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Inventory updated: Sun, Feb 16, 2025 12:30 PM cst
We are sorry, but that item has sold out. Please see other wines from this grower and region/vintage below.
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Champagne |
| Louis Roederer |
1985 |
Cristal Champagne  |
$780 |
7 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (12/2018): The 1985 Cristal is powerful and resonant on the palate, with just the earliest hints of oxidative notes starting to appear. The 1985 may not have quite the layers, focus or pedigree of the very best years, but it more than makes up for that with its inviting, generous personality. There is so much to like, including the wine’s soft curves and racy feel. The 1985 is an especially opulent Cristal, with attractive smoky and torrefaction overtones, and exceptional balance. “In 1985, we had a severe frost that lowered yields dramatically,” Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon recounted. “It was a vintage to handle carefully. From what the old-timers told me, because I was not here, set was so bad that the percentage of stems relative to fruit was quite high. Our crew works hard to cut as close as possible, especially in challenging vintages. But I imagine some stems and underripe berries made it into the tanks, resulting in somewhat green, bitter flavors at pressing. In the end though, those qualities have been pretty good for aging. Ultimately, Champagne is a battle between ripeness and greenness. If you are too ripe, you have rot, and if you aren’t ripe enough, you are green. You need to find the optimal window for picking.” Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2000 |
Cristal Champagne (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$847.99 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 92 (12/2007): Bright gold. Deep, subtly smoky nectarine and musky yellow plum aromas are energized by a suave mineral quality. Broad and fleshy, with deep, chewy pear, pit fruit and buttered toast flavors. A serious style, with velvety texture and excellent finishing punch. This has the concentration to repay cellaring but is open-knit enough to enjoy on the young side.
WS 91 (12/2007): This goes for personality and finesse. An assertive, honeyed style, with plenty of citrus flavors. Mature coffee and roasted nut accents are peeking through, with a robust structure and a dried citrus aftertaste. Drink now through 2018. 32,000 cases imported. |
|
|
2000 |
Cristal Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,338.99 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92 (12/2007): Bright gold. Deep, subtly smoky nectarine and musky yellow plum aromas are energized by a suave mineral quality. Broad and fleshy, with deep, chewy pear, pit fruit and buttered toast flavors. A serious style, with velvety texture and excellent finishing punch. This has the concentration to repay cellaring but is open-knit enough to enjoy on the young side.
WS 91 (12/2007): This goes for personality and finesse. An assertive, honeyed style, with plenty of citrus flavors. Mature coffee and roasted nut accents are peeking through, with a robust structure and a dried citrus aftertaste. Drink now through 2018. 32,000 cases imported. |
|
|
2002 |
Cristal Champagne
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$441.99 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (6/2018): Roederer's 2002 Cristal is a fabulous wine! Originally released in 2009, it was re-released in March this year—and was sold out in a very short time. The Cristal I tasted at Roederer in May 2018 was disgorged in 2010, after seven years sur lie. Its amazing richness and concentration makes it a forerunner of the 2015 and follows the 1999. Only two times—2002 and 2015—the fruit from all 42 plots reserved for Cristal was used for the Cristal. "I couldn't do any better blend than the one assembling all the 42 plots," says Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon, stressing that at that time only two hectares were farmed biodynamically. As a result of the conversion to biodynamic farming, Lecaillon promised himself the production of even more beautiful, vital and balanced wines, and you can feel his satisfaction whenever he speaks of the cuvees that are yet to come such as 2012 and 2015, the latter of which he calls "the new 2002." Back to history: the nose of the 2002 Cristal shows a deep, ripe and elegant fruit with aromas of white chocolate, wet chalk, wild vanilla and pepper (typical for 2002) as well as terroir-driven truffle notes. Intense and very elegant in the mouth, this is a ripe, rich and concentrated yet also pure and vital Cristal with great finesse, elegance and mineral complexity. It's a sublime Champagne right now, although it's more wine than Champagne.
JS 98 (9/2018): A re-release of the original 2010 disgorgement. Super fine, super fresh and super savory aromas of chalky stones with hints of flowers, white almonds, lemon peel and grapefruit. The palate has intense, mouth-filling, lemon-curd flavor. Very powerful, very concentrated and very expressive. Smooth finish that’s full of life, leaving a bright, white cherry note. Drink in 2022.
VM 98 (7/2018): As hard as it may seem to believe, the 2002 Cristal Rose (Re-Release) is even better than the Blanc. Utterly explosive in the glass, with soaring aromatics and tremendous palate presence, the 2002 dazzles from the very first taste. With time in the glass the 2002 grows effortlessly, showing myriad shades of nuance with each successive taste. I am reminded of the vertical I did of Cristal Rose here a few years ago. Yes, the Rose is expensive and rare. But it also delivers the goods. And then some. Antonio Galloni.
WS 92 (2/2009): A suave customer, with hints of citrus, berry and coffee. Harmonious and refined, with freshness and a bright structure. The finish shows a lot of potential, with a mouthwatering aftertaste. Better than previously reviewed. Drink now through 2030. |
|
|
2002 |
Cristal Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,221.99 |
19 |
|
| |
WA 98 (6/2018): Roederer's 2002 Cristal is a fabulous wine! Originally released in 2009, it was re-released in March this year—and was sold out in a very short time. The Cristal I tasted at Roederer in May 2018 was disgorged in 2010, after seven years sur lie. Its amazing richness and concentration makes it a forerunner of the 2015 and follows the 1999. Only two times—2002 and 2015—the fruit from all 42 plots reserved for Cristal was used for the Cristal. "I couldn't do any better blend than the one assembling all the 42 plots," says Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon, stressing that at that time only two hectares were farmed biodynamically. As a result of the conversion to biodynamic farming, Lecaillon promised himself the production of even more beautiful, vital and balanced wines, and you can feel his satisfaction whenever he speaks of the cuvees that are yet to come such as 2012 and 2015, the latter of which he calls "the new 2002." Back to history: the nose of the 2002 Cristal shows a deep, ripe and elegant fruit with aromas of white chocolate, wet chalk, wild vanilla and pepper (typical for 2002) as well as terroir-driven truffle notes. Intense and very elegant in the mouth, this is a ripe, rich and concentrated yet also pure and vital Cristal with great finesse, elegance and mineral complexity. It's a sublime Champagne right now, although it's more wine than Champagne.
JS 98 (9/2018): A re-release of the original 2010 disgorgement. Super fine, super fresh and super savory aromas of chalky stones with hints of flowers, white almonds, lemon peel and grapefruit. The palate has intense, mouth-filling, lemon-curd flavor. Very powerful, very concentrated and very expressive. Smooth finish that’s full of life, leaving a bright, white cherry note. Drink in 2022.
VM 98 (7/2018): As hard as it may seem to believe, the 2002 Cristal Rose (Re-Release) is even better than the Blanc. Utterly explosive in the glass, with soaring aromatics and tremendous palate presence, the 2002 dazzles from the very first taste. With time in the glass the 2002 grows effortlessly, showing myriad shades of nuance with each successive taste. I am reminded of the vertical I did of Cristal Rose here a few years ago. Yes, the Rose is expensive and rare. But it also delivers the goods. And then some. Antonio Galloni.
WS 92 (2/2009): A suave customer, with hints of citrus, berry and coffee. Harmonious and refined, with freshness and a bright structure. The finish shows a lot of potential, with a mouthwatering aftertaste. Better than previously reviewed. Drink now through 2030. |
|
|
2002 |
Cristal Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,214.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (6/2018): Roederer's 2002 Cristal is a fabulous wine! Originally released in 2009, it was re-released in March this year—and was sold out in a very short time. The Cristal I tasted at Roederer in May 2018 was disgorged in 2010, after seven years sur lie. Its amazing richness and concentration makes it a forerunner of the 2015 and follows the 1999. Only two times—2002 and 2015—the fruit from all 42 plots reserved for Cristal was used for the Cristal. "I couldn't do any better blend than the one assembling all the 42 plots," says Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon, stressing that at that time only two hectares were farmed biodynamically. As a result of the conversion to biodynamic farming, Lecaillon promised himself the production of even more beautiful, vital and balanced wines, and you can feel his satisfaction whenever he speaks of the cuvees that are yet to come such as 2012 and 2015, the latter of which he calls "the new 2002." Back to history: the nose of the 2002 Cristal shows a deep, ripe and elegant fruit with aromas of white chocolate, wet chalk, wild vanilla and pepper (typical for 2002) as well as terroir-driven truffle notes. Intense and very elegant in the mouth, this is a ripe, rich and concentrated yet also pure and vital Cristal with great finesse, elegance and mineral complexity. It's a sublime Champagne right now, although it's more wine than Champagne.
JS 98 (9/2018): A re-release of the original 2010 disgorgement. Super fine, super fresh and super savory aromas of chalky stones with hints of flowers, white almonds, lemon peel and grapefruit. The palate has intense, mouth-filling, lemon-curd flavor. Very powerful, very concentrated and very expressive. Smooth finish that’s full of life, leaving a bright, white cherry note. Drink in 2022.
VM 98 (7/2018): As hard as it may seem to believe, the 2002 Cristal Rose (Re-Release) is even better than the Blanc. Utterly explosive in the glass, with soaring aromatics and tremendous palate presence, the 2002 dazzles from the very first taste. With time in the glass the 2002 grows effortlessly, showing myriad shades of nuance with each successive taste. I am reminded of the vertical I did of Cristal Rose here a few years ago. Yes, the Rose is expensive and rare. But it also delivers the goods. And then some. Antonio Galloni.
WS 92 (2/2009): A suave customer, with hints of citrus, berry and coffee. Harmonious and refined, with freshness and a bright structure. The finish shows a lot of potential, with a mouthwatering aftertaste. Better than previously reviewed. Drink now through 2030. |
|
|
2005 |
Cristal Champagne |
$350 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 96 (3/2012): The complexity and youthful freshness here makes a striking Champagne that offers immense pleasure and a certain richness and depth that reflects the style of the vintage with some warmth reflected in the wine. The nose has rich citrus and stone fruits, some white flowers, light creamy honey notes and fresh sweet pastry, it has a toasty thread that has built quickly in the wine. Plenty of body on the palate, it has a wealth of assertive citrus and more exotic fruits too, the power and concentration undeniable, the length impressive and the balance impeccable. Already great drinking here. Slightly higher chardonnay component at around 45%.
VM 94 (12/2012): Bright yellow-gold. Heady floral-accented citrus and orchard fruits on the nose, with smoky mineral and floral overtones adding complexity. Velvety and chewy in texture, offering deep, juicy orange and poached pear flavors and suave honey and chamomile nuances. Blends precision with power, finishing with a distinct mineral quality and excellent persistence. Josh Raynolds.
WS 94 (11/2012): Vibrant and mouthwatering, this offers a range of patisserie pear and apple fruit, candied lemon zest, pastry dough and marzipan notes set on a finely detailed texture, which imparts a great deal of finesse. The lasting finish echoes a smoky mineral note. Drink now through 2025.
WA 93 (11/2012): The 2005 Cristal stands out for its exceptional inner perfume and elegance. Soft, delicate and pretty, the 2005 is a relatively immediate Cristal with all of the signatures very much in the right place. The 2005 doesn't have the opulence of the 2002 nor the focus of the 2004, but it is a very pretty, if somewhat small-scaled version of this iconic Champagne. I would drink the 2005 while the 2002 and 2004 age. Although Cristal has an impeccable track record when it comes to aging, personally I would not push it with the 2005. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020.
BH 93 (10/2015): Like the 2006 this is notably ripe with plenty of yeast, brioche and orchard fruit characters but in this case there is no tropicality. There is fine mid-palate density to the relatively powerful and very rich flavors that possess excellent complexity on the lingering finish that really fans out as it sits in the mouth. Like many 2005s this is not an especially refined vintage for Cristal nor does it possess the effervescent punch it usually does. Those aspects duly noted, this certainly cannot be faulted in terms of richness and complexity and for my taste, this is probably drinking about as well as it's going to though I underscore that it should drink well for many years to come. Drink now+. |
|
|
2005 |
Cristal Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,501.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 96 (3/2012): The complexity and youthful freshness here makes a striking Champagne that offers immense pleasure and a certain richness and depth that reflects the style of the vintage with some warmth reflected in the wine. The nose has rich citrus and stone fruits, some white flowers, light creamy honey notes and fresh sweet pastry, it has a toasty thread that has built quickly in the wine. Plenty of body on the palate, it has a wealth of assertive citrus and more exotic fruits too, the power and concentration undeniable, the length impressive and the balance impeccable. Already great drinking here. Slightly higher chardonnay component at around 45%.
VM 94 (12/2012): Bright yellow-gold. Heady floral-accented citrus and orchard fruits on the nose, with smoky mineral and floral overtones adding complexity. Velvety and chewy in texture, offering deep, juicy orange and poached pear flavors and suave honey and chamomile nuances. Blends precision with power, finishing with a distinct mineral quality and excellent persistence. Josh Raynolds.
