large parcels of differing vine age - one that is approximately two-thirds of the blend and is now 50+ years of age and a second, smaller group of vines that is approximately 25+ years of age.) Here too there is gentle wood setting off a similar if more complex nose that displays more prominent floral and spice scents. There is very good volume to the utterly delicious medium weight and wonderfully vibrant flavors that possess really fine delineation before culminating in a mineral-inflected, saline and focused finish. I very much admire the sleek mouth feel as well as the impeccable balance. Lovely juice that is moderately structured and a bit less youthfully austere than usual. Drink 2025+. |
|
| Lucien Le Moine |
2013 |
Clos St. Denis Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,322.99 |
2 |
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| VM 93-95 (1/2015): Bright red. Lovely lift to the aromas of redcurrant, iron and dried rose. Sappy and exuberant on the palate, showing complex soil-driven flavors of red fruits, iron, Asian spices and minerals. Chewy, saline, electric wine with a mounting peacock's tail of a finish featuring piquant minerality and lingering perfume. Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Francois Legros |
2020 |
Morey St. Denis 1er Cru Clos Sorbes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$417.95 |
6 |
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2021 |
Morey St. Denis 1er Cru Clos Sorbes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$432.95 |
1 |
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2022 |
Morey St. Denis 1er Cru Clos Sorbes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$456.95 |
10 |
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2022 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Noirots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$535.95 |
8 |
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| |
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| Maison Leroy |
2014 |
Chorey Les Beaune (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$4,697.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Dom. Georges Lignier |
2019 |
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,207.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
| Dom. Hubert Lignier |
2020 |
Gevrey Chambertin Les Seuvrees (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$489.99 |
3 |
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| |
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2021 |
Gevrey Chambertin Les Seuvrees (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$522.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
| Frederic Magnien |
2019 |
Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,156.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Dom. Meo-Camuzet |
2019 |
Corton Clos Rognet Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,217.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
| Dom. Georges Noellat |
2022 |
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Chaumes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,247.99 |
4 |
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| Dom. Ponsot |
2009 |
Clos de la Roche Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru (2x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,655.97 |
1 |
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| |
BH 96-98 (1/2011): (the aggregate size of this holding is a whopping 3.4 ha and Ponsot is easily the largest holder in Clos de la Roche). This, along with the Clos St. Denis, is the most complete wine in the range with mild reduction that isn't strong enough to completely block the spice, earth and game infused nose that introduces strikingly rich, naturally sweet and mouth coating flavors that explode on the formidably long finish. This is a classy wine with absolutely superb complexity, impeccable balance and almost uncanny presence, all delivered with grace and power. Be prepared to be patient however as this will need plenty of time. A 'wow' wine. Drink 2029+.
WA 94-97 (5/2011): The 2009 Clos de la Roche Cuvee Vieilles Vignes is round, sweet and totally enveloping. It is a huge, towering Burgundy that impresses for its gorgeous inner perfume and juicy, exuberant fruit. This shows tons of richness without being heavy or overripe in any way. Anticipated maturity: 2029-2049. |
|
| Nicolas Potel |
2006 |
Volnay 1er Cru Champans (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$717.97 |
1 |
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| |
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| Dom. Rossignol |
2017 |
Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Angles (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$536.99 |
6 |
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2017 |
Volnay 1er Cru Santenots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$807.99 |
7 |
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2018 |
Volnay 1er Cru Les Roncerets (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,212.99 |
4 |
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2018 |
Volnay 1er Cru Les Roncerets (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,932.99 |
2 |
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2018 |
Volnay 1er Cru Santenots (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,269.99 |
4 |
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2018 |
Volnay 1er Cru Santenots (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,269.99 |
3 |
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| |
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2020 |
Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Angles (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$494.95 |
10 |
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2020 |
Volnay 1er Cru Santenots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$611.95 |
7 |
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2021 |
Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Angles (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$611.95 |
10 |
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| |
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2021 |
Volnay 1er Cru Les Roncerets (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$762.95 |
1 |
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| |
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2021 |
Volnay 1er Cru Santenots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$763.95 |
2 |
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| |
|
| Dom. Joseph Roty |
2019 |
Marsannay Les Ouzeloy (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$524.98 |
4 |
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2020 |
Bourgogne Les Pressoniers (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$270.99 |
4 |
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| |
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2020 |
Charmes Chambertin Tres Vieilles Vignes Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,550.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Dom. E. Rouget |
2015 |
Echezeaux Grand Cru (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$18,477.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Dom. Georges Roumier |
2013 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Cras (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,555.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
| Dom. Armand Rousseau |
2012 |
Ruchottes Chambertin Clos des Ruchottes Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$6,374.97 |
1 |
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BH 94 (1/2015): This is beautifully elegant with its airy and cool yet markedly ripe nose of lavender, black raspberry, truffle and spiced plum scents. The sleek, well-delineated, intense and mineral-driven medium weight plus flavors possess fine mid-palate concentration before terminating in an attractively vibrant, harmonious and strikingly persistent finale. Lovely stuff that should age brilliantly well. Drink 2024+.
