100 Point Wines

Today we'd like to highlight our extensive selection of 100-point wines from our inventory. On offer is a wide selection featuring prominent producers from most of the world's fine wine regions. Take advantage of this incredible list, and add some 'perfect' wine to your cellar today - happy hunting!

The following are the wines remaining from the offer sent on Friday, November 10, 2017. Please enter your desired quantities and click the 'Add' button.

Producer	Vint.	Wine	Price	Qty	Order
		Bordeaux Red
Ch. Cheval-Blanc	2010	St. Emilion (1.5 L) ex-Negociant	$2,750	5
	WA 100 (2/2013): The 2010 is one of the most impressive two-year-old Cheval Blancs I have tasted in 34 years in this profession. The final blend of 54% Cabernet Franc and 46% Merlot has the tell-tale berry/floral nose with subtle hints of menthol, blueberry, raspberry and flowers in addition to some forest floor and a delicate touch of lead pencil shavings. The wine exhibits more structure and density than it did from barrel, and it was already remarkable then. The foresty/floral notes seem to linger and linger in this surprisingly full-bodied, powerful Cheval Blanc, yet it possesses a very healthy pH that should ensure enormous longevity. Dense purple in color, and a bigger, richer wine than usual, this is one Cheval Blanc that will probably need a decade of cellaring. I like the description from the estate’s administrator, Pierre Lurton, who said it tasted like “liquid cashmere,” a perfect expression, despite the wine’s structure and intensity. This is another 50-year wine from this amazingly structured, rich vintage.   JS 100 (11/2013): The aromas here are crazy with flowers, mushroom, forest floor, and fruit. It seems like I am walking through a row of the vines in Cheval Blanc when I have my nose in the glass. It's full-bodied, with fabulous layers of ultra-fine tannins and milk chocolate, raspberries, and a phenomenal finish. Truly one of the greatest Chevals ever. Better than 2009. Try in 2020.   WS 98 (3/2013): This is stone-cold shut down right now, but why worry? You'll want to wait at least a decade before breaching a bottle as massively endowed as this, with loads of loamy bass notes thumping along underneath a riveting track of licorice snap, pastis-steeped black currant fruit, maduro tobacco and espresso. And then there's an echo of petrichor at the very end that hints at the aromatic fireworks to come with cellaring. Should compete for wine of the vintage. Best from 2020 through 2040.   NM 98 (1/2014): The stellar Cheval Blanc 2010 has a very precise bouquet, not powerful but exuding a brooding intensity. It is very well defined with hints of honey and dried violet petals in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with a wondrous spicy entry, perfectly judged acidity, real weight and heft on the back palate that fans out as if there is no tomorrow. This is a huge wine, totally compelling, a behemoth destined to mature over years rather than decades. Tasted January 2014.   VM 95+ (7/2013): Good bright, deep red. Captivating scents of cassis, violet, minerals, bitter chocolate and wild herbs. Extremely fine-grained but also very dense and chewy for young Cheval Blanc, showing great cabernet franc lift and perfume and a downright velvety texture. This deep, multilayered wine was a bit dominated by its brooding tannins and big structure when first poured, but I found my score going steadily higher as the wine benefited from air. My rating may look too conservative a decade from now--or three or four decades hence. Stephen Tanzer.
Ch. Conseillante	2016	Pomerol Futures- ETA TBD ex-Chateau	$199.99	1
	JS 99-100 (4/2017): This is the greatest Conseillante in modern times. Full body and incredible tannins that are polished and velvety. The texture lasts for minutes. I am speechless. What a young and awe-inspiring wine!   WS 93-96 (4/2017): Bright raspberry and blackberry confiture flavors fill out nicely as they move along, followed by a well-buried graphite edge and a flash of cocoa at the very end. Has a vivid display of fruit and the buried spine to back it up.
Ch. Haut-Brion	2016	Pessac Leognan Futures- ETA TBD ex-Chateau	$539	2
	JS 100-100 (4/2017): This is a monument for Haut-Brion and reminds me of the great 1998 but in a modern and bright style. Full-bodied, very tannic and superbly structured yet always agile and vivid. Its energy and dynamic nature grabs you by the shoulder and tells you it’s great. Staggeringly precise. It can’t get better than this, can it?