WS 94 (11/2012): Vibrant and mouthwatering, this offers a range of patisserie pear and apple fruit, candied lemon zest, pastry dough and marzipan notes set on a finely detailed texture, which imparts a great deal of finesse. The lasting finish echoes a smoky mineral note. Drink now through 2025.
WA 93 (11/2012): The 2005 Cristal stands out for its exceptional inner perfume and elegance. Soft, delicate and pretty, the 2005 is a relatively immediate Cristal with all of the signatures very much in the right place. The 2005 doesn't have the opulence of the 2002 nor the focus of the 2004, but it is a very pretty, if somewhat small-scaled version of this iconic Champagne. I would drink the 2005 while the 2002 and 2004 age. Although Cristal has an impeccable track record when it comes to aging, personally I would not push it with the 2005. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020.
BH 93 (10/2015): Like the 2006 this is notably ripe with plenty of yeast, brioche and orchard fruit characters but in this case there is no tropicality. There is fine mid-palate density to the relatively powerful and very rich flavors that possess excellent complexity on the lingering finish that really fans out as it sits in the mouth. Like many 2005s this is not an especially refined vintage for Cristal nor does it possess the effervescent punch it usually does. Those aspects duly noted, this certainly cannot be faulted in terms of richness and complexity and for my taste, this is probably drinking about as well as it's going to though I underscore that it should drink well for many years to come. Drink now+. |
|
|
2006 |
Cristal Champagne (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$706.97 |
5 |
|
| |
VM 97 (5/2014): Broad, ample and resonant on the palate, the 2006 Cristal dazzles with its pure richness and volume. Readers need to give the 2006 another 4-5 years in bottle, perhaps longer, as the wine appears to be shutting down a bit. Tasted next to the 2002, today the 2006 is a bit less opulent but just as intense, layered and deep. This is a fabulous showing. 10,000 cases imported in the US.
WS 95 (11/2013): This elegant version shows beautiful texture and a sense of finesse despite the underlying power of vibrant acidity and smoky minerality. The palate offers a finely layered mesh of blackberry, poached pear, almond pastry, lemon zest and pickled ginger flavors. Drink now through 2028. 20,000 cases imported.
VM 95 (12/2013): (Made from 55% pinot noir and 45% chardonnay; 20% of the wine was aged in oak; no malo, as usual): Light, bright gold. Heady mineral- and smoke-accented citrus and orchard fruit aromas, with notes of fig, toasted nuts and sweet butter adding complexity and depth. Powerful, palate-staining poached pear and orange flavors are given spine by a smoky mineral quality, picking up floral and spicecake notes with air. Rich but lively and precise, finishing with superb clarity, power and spicy persistence. Drinking this Champagne now would be a shame given this cuvee's track record for aging.
JS 94 (12/2013): This is very approachable with dried mangoes and lemons plus hints of yeast. Full body, dried friut and a pretty, tangy finish. Balanced and delicious. Drink now.
WA 93 (11/2013): Roederer’s 2006 Brut Cristal is striking in its sense of lift and delicacy, serving as one of many instances where those bringing preconceptions of this vintage’s warmth and ripeness of fruit to their experience may be pleasantly surprised. A nose of fresh apple, fennel and cucumber sets up associations with a slaw or salad that are crisply, lusciously and refreshingly redeemed on the palate. A garland of honeysuckle and heliotrope complements subtle suggestions of raw almond and vanilla, while alkaline and iodine notes as well as cooling but pungent green herbal notes add to the soothing yet stimulating finish. This exceptionally poised, refined, and buoyant performance is apt to gain depth with a few years’ bottle age. |
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|
2006 |
Cristal Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,466.99 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 97 (5/2014): Broad, ample and resonant on the palate, the 2006 Cristal dazzles with its pure richness and volume. Readers need to give the 2006 another 4-5 years in bottle, perhaps longer, as the wine appears to be shutting down a bit. Tasted next to the 2002, today the 2006 is a bit less opulent but just as intense, layered and deep. This is a fabulous showing. 10,000 cases imported in the US.
WS 95 (11/2013): This elegant version shows beautiful texture and a sense of finesse despite the underlying power of vibrant acidity and smoky minerality. The palate offers a finely layered mesh of blackberry, poached pear, almond pastry, lemon zest and pickled ginger flavors. Drink now through 2028. 20,000 cases imported.
VM 95 (12/2013): (Made from 55% pinot noir and 45% chardonnay; 20% of the wine was aged in oak; no malo, as usual): Light, bright gold. Heady mineral- and smoke-accented citrus and orchard fruit aromas, with notes of fig, toasted nuts and sweet butter adding complexity and depth. Powerful, palate-staining poached pear and orange flavors are given spine by a smoky mineral quality, picking up floral and spicecake notes with air. Rich but lively and precise, finishing with superb clarity, power and spicy persistence. Drinking this Champagne now would be a shame given this cuvee's track record for aging.
JS 94 (12/2013): This is very approachable with dried mangoes and lemons plus hints of yeast. Full body, dried friut and a pretty, tangy finish. Balanced and delicious. Drink now.
WA 93 (11/2013): Roederer’s 2006 Brut Cristal is striking in its sense of lift and delicacy, serving as one of many instances where those bringing preconceptions of this vintage’s warmth and ripeness of fruit to their experience may be pleasantly surprised. A nose of fresh apple, fennel and cucumber sets up associations with a slaw or salad that are crisply, lusciously and refreshingly redeemed on the palate. A garland of honeysuckle and heliotrope complements subtle suggestions of raw almond and vanilla, while alkaline and iodine notes as well as cooling but pungent green herbal notes add to the soothing yet stimulating finish. This exceptionally poised, refined, and buoyant performance is apt to gain depth with a few years’ bottle age. |
|
|
2007 |
Cristal Champagne (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$599.99 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 97+ (7/2015): Long-time Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon has produced yet another in a string of superb Champagnes with the 2007 Cristal. Rich, powerful and enveloping, the 2007 takes hold of all the senses and never lets up. The aromatics alone are captivating, but then the wine opens on the palate, revealing layer after layer of flavor to match a multi-dimensional, kaleidoscopic personality that will leave Champagne lovers weak at the knees. The 2007 is 58% Chardonnay and 42% Pinot Noir, which is to say a bit more Chardonnay-leaning than is the norm. The 2007 is striking today, but it should also age effortlessly for several decades. It is also without question one of the very finest new releases of the year.
WS 94 (11/2015): Shows lovely texture and harmony, featuring a powerful backbone of acidity married to finely knit flavors of green pear and raspberry fruit, with hints of preserved lemon, biscuit and honey. Light spice and mineral details echo on the creamy finish. Drink now through 2030. 9,450 cases imported. |
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|
2007 |
Cristal Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,642.97 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 97+ (7/2015): Long-time Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon has produced yet another in a string of superb Champagnes with the 2007 Cristal. Rich, powerful and enveloping, the 2007 takes hold of all the senses and never lets up. The aromatics alone are captivating, but then the wine opens on the palate, revealing layer after layer of flavor to match a multi-dimensional, kaleidoscopic personality that will leave Champagne lovers weak at the knees. The 2007 is 58% Chardonnay and 42% Pinot Noir, which is to say a bit more Chardonnay-leaning than is the norm. The 2007 is striking today, but it should also age effortlessly for several decades. It is also without question one of the very finest new releases of the year.
WS 94 (11/2015): Shows lovely texture and harmony, featuring a powerful backbone of acidity married to finely knit flavors of green pear and raspberry fruit, with hints of preserved lemon, biscuit and honey. Light spice and mineral details echo on the creamy finish. Drink now through 2030. 9,450 cases imported. |
|
|
2008 |
Cristal Champagne |
$349 |
5 |
|
| |
JD 100 (12/2018): The 2008 Cristal is a perfect wine, and Champagne simple does not get any better. This incredible wine offers a beautiful perfume of clean, crisp fruits, layers of complexity in its toasted spice and white flowers, and an utterly seamless, yet powerful style on the palate. This is a rich, decadent expression of Cristal yet it’s still crystalline and elegant, with no sensation of weight, and it just glides over the palate. Haut Couture at its finest and this majestic, profound, legendary Cristal can be drunk anytime over the coming 2-3 decades.
JS 100 (1/2018): Disgorged October 2016 and will be the first Cristal to be released ten years from harvest when it is offered in 2018. 35 parcels used from a possible 45 in this vintage. The assemblage is 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay. This is so fresh and tense and mineral with extremely exuberant chardonnay notes on the nose of white peach, lemon and yellow grapefruit, and hints of almost brambly sous bois aromas. The yeast characters are also super fresh, and there are subtle woody notes, with a hint of vanilla bean and light spices. The palate is super long, and very pure, powerful and focused. It drives deep and taut. Pinot noir is a strong core and the chardonnay sits at the edge offering lemon and white nectarine sorbet flavors. Staggeringly concentrated, yet the balance makes it seem airy and light. Acidity is perfectly positioned, and the power is intense and long. This is an ultra precise Cristal, finishing with a mere suggestion of savoriness and warmth to come. Impressive on release, this will be at its best drinking from 2025.
VM 99 (12/2019): The 2008 Cristal is one of the most complete, most dazzling Champagnes I have ever tasted. A stunning wine from any and all perspectives, the 2008 simply has it all. Spherical in construction, with superb persistence. The 2008 takes hold of all the senses and never gives up. One of the many things that makes the 2008 special is a combination of ripe fruit and bright, piercing acidity. Marzipan, lemon confit, dried flowers and orchard fruit all build into the explosive, resonant finish. “We learned from the mistakes of 1996, when we picked more on acid than ripeness, as was the norm in Champagne back then” Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon told me recently. “In 1996, the best fruit turned out to be the last picks, where the fruit was physiologically ripe. Today, we aim to pick all our fruit with that criteria.” Antonio Galloni.
WA 98 (3/2020): Disgorged in September 2017 with 7.5 grams per liter dosage, the 2008 Cristal was produced from 37 of the 45 parcels that are candidates for inclusion in this cuvee—some 40% of which were farmed organically back in 2008—and it's a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. The finest young Cristal in decades, the wine wafts from the glass with a pure and vibrant bouquet of crisp orchard fruit, clear honey, warm brioche, citrus zest and white flowers. On the palate, it's full-bodied, intense and incisive, with superb concentration, racy acids and a long, searingly chalky finish. Pristinely balanced, there are some 500,000 bottles of this legend-in-the-making.
WS 97 (11/2018): This expresses a sense of focus and vibrancy to the overall structure, while the palate is all grace and charm. A fine, lacy texture carries a tapestry of ripe white cherry, toast point, blood orange zest, honey and ground ginger notes, with a minerally, mouthwatering finish. A stunning Champagne with a long future ahead of it. Drink now through 2033. |
|
|
2008 |
Cristal Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,918.95 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 100 (12/2018): The 2008 Cristal is a perfect wine, and Champagne simple does not get any better. This incredible wine offers a beautiful perfume of clean, crisp fruits, layers of complexity in its toasted spice and white flowers, and an utterly seamless, yet powerful style on the palate. This is a rich, decadent expression of Cristal yet it’s still crystalline and elegant, with no sensation of weight, and it just glides over the palate. Haut Couture at its finest and this majestic, profound, legendary Cristal can be drunk anytime over the coming 2-3 decades.
JS 100 (1/2018): Disgorged October 2016 and will be the first Cristal to be released ten years from harvest when it is offered in 2018. 35 parcels used from a possible 45 in this vintage. The assemblage is 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay. This is so fresh and tense and mineral with extremely exuberant chardonnay notes on the nose of white peach, lemon and yellow grapefruit, and hints of almost brambly sous bois aromas. The yeast characters are also super fresh, and there are subtle woody notes, with a hint of vanilla bean and light spices. The palate is super long, and very pure, powerful and focused. It drives deep and taut. Pinot noir is a strong core and the chardonnay sits at the edge offering lemon and white nectarine sorbet flavors. Staggeringly concentrated, yet the balance makes it seem airy and light. Acidity is perfectly positioned, and the power is intense and long. This is an ultra precise Cristal, finishing with a mere suggestion of savoriness and warmth to come. Impressive on release, this will be at its best drinking from 2025.
VM 99 (12/2019): The 2008 Cristal is one of the most complete, most dazzling Champagnes I have ever tasted. A stunning wine from any and all perspectives, the 2008 simply has it all. Spherical in construction, with superb persistence. The 2008 takes hold of all the senses and never gives up. One of the many things that makes the 2008 special is a combination of ripe fruit and bright, piercing acidity. Marzipan, lemon confit, dried flowers and orchard fruit all build into the explosive, resonant finish. “We learned from the mistakes of 1996, when we picked more on acid than ripeness, as was the norm in Champagne back then” Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon told me recently. “In 1996, the best fruit turned out to be the last picks, where the fruit was physiologically ripe. Today, we aim to pick all our fruit with that criteria.” Antonio Galloni.
WA 98 (3/2020): Disgorged in September 2017 with 7.5 grams per liter dosage, the 2008 Cristal was produced from 37 of the 45 parcels that are candidates for inclusion in this cuvee—some 40% of which were farmed organically back in 2008—and it's a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. The finest young Cristal in decades, the wine wafts from the glass with a pure and vibrant bouquet of crisp orchard fruit, clear honey, warm brioche, citrus zest and white flowers. On the palate, it's full-bodied, intense and incisive, with superb concentration, racy acids and a long, searingly chalky finish. Pristinely balanced, there are some 500,000 bottles of this legend-in-the-making.