WA 94-96 (12/2013): The 2012 Ruchottes-Chambertin Clos des Ruchottes Grand Cru comes from the domain’s monopole: populated by one-third vines aged around 30-years and the remainder around 65-years old (see December issue for more details.) This year it sees 20% new oak. It has wonderful delineation on the nose with heightened mineralite from the limestone soils. The palate is medium-bodied with a precise opening. There is a wave of pure, clinically defined fresh raspberry and wild strawberry notes that dovetails into quite a stern, very linear finish. This is uncompromising at the moment, an aloof yet compelling Ruchottes-Chambertin that does not quite possess the completeness of say, Mugneret-Gibourg’s, but clearly as the substance to age extremely well.
VM 93 (3/2015): Bright medium red. Superripe aromas of black and purple fruits, violet and licorice, complicated by leather and game nuances. Highly concentrated, very ripe and palate-staining, with the black fruit and menthol flavors lifted by a note of violet. Finishes with a suggestion of chocolatey ripeness and Outstanding breadth. Perhaps not as classy as its 2013 sibling but surprisingly easy to taste today. |
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2013 |
Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$12,872.97 |
1 |
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| Dom. Taupenot Merme |
2016 |
Mazoyeres Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,112.99 |
3 |
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| VM 95 (8/2020): The 2016 Mazoyères-Chambertin Grand Cru is consistent with previous notes. It is blessed with an irresistible bouquet that showcases Romain Taupenot's ability to conjure crystalline fruit from this vineyard. Medium-bodied on the palate, not inherently powerful, yet equipped with such a saline, complex finish that you cannot help but immediately return for another sip. This is superb. Neal Martin. |
|
| Dom. Jean & Jean Louis Trapet |
2011 |
Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,346.99 |
1 |
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2011 |
Latricieres Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,006.99 |
1 |
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| |
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2012 |
Le Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,077.99 |
2 |
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BH 96 (1/2015): (from 3 different parcels that total 2 ha, 90% whole cluster.) This is ultra-cool and restrained aromatically with its airy and even elegant aromas of intensely floral, spicy and stony wild dark berry scents that are also trimmed in just enough wood to warrant commenting on. There is a gorgeous texture to the equally mineral-inflected and muscular broad-shouldered and impressively concentrated flavors that possess a Zen-like harmony on the impeccably well-balanced, moderately austere and hugely long finish. This should be genuinely wonderful if given at least a decade's snooze in a cool cellar. I should also note that by the standards of this wine the 2012 version is not super-powerful but I very much like the sense of harmony. Drink 2027+.
VM 96 (3/2015): (90% vendange entier, from grapes Trapet described as perfect): Good medium red, a bit less dark than the Latricières. Musky aromas of redcurrant, flint, red licorice and rocky minerality lifted by a floral topnote. Enters the mouth with great breadth, then tightens up dramatically in the middle, conveying an almost 2010-like tautness to its raspberry and crushed stone flavors. Actually comes across today as less thick and sweet than the Latricières, and utterly weightless. Builds inexorably to a crescendo on the explosive, gripping back end, which leaves the palate vibrating with licorice and peppery herbs. I love the stem influence here. Should make a classic, monumental Chambertin.