Ch. La Mondotte	2015	St. Emilion Futures- ETA TBD 2015 en-Primeur	$259.95	3
	JS 99-100 (4/2016): A phenomenal La Mondotte. The purity and intensity is so amazing. Full body, super fine and creamy tannins. The clarity is great. You can see that they have pulled back on the new wood and went for transparency. Wow.   WS 95-98 (5/2016): Gorgeous, with dark blackberry and boysenberry fruit rippling along from start to finish, carried by mouthwatering anise notes. The long finish unfurls slowly, dripping with fruit while maintaining poise. Stunning.   VM 95-97 (4/2016): The 2015 La Mondotte emerges from Stephan von Neipperg's tiny 4.5 hectare vineyard on Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau. A huge, unctuous wine, the 2015 is simply stunning. All the elements meld together in an effortless, concentrated wine endowed with magnificent intensity and power. Totally seamless in the glass, the 2015 possesses magnificent richness and the pedigree to age well for many years. Tasted two times. Antonio Galloni.   WA 94-96 (4/2016): The 2015 La Mondotte is a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc picked on 18 September and 7 October respectively, then aged in 80% new oak after a 33-day vatting. It has a dense, opulent and very concentrated bouquet that is driven by the super-intense Merlot, though as I mention in my accompanying introduction, the alcohol is contained and not at all apparent. The palate is very well balanced with rounded, supple tannin. There is a lot of weight in the mouth here, very focused and intense with blackberry and raspberry fruit, fine mineralité and tension, leading to an almost pixelated finish. This is an impressive La Mondotte for sure, though the 2015 Canon la Gaffeliere might offer more intellect.
Ch. Margaux	2016	Margaux Futures- ETA TBD (3X750ML) ex-Chateau; OWC	$1,683	7
	VM 97-100 (4/2017): The 2016 Margaux is magnificent in the best tradition of the Château Margaux style, which always speaks more to finesse than power. Above all else, the 2016 is a wine of superb persistence, understated power and total refinement. There is wonderful depth and intensity to the ripe red and purplish-hued fruits, accompanied by mint, rose petal and sweet spice overtones that develop in the glass. The 2016 finishes with great aromatic lift and freshness. It has been absolutely compelling on the two occasions I have tasted it so far. Antonio Galloni.   WA 97-99 (4/2017): The 2016 Chateau Margaux is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, plus 1% of Petit Verdot, representing 28% of the total production. This is the highest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon apart from 2013, which was due to the poor Merlot. It was cropped around 50 hectoliters per hectare depending on the grape variety, for example it could be up to 65 hectoliters per hectare in some sectors. Lucid in color, it has a detailed and precise bouquet with mineral-rich blackberry, raspberry coulis and limestone scents. It feels very perfumed, though not powerful like many Grand Vins in 2016. The palate is a different creature to the aromatics. Here is the intensity of the vintage with shimmering black fruit laced with spice, a killer line of acidity and an irresistible crescendo on the finish. Then, graphite lingering on the aftertaste, a nod to Pauillac perhaps. The aftertaste is so long you could probably write a letter to your friend enthusing about this wine before the aftertaste fades. Doubtless it is destined to be compared to the magnificent 2015 Château Margaux and to be truthful, there's a hair's breadth between them. In a word: crystalline.   JS 98-99 (4/2017): A purity of fruit marks this Margaux with lots of currant and berry character. Full body, bright acidity and round tannins. It’s a larger and more expanded style of Margaux. A wine with a heart and body. Strong.