WS 97 (11/2018): This expresses a sense of focus and vibrancy to the overall structure, while the palate is all grace and charm. A fine, lacy texture carries a tapestry of ripe white cherry, toast point, blood orange zest, honey and ground ginger notes, with a minerally, mouthwatering finish. A stunning Champagne with a long future ahead of it. Drink now through 2033. |
|
|
2008 |
Cristal Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,196.99 |
8 |
|
| |
JD 100 (12/2018): The 2008 Cristal is a perfect wine, and Champagne simple does not get any better. This incredible wine offers a beautiful perfume of clean, crisp fruits, layers of complexity in its toasted spice and white flowers, and an utterly seamless, yet powerful style on the palate. This is a rich, decadent expression of Cristal yet it’s still crystalline and elegant, with no sensation of weight, and it just glides over the palate. Haut Couture at its finest and this majestic, profound, legendary Cristal can be drunk anytime over the coming 2-3 decades.
JS 100 (1/2018): Disgorged October 2016 and will be the first Cristal to be released ten years from harvest when it is offered in 2018. 35 parcels used from a possible 45 in this vintage. The assemblage is 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay. This is so fresh and tense and mineral with extremely exuberant chardonnay notes on the nose of white peach, lemon and yellow grapefruit, and hints of almost brambly sous bois aromas. The yeast characters are also super fresh, and there are subtle woody notes, with a hint of vanilla bean and light spices. The palate is super long, and very pure, powerful and focused. It drives deep and taut. Pinot noir is a strong core and the chardonnay sits at the edge offering lemon and white nectarine sorbet flavors. Staggeringly concentrated, yet the balance makes it seem airy and light. Acidity is perfectly positioned, and the power is intense and long. This is an ultra precise Cristal, finishing with a mere suggestion of savoriness and warmth to come. Impressive on release, this will be at its best drinking from 2025.
VM 99 (12/2019): The 2008 Cristal is one of the most complete, most dazzling Champagnes I have ever tasted. A stunning wine from any and all perspectives, the 2008 simply has it all. Spherical in construction, with superb persistence. The 2008 takes hold of all the senses and never gives up. One of the many things that makes the 2008 special is a combination of ripe fruit and bright, piercing acidity. Marzipan, lemon confit, dried flowers and orchard fruit all build into the explosive, resonant finish. “We learned from the mistakes of 1996, when we picked more on acid than ripeness, as was the norm in Champagne back then” Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon told me recently. “In 1996, the best fruit turned out to be the last picks, where the fruit was physiologically ripe. Today, we aim to pick all our fruit with that criteria.” Antonio Galloni.
WA 98 (3/2020): Disgorged in September 2017 with 7.5 grams per liter dosage, the 2008 Cristal was produced from 37 of the 45 parcels that are candidates for inclusion in this cuvee—some 40% of which were farmed organically back in 2008—and it's a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. The finest young Cristal in decades, the wine wafts from the glass with a pure and vibrant bouquet of crisp orchard fruit, clear honey, warm brioche, citrus zest and white flowers. On the palate, it's full-bodied, intense and incisive, with superb concentration, racy acids and a long, searingly chalky finish. Pristinely balanced, there are some 500,000 bottles of this legend-in-the-making.
WS 97 (11/2018): This expresses a sense of focus and vibrancy to the overall structure, while the palate is all grace and charm. A fine, lacy texture carries a tapestry of ripe white cherry, toast point, blood orange zest, honey and ground ginger notes, with a minerally, mouthwatering finish. A stunning Champagne with a long future ahead of it. Drink now through 2033. |
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2009 |
Cristal Champagne (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$552.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JS 97 (10/2016): A very rich and full-bodied Cristal that harks back to 2006 or 1989 in style. It's round and rich, which underlies the ripeness of the vintage. Lots of dried-apple and pineapple character with bread dough and flan flavors. The bubbles are so fine you almost don't notice them. Very vinous style. Drink now.
VM 96 (7/2017): Rich, creamy and radiant, the 2009 Cristal captures all of the natural generosity of the vintage while also retaining a good bit of freshness and aromatic intensity. Immediate and totally sensual in its allure, the 2009 will drink well with minimal cellaring. All things considered, at this stage, the 2009 comes across as relatively restrained for a wine from a warm year. Antonio Galloni.
WS 95 (11/2016): White peach and acacia blossom aromas accent the flavors of poached apple, gingersnap biscuit, pastry cream and spun honey in this harmonious Champagne. The satiny mousse caresses the palate, while firm, focused acidity drives the lasting finish. Drink now through 2030. 2,645 cases imported. |
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|
2009 |
Cristal Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,636.97 |
3 |
|
| |
JS 97 (10/2016): A very rich and full-bodied Cristal that harks back to 2006 or 1989 in style. It's round and rich, which underlies the ripeness of the vintage. Lots of dried-apple and pineapple character with bread dough and flan flavors. The bubbles are so fine you almost don't notice them. Very vinous style. Drink now.
VM 96 (7/2017): Rich, creamy and radiant, the 2009 Cristal captures all of the natural generosity of the vintage while also retaining a good bit of freshness and aromatic intensity. Immediate and totally sensual in its allure, the 2009 will drink well with minimal cellaring. All things considered, at this stage, the 2009 comes across as relatively restrained for a wine from a warm year. Antonio Galloni.
WS 95 (11/2016): White peach and acacia blossom aromas accent the flavors of poached apple, gingersnap biscuit, pastry cream and spun honey in this harmonious Champagne. The satiny mousse caresses the palate, while firm, focused acidity drives the lasting finish. Drink now through 2030. 2,645 cases imported. |
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|
2012 |
Cristal Champagne (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$636.99 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 98 (12/2019): The 2012 Cristal is another absolutely stellar wine this flight of recent releases. Rich, vinous and beautifully textured, the 2012 has been nothing short of magnificent on the three occasions I have tasted it so far. In the glass, the 2012 is radiant and luscious, yet it possesses remarkable transparency and striking aromatic depth. Light tropical notes develop in the glass, giving the 2012 a real feeling of exotic beauty. The 2012 is the first vintage of Cristal done with 100% organically-farmed fruit, an approach introduced gradually starting with the 2007 that has profoundly changes Cristal, especially in its aromatic breadth. Two thousand twelve is the vintage where endless trials and experiments in farming and winemaking are fully realized. The 2012 is just stunning. It’s as simple as that. Dosage is just over 7 grams per liter, the lowest it has even been for Cristal. Antonio Galloni.
JS 98 (7/2019): Such attractive, fresh, floral aromas here with fine bread, hints of white almonds and a lemon edge. White cherries and strong, chalky minerals, too. The palate has a very composed feel. Seamless and quite silky texture with effortless length and flow. Very fluid and composed. Very late, warming almond flavors. This is very long and smooth with a velvety finish. Super long pinot weight. Resolved and drinkable, but will age so well.
WA 97+ (12/2019): Aromas of clear honey, crisp green orchard fruit, white peach, pastry cream and dried white flowers introduce the 2012 Cristal, a full-bodied, concentrated and powerful wine that's built for the cellar. Broader, more textural and more muscular than the 2008 Cristal, with seemingly even greater reserves of structuring dry extract, the 2012 is incisive and searingly chalky. This is the first Cristal produced exclusively from organically farmed fruit, and it marks the opening of a new chapter for Louis Roderer. The blend is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, vinified without malolactic fermentation and disgorged with 7.5 grams per liter dosage. Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon has once again excelled himself. |
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2012 |
Cristal Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,484.95 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 98 (12/2019): The 2012 Cristal is another absolutely stellar wine this flight of recent releases. Rich, vinous and beautifully textured, the 2012 has been nothing short of magnificent on the three occasions I have tasted it so far. In the glass, the 2012 is radiant and luscious, yet it possesses remarkable transparency and striking aromatic depth. Light tropical notes develop in the glass, giving the 2012 a real feeling of exotic beauty. The 2012 is the first vintage of Cristal done with 100% organically-farmed fruit, an approach introduced gradually starting with the 2007 that has profoundly changes Cristal, especially in its aromatic breadth. Two thousand twelve is the vintage where endless trials and experiments in farming and winemaking are fully realized. The 2012 is just stunning. It’s as simple as that. Dosage is just over 7 grams per liter, the lowest it has even been for Cristal. Antonio Galloni.
JS 98 (7/2019): Such attractive, fresh, floral aromas here with fine bread, hints of white almonds and a lemon edge. White cherries and strong, chalky minerals, too. The palate has a very composed feel. Seamless and quite silky texture with effortless length and flow. Very fluid and composed. Very late, warming almond flavors. This is very long and smooth with a velvety finish. Super long pinot weight. Resolved and drinkable, but will age so well.
WA 97+ (12/2019): Aromas of clear honey, crisp green orchard fruit, white peach, pastry cream and dried white flowers introduce the 2012 Cristal, a full-bodied, concentrated and powerful wine that's built for the cellar. Broader, more textural and more muscular than the 2008 Cristal, with seemingly even greater reserves of structuring dry extract, the 2012 is incisive and searingly chalky. This is the first Cristal produced exclusively from organically farmed fruit, and it marks the opening of a new chapter for Louis Roderer. The blend is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, vinified without malolactic fermentation and disgorged with 7.5 grams per liter dosage. Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon has once again excelled himself. |
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|
2012 |
Cristal Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$774.98 |
1 |
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| |
VM 98 (12/2019): The 2012 Cristal is another absolutely stellar wine this flight of recent releases. Rich, vinous and beautifully textured, the 2012 has been nothing short of magnificent on the three occasions I have tasted it so far. In the glass, the 2012 is radiant and luscious, yet it possesses remarkable transparency and striking aromatic depth. Light tropical notes develop in the glass, giving the 2012 a real feeling of exotic beauty. The 2012 is the first vintage of Cristal done with 100% organically-farmed fruit, an approach introduced gradually starting with the 2007 that has profoundly changes Cristal, especially in its aromatic breadth. Two thousand twelve is the vintage where endless trials and experiments in farming and winemaking are fully realized. The 2012 is just stunning. It’s as simple as that. Dosage is just over 7 grams per liter, the lowest it has even been for Cristal. Antonio Galloni.
JS 98 (7/2019): Such attractive, fresh, floral aromas here with fine bread, hints of white almonds and a lemon edge. White cherries and strong, chalky minerals, too. The palate has a very composed feel. Seamless and quite silky texture with effortless length and flow. Very fluid and composed. Very late, warming almond flavors. This is very long and smooth with a velvety finish. Super long pinot weight. Resolved and drinkable, but will age so well.
WA 97+ (12/2019): Aromas of clear honey, crisp green orchard fruit, white peach, pastry cream and dried white flowers introduce the 2012 Cristal, a full-bodied, concentrated and powerful wine that's built for the cellar. Broader, more textural and more muscular than the 2008 Cristal, with seemingly even greater reserves of structuring dry extract, the 2012 is incisive and searingly chalky. This is the first Cristal produced exclusively from organically farmed fruit, and it marks the opening of a new chapter for Louis Roderer. The blend is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, vinified without malolactic fermentation and disgorged with 7.5 grams per liter dosage. Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon has once again excelled himself. |
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2013 |
Cristal Champagne
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$375.99 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 97+ (11/2021): The 2013 Cristal is a wine of extraordinary precision and tension. Searing acids drive a bold, racy Champagne that won’t be ready to offer its best drinking anytime soon. In recent vintages, Cristal has been quite open on release. That is far from the case with the 2013. Readers should plan on being quite patient. The blend is 60% Pinot Noir (from Aÿ, Verzy, Verzenay, Beaumont-sur-Vesle) and 40% Chardonnay (Mesnil, Avize, Cramant). Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon was especially selective and used only 30 out of the potential 45 plots that are typically available for Cristal. About 32% of the lots were done in oak, the rest in steel, with the malolactic fermentation blocked across the board. It was an October harvest, the sort of harvest that has become increasingly rare in Champagne. Lecaillon describes the summer as similar to 2012, but adds the vines were a month behind in their development. In tasting, the 2013 reminds me of the 1996 in its austerity, even more so than the epic 2008. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2013 |
Cristal Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,587.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 97+ (11/2021): The 2013 Cristal is a wine of extraordinary precision and tension. Searing acids drive a bold, racy Champagne that won’t be ready to offer its best drinking anytime soon. In recent vintages, Cristal has been quite open on release. That is far from the case with the 2013. Readers should plan on being quite patient. The blend is 60% Pinot Noir (from Aÿ, Verzy, Verzenay, Beaumont-sur-Vesle) and 40% Chardonnay (Mesnil, Avize, Cramant). Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon was especially selective and used only 30 out of the potential 45 plots that are typically available for Cristal. About 32% of the lots were done in oak, the rest in steel, with the malolactic fermentation blocked across the board. It was an October harvest, the sort of harvest that has become increasingly rare in Champagne. Lecaillon describes the summer as similar to 2012, but adds the vines were a month behind in their development. In tasting, the 2013 reminds me of the 1996 in its austerity, even more so than the epic 2008. Antonio Galloni. |
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2013 |
Cristal Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$841.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 97+ (11/2021): The 2013 Cristal is a wine of extraordinary precision and tension. Searing acids drive a bold, racy Champagne that won’t be ready to offer its best drinking anytime soon. In recent vintages, Cristal has been quite open on release. That is far from the case with the 2013. Readers should plan on being quite patient. The blend is 60% Pinot Noir (from Aÿ, Verzy, Verzenay, Beaumont-sur-Vesle) and 40% Chardonnay (Mesnil, Avize, Cramant). Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon was especially selective and used only 30 out of the potential 45 plots that are typically available for Cristal. About 32% of the lots were done in oak, the rest in steel, with the malolactic fermentation blocked across the board. It was an October harvest, the sort of harvest that has become increasingly rare in Champagne. Lecaillon describes the summer as similar to 2012, but adds the vines were a month behind in their development. In tasting, the 2013 reminds me of the 1996 in its austerity, even more so than the epic 2008. Antonio Galloni. |
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2014 |
Cristal Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,484.97 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 98 (2/2022): The 2014 Cristal is another in a long line of gorgeous wines from Roederer and long-time Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon. A dazzling, vibrant Champagne, the 2014 impresses with a stunning combination of fruit density and linear energy that brings to mind a hypothetical blend of 2012 and 2008. At times, the bubbles feel totally wrapped up in waves of creamy, resonant fruit to the point the mousse is barely perceptible, especially with aeration. The flavors are bright and finely sculpted, leaning very much into the citrus, floral and mineral end of the spectrum.