WA 94 (10/2015): Tasted blind at the annual "Burgfest" tasting in Beaune. The 2012 Chambertin Grand Cru from Domaine J-L Trapet has a very perfumed, mint-tinged bouquet with desiccated orange peel infusing the slightly oxidised maraschino and strawberry fruit. It is very contained - never fully lets go. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, very supple tannin, plenty of juicy red cherry fruit, but feels a tad flat-footed towards the finish. It does not quite possess the chutzpah of its peers at the moment, though Trapet's Chambertin consistently repays cellaring. |
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|
2022 |
Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru La Petite Chapelle (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,247.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
| Thierry Violot-Guillemard |
2022 |
Pommard 1er Cru La Platiere (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$608.99 |
2 |
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| |
|
| Dom. Comte de Vogue |
2011 |
Musigny Grand Cru Cuvee Vieilles Vignes (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,587.99 |
2 |
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| |
VM 95+ (4/2014): Deep, dark red. An elixir of dark berries on the nose, with complicating notes of crushed stone, menthol and flowers. Thick but weightless and youthfully imploded, with an element of spicy acidity giving Outstanding cut and primary character to the blackberry and blueberry fruit flavors. Finishes dense and strong, with powerful tannic support and late hints of espresso and bitter chocolate. Fully ripe in the context of the vintage, and built for an extended evolution in bottle.
BH 94 (1/2014): A remarkably attractively cool and restrained nose of various red berries, spice and a beautiful array of floral elements complements well the rich and equally cool mineral-tinged big-bodied and overtly muscular flavors. There is a really lovely sense of underlying tension on the clean and pure finish that delivers strikingly good length. This intensely mineral-driven effort is also clean and firm but with slightly better phenolic maturity to the supporting structural elements which should allow this beauty to age successfully for many years to come. Drink 2029+.
WA 92 (8/2013): The 2011 Musigny Vieille Vignes Grand Cru was picked around mid-harvest during the first week of September. It has a more floral bouquet compared to the Bonnes-Mares with scents of dried rose petals and a touch of violet infusing the dark cherry and pomegranate fruit profile. The palate is supple in texture, lithe in the mouth with fine tannins, much more feminine than the Bonnes-Mares (usually I find it the other way round.) The mouth is tingling with salted licorice and white pepper on the aftertaste. Impressive for sure, but I need it to show a bit of soul. Drink 2015-2025. |
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|
2011 |
Musigny Grand Cru Cuvee Vieilles Vignes (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,440.99 |
1 |
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| |
VM 95+ (4/2014): Deep, dark red. An elixir of dark berries on the nose, with complicating notes of crushed stone, menthol and flowers. Thick but weightless and youthfully imploded, with an element of spicy acidity giving Outstanding cut and primary character to the blackberry and blueberry fruit flavors. Finishes dense and strong, with powerful tannic support and late hints of espresso and bitter chocolate. Fully ripe in the context of the vintage, and built for an extended evolution in bottle.
BH 94 (1/2014): A remarkably attractively cool and restrained nose of various red berries, spice and a beautiful array of floral elements complements well the rich and equally cool mineral-tinged big-bodied and overtly muscular flavors. There is a really lovely sense of underlying tension on the clean and pure finish that delivers strikingly good length. This intensely mineral-driven effort is also clean and firm but with slightly better phenolic maturity to the supporting structural elements which should allow this beauty to age successfully for many years to come. Drink 2029+.
WA 92 (8/2013): The 2011 Musigny Vieille Vignes Grand Cru was picked around mid-harvest during the first week of September. It has a more floral bouquet compared to the Bonnes-Mares with scents of dried rose petals and a touch of violet infusing the dark cherry and pomegranate fruit profile. The palate is supple in texture, lithe in the mouth with fine tannins, much more feminine than the Bonnes-Mares (usually I find it the other way round.) The mouth is tingling with salted licorice and white pepper on the aftertaste. Impressive for sure, but I need it to show a bit of soul. Drink 2015-2025. |
|
| Dom. de la Vougeraie |
2017 |
Charmes Chambertin Les Mazoyeres Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$676.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Burgundy White |
| Dom. Henri Boillot |
2016 |
Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Clos de la Mouchere (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,565.99 |
1 |
|
| |
BH 96 (6/2018): ( from 60+ year old vines and the vineyard is a whopping 4 ha monopole within Perrières.) A highly restrained nose requires considerable swirling to liberate the beautifully well-layered aromas of mineral reduction, white rose, spice, citrus and a wisp of exotic tea. Like the Pucelles there is excellent richness and detail and much more minerality-suffusing the almost painfully intense finale that is breathtaking in its persistence. This is a gem of a Puligny 1er and in 2016 is a lovely blend of power and finesse. In sum, this is a knockout. Drink 2028+. Don't miss! Outstanding!