	2016	Margaux Futures- ETA TBD ex-Chateau	$569	1
	VM 97-100 (4/2017): The 2016 Margaux is magnificent in the best tradition of the Château Margaux style, which always speaks more to finesse than power. Above all else, the 2016 is a wine of superb persistence, understated power and total refinement. There is wonderful depth and intensity to the ripe red and purplish-hued fruits, accompanied by mint, rose petal and sweet spice overtones that develop in the glass. The 2016 finishes with great aromatic lift and freshness. It has been absolutely compelling on the two occasions I have tasted it so far. Antonio Galloni.   WA 97-99 (4/2017): The 2016 Chateau Margaux is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc, plus 1% of Petit Verdot, representing 28% of the total production. This is the highest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon apart from 2013, which was due to the poor Merlot. It was cropped around 50 hectoliters per hectare depending on the grape variety, for example it could be up to 65 hectoliters per hectare in some sectors. Lucid in color, it has a detailed and precise bouquet with mineral-rich blackberry, raspberry coulis and limestone scents. It feels very perfumed, though not powerful like many Grand Vins in 2016. The palate is a different creature to the aromatics. Here is the intensity of the vintage with shimmering black fruit laced with spice, a killer line of acidity and an irresistible crescendo on the finish. Then, graphite lingering on the aftertaste, a nod to Pauillac perhaps. The aftertaste is so long you could probably write a letter to your friend enthusing about this wine before the aftertaste fades. Doubtless it is destined to be compared to the magnificent 2015 Château Margaux and to be truthful, there's a hair's breadth between them. In a word: crystalline.   JS 98-99 (4/2017): A purity of fruit marks this Margaux with lots of currant and berry character. Full body, bright acidity and round tannins. It’s a larger and more expanded style of Margaux. A wine with a heart and body. Strong.
Ch. Mouton-Rothschild	2016	Pauillac Futures- ETA TBD (3X750ML) ex-Chateau; OWC	$1,600	4
	JS 100-100 (4/2017): This is a phenomenal, muscular red that shows incredible power and depth. Full-bodied and with great concentration of tannins but this remains agile and polished. The form to this is stupendous. Such precision and clarity. The new 1986 but better.
Ch. Palmer	2016	Margaux Futures- ETA TBD ex-Chateau	$315	1
	JS 99-100 (4/2017): I wrote that the 2015 was incredible, and this 2016 is again. It’s equally structured and powerful as the 2015, yet there’s an underlying intellectual serenity to this wine. You taste it, and you want to know and experience it even more. Full and tannic yet ever so polished and beautiful. Mesmerizing. Made from biodynamically grown grapes.   WA 95-97 (4/2017): The 2016 Palmer is a blend of 47% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot cropped at 29 hectoliters per hectare between 3 and 18 October. Matured in 65% new oak (my sample coming from a used barrel), the bouquet is perhaps not quite as intense as some of its peers and takes time to click into fifth gear. Eventually it offers tightly wound blackberry, briary and mineral scents; it is very focused, but maybe less extrovert and more classic in style compared to recent vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip on the entry, quite firm in the mouth with slightly tarry black fruit, hints of black truffle developing towards the finish that feels masculine and linear. It has very impressive length, completing what is an intellectual Palmer, one that I suspect will really blossom in bottle.   VM 95-98 (4/2017): Sophisticated and polished from the outset, the 2016 Palmer is utterly captivating. Dark shades of fruit, accented by hints of smoke, leather and discreet French oak open up in the glass, but it is the wine'e effortless, gracious personality that stands out most. The 2016 literally hovers on the palate with exquisite grace. I can't wait to see how it ages. Antonio Galloni.
Ch. Pavie	2016	St. Emilion Futures- ETA TBD ex-Chateau	$371	9
	JS 99-100 (4/2017): This is more compressed and tighter than the 2015. It’s full-bodied, but very tight and focused. So linear and long. Love the gorgeous finesse. Goes on for minutes. All about finesse...new profile.