WS 98 (6/2022): This vivid Champagne shows up-front and linear definition, thanks to rapierlike acidity, with finely meshed flavors of ripe black cherry and mandarin orange fruit, raw almond, anise and cardamom spice as well as a touch of honeycomb, which all unfurl and expand on the fine, creamy palate. Sleek acidity continues through to the finish, with additional racy character provided by a streak of minerally saline and chalk, which gains momentum through the midpalate and rings out on the well-cut, lasting finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2040. 9,181 cases imported.
JS 97 (6/2022): Lots of mineral and oyster-shell aromas with light toasted-bread and pie-crust undertones. Hints of caramel, apple and pear tart, too. Medium to full body with phenolic intensity and length. Intense at the finish, with driving acidity and length. Generous and expressive. Dosage 7g/L. Very drinkable now, but even better in 2025.
WA 96 (2/2022): The 2014 Cristal is a terrific effort that transcends the vintage. Bursting from the glass with expressive aromas of ripe citrus fruit, nectarine, white flowers, freshly baked bread and subtle hints of honeycomb, it's medium to full-bodied, vinous and fleshy, with an exuberant core of fruit that's girdled by racy acids, resulting in a wine that's simultaneously chiseled and demonstrative, meaning that early appeal doesn't come at the expense of the requisite tension for long-term cellaring. Concluding with a long, aromatic and intensely chalky finish, it is a brilliant Champagne that will offer a broad drinking window. This bottle was disgorged in June 2021 with seven grams per liter dosage.
JD 96 (2/2022): It’s always educational, and a treat, to taste the latest vintage of Louis Roederer’s flagship Cristal Champagne. This cuvee is sourced from 45 separate plots covering just under 200 acres spread between the villages of Verzeny, Verzy, Beaumont-sur-Vesle, Aÿ, Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Cramant. The vineyards are farmed either organically or biodynamically and are planted to a 60/40 split of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Each parcel is vinified separately and for the 2014, only 39 parcels made the final selection, with the blend being roughly 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. The wine has the malolactic fermentation blocked and is brought up in a mix of 32% oak and 68% tank. This was a warmer year that saw fabulous springtime weather, a slightly cooler, rainy summer, and a great end of the year. The 2014 fits in nicely in recent vintages and has a style all its own, showing a fleshy, round, nicely concentrated style reminiscent of the 2012 yet not quite the precision of either the 2008 or 2013. Gorgeous and classic Cristal stone fruit, chalky minerality, white flowers, almond paste, and subtle toast emerge on the nose and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a supple, almost creamy texture, terrific balance, and a great finish. It’s surprisingly approachable yet I’ve no doubt it will evolve nicely given its mid-palate depth and overall balance. It’s beautiful today and a terrific Cristal to enjoy over the coming two decades or so. It’s unquestionably more approachable than either the 2013 or 2008, but not far off qualitatively. |
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2015 |
Cristal Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,385.99 |
1 |
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VM 96 (5/2023): I have tasted the 2015 Cristal three times so far - once as part of an extensive vertical I will be reporting on shortly, and then later in my office. Those tastings paint a portrait of a complex Champagne that is still finding its center. Tasted at the maison, the 2015 is rich, dense and explosive, with tremendous textural intensity and also a good bit of energy to back it up. Citrus confit, spice, ginger, chalk and dried flowers abound in a Champagne endowed with tremendous aromatic presence in a style that offers notable richness, but lighter than vintages such as 2012. There is a bit of the savoriness that is such a signature of the year, but it is nicely integrated in the wine’s fabric. Two later tastings in my office strongly suggest the 2015 has already started to shut down a bit, which is a shame, as it may be hard to read for some time to come. Dosage is 7 grams per liter. Disgorged: November 2022. Antonio Galloni.
WA 95+ (4/2023): If the 2014 vintage was especially open and demonstrative, the 2015 Cristal is going to require more patience. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of citrus oil, crisp stone fruits, white flowers, crushed mint and subtle hints of buttery pastry, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a deep, concentrated and rather introverted core of fruit framed by chalky extract and animated by a pretty pinpoint mousse. This is a serious, vinous Champagne that has considerable substance to age and may well evolve along the lines of the lovely 1985. |
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2005 |
Cristal Rose Champagne
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$740.99 |
1 |
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| |
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2006 |
Cristal Rose Champagne
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$623.97 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 98 (5/2015): One of the highlights in this tasting, the 2006 Cristal Rose is simply stunning. A vertical, towering wine, the 2006 Cristal Rose is a thrill a minute, with a compelling interplay of aromatics and exquisitely layered fruit, all supported by a real feeling of phenolic intensity. While the 2007 is seductive, the 2006 is virile and imposing, with the statuesque lift of a Giacometti sculpture. All the elements meld together in a complete, alluring Champagne that will continue to drink beautifully for many decades. In 2006, the Pinot Noir was already being farmed biodynamically, while the Chardonnay was still under conversion. Antonio Galloni. |
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2006 |
Cristal Rose Champagne (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,047.97 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 98 (5/2015): One of the highlights in this tasting, the 2006 Cristal Rose is simply stunning. A vertical, towering wine, the 2006 Cristal Rose is a thrill a minute, with a compelling interplay of aromatics and exquisitely layered fruit, all supported by a real feeling of phenolic intensity. While the 2007 is seductive, the 2006 is virile and imposing, with the statuesque lift of a Giacometti sculpture. All the elements meld together in a complete, alluring Champagne that will continue to drink beautifully for many decades. In 2006, the Pinot Noir was already being farmed biodynamically, while the Chardonnay was still under conversion. Antonio Galloni. |
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2006 |
Cristal Rose Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,586.99 |
1 |
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| |
| VM 98 (5/2015): One of the highlights in this tasting, the 2006 Cristal Rose is simply stunning. A vertical, towering wine, the 2006 Cristal Rose is a thrill a minute, with a compelling interplay of aromatics and exquisitely layered fruit, all supported by a real feeling of phenolic intensity. While the 2007 is seductive, the 2006 is virile and imposing, with the statuesque lift of a Giacometti sculpture. All the elements meld together in a complete, alluring Champagne that will continue to drink beautifully for many decades. In 2006, the Pinot Noir was already being farmed biodynamically, while the Chardonnay was still under conversion. Antonio Galloni. |
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2007 |
Cristal Rose Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,526.98 |
2 |
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2008 |
Cristal Rose Champagne |
$1,100 |
2 |
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| VM 99 (7/2018): As a group, the 2008 Champagnes are focused and tightly wound. The 2008 Cristal Rose has plenty of those qualities, but what places it in a truly rarified category is its sheer depth and verticality. Vinous, powerful and resonant, the 2008 Cristal Rose has more than enough stuffing to support decades of cellaring. For starters, it won’t be ready to drink for another 5-10 years. This is a positively monumental, towering Champagne from Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon and his team. Antonio Galloni. |
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2008 |
Cristal Rose Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,741.97 |
1 |
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| VM 99 (7/2018): As a group, the 2008 Champagnes are focused and tightly wound. The 2008 Cristal Rose has plenty of those qualities, but what places it in a truly rarified category is its sheer depth and verticality. Vinous, powerful and resonant, the 2008 Cristal Rose has more than enough stuffing to support decades of cellaring. For starters, it won’t be ready to drink for another 5-10 years. This is a positively monumental, towering Champagne from Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon and his team. Antonio Galloni. |
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2009 |
Cristal Rose Champagne (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,206.99 |
1 |
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2009 |
Cristal Rose Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,640.99 |
2 |
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2012 |
Cristal Rose Champagne (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,058.99 |
1 |
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| |
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2012 |
Cristal Rose Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,458.98 |
4 |
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2013 |
Cristal Rose Champagne
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$522.99 |
6 |
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| |
| VM 99 (4/2024): Tasted from magnum, the 2013 Cristal Rosé is ravishing. Dense, creamy and powerful, the 2013 captures all the qualities of the vintage, specifically the interplay of rich fruit from the warm summer and cooler inflections from a year that started late and ended late with a rare October harvest. Today, the 2013 is deep and beautifully seamless, but it is also young – far too young to be at its best. Dosage is 6.5 grams per liter, a bit less than for the standard bottlings, a decision taken to balance longer aging on the lees and a bit more residual sugar that is always left in the magnums after fermentation. Readers who can find the 2013 in magnum will experience one of the greatest thrills in wine. Antonio Galloni. |
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2013 |
Cristal Rose Champagne (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,256.99 |
1 |
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| |
| VM 99 (4/2024): Tasted from magnum, the 2013 Cristal Rosé is ravishing. Dense, creamy and powerful, the 2013 captures all the qualities of the vintage, specifically the interplay of rich fruit from the warm summer and cooler inflections from a year that started late and ended late with a rare October harvest. Today, the 2013 is deep and beautifully seamless, but it is also young – far too young to be at its best. Dosage is 6.5 grams per liter, a bit less than for the standard bottlings, a decision taken to balance longer aging on the lees and a bit more residual sugar that is always left in the magnums after fermentation. Readers who can find the 2013 in magnum will experience one of the greatest thrills in wine. Antonio Galloni. |
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2013 |
Cristal Rose Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,431.99 |
20 |
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| |
| VM 99 (4/2024): Tasted from magnum, the 2013 Cristal Rosé is ravishing. Dense, creamy and powerful, the 2013 captures all the qualities of the vintage, specifically the interplay of rich fruit from the warm summer and cooler inflections from a year that started late and ended late with a rare October harvest. Today, the 2013 is deep and beautifully seamless, but it is also young – far too young to be at its best. Dosage is 6.5 grams per liter, a bit less than for the standard bottlings, a decision taken to balance longer aging on the lees and a bit more residual sugar that is always left in the magnums after fermentation. Readers who can find the 2013 in magnum will experience one of the greatest thrills in wine. Antonio Galloni. |
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2014 |
Cristal Rose Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,347.99 |
1 |
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| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Champagne |
| Bollinger |
1990 |
Grande Annee Champagne |
$425 |
10 |
|
| |
WS 95 (9/1999): (WS #11 wine of 1999) A sense of opulence marks this highly concentrated, creamy-textured 1990 Champagne, with its ripe, generous fruit flavors complementing the toasty, honeyed nuances acquired from aging on the lees. Lingering finish. Drink now through 2004. 20,000 cases made.
WA 92 (10/1998): I highly recommend the Bollinger 1990 Grande Annee (92+; $70.00). It is extremely backward, but, wow, what intensity and richness it possesses. The structure is akin to a serious red wine.
VM 91 (12/1999): Gold-tinged color. Deep, maturing aromas of toffee, butterscotch, ginger and molasses. Fat and rich in the mouth, with excellent intensity; in the mature Bollinger style but far more successful than the bottling from the lower-acid 1989 vintage. Thick with extract, and palate-staining on the aftertaste. A main-course Champagne. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Dom Perignon |
1990 |
Oenotheque Champagne Scuffed Label |
$1,099 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 96 (11/2006): This has really come together, showing mature aromas and flavors of citrus and berry confit, coffee and mineral. Big and robust, yet well-balanced and sophisticated, with a long, coffee-tinged finish. Absolutely delicious. Drink now through 2015.