VM 93-95 (9/2017): (13.3% alcohol with 4.5 grams per liter acidity; cropped at 38 hectoliters per hectare, from vines up to 80 years of age): Bright light-medium yellow. Utterly pure scents of stone fruits, apricot, nuts and honeysuckle. Rich, deep, silky and moderately saline but also powerful and backward, displaying terrific precision and purity in the mouth. A superb, classic Clos de la Mouchère: utterly plush and seamless without being heavy or over the top. Boillot noted that he will slowly replant these very old vines in a series of tranches over the next 15 to 25 years. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Bouchard Pere et Fils |
2018 |
Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru La Cabotte (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,920.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Le Montrachet Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,979.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Francois Carillon |
2018 |
Puligny Montrachet (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,822.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Vincent Dancer |
2018 |
Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Tete du Clos (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,018.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Rene & Vincent Dauvissat |
2018 |
Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,081.99 |
1 |
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| |
WA 95 (8/2021): The 2018 Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses has turned out brilliantly, delivering notes of orange oil, crisp orchard fruit, iodine, white flowers and oyster shell, followed by a full-bodied, ample and enveloping palate that's racy and saline, concluding with a long, electric finish. This is rather open for a young Dauvissat Preuses; and while it should, all things being equal, enjoy a long life, it will be less of a crime than usual to open a bottle or two young.
BH 94 (10/2020): A wonderfully broad-ranging nose is composed by restrained aromas of mineral reduction, floral, pear, apple and iodine scents. As is usually the case this is notably finer if less powerful and intense, indeed the mouthfeel of the cool middle weight flavors is almost delicate though this texture contrasts considerably with the lingering and strikingly complex finish that is, like the La Forest, almost chewy. This hugely long effort is one of the wines of the vintage though note well that patience will be required.
VM 94 (9/2020): The 2018 Chablis Les Preuses Grand Cru has an outstanding nose for the vintage, very well defined with light nutty and smoky aromas. The palate is quite saline on the entry, displaying fine tension. Not as powerful as the 2019 but with an uncharacteristic linearity for the vintage, and more classic in style than many. Neal Martin. |
|
|
2022 |
Chablis (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,643.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Joseph Drouhin |
2018 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,116.99 |
2 |
|
| |
| BH 93 (6/2020): ( from a .33 ha parcel in Les Languettes.) A much more restrained nose reluctantly offers up its array of exceptionally floral-infused aromas that include those of acacia, lilac and rose petal along with hints of Granny Smith apples and lemongrass. There is outstanding volume and power to the relatively refined larger-scaled flavors that are much, much more mineral-driven on the youthfully austere, serious and compact finish. This beauty will need at least a few years of keeping first and should amply reward 10 to 12. Drink 2028+. |
|
| Arnaud Ente |
2020 |
Bourgogne Chardonnay (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,919.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Meursault Clos des Ambres (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$5,151.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Fichet |
2020 |
Meursault Les Chevalieres (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$680.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Meursault Les Chevalieres (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$717.95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Meursault Les Chevalieres (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$618.95 |
10 |
|
| |
|
| Vincent Girardin |
2020 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,573.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Les Heritiers du Comte Lafon |
2019 |
Macon- Uchizy Les Maranches (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$482.99 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Comte Lafon |
2020 |
Meursault 1er Cru Charmes (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$5,815.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Latour-Giraud |
2022 |
Meursault 1er Cru Genevrieres (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$878.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Olivier Leflaive |
2019 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,443.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Bernard Moreau |
2020 |
Chassagne Montrachet (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$580.99 |
2 |
|
| |
BH 89-92 (6/2022): The underlying fruit is presently masked by just enough reduction to blur the nuance. More interesting are the solidly concentrated and sappy flavors that possess even better volume before culminating in a mouth coating and unusually powerful finish that possess excellent depth and persistence for a wine at this level. Very fine quality for a villages-level Chassagne and well-worth checking out.