		Bordeaux White
Ch. Haut-Brion	2010	Pessac Leognan Blanc ex-Negociant	$1,195	3
	JS 100 (9/2013): A white of incredible energy and depth of fruit with a grapefruit, stone and peach character. Some hints of minerals and tropical fruit too. It's full and agile with a great backbone of acidity. A blend of 60% sauvignon blanc and 40% sémillon. Usually inverted at 60% semillon and 40% sauvignon. This underwent malolactic fermentation and was aged 14 months in new wood. A truly phenomenal white. 100 points.   WA 98+ (2/2012): This blockbuster blend of 62% Sauvignon Blanc and 38% Semillon has absolutely amazing texture, with superb lemon butter, crushed rock, quince and marmalade notes buttressed by hints of orange zest and citrus oil. Rich and full-bodied, with a sensational fragrance, this is an exquisite, full-throttle white to drink over the next 30+ years. Utterly profound! WS 95 (3/2012): Very young, with a plume of chalk leading the way for a huge core of macadamia nut, blanched almond, jasmine, white peach, salted butter, quinine and shortbread notes, which are seamlessly woven and very focused through the finish. Paraffin and brioche hang in the background and should emerge more after cellaring. This is built to go the distance. Best from 2014 through 2034. 580 cases made.   VM 92-95 (5/2010): (a 62/38 blend of sauvignon blanc and semillon; 14.2% alcohol) Straw-gold. Intensely sauvignon-dominated aromas of pink grapefruit, cut grass and green fig are joined by subtle hints of wax and white peach from the semillon. The semillon element is much more evident on the rich, creamy palate, which features pure flavors of ripe citrus fruits, vanilla and white pepper. This outstanding wine makes exceptionally suave use of high-quality oak and finishes with superb length and a delicately smoky, buttery character.
		Rhone Red
Clos Saint Jean	2007	Chateauneuf du Pape Sanctus Sanctorum (1.5 L)	$1,599	1
	WA 100 (8/2014): The largest scaled of the three, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Sanctus Sanctorum offers a 2009-like level of decadence, yet is more dense, concentrated and thick, with a massive mid-palate and texture that has nothing out of place. Boasting off-the-chart aromas and flavors of creme de cassis, ground pepper, melted licorice, loamy soil and exotic spice, it’s another desert island wine, in a lineup of desert island wines. Given that there are so few of these to go around, and that it’s bottled only in magnum, I know it’s difficult to open bottles, but don’t wait too long, as all three are insanely good – even today.   WS 97 (11/2009): Pure and velvety, with an alluring raspberry ganache note that drives the blackberry, hoisin sauce, mesquite and incense flavors through the superlong finish. Shows plenty of density, but stays suave and almost light on its feet, with plenty of buried graphite and pastis in reserve. A beautiful combination of power and finesse. Best from 2010 through 2030. 8 cases imported.   VM 95 (1/2010): (for 1.5 liters; 100% grenache from 102-year-old vines) Vivid ruby. Sexy, highly perfumed bouquet of raspberry and blackberry, rose and Asian spices, with a suave mineral undertone. Bright, focused red fruit flavors are deeply concentrated but pinot-like in their delicacy and balance; sweetness mounts and a floral quality emerges on the back half. Really impressive for its clarity and focus. Finishes spicy, mineral-driven and very long. Josh Raynolds.
	2009	Chateauneuf du Pape Sanctus Sanctorum (1.5 L)	$939	1
	WA 100 (8/2014): More flamboyant, open and exotic, with notes of kirsch liqueur, cassis, toasted almonds, sandalwood, lavender, and crushed flowers that you can smell from across the room, the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Sanctus Sanctorum expands on the palate, with incredible concentration, building, sweet tannin and a finish that just won’t quit. Where the 2010 cuts a more focused path, this puppy is overflowing with fruit and texture. It too is a perfect wine that will evolve for another couple decades, yet given this showing, don’t hesitate to crack bottles over the coming couple of years.   WS 95 (11/2011): This lush red shows very enticing notes of toasty raisin, spice cake, fig sauce and blackberry preserves inlaid with flashes of ganache and espresso. The dense but racy finish features a graphite edge that really extends. Grenache. Best from 2012 through 2024. 75 cases imported.