VM 95 (12/2005): Silvery gold color, with a very fine mousse. Absolutely stunning aromatics: pungent iodine, oyster shell, oatmeal, toasted wheat and bitter lemon. This smells like top-notch Chevalier-Montrachet from a great vintage. Broad and deep but also very fresh and bright, with suave, toasty citrus and smoke flavors accented by exotic spices. This expands impressively on the back, finishing with great impact, and impression of strong extract, and notes of bacon fat, toffee and minerals. |
|
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Ch. Ausone |
2021 |
St. Emilion (1.5 L) 2021 en Primeur Release |
$1,385 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 97-100 (4/2022): A blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and 35% Merlot, the 2021 Ausone is a strong candidate for the title of wine of the vintage. Wafting from the glass with aromas of wild blueberries and raspberries mingled with rose petals, violets, exotic spices, vine smoke and blood orange, it's full-bodied, seamless and sensual, with a satiny attack that segues into a deep, layered mid-palate of breathtaking precision and intensity without weight. Built around bright acids and ultra-refined tannins and concluding with a resonant, perfumed finish, this profound young Ausone represents the essence of this great limestone terroir. I am not in the habit of drinking six-month-old Bordeaux cask samples, but this is one wine that would have sorely tempted me to make an exception to that rule if my appointment at the estate hadn't been one of the first of the day!
VM 93-95 (5/2022): The 2021 Ausone was picked on September 30 for the Merlot and October 4–6 for the Cabernet Franc, with a higher percentage of Cabernet Franc because some of the Merlot was deselected into the Chapelle. Matured in 90% new oak, this has a fragrant and floral bouquet, more iris than violet, revealing a hint of seaweed in the background. The palate is well-defined, quite strict and focused, certainly one of the more mineral-driven Ausones that I have encountered at this stage. The limestone terroir is evident on the finish. Again, this is a little leaner and less flamboyant than recent vintages. Having tasted Ausone at this prenatal stage for over 20 years, I don’t find the thrilling "drive” or the pyrotechnics of the 2001, 2010, 2016 or 2019. Yet this Ausone is compelling in its own uncompromising way, and I wouldn't want it any different. |
|
| Ch. Brane-Cantenac |
2023 |
Margaux (1.5 L)
Futures- ETA TBD 2024 en Primeur Release |
$124.95 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 95-97 (4/2024): Readers looking for one of the hidden gems in the vintage should jump on the 2023 Château Brane-Cantenac, an incredibly impressive Margaux that does everything right. Cassis, graphite, violets, lead pencil, and leafy tobacco notes all emerge on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with classy, integrated oak, flawless balance, and fine tannins. I love its overall purity, as well as its balance, and it should need just 4-5 years of bottle age to show its potential. Tasted twice.
WA 93-95 (4/2024): The 2023 Brane-Cantenac is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot (which saw some saignée), 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carmenère and 1% Petit Verdot, and it completed its malolactic fermentation in barrels as has been the rule at this estate since the 1990s. Offering up aromas of dark cherries, cassis and spices framed by creamy new oak, it's medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with a creamy core of fruit and a long, gently lactic finish. |
|
| Ch. Haut-Brion |
2023 |
Pessac Leognan (1.5 L)
Futures- ETA TBD 2024 en Primeur Release |
$789 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 96-98 (4/2024): The Grand Vin 2023 Château Haut-Brion checks in as 52.3% Merlot, 38.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc. It's more focused and tight compared to its sibling, the La Mission Haut-Brion, but it has riveting purity in its black raspberry, currant, smoke, leafy tobacco, and scorched earth-like aromas and flavors. It's rich and full-bodied, with building tannins and a level of purity that's just about off the charts. As with most vintages of Haut-Brion, it should be given at least a decade of bottle age.
VM 96-98 (4/2024): The 2023 Haut-Brion was picked at the same time as the La Mission Haut-Brion, albeit the secateurs sheathed one day later, on October 6. The nose is less immediate than the La Mission and the fruit is a little darker: blackcurrant, juniper, hints of black olive and a light cedar scent. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grip and tension. This has superb energy, presenting a crescendo of flavors toward a complex and persistent finish that lingers in the mouth. There is real pedigree to this First Growth, and it will certainly give 30 to 40 years of drinking pleasure. Neal Martin.
WA 95-97 (4/2024): The 2023 Haut-Brion exhibits a more Cabernet-inflected personality than the richer 2022, offering up a deep but youthfully reserved bouquet of dark wild berries, licorice, smoke and pencil lead mingled with notions of cigar wrapper, nicely integrated new oak and spices. Full-bodied, deep and velvety, it’s layered and concentrated, with a deep core of fruit structured around abundant but velvety tannins, concluding with a long, controlled finish. Somewhat reminiscent of the estate's successful 2006, it's a blend of 52.3% Merlot, 38.6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9.1% Cabernet Franc. |
|
| Ch. La Mission Haut Brion |
2022 |
Pessac Leognan (1.5 L)
Futures- ETA TBD 2023 en Primeur Release |
$699 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 95-97 (5/2023): While I don't see the 2022 Château La Mission Haut-Brion matching the legendary wines from this address at this early stage, it's nevertheless a gorgeous wine in the making. Based on 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc, it has a pure, elegant, lengthy style as well as classic cassis and darker cherry fruits, some smoky, tobacco, scorched earth nuances, medium to full body, perfectly ripe tannins, and a great finish. I love its tannins, and it's a forward, seamless, balanced beauty that will shine with just short-term cellaring.
VM 97-99 (5/2023): The 2022 La Mission Haut-Brion is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Dark, powerful and imposing, with compelling inner sweetness, La Mission is positively striking. The purity of the flavors is striking, but the wine's statuesque personality might be even more impressive. Time in the glass brings out all sorts of savory and mineral notes that add complexity. The balance here is just mind-blowing. What a wine! Antonio Galloni.
WA 94-96 (5/2023): A rich and muscular wine that reflects the warmth of the vintage, the 2022 La Mission Haut-Brion reveals aromas of dark berries, cherries and crème de cassis mingled with licorice, spices, incense and spring flowers. Full-bodied, broad and concentrated, it's surprisingly lively despite an elevated pH of 4.0, exhibiting a seamless, broad-shouldered profile with an ample core of fruit framed by rich, powdery tannin. It's a blend of 51.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43.2% Merlot and 5.1% Cabernet Franc. |
|
| Ch. Lafite Rothschild |
2020 |
Pauillac (1.5 L) Ex-Negociant |
$1,550 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 100 (3/2023): Looking at the Grand Vin, the 2020 Château Lafite-Rothschild is a sensational effort checking in as 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that hit 12.8% natural alcohol and a pH of 3.94. As Lafite as Lafite gets, this ultra-classic reveals a dense ruby/plum hue as well as a tight, yet layered bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, freshly sharpened pencils, graphite, and subtle spice. Flawlessly balanced, deep, concentrated, and layered, it has an incredible mid-palate, building, perfect tannins, and a finish that leaves you salivating. Refined, elegant, and perfection are the buzz words here. Unfortunately, it's not for the instant gratification crowd, and I wouldn't be surprised to see this require 15 years to hit the early stages of its prime drinking window. It will probably hit its 100th birthday in fine form.
VM 98 (2/2023): The 2020 Lafite-Rothschild, which contains the highest proportion of Merlot since the 2016, hit the bull's eye from barrel. Revisiting the wine in the bottle since July, it still bursts from the glass with copious blackberries, touches of blueberry and juniper, pencil lead and a hint of crushed stone. Wonderful delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with finely-chiseled tannins, quite linear and "correct" - a quintessential Lafite-Rothschild in many ways. It gently builds in the mouth while keeping a restraint on things, finishing with fine sapidity yet a little more juiciness than you would have found a decade or two earlier. This has the potential to evolve beautifully over several decades. Neal Martin.
JS 99-100 (4/2021): Rather ethereal and so refined with finesse, focus and brightness that provides incredible energy and pedigree. It’s full-bodied with ultra fine tannins that go on and on. Superb presence with tannins that melt into the wine. This is 12.8%. I love the wine. Lots of dark fruit and fresh tobacco. Lead pencil, too. 92% cabernet sauvignon, 7% merlot and 1% petit verdot.
WA 96-98 (5/2021): Displaying a deep purple-black color, the 2020 Lafite Rothschild takes a little swirling and coaxing to unlock scents of freshly crushed blackcurrants, boysenberries and spiced plums, followed by emerging nuances of red roses, raspberry preserves, underbrush and unsmoked cigars, with a waft of cedar chest. The medium-bodied palate is an exercise in elegance and finesse, featuring tightly wound layers of red and black berries and loads of mineral sparks, framed by finely grained tannins and well-poised tension, finishing with fantastic length and the most stunning perfume. Magnificent achievement. This 2020 is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot, coming in at 12.8% alcohol and a pH of 3.9. |
|
| Ch. Marsau |
2022 |
Francs Cotes de Bordeaux (1.5 L)
Futures- ETA TBD 2023 en Primeur Release |
$49.99 |
24 |
|
| |
| WA 92-94 (5/2023): This medium to full-bodied 2022 Marsau is an attractive wine produced from 100% Merlot. It has a delightfully pure bouquet of peony, violet, iris, menthol and cassis, followed by a crunchy and juicy yet fresh texture and then by a mineral-driven finish of remarkable purity, expressing elegant notes of licorice and pencil lead. Anne-Laurence and Mathieu Chadronnier have produced a red wine that punches above its weight. Bravo! |
|
| Ch. Mouton-Rothschild |
2001 |
Pauillac (1.5 L) ex-Negociant |
$1,299 |
2 |
|
| |
WS 94 (3/2004): Very smoky, with berry, coffee and tobacco aromas. Full-bodied, with polished velvety tannins, plenty of fruit and a cedary aftertaste. Tight and compacted. This is better than the 2000 Mouton. It's a baby 1986 Mouton. Solid and very, very fine. Persists for a long time on the palate. Best after 2009.
VM 91+ (6/2004): Good full ruby. High-pitched aromas of blackberry, mint and minerals. Juicy but quite tightly wound today; much more austere than the comparatively pliant Clerc-Milon-not to mention firmer and less fleshy than it appeared from barrel a year ago. Juicy acidity contributes to the impression of structure. Unlike most 2001s, this seems already to have gone into a shell. This penetrating, mostly cabernet sauvignon (86%) Mouton will need at least a decade of bottle aging.
WA 89 (6/2004): A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, the opaque purple-colored, chunky 2001 Mouton-Rothschild does not possess the finesse and stature often achieved by this first-growth. It offers a tell-tale cassis-scented nose, and a monolithic, medium to full-bodied style with relatively high, austere tannin in the finish (a characteristics I also noticed in cask). A dry, angular, backward effort for the vintage, it should be forgotten for at least a decade. Let’s hope the fruit continues to expand and sweeten, but that’s no sure thing. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025+. |
|
|
2022 |
Pauillac (1.5 L)
Futures- ETA TBD 2023 en Primeur Release |
$1,399 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 98-100 (5/2023): Moving to the flagship, the 2022 Château Mouton Rothschild is a massive, full-bodied, incredibly powerful 2022 that takes no prisoners with its ripe black and blue fruits, chocolate, graphite, and smoked tobacco-driven aromas and flavors. Deep, unctuous, and concentrated, with velvety tannins, this legendary Mouton is based on 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot that's still resting in new barrel. It will unquestionably play with the top wines in the vintage. Harvest here began the 1st of September and finished on the 26th, and the final wine hit 14% natural alcohol, with a pH of 3.89 and an IPT of 76.
VM 96-98 (5/2023): The 2022 Mouton Rothschild is a powerhouse. Inky, deep and explosive, the 2022 is a real head-turner. The combination of intense dark fruit, strong gravelly/mineral notes and imposing structure clearly bring to mind another great Mouton, and that is the 1986. In a word: magnificent. The blend is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot Antonio Galloni.
WA 96-99 (5/2023): A brilliant wine that likely sits somewhere between the 2019 and 2020 in quality, the 2022 Mouton Rothschild is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Merlot. Unwinding in the glass with complex aromas of minty cassis, cigar wrapper, violets and subtle hints of loamy soil, it's full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a layered core of fruit and a fleshy, elegantly muscular profile. Broad-shouldered and seamless, it concludes with a long, resonant finish. This year the grand vin represents some 49% of the estate's production. |
|
|
2023 |
Pauillac (1.5 L)
Futures- ETA TBD 2024 en Primeur Release |
$875 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 96-98 (4/2024): Pulled from just 40% of the production, the 2023 Château Mouton Rothschild is based on 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot that will see 18 months in new barrels. Tasting like the blood of Cabernet with its smoky red, black, and blue fruits, tobacco leaf, graphite, and cedar-driven aromatics, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a pure, polished, layered mouthfeel, beautiful concentration, and ripe, velvety tannins. Not the massive style of the 2022, it’s more in line with the 2016. This rich, elegant, seamless 2023 will need a decade to hit its prime.
VM 96-99 (4/2024): The 2023 Mouton Rothschild is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintages on the Left Bank. Its balance of intense, super-concentrated fruit and equally imposing structure is spellbinding. Dark red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, pencil shavings and dried herbs gain intensity in the glass. I especially admire its vertical build and overall energy. This is an exciting young Mouton endowed with palpable dynamic energy. It's a superb effort from the team led by Technical Director Jean-Emmanuel Danjoy. Antonio Galloni.