VM 89-91 (12/2021): The 2020 Chassagne-Montrachet Village had been blended and fined. This is well-defined on the nose with lemon sherbet and light orange zest aromas, a very subtle mineral note that surfaces with time. The palate is well balanced with a hint of quince on the entry, quite taut and linear, plenty of freshness towards with just a very discrete pithiness. A fine Chassagne-Montrachet. Neal Martin. |
|
| Dom. Jean-Claude Ramonet |
2021 |
Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Morgeot (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,110.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Francois Raveneau |
2017 |
Chablis 1er Cru Foret (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,801.99 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92 (1/2020): The 2017 Chablis Forêt 1er Cru is soft, open-knit and gracious. Almond, marzipan, dried lemon peel, sage, dried flowers and mint all grace this wonderfully expressive and inviting Chablis. The 2017 was only bottled about two months before this tasting, but it is one of the more accessible wines in the range, which means it will likely be one of the first of the 2017s to be fully expressive. Medium in body and absolutely impeccable in its balance, the 2017 has a lot to offer. Antonio Galloni.
BH 91 (10/2019): An overtly floral nose consists mostly of spiced pear, citrus and algae-infused aromas that are trimmed in subtle wood influence. There is a lush, even opulent mouth feel to the seductively textured middle weight plus flavors that possess lovely minerality that adds a sense of lift to the impressively long finish that tightens up significantly. In contrast to the Montmains, this is more powerful but less precise and even a bit less complex, at least today. Note that at least some patience is advised. |
|
| | Champagne |
| Dom Perignon |
2000 |
Brut Rose Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,250.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2005 |
Brut Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,497.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 97 (7/2015): I believe that the 2005 DP is the best since 2002, which remains the best recent vintage and is probably only eclipsed by the amazing 100-point 1996. The 2005 is a full-bodied DP with so much richness and loads of ripe fruit such as pineapple and papaya. It has a wonderful, creamy texture and a long and intense finish. It’s a Champagne that fully satisfies but at the same time challenges you with its strength, depth and persistence on the palate.
VM 94 (11/2015): The 2005 Dom Perignon is a festive way to kick off our 2005 Bordeaux retrospective. Fresh and vibrant, with the classic hints of DP reduction, the 2005 is super-expressive tonight. Although not one of the truly epic Dom Perignons, the 2005 offers lovely energy, while its mid-weight personality makes it an excellent choice for current drinking. The bright, precise style is the perfect complement to David Bouley's hors d'oeuvres.
WS 94 (11/2015): A rich version in an elegant, finely knit frame, with a streak of smoky minerality underscoring the flavors of clover honey, patisserie apple, blackberry and biscuit. Creamy in texture and persistent, with a long, sculpted finish. Drink now through 2030. |
|
| Drappier |
2012 |
Grande Sendree Brut Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$573.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Krug |
1998 |
Brut Champagne (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,428.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (10/2012): Krug's 1998 Brut Vintage is an excellent choice for drinking today, as the classic Krug style is rich, alive and totally vivid. Honey, almonds, smoke, graphite and dried apricots are some of the many aromas and flavors found in this rich, enveloping Champagne. A wine of texture and depth, the 1998 impresses for its vinous personality and terrific balance. Lively veins of underlying acidity suggest the 1998 will drink well for many years to follow. This is one of the best bottles of the 1998 I have ever tasted. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Pierre Peters |
2015 |
Cuvee Speciale Blanc de Blancs Les Chetillons Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$918.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92+ (5/2023): The 2015 Brut Cuvée Spéciale Les Chétillons offers up a beguiling mix of dried fruits, herbs, smoke, graphite and citrus peel. Powerful and driving, the 2015 has a lot to offer. It's an intriguing Chétillons, that is for sure. Today, the wine's textural richness and savoriness are in a sort of tension with each other. It will be interesting to see which direction this ends up going, but the evolution this far has been quite positive. I am cautiously optimistic here, especially given the high extract. Disgorged: July 2022. Dosage is 4.7 grams per liter. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Cuvee Speciale Blanc de Blancs Les Chetillons Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,455.95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Cuvee Speciale Blanc de Blancs Les Chetillons Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,132.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Salon |
2007 |
Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$6,290.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Guillaume Selosse |
NV |
Ville-sur-Arce Largillier Extra Brut Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,205.99 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Taittinger |
2011 |
Comtes De Champagne Rose (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$725.99 |
9 |
|
| |
|
| | Germany |
| Weingut Keller |
2010 |
Dalsheimer Hubacker Riesling Trocken (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,027.95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Westhofener Kirchspiel Riesling Grosses Gewachs (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,820.95 |
1 |
|
| |
JG 95+ (5/2014): Klaus-Peter Keller’s old vines in the Kirchspiel are forty-nine years of age in 2013, and 2014 is going to have to be another stellar vintage if the fiftieth birthday bottling of these vines is going to keep pace with this beautiful wine! The 2013 Kirchspiel offers up a wonderfully pure and refined nose that just exudes limestone minerality in its melange of mandarin orange, gentle smoky tones, wild yeasts, kaleidoscopic minerality, orange zest and a nice dollop of dried flowers in the upper register. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and absolutely defined by its brilliant complex minerality, with superb mid-palate depth, electric acidity, seamless balance and laser-like focus on the very, very long, primary and dancing finish. A brilliant vintage of Kirchspiel GG. 2022-2065+.