Etienne Guigal	2009	Cote Rotie La Landonne	$459	13
	WA 100 (12/2013): Another 2009 that exhibits over the top extravagance and richness, and one I can find no fault in, the 2009 Cote Rotie La Landonne offers a colossal and full-bodied profile that carries incredible aromas and flavors of roasted meats, smoke, asphalt and assorted meatiness that’s all grounded by a massive core of fruit. A huge wine, it stays perfectly in check, with notable freshness, a deep, layered mid-palate and masses of fine tannin that carry through the finish. Hide this beauty in the cellar for another decade and enjoy.   JLL ****** (12/2011): Dark robe; there is a chocolate breadth on the nose, accompanied by some herbs of the south - it has a very deep blackberry jam fruiting, a real plunge of that aroma. There are also pine-bosky woods and licorice touches. The palate is direct, travels along tightly, has a free, fresh style after half way, is really good. It fines on down as it goes, is an interesting, complex wine - the most complex of the Big Three in 2009. The finish reflects menthol, is a clear-cut adieu. “We picked early in 2009 - early and fast to avoid heaviness,” Philippe Guigal.   WS 99 (10/2013): This delivers a stunningly ripe, pure, polished bolt of plum confiture, along with notes of anise, mocha, blueberry coulis, Black Forest cake and espresso. The finish sports admirable grip for this ripe-styled vintage, with a grounding rod of iron buried deeply. There's fruit and muscle now, with minerality to burn while this is cellared. Best from 2015 through 2040. 1,000 cases made.   VM 96 (3/2014): Glass-staining purple. Explosive aromas of dark berries, fresh violet and anise, with a hint of smokiness in the background. Sappy and incisive on the palate, offering deeply pitched, spice-tinged cassis and bitter cherry flavors accented by bitter herbs. Closes extremely long, with firm tannic grip and alluring sweetness, leaving a zesty mineral note behind. Showing a surprising degree of elegance for the vintage and for this bottling, which is usually the most forbidding of Guigal's big-gun Cote-Roties.
Les Cailloux (L.& A. Brunel)	1990	Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Centenaire Lightly Bin-Soiled Label; Cracked Wax Capsule; Slight Signs of Seepage	$475	1
	WA 100 (1/2003): One of the greatest vintages for Andre Brunel, aside from his extraordinary succession of vintages from 1998-2001 is 1990. The perfect Cuvee Centenaire is still dense ruby/purple-colored with a sumptuous nose of white flowers, raspberry and cherry liqueur, smoke, and mineral scents. The gorgeous aromatics are followed by an unctuously-textured, pure wine that combines the best of Chateauneuf du Pape with the floral, earthy complexity of a great grand cru red Burgundy. This is a riveting tour de force in winemaking. Don’t miss it. Anticipated maturity: now-2020.
	1990	Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Centenaire Lightly Bin-Soiled Label; Cracked Wax Capsule	$495	1
	WA 100 (1/2003): One of the greatest vintages for Andre Brunel, aside from his extraordinary succession of vintages from 1998-2001 is 1990. The perfect Cuvee Centenaire is still dense ruby/purple-colored with a sumptuous nose of white flowers, raspberry and cherry liqueur, smoke, and mineral scents. The gorgeous aromatics are followed by an unctuously-textured, pure wine that combines the best of Chateauneuf du Pape with the floral, earthy complexity of a great grand cru red Burgundy. This is a riveting tour de force in winemaking. Don’t miss it. Anticipated maturity: now-2020.