WA 94-96 (4/2024): Aromas of crème de cassis and dark berries mingled with pencil shaving, espresso roast and violets introduce the 2023 Mouton Rothschild, a medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy wine with a creamy core of ripe but lively fruit, sweet tannins and an expansive finish. In terms of parcels, the 2023 is quite different in origins from the 2022, favoring plots that are better-drained rather than those resistant to drought. It's a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot, without either Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot featuring in the blend, and it attained 13.3% alcohol. |
|
| Ch. Pichon-Longueville Lalande |
1996 |
Pauillac (1.5 L) |
$750 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 97+ (2/2016): What a treat it is to taste these two Pichon Lalandes straight from the chateau’s cellar. The 1996 Pichon Lalande is stratospheric from the very first taste. The deep, layered bouquet alone is deeply transfixing. Smoke, mocha, dark spices, lavender, crème de cassis, a host of dark-fleshed fruits and a touch of warm, resonant sweetness from the French oak draw me in. All of those sensations follow through to the palate, where the wine is massive, intense and totally enveloping. Time has softened the tannins to the point the 1996 is ready to drink, but there is enough sheer concentration here to support another 20-30 years of exceptional drinking. I am not sure I possess the vocabulary to describe just how captivating the 1996 is, but I do know this: If I had an opportunity to pick up a few well-stored bottles I would take it in a nanosecond. Readers holding the 1996 should be thrilled. The 1996 Pichon Lalande is a magnificent wine with plenty of upside. In word: fabulous. Antonio Galloni.
NM 96 (9/2011): Tasted at the Chapon Fin restaurant in Bordeaux. This remains my benchmark Pichon Lalande in recent years. It is that essence of untrammelled Cabernet Sauvignon that governs the bouquet: blackberry, cigar box, cedar and a touch of mint – pure Pauillac heaven. The palate is a little foursquare on the entry, but there is also an unerring symmetry that is utterly captivating. What is more, one feels that it has barely started to flex its “muscles”.
WA 96 (4/1999): The 1996 Pichon-Lalande is just as awesome from bottle as it was from multiple cask tastings. For Pichon-Lalande, the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon is atypically high. This wine normally contains 35-50% Merlot in the blend, but the 1996 is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. Only 50% of the estate's production made it into the grand vin. The color is a saturated ruby/purple. The nose suggests sweet, nearly overripe Cabernet Sauvignon, with its blueberry/blackberry/cassis scents intermixed with high quality, subtle, toasty new oak. Deep and full-bodied, with fabulous concentration and a sweet, opulent texture, this wine was singing in full harmony when I tasted it in January. Given the wine's abnormally high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, I would suspect it will close down. It possesses plenty of tannin, but the wine's overwhelming fruit richness dominates its personality. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2025.
WS 92 (12/2014): Presents a taut, brisk feeling, with savory, cedar, singed vanilla and pencil shaving notes weaving around a core of bramble, cassis and blackberry fruit. The cedary spine holds the finish, offering an old-school feel. Should last a while, though it won't flesh out any more. For fans of the more austere style.—Non-blind Pichon Lalande vertical (July 2014). Drink now through 2030. |
|
| Domaine de Chevalier |
1990 |
Pessac Leognan (1.5 L) |
$658 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93+ (4/2013): (a blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot and 5% cabernet franc; 12.4% alcohol): Amber-tinged red; this seems almost too evolved for its age. Expressive aromas of dark cherry, spicy forest floor and graphite. Shows more spicy nuances on the palate, with very deep, ripe red cherry, cassis and tobacco flavors lingering nicely on the finish. Tannins are well buffered by the wine's mid-palate material. Great stuff, and still very young in spite of its color. Probably best from 2016, and should last for decades beyond that.
WS 93 (8/2000): Gorgeous aromas of tobacco, meat and dried fruits. Full-bodied, with firm tannins and a fresh fruit and earth finish. Another winner from Domaine de Chevalier. --1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2003. 7,000 cases made.
WA 90 (6/2009): The fully mature 1990 Domaine de Chevalier exhibits some sweet currant, loamy soil, roasted herb, and spice box notes in its surprisingly complex and noble, but evolved aromas. Medium-bodied with supple tannins as well as very good concentration, it should be consumed over the next 5-8 years. |
|
| Les Griffons de Pichon Baron |
2023 |
Pauillac (1.5 L)
Futures- ETA TBD 2024 en Primeur Release |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 91-93+ (4/2024): The slightly more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant 2023 Les Griffons De Pichon Baron is more serious, with a focused, straight, structured style. Cassis black raspberries, spice, and graphite all define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied and focused, with plenty of structure and outstanding length. I think it will be longer-lived than the Tourelles, but both of these so-called second wines are beautiful.
VM 92-94 (4/2024): The 2023 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron is superb. Silky, elegant and wonderfully refined, the Griffons is all class, all the way. I admire its mid-weight structure and polished feel. All the elements are so nicely balanced. Plum, blood orange, cinnamon and rose petal linger effortlessly. Antonio Galloni.
WA 90-92 (4/2024): Based around 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2023 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron reflects the style of the grand vin, offering up aromas of cassis, sweet red berries, cigar wrapper and pencil shavings, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated palate with a deep core of fruit, sweet powdery tannins and a long, penetrating finish. |
|
| | Bordeaux White |
| Ch. d' Yquem |
2022 |
Ygrec "Y" du Yquem Bordeaux Superieur (1.5 L) Ex-Negociant |
$340 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Les Pagodes de Cos |
2019 |
Bordeaux Blanc (1.5 L) ex-Negociant |
$97.99 |
7 |
|
| |
|
| Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux |
2009 |
Margaux (1.5 L) ex-Negociant |
$599 |
10 |
|
| |
| WS 94 (3/2012): This really sneaks up on you, with laserlike focus to the blanched macadamia nut, honeysuckle, white peach and creamed yellow apple fruit flavors. Very sleek and restrained, with a long, stone-framed finish that's as pure as freshly fallen snow. Best from 2013 through 2023. |
|
| | Burgundy Red |
| Dom. Debray |
2010 |
Volnay 1er Cru Les Pitures (1.5 L) |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. des Lambrays |
2008 |
Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru (1.5 L) |
$795 |
3 |
|
| |
| BH 93 (1/2011): (produced from two large parcels of differing vine age - one that is approximately two-thirds of the blend and is now 45 years of age and a second, smaller group of vines that is approximately 20+ years of age.) The deeply pitched nose evidences obvious earth and floral influences on the mostly ripe red pinot fruit aromas that complement the rich, pure and detailed medium weight flavors that culminate in a dusty and mouth coating finish where the supporting tannins display a clear stem influence. This is an excellent wine though it may not be to everyone's taste due to the obvious stem character. Drink 2020+. |
|
|
2014 |
Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru (1.5 L) |
$695 |
7 |
|
| |
WA 93-95 (12/2015): The 2014 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru is matured in 50% new oak and is 100% whole bunch fruit. It is blessed with a winsome bouquet. As usual, there is something very natural, unimposing and refined on the nose: blackberry and briary, a hint of graphite, a subtle leafiness maybe, and yet delineated and very pure. The palate is lively and energetic with crisp tannin, black rather than red fruit, linear and very classic in style with what you might call a "cool" marine-influenced finish that has fine salinity. What a great Clos des Lambrays that will put a smile on the face of those that adore refined Burgundy.
VM 92-94 (1/2016): (Taupenot makes less than a barrel of wine annually from a tiny parcel planted in 1975 at the bottom of the Clos des Lambrays): Slightly hazy medium red. A deep earthy perfume complements aromas of raspberry, spices and dried flowers. A bit imploded but surprisingly fresh and vibrant on the palate, with flavors of raspberry and flowers tweaked by a pungent blood orange note. The very long, slowly mounting finish features slightly tight tannins, a subtle saline quality and considerable finesse."This is never a powerful style, but more about length and charm," noted Taupenot. Still, this beauty will need at least seven or eight years of bottle aging.
BH 91-94 (1/2016): (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; made with 100% whole clusters.) A notably spicy, fresh, cool and floral nose displays mostly red berry fruit scents that are trimmed in discreet wood notes. There is excellent cut and definition to the nicely rich and attractively textured flavors that culminate in a presently austere finale though I doubt that austerity will persist. This is a relatively fine and forward vintage for Clos des Lambrays and one that should be approachable after only 7 to 8 years of bottle age. Drink 2026+. |
|
|
2014 |
Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$713.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93-95 (12/2015): The 2014 Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru is matured in 50% new oak and is 100% whole bunch fruit. It is blessed with a winsome bouquet. As usual, there is something very natural, unimposing and refined on the nose: blackberry and briary, a hint of graphite, a subtle leafiness maybe, and yet delineated and very pure. The palate is lively and energetic with crisp tannin, black rather than red fruit, linear and very classic in style with what you might call a "cool" marine-influenced finish that has fine salinity. What a great Clos des Lambrays that will put a smile on the face of those that adore refined Burgundy.
VM 92-94 (1/2016): (Taupenot makes less than a barrel of wine annually from a tiny parcel planted in 1975 at the bottom of the Clos des Lambrays): Slightly hazy medium red. A deep earthy perfume complements aromas of raspberry, spices and dried flowers. A bit imploded but surprisingly fresh and vibrant on the palate, with flavors of raspberry and flowers tweaked by a pungent blood orange note. The very long, slowly mounting finish features slightly tight tannins, a subtle saline quality and considerable finesse."This is never a powerful style, but more about length and charm," noted Taupenot. Still, this beauty will need at least seven or eight years of bottle aging.
BH 91-94 (1/2016): (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; made with 100% whole clusters.) A notably spicy, fresh, cool and floral nose displays mostly red berry fruit scents that are trimmed in discreet wood notes. There is excellent cut and definition to the nicely rich and attractively textured flavors that culminate in a presently austere finale though I doubt that austerity will persist. This is a relatively fine and forward vintage for Clos des Lambrays and one that should be approachable after only 7 to 8 years of bottle age. Drink 2026+. |
|
| Dom. Henri Boillot |
2023 |
Volnay 1er Cru Les Chevrets (1.5 L)
ETA Q2 2025 Ex-Domaine |
$199.99 |
9 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Volnay 1er Cru Les Fremiets (1.5 L)
ETA Q2 2025 Ex-Domaine |
$199.99 |
10 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Pierre Bertheau & Fils |
2010 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses (1.5 L) |
$1,900 |
1 |
|
| |
| BH 93 (1/2013): A wonderfully, even exuberantly spicy mix of red currant, plum and floral nuances gives way to rich, elegant and impressively refined middle weight flavors that possess impeccable balance on the mineral-driven and utterly delicious finish. This understated and beautifully concentrated effort is a stunner of an Amoureuses that possesses a mouth feel of silk and lace. Drink 2020+. |
|
| Joseph Drouhin |
1995 |
Beaune 1er Cru Clos des Mouches (1.5 L) |
$275 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (4/1998): The 1995 Beaune Clos Des Mouches, tasted for the third time (once out of barrel, once out of bottle in the United States, and again at the firm's headquarters in Beaune), is truly delicious. Medium-to-dark ruby-colored (hints of purple are still present on the rim), this wine displays roses, violets, black raspberries, and cherries on the nose and a medium-to-full-bodied, silky, complex, and gorgeously-balanced personality. Its flavor profile is packed with intense cherries, strawberries, and minerals which linger in its prodigious finish. Anticipated maturity: 2000-2009. |
|
|
1995 |
Musigny Grand Cru (1.5 L) Bin-Soiled Label, Signs of Old Seepage |
$1,500 |
1 |
|
| |
BH 93 (5/2007): A marvelously complex nose that is just beginning to display the first hints of secondary aromas (though no sous bois) leads to concentrated black cherry flavors with firm but harmonious tannins underpinned by firm acidity and excellent length where the structure comes across as a dusty element. This is a big wine by the standards of the domaine and is very classy juice that continues to positively evolve and as such, I have extended my suggested drinking window. Drink: 2012+.
WA 90-92 (6/1997): The day I tasted the dark-colored Musigny, it was extremely muted aromatically. On the palate it revealed tightly wound (almost nervous), super-delineated and polished fresh cherries, cassis and violets. Medium-to-full bodied, supple and very long, it is obviously an Outstanding wine but it is closed. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2010.
WS 90 (1/1998): Sexy and racy, with wild raspberry, rose petal, violet, mocha and white chocolate character. Full-bodied, with ripe but firm tannins. Nice finesse. Drink now through 2010. |
|
| Maison Henri Boillot |
2023 |
Bourgogne Pinot Noir (1.5 L)
ETA Q2 2025 Ex-Domaine |
$89.99 |
10 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru (1.5 L) ex-Domaine; 1-magnum OWC |
$1,099.99 |
3 |
|
| |
BH 94 (4/2024): An exuberantly spicy and quite floral-suffused nose features notes of wild currant, cherry and a gamy hint. The super-sleek and even finer yet more powerful larger-bodied flavors display impressive power on the even more complex, balanced and highly persistent finale. This is a big wine yet the balance is such that it could be approached after only 5 to 7 years. Drink 2034+.