WA 93+ (10/2014): Straw yellow/white golden in color, the 2013 Westhofen Kirchspiel Riesling trocken offers a deep, dense and complex, fascinatingly pure and developing bouquet of powdered limestone, peeled limes, herbs (tarragon) and white peaches. Rich, round, and complex on the palate, this medium to full-bodied, concentrated, juicy yet firmly structured, piquant and persistently mineral Riesling has a refreshingly citric, stimulating finish and can age at least for a decade. |
|
| Egon Muller |
2018 |
Scharzhofberger Riesling Spatlese (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,211.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Van Volxem |
2018 |
Gottesfuss Alte Reben Riesling Grosses Gewachs (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$312.99 |
7 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Scharzhofberger Pergentsknopp Riesling Grosses Gewachs (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$351.99 |
5 |
|
| |
JS 95 (9/2019): Sensational freshness and vitality to the nose here, which frames barely ripe nectarines, bright lemons, guava peel and green paprika. The compact phenolics on the full body are such that the pointed acidity doesn’t hit you at first, but the sharpness is undeniable on the long, mineral finish. Drink now or hold.
VM 93 (7/2020): Lemon, crab apple and white peach offer a zesty, penetrating aromatic display and serve for generous albeit tart-edged juiciness on a firm, palpably extract-rich palate piquantly marked by their pits and seeds. Shrubby green herbal notes add further, pungent stimulation, including a slightly resinous and smoky cast suited to the palate’s hint of oiliness. The powerful, gripping finish tugs at the cheeks, and its tongue-tingling brightness is remarkable for the vintage. David Schildknecht. |
|
| | Italy |
| Piero Antinori |
2000 |
Tignanello (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$599.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 90 (10/2003): A big, rich and spicy Tignanello, with hints of smoky wood. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Chewy. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best after 2007. 27,000 cases made.
WA 89 (4/2004): The 2000 Tignanello is showing more Cabernet than usual in the nose, a bit to the detriment of the Sangiovese. Dark and intense in color with much plum and cassis fruit along with the graphite and Cabernet herbs, it is solid, tarry, minerally, and dense on the palate. The tannins are less round and supple than in better vintages, but this is a 2000. Drink: 2006-2015. |
|
|
2001 |
Tignanello (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,456.99 |
1 |
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| |
WA 93 (4/2006): The 2001 Tignanello is an object lesson in how to make Cabernet work with Sangiovese, the two varieties balancing and enhancing one another in admirable symbiosis. (The percentage of Cabernet, in fact, was reduced from the previous 20% to 15% in this vintage, an important sign - I hope - of how the wind is blowing.) A blackish ruby, its perfectly focused plum and cassis fruit, given an additional complexity by notes of sweet herbs and saddle leather, is fully and completely shaped in flavors of impeccable volume, roundness, and depth, caressing and powerful and with an additional power on the close which promises another 15 years of gratifying drinking.
VM 92 (1/2009): In 2001 Tignanello captures a super-concentrated and dense expression of fruit that has been achieved with some loss of aromatic complexity and overall finesse. This is a super-ripe style with tons of dark fruit, smoke and toasted oak in a heavily extracted style that veers on excess. There is remarkable power here, but not the level of balance that is typical of the very finest vintages. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2016. Antonio Galloni.