VM 93-95+ (1/2024): The 2022 Chambertin Clos de Bèze Grand Cru is an imposing young wine. A blast of blue fruit, lavender, licorice, gravel, crushed rock and menthol saturates the palate. This bruiser is going to need time to be at its best, but it is pretty impressive, even in the early going. Neal Martin. |
|
| Maison Mommessin |
1993 |
Clos de Tart Grand Cru (1.5 L) Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$1,150 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 84 (11/1995): Distinctively smoky and toasty, sporting lovely, silky texture and nice wood. The finish is a bit diluted and alcoholic. Could use more fruit concentration. Try in 1999. |
|
|
1996 |
Clos de Tart Grand Cru (1.5 L) Signs of Old Seepage |
$1,250 |
6 |
|
| |
| BH 89 (3/2013): I have had two distinctly different experiences with this wine. The most recent example was notably better than the first as it displayed none of the acidic dryness of the first and while, like most '96s, the flavors are not especially dense, there was excellent depth, length and overall balance. Moreover there was a really lovely perfumed and highly complex character to the nose. An excellent Clos de Tart and one that has basically arrived at its peak. For those who might be interested to read how the first bottle performed, please see the big Clos de Tart Progress Report that appeared in Issue 37. Drink Now+. |
|
| | Burgundy White |
| Bouchard Pere et Fils |
2009 |
Le Montrachet Grand Cru (1.5 L) |
$1,200 |
5 |
|
| |
BH 94-96 (7/2011): This is also notably ripe yet remains very fresh; indeed there is noticeable restraint to the cool, pure and quite dense floral, citrus and orchard fruit aromas that included spiced pear, apple and both yellow and white peach. The powerful and almost painfully intense flavors ooze dry extract that buffers the quite firm acid spine that shapes the driving and explosively long finish where ample minerality surfaces. This is a sizeable but not truly massive effort that remains exceptionally well-balanced despite its density. Terrific potential.
VM 94-97 (10/2010): Pale yellow. Aromas of very ripe peach and pineapple enlivened by more delicate crushed stone. Rich, fully ripe and hugely deep, with great complexity to its flavors of stone fruits, flowers and spices. Near-perfect phenolic maturity here (the potential alcohol was 13.2% and the wine finished close to 13.5%). The finish boasts outstanding palate-staining persistence and an ineffable floral character. One of the longest 2009s I tasted in Burgundy on my spring tour, and not at all an austere style of Montrachet. According to Prost, Bouchard has been picking its Montrachet later and later, and DRC earlier and earlier. "In 2009, we picked on the same day," he told me. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Ch. de Fuisse |
2022 |
Pouilly Fuisse Tete de Cuvee (1.5 L)
ETA Q1 2025 |
$99.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Francois Raveneau |
2008 |
Chablis 1er Cru Montee de Tonnerre (1.5 L) Chipped Wax Capsule |
$1,695 |
1 |
|
| |
BH 94 (10/2010): (from a huge parcel of 2.5 ha though this figure includes the surface area in Chapelot). A more elegant as well as more refined but also much more reserved nose of white flower and salt water aromas is very much in keeping with the equally refined, pure and silky middle weight flavors that possess excellent detail and precision on the textured and seductive finish that displays grand cru level persistence. This is not quite as rich as the Butteaux but it's finer as the chiseled flavors are flat out gorgeous. In a word, stunning. Drink 2016+. Outstanding!
WA 93-94+ (10/2010): Iris, narcissus, peony, heliotrope, lemon, white peach, and litchi combine for the knockout nose of Raveneau’s 2008 Chablis Montee de Tonnerre. Uncannily combining a sense of textural richness, underlying extract, and decisively stony, alkaline, chalky, oyster shell minerality that go beyond its fellow premier crus in this collection. Yet this preserves a vintage-typical core of primary juiciness that helps convey lip-smacking appeal. Musky, sweet floral notes cling to the prodigiously long, expansive, finish of this almost certainly relatively un-evolved wine. Give it several years in bottle and expect to be rewarded for over a decade.
VM 93-94 (8/2010): Pale, green-tinged color. Discreet aromas of citrus rind and crushed oyster shell. At once penetrating and sweet, with surprising pliancy to the concentrated mineral and lemon flavors. Not a particularly powerful style but refined and very long. In fact, this really explodes and echoes on the aftertaste. A superb premier cru. |
|
| Dom. Guy Amiot & Fils |
2013 |
Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets (1.5 L) |
$500 |
2 |
|
| |
| BH 93 (10/2015): There is enough wood to notice framing the wonderfully elegant nose of white peach, pear, spiced herbal tea and cool citrus hints. There is terrific energy and cut to the medium weight and mineral-driven flavors that possess strikingly good complexity and length. I especially like the reserve of underlying material, in fact so much so that this could exceed my rating in time as the upside potential is considerable. Drink starting 2020. |
|
|
2013 |
Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Macherelles (1.5 L) |
$169 |
1 |
|
| |
| BH 91 (10/2015): (from 20 to 25 year old vines planted in deep clay on SO4 rootstock.) This possesses quite an interesting nose as it's comprised by notes of resin, smoke, dried herbs and phenolic nuances (like olive oil) on the mostly white and yellow orchard fruit aromas. There is a textured, even caressing mouth feel to the delicious and generously proportioned medium-bodied flavors that exhibit very good if not truly excellent complexity on the balanced and beautifully persistent finish. Note that this should also drink well young if desired. Drink 2019+. Outstanding! |
|
|
2013 |
Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Vergers (1.5 L) |
$225 |
4 |
|
| |
| BH 91 (10/2015): There is plenty of resin and exotic tea character to the citrus peel and yellow orchard fruit scents. Here too there is a lovely sense of energy to the caressing medium weight flavors that are shaped by a firm acid spine before terminating in an intensely saline, balanced and lingering finish. Drink starting 2019. |
|
| Dom. Henri Boillot |
2023 |
Meursault 1er Cru Clos Richemont (1.5 L)
ETA Q2 2025 Ex-Domaine |
$369.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Joseph Drouhin |
1995 |
Le Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche Grand Cru (1.5 L) |
$1,699 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 93-95 (4/1997): To no one's surprise, the Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche is Drouhin's finest 1995. Made entirely in 1st year oak (oak barrels that have been used once, not new oak), rich honeysuckle aromas burst from the glass with a touch of honeyed spice. The wine is extremely viscous and fat (my notes say: "wouldn't legally be considered a liquid") and has very ripe flavors of rich, toasted and roasted, lively fruits. This full-bodied, beautifully delineated wine exemplifies Montrachet, as it combines Batard's forward, sultry fruit and Chevalier's elegance and precision. Drink it between 2005-2012.
WS 93 (4/1997): Subtle and classy, this wine is supple with near-perfect balance and spice, ripe fruit, toasted bread and mineral flavors that linger for minutes on the great, racy finish. Full-bodied; try around 2005. |
|
| Maison Henri Boillot |
2022 |
Batard Montrachet Grand Cru (1.5 L) ex-Domaine; 1-magnum OWC |
$1,899 |
2 |
|
| |
BH 96 (6/2024): (one contiguous parcel measuring about .24 ha is spread evenly between Chassagne and Puligny; Boillot calls it his Bâtard du Milieu.)
VM 95-97 (1/2024): The 2022 Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru emerges from holdings that straddle the Chassagne and Puligny sides. Super-elegant and refined, Boillot's Batard has a ton to offer, even if it is rather reticent at this stage. White flowers, mint, spice and light pastry overtones add layers of nuance. The 2022 is unctuous, but not at all heavy. This really opens beautifully onto its explosive finish. Neal Martin. |
|
|
2023 |
Bourgogne Chardonnay (1.5 L)
ETA Q2 2025 Ex-Domaine |
$89.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| | Rhone Red |
| Ch. de Beaucastel |
2010 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (1.5 L) |
$295 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 96 (10/2012): Showing consistently with the barrel review, the 2010 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape (30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, and the remainder an assortment of varieties) is a classic Beaucastel that has both richness and elegance. Showing loads of black cherry, new leather, licorice, pepper, and hints of flowers on the nose, this full-bodied, structured, yet surprisingly elegant and polished 2010 has fantastic purity of fruit, superb balance, and knockout length. Showing more and more structure with air, this needs 3-5 years of bottle age, and should evolve gracefully for upwards of two decades or more.
WA 95 (10/2012): Interestingly enough, even though many of the 2010 Perrin et Fils selections from the southern Rhone were scheduled to be bottled right after my visit, the 2010 Beaucastel had already been put in bottle. This is a gorgeous wine, a classic blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise and the balance the other permitted varietals in the appellation. Deep purple, with loads of bouquet garni, beef blood, blackberry, kirsch, smoke and truffle, this wine is full-bodied, rich and showing even better than it did last year. I still think it needs 3-5 years of cellaring, and it should last for 25-30 years, as most of the top vintages of Beaucastel do.
WS 96 (10/2013): (WS #6 wine of 2013) Dark, dense and very closed now, this has a tremendous core of crushed plum, linzer torte and blackberry confiture waiting in reserve. Ample singed cedar and mesquite, warm paving stone and black tea notes lurk in the background and glide through the finish. Features serious grip, but wonderful integration. Should cruise in the cellar. Best from 2016 through 2035. 7,500 cases made, 4,500 cases imported.
VM 94 (2/2013): Bright ruby. Sexy, spice- and mineral-accented aromas of red and dark fruit preserves and garrigue. Juicy and expansive on the palate, offering vibrant black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors, a hint of smokiness and intense minerality. Tannins come on late and are quickly sucked up by this wine's intense fruit. Rich and lively, with excellent finishing clarity and length. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Chimere |
2015 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (1.5 L) |
$2,000 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (2/2018): The 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Chimère is a selection of Mourvèdre made by the Maurel brothers of Clos Saint Jean, oenologist Philippe Cambie, and Sine Qua Non genius Manfred Krankl. I believe there’s a touch of Grenache in the blend, as well as some Clairette and other varieties, but the bulk of this cuvee comes from the famed la Crau lieu-dit and is brought up all in demi-muids. It offers a beautiful perfume of sweet kirsch and blueberry fruit intermixed with loads of licorice, sweet spice, violets, and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, super intense, sweetly fruited, perfumed, and complex, it’s a gorgeous 2015 that does everything right. Forget bottles for 4-6 years and it should keep for 2 to 3 decades. |
|
|
2016 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (1.5 L) |
$1,295 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 99 (4/2019): The 2016 Chimere is another brilliant wine made from a collaboration between Sine Qua Non’s Manfred Krankl and the Maurel Brothers of Clos Saint Jean. The 2016 is a blend of 93% Mourvèdre, 5% Grenache, and 2% Grenache Blanc, all from the famed La Crau lieu-dit, that was brought up in new 300-liter barrels. It offers an incredible, singular style in its sweet blackberry and blueberry fruits, incense, crushed flowers, ground pepper, and smoked herb. This lavish, powerful, super-intense effort is nevertheless perfectly balanced and seamless, and it shows the purity and vibrancy of this vintage beautifully. Given its sweet tannins, it's already approachable and delivers incredible pleasure, yet it's going to keep for 20-30 years. |
|
|
2016 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (1.5 L) |
$1,899 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 99 (4/2019): The 2016 Chimere is another brilliant wine made from a collaboration between Sine Qua Non’s Manfred Krankl and the Maurel Brothers of Clos Saint Jean. The 2016 is a blend of 93% Mourvèdre, 5% Grenache, and 2% Grenache Blanc, all from the famed La Crau lieu-dit, that was brought up in new 300-liter barrels. It offers an incredible, singular style in its sweet blackberry and blueberry fruits, incense, crushed flowers, ground pepper, and smoked herb. This lavish, powerful, super-intense effort is nevertheless perfectly balanced and seamless, and it shows the purity and vibrancy of this vintage beautifully. Given its sweet tannins, it's already approachable and delivers incredible pleasure, yet it's going to keep for 20-30 years. |
|
|
2017 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (1.5 L) |
$799 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (6/2020): The 2017 Chimère reminds me a little of the 2011 with its more elegant yet still powerful style. Beautiful notes of black cherries, blueberries, cured meats, pepper, tree bark, and new leather all emerge from the glass, followed by a rich, medium to full-bodied, tight, backward and unevolved Mourvèdre that needs forgotten for 4-5 years. As always, this cuvee is primarily Mourvèdre (it’s normally blended with Grenache and other varieties, even some white varieties) and there are a scant 100 cases made. While I don’t think this beauty hits the heights of the 2016, it’s still a brilliant, singular wine that will evolve for 20 years or more. |
|
|
2017 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (1.5 L) |
$825 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (6/2020): The 2017 Chimère reminds me a little of the 2011 with its more elegant yet still powerful style. Beautiful notes of black cherries, blueberries, cured meats, pepper, tree bark, and new leather all emerge from the glass, followed by a rich, medium to full-bodied, tight, backward and unevolved Mourvèdre that needs forgotten for 4-5 years. As always, this cuvee is primarily Mourvèdre (it’s normally blended with Grenache and other varieties, even some white varieties) and there are a scant 100 cases made. While I don’t think this beauty hits the heights of the 2016, it’s still a brilliant, singular wine that will evolve for 20 years or more. |
|
|
2018 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (1.5 L) |
$800 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (8/2021): A challenging year for the appellation, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape is a Mourvèdre dominated release that's put together by California superstar Manfred Krankl and the incredible team at Clos Saint Jean. Released only in magnum (it's a tiny production cuvée), it reveals a translucent ruby/purple hue to go with a beautiful perfume of black raspberries, kirsch, orange blossom, candied violets, and peppery garrigue-like nuances. Gorgeous on the palate as well, it shows a medium to full-bodied, incredibly seamless style carrying polished tannins, a layered, elegant mouthfeel, good overall freshness (I'm sure the acidity is low), and a great finish. It unquestionably ranks with the top wines in the vintage and should drink brilliantly over the coming 10-15 years. |
|
|
2019 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (1.5 L) |
$895 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (1.5 L) |
$880 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Clos des Papes |
2020 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (1.5 L) |
$185.99 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 96-98 (5/2022): Proprietor Paul-Vincent Avril expects to bottle 100,000 bottles of something approximating this "final blend," tasted out of foudre. A blend of 55% Grenache, 35% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah and other permitted varieties, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape looked exceptional on this day, offering up scents of framboise and kirsch alongside dried flowers and Asian spices. Full-bodied yet weightless, silky and long, this is special stuff, complex and balanced.