WS 91 (10/2004): Loads of blackberry, coffee and olive aromas. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, subtle yet rich finish. A fine Tignanello that shows reserve and class. Best after 2007. 27,500 cases made. |
|
|
2021 |
Solaia (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,962.98 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 100 (7/2024): Antinori's 2021 Solaia is another wine that captures all of the potential I sensed when I tasted it some months ago. More than anything else, the 2021 is a fine example of the style Antinori favors these days, an approach that favors finesse more than opulence. Dark plum, mocha, licorice, chocolate, spice, lavender and menthol build effortlessly in the glass. Oak and tannin are impeccably balanced. The 2021 spent 18 months in wood, three months in once-used barrels during the malolactic fermentation and then 15 months in 100% new barrels for the rest of its aging. Antonio Galloni.
WA 97 (3/2024): All said and done, the Marchesi Antinori 2021 Solaia is a monument to perfect winemaking. This coiffed supermodel does not show a single hair follicle out of place. However, it doesn't quite have the same sex appeal of the Tignanello. In my conversations with Estate Manager Renzo Cotarella during this tasting, it was expressed this way: "Tignanello is unexpected. Solaia is expected." Whereas Tignanello is a wine of vertical lift and energy, Solaia is a wine of lasting power. The wine offers generous depth and layering with soft tannins and some of the spicy pink peppercorn you get from the 9% Cabernet Franc (added to 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Sangiovese). The finish is extremely velvety and soft, but I notice that the flavors seem to become sweeter and riper the longer this wine stays in the glass. This newest release will hit the market in September. |
|
| Azelia |
2017 |
Barolo Ceretta (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$710.95 |
1 |
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| |
|
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2018 |
Barolo Ceretta (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$707.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Produttori del Barbaresco |
2013 |
Barbaresco Montestefano Riserva (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$195.96 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 95+ (4/2017): A dark, brooding wine, the 2013 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano comes across as quite virile today, with huge tannins and equally imposing dark fruit. Smoke, leather, licorice and game add to an impression of raw, almost unrestrained, power. There is not a whole lot of finesse here at least not now. The Montestefano is a wine painted in broad brush strokes that emphasize power over elegance. Then again, that is Montestefano. Readers should be in no rush to open the 2013. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Biondi Santi |
2017 |
Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Greppo (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$469.99 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (5/2023): A delicately sweet note of fresh summer cherry is a precursor to budding complexity and a very articulate bouquet that opens quickly in the glass. Immediately pleasing fruit is a characteristic of the 2017 growing season that had above average temperatures and drought throughout the summer. The resistant 2017 Brunello di Montalcino takes on these challenges without missing a beat. The wine's celebrated acidity and its small berry nuances remain intact. The tannins are silky and the wine's flavors fade slowly even after you have taken your last sip. |
|
| Tenuta di Biserno |
2008 |
Biserno Toscana IGT (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,370.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Biserno Toscana IGT (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$2,002.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Biserno Toscana IGT (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,338.95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Biserno Toscana IGT (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$585.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Giacomo Brezza & Figli |
2011 |
Barolo Cannubi (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$451.95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dott G. Cappellano |
2017 |
Barolo Otin Fiorin Pie Franco (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$3,036.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Domenico Clerico |
2006 |
Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,911.95 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (2/2010): The 2006 Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra bursts onto the palate with gorgeous, well-delineated aromas and flavors. This is an especially chiseled, finely sculpted, yet exotic Barolo endowed with extraordinary complexity and mouth-filling intensity in its ripe dark plums, mint, violets, sweet spices, soy, tar and minerals. In 2006, the Ciabot combines elegance and power to a degree that is exceedingly rare. It is another superb and truly special Barolo from Domenico Clerico. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031.
WS 96 (3/2011): (Wine Specator #8 wine of 2011) A rich Barolo, dense and powerful, boasting black cherry, plum and licorice notes. There's also a hint of eucalyptus as this crosses the palate, ending with a wall of tannins and leading to a long, mineral finish. A brooding giant. Best from 2014 through 2035. 1,500 cases made.
VM 95+ (12/2009): Good full red. Very sexy aromas of musky raspberry, flowers, tobacco and truffle, with a strong minerality and a minty nuance not currently apparent in the Pajana. Then red-fruity and powerful but youthfully unforthcoming, with a strong spine of acids and tannins currently subduing the wine's underlying sweetness. Finishes with serious but late-arriving tannins and terrific length.
JS 92 (1/2011): A wine with dark fruits, black licorice and minerals follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and a woody finish. Yet, it’s powerful and very rich behind. This needs years to mellow. Muscular. Check back after 2014. |
|
|
2006 |
Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$1,911.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (2/2010): The 2006 Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra bursts onto the palate with gorgeous, well-delineated aromas and flavors. This is an especially chiseled, finely sculpted, yet exotic Barolo endowed with extraordinary complexity and mouth-filling intensity in its ripe dark plums, mint, violets, sweet spices, soy, tar and minerals. In 2006, the Ciabot combines elegance and power to a degree that is exceedingly rare. It is another superb and truly special Barolo from Domenico Clerico. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031.
WS 96 (3/2011): (Wine Specator #8 wine of 2011) A rich Barolo, dense and powerful, boasting black cherry, plum and licorice notes. There's also a hint of eucalyptus as this crosses the palate, ending with a wall of tannins and leading to a long, mineral finish. A brooding giant. Best from 2014 through 2035. 1,500 cases made.
VM 95+ (12/2009): Good full red. Very sexy aromas of musky raspberry, flowers, tobacco and truffle, with a strong minerality and a minty nuance not currently apparent in the Pajana. Then red-fruity and powerful but youthfully unforthcoming, with a strong spine of acids and tannins currently subduing the wine's underlying sweetness. Finishes with serious but late-arriving tannins and terrific length.
JS 92 (1/2011): A wine with dark fruits, black licorice and minerals follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and a woody finish. Yet, it’s powerful and very rich behind. This needs years to mellow. Muscular. Check back after 2014. |
|
|
2006 |
Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$696.95 |
2 |
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WA 97 (2/2010): The 2006 Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra bursts onto the palate with gorgeous, well-delineated aromas and flavors. This is an especially chiseled, finely sculpted, yet exotic Barolo endowed with extraordinary complexity and mouth-filling intensity in its ripe dark plums, mint, violets, sweet spices, soy, tar and minerals. In 2006, the Ciabot combines elegance and power to a degree that is exceedingly rare. It is another superb and truly special Barolo from Domenico Clerico. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031.
WS 96 (3/2011): (Wine Specator #8 wine of 2011) A rich Barolo, dense and powerful, boasting black cherry, plum and licorice notes. There's also a hint of eucalyptus as this crosses the palate, ending with a wall of tannins and leading to a long, mineral finish. A brooding giant. Best from 2014 through 2035. 1,500 cases made.
VM 95+ (12/2009): Good full red. Very sexy aromas of musky raspberry, flowers, tobacco and truffle, with a strong minerality and a minty nuance not currently apparent in the Pajana. Then red-fruity and powerful but youthfully unforthcoming, with a strong spine of acids and tannins currently subduing the wine's underlying sweetness. Finishes with serious but late-arriving tannins and terrific length.
JS 92 (1/2011): A wine with dark fruits, black licorice and minerals follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and a woody finish. Yet, it’s powerful and very rich behind. This needs years to mellow. Muscular. Check back after 2014. |
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2007 |
Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns |
$781.97 |
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WA 98 (2/2011): The 2007 Barolo Ciabot Mentin is one of the greatest wines I have ever tasted at this address. Deep, sensual layers of fruit flow from the glass as this full-throttle, intense Barolo reveals its profound, breathtaking personality. The 2007 shows tons of Ginestra nuance, but with extra dimensions to the fruit that literally covers every nook and cranny of the palate. Tasting this next to the 2006 is quite a comparison, as both wines are fabulous. Readers who can should be sure to own bottles of both. A side-by-side comparison is sure to be fascinating as the wines develop over the coming years. Astute readers will note the slight name change here, which is the result of new regulations that require the use of the historic vineyard name, in this case Ginestra, or a proprietary name. Call me nostalgic, but it is sad to see one of the iconic labels in Barolo disappear. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027.
VM 95 (10/2011): Dark medium red color. Less fruity on the nose today than the Pajana, hinting at menthol and minerals. Less rich and sweet too, in a distinctly backward style for the vintage. But there's Outstanding volume here and a hint of almost ma |
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