JD 94-96 (11/2021): Looking at the reds, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape is a silky, elegant wine that shows the vintage to a T. I was able to taste through all the foudres of the cuvee as well as one that’s a final blend, with all showing beautiful red and black fruits, peppery garrigue, and floral nuances. The purity of fruit is remarkable, and this will be a medium to full-bodied, finesse-driven, yet still concentrated vintage for this cuvee that readers will love. |
|
|
2022 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (1.5 L) |
$188.99 |
5 |
|
| |
JD 97-99 (10/2023): The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape reminds me of the 2007 with its incredible sexiness and seamless, elegant texture. Black cherry liqueur, Provençal herbs, flowers, and licorice are just some of its nuances, and it's full-bodied, with a layered mouthfeel, gorgeous tannins, and a great, great finish. Tasted from multiple foudre, this is unquestionably up with the finest in the vintage, and as I’ve written in the past, it’s almost impossible to have too much Clos des Papes in the cellar!
WA 97-99 (9/2023): The 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape is a richly concentrated effort, dark-fruited and loaded with black cherries and blackberries, yet it's not without nuance, as it includes hints of asphalt, truffle and dried spices. Full-bodied (15.4% alcohol), deep and velvety, with a long, softly dusty finish, it looks to be a real beauty, capable of aging up to two decades. |
|
| Dom. Chante Cigale |
2010 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (1.5 L) |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 98 (10/2012): The greatest wine I have ever tasted from this estate (and I don’t think that’s an overstatement) is Chante Cigale’s 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes. A blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre from 65- to 125-year-old-vines, it was aged 40% in foudre, 30% in concrete and 30% in a combination of old and new small oak. This wine boasts off-the-charts intensity, full-bodied power and abundant notes of roasted Provencal herbs interwoven with lavender, creme de cassis, kirsch, black raspberry, truffle and smoked meat-like characteristics. Rich, full-bodied and extraordinarily structured and massive, this 2010 begs for 4-5 years of cellaring. It should keep for 25-30+ years. Bravo! |
|
|
2010 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (1.5 L) |
$115 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 98 (10/2012): The greatest wine I have ever tasted from this estate (and I don’t think that’s an overstatement) is Chante Cigale’s 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes. A blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre from 65- to 125-year-old-vines, it was aged 40% in foudre, 30% in concrete and 30% in a combination of old and new small oak. This wine boasts off-the-charts intensity, full-bodied power and abundant notes of roasted Provencal herbs interwoven with lavender, creme de cassis, kirsch, black raspberry, truffle and smoked meat-like characteristics. Rich, full-bodied and extraordinarily structured and massive, this 2010 begs for 4-5 years of cellaring. It should keep for 25-30+ years. Bravo! |
|
| Dom. de la Janasse |
2000 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (1.5 L) |
$300 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 97 (8/2014): The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is even better, with another layer of texture and depth. Chocolate-laced fruits, cured meats, spice, crushed rock and sweet spice all show from this perfumed, up-front, sweetly fruited Chateauneuf, and it still has a core of concentrated fruit and solid tannin structure. I see no reason to hold off, but it too will thrill over the coming 3-5 years.
JD 97 (11/2009): A real Wow bottle of wine, the 2000 Domaine de la Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is just packed with deep, rich and fresh aromas of blackberry, licorice, meat juice, smoke and graphite. I was literally swooning over the aromatics on the second day and the wine is full bodied with awesome purity, precision and balance. Still very young, this has a long life ahead of it.
VM 93 (1/2003): Dark red-ruby. Distinct surmaturite on the nose: roasted red fruits, roasted herbs, chocolate, earth and minerals. Lush, sweet and layered, with classic superripe grenache flavors of chocolate and spice cake. Very smooth wine, finishing with toothcoating tannins and the quintessential warmth of a wine from the South. "In an Outstanding vintage like 2000, I tried to preserve freshness of fruit and finesse, and thus did not try to do a big extraction," noted Sabon. Stephen Tanzer.
WS 89 (8/2002): Thick and ripe, with lovely terroir and a fat texture that makes it taste opulent and generous. Full-bodied and aromatically open, with interesting mineral, blood orange, iron and plum notes that linger on the chewy, firm finish. Needs time. Best from 2004 through 2010. 830 cases made. |
|
| Dom. de la Vieille Julienne |
2018 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Les Trois Sources (1.5 L) |
$144.99 |
33 |
|
| |
VM 92 (6/2023): The 2018 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Trois Sources is showing wonderfully, opening in the glass with dark cherry and plum aromas, strawberry, leather and a dash of white pepper. Full-bodied, concentrated and framed by slightly drying tannins it is well-balanced by refreshing acidity, closing with a savory finish. Due to the presence of mildew, only half the normal amount of production was achieved. Nicholas Greinacher.
JD 95 (10/2020): True to form, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Trois Sources is a softer, more elegant wine than the Les Hauts-Lieux and offers a gorgeous perfume of black cherries, black licorice, tapenade, violets, herbes de Provence, and jus de viande. Deep, full-bodied, and beautifully layered, it gains weight with time in the glass and is going to benefit from just short-term cellaring. It doesn’t have the concentration for any long-term cellaring yet my money is on it evolving nicely for a solid 10-12 years. |
|
| Dom. de Vieux Telegraphe |
2001 |
Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau (1.5 L) Wrinkled Label; Bin-Soiled Label |
$195 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (2/2004): The 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau is gorgeous, structured, impressive. Full-bodied and backward, with great depth, purity, and heady aromatics, this 20,000-case blend of 60% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, and 15% miscellaneous amounts of the other permitted varietals will easily rival the 1998. A deep ruby/purple-tinged color is accompanied by a sweet perfume of salty sea breezes, seaweed, melted licorice, kirsch liqueur, creme de cassis, and iodine ... a classic Vieux-Telegraphe aromatic display. Powerful as well as firmly structured, this is a wine to lay away for 4-5 years. It should prove to be uncommonly long-lived, lasting a minimum of two decades. It gets my nod as the greatest Vieux-Telegraphe since the 1998.
VM 89+ (2/2004): Full red. Aromas of candied red fruits, gunflint, minerals and pepper. Then subtly sweet in the mouth, with intriguing garrigue notes, moderate stuffing and harmonious acidity. Still a bit youthfully clenched, and a tad dry on the back end, but there's also enticing sweetness and length.
WS 88 (12/2003): Delicate style of Châteauneuf, but attractive. Clean, pure fruit, smoke and grilled flavors. It lacks the sheer ripeness of the best '01s, but the raspy tannins should soften when it's served with the right foods. Best from 2005 through 2010. 15,000 cases made. |
|
| Dom. du Grand Tinel |
2007 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Alexis Establet (1.5 L) |
$178 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94 (3/2017): I loved the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Alexis Establet, and this 100% old vine Grenache beauty gives up classic notes of roasted herbs, black licorice, loads of sweet Grenache fruit and that savory, meaty characteristic reminiscent of caramelized pan drippings. Full-bodied, layered and decadent, with sweet tannin and no hard edges, it’s beautiful today but will keep for another decade or more. Drink between 2012-2032.
JD 93 (5/2010): More serious and deep than the traditional, the 2007 Domaine du Grand Tinel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Alexis Establet sports loads of southern Rhône flare with licorice, earthy, mineral notes and smoke all supported by gorgeous Grenache fruit. Medium to full bodied, fresh, balanced and with a tannic, long finish, this stunning Châteauneuf will drink well over the following 12 to 15 years. Drink between 2010-2025. |
|
| Dom. du Tunnel |
2021 |
Cornas (1.5 L) ex-Domaine |
$124.90 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 92-94 (12/2022): The 2021 Cornas showed amazingly well, and it brings more ripeness and texture than just about every other Cornas out there. Ripe blackberries, mulberries, spicy herbs, and earth all emerge on the nose, and it's medium-bodied, with terrific mid-palate depth and ripe tannins. This cuvée comes from a mix of terroirs and will spend 14 months in used barrels. |
|
| Dom. Jamet |
2003 |
Cote Rotie (1.5 L) Signs of Old Seepage |
$700 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (4/2014): A gorgeous Cote Rotie that does everything right, Jamet’s 2003 Cote Rotie, which was harvested very late for the vintage, offers complex kirsch, framboise, incense, liquid flowers and spiced meat-qualities to go with a full-bodied, layered and seamless profile on the palate. Still youthful and lively, with fabulous density and concentration, this beauty can be enjoyed anytime over the coming 10-15 years. |
|
| Dom. JL Colombo |
2003 |
Cornas Les Ruchets (1.5 L) Wine-Stained Label |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 91 (2/2006): The 2003 Cornas Les Ruchots exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to a big, rich bouquet of espresso roast, blackberries, plums, licorice, and spice. Aged in small barrels, of which 50% were new, it is a full-bodied, opulent effort displaying a seamless integration of tannin. It will drink well for 10-12 years.
VM 90 (1/2006): (50% new oak) Violet with a bright rim. Ripe but energetic blackberry aroma lifted by rose, violet and Asian spices. Sweet and lush in the mouth, with concentrated plum jam and creme de cassis flavors that betray no rough edges or overripeness. Rich and powerful through the finish, with big but well-integrated tannins. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Dom. Thierry Allemand |
2005 |
Cornas Reynard (1.5 L) |
$1,000 |
1 |
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VM 95 (1/2008): This is essentially the Chaillot with the addition of old-vines Reynard) Opaque purple. Explosive, room-filling bouquet of ripe blue and black fruits, fresh flowers, Asian spices and smoky minerals. Deep, sweet and velvety, with bracing cassis and boysenberry flavors, amazing mineral lift and hefty but fine-grained tannins. Extremely impressive and built to repay extended cellaring. Josh Raynolds.
JD 94 (5/2023): Mature but in the middle of its prime drinking window, the 2005 Cornas Reynard from Allemand shows the inherent elegance and purity of this address and has a great bouquet of ripe plums, iron, spring flowers, bacon fat, and hints of leather that develop nicely with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has the vintage’s more focused, firm, borderline austere style yet has solid mid-palate depth, beautiful overall balance, and a great finish. This classic, complex Cornas will continue drinking well for another decade and, I suspect, have a gradual decline after that. Drink starting 2023-2033.
WS 96 (2/2009): Densely packed, with tar, olive and maduro tobacco notes up front, holding the massive core of braised fig, plum sauce and tar at bay for now. The muscular finish shows flashes of iron, garrigue and graphite. Very, very long. Best from 2011 through 2024. |
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| Etienne Guigal |
1999 |
Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde (1.5 L) |
$350 |
2 |
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VM 92 (2/2003): Bright ruby-red. Superripe, expressive aromas of raspberry, coffee, roasted herbs and pepper; shows a slightly porty surmaturite. Rich, round and lush; a wonderfully ripe and full-blown yet fresh wine with substantial, solid tannins and superb persistence. This has a lot of all the key elements, including acidity. A superb vintage for this wine - and there are more than 27,000 cases of this stuff!
WA 89 (6/2003): The 1999 Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde (25,000 cases) includes 5% Viognier in the blend. It is a fragrant, soft, medium-bodied effort revealing notes of violets, licorice, and jammy cherry as well as currant fruit presented in a sweet, medium to full-bodied style. Seductive and lush, it is impossible to resist. Consume it over the next 10-12 years.
WS 88 (8/2002): Lovely. Both elegant and intense. Medium-bodied, with floral, red berry and mineral notes. Subtle and fruity finish, with smooth tannins, but the intense finish suggests it might improve with age. Drink now through 2006. 25,000 cases made. |
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| Jean-Luc Jamet |
2018 |
Cote Rotie Terrasses (1.5 L) ex-Domaine |
$154.99 |
10 |
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