Mas de Boislauzon	2010	Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Quet Slightly Depressed Cork	$225	2
	WA 100 (10/2012): The remarkable 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Quet boasts a dark ruby/purple color along with a stunning bouquet of spring flowers, cranberries, black raspberries, blueberries, forest floor, incense and bouquet garni. The wine builds incrementally in the mouth, and the finish lasts nearly a minute. This amazingly full-bodied, gorgeously pure Chateauneuf du Pape has everything one could desire in a dry red wine. Enjoy it over the next 20+ years.   JD 99+ (9/2012): Even better, and eclipsing the estate’s brilliant 2007, the 2010 Mas de Boislauzon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée du Quet is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Mourvedre that was aged in a combination of tank and barrel (no new oak is used). Sporting a deep, semi-opaque black/purple color to go with notions of blackberry, melted licorice, roasted herbs, truffle, seaweed, and crushed flowers, this absolutely brilliant Châteauneuf-du-Pape is full-bodied and seamless on the palate, with thrilling concentration, perfect balance, and massive tannic grip on the finish. While the texture leans heavily towards the decadent side of the spectrum, it stays remarkably light and fresh, never seaming heavy or over the top. Given the amount of tannin, it needs 3-5 years to flesh out, and should drink well for 20+ years. Tasted twice and knockout stuff on both occasions.   JLL ****[*] (12/2011): 70% G, 30% M this year, reflecting the coulure on the Grenache: dark, full robe with sheen in it and legs down the glass. Latent pepper drifts across the nose, which is deep, and holds sustained black fruit such a sprune in its aroma. There is smoky licorice, and this is a confident start. The palate has a gummy, savoury flavour, with a rich ball of gras and dark fruit present. It bears juicy blackberry fruit late on which is well inset. Good quality tannins add weight and support to the finish. Lots of potential. This is not mainstream wine - it has character, moves well, is satisfying. It could show a little more flair on the finish, but is genuine nature makes it very good. From mid-2014.   WS 94 (10/2012): A hefty version, carved from a block of baker's chocolate and espresso to reveal extra notes of singed cedar, roasted fig, steeped black currant, licorice root and Black Forest cake. The long, muscular finish still has serious grip to shed and will require patient cellaring. Best from 2015 through 2030. 350 cases made.   VM 93+ (1/2013): (75% grenache and 25% mourvedre): Glass-staining purple. Heady, spice-accented aromas of dark fruit liqueur, cola, licorice and candied violet. Broad-shouldered and deeply concentrated, offering sweet cassis and blueberry flavors that show a distinctly ripe character. Tannins build with air and carry through an impressively long, smoky finish that strongly echoes the blueberry and licorice notes. This masculine, brawny wine has shaped up very nicely since last year but it will never impress with finesse. Josh Raynolds.
Paul Jaboulet Aine	1990	Hermitage La Chapelle Ullage 3 cm	$550	1
	WA 100 (6/2000): The 1990 La Chapelle is the sexy and opulent. I had the 1990 at the Jaboulet tasting, and again out of a double magnum three months ago. On both occasions it was spectacular, clearly meriting a three-digit score. The modern day equivalent of the 1961, it deserves all the attention it has garnered. The color remains an opaque purple, with only a slight pink at the edge. Spectacular aromatics offer up aromas of incense, smoke, blackberry fruit, cassis, barbecue spice, coffee, and a touch of chocolate. As it sits in the glass, additional nuances of pepper and grilled steak emerge. There is extraordinary freshness for such a mammoth wine in addition to abundant tannin, an amazing 60-second finish, and a level of glycerin and thick, fleshy texture that have to be tasted to be believed. Despite its youthfulness, the 1990 La Chapelle is lovely to drink, although it will be even better with another 5-6 years of cellaring; it should age for 35-40+ years. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2050
	1990	Hermitage La Chapelle Bin-Soiled Label; Lightly Nicked Label	$550	1
	WA 100 (6/2000): The 1990 La Chapelle is the sexy and opulent. I had the 1990 at the Jaboulet tasting, and again out of a double magnum three months ago. On both occasions it was spectacular, clearly meriting a three-digit score. The modern day equivalent of the 1961, it deserves all the attention it has garnered. The color remains an opaque purple, with only a slight pink at the edge. Spectacular aromatics offer up aromas of incense, smoke, blackberry fruit, cassis, barbecue spice, coffee, and a touch of chocolate. As it sits in the glass, additional nuances of pepper and grilled steak emerge. There is extraordinary freshness for such a mammoth wine in addition to abundant tannin, an amazing 60-second finish, and a level of glycerin and thick, fleshy texture that have to be tasted to be believed. Despite its youthfulness, the 1990 La Chapelle is lovely to drink, although it will be even better with another 5-6 years of cellaring; it should age for 35-40+ years. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2050
	1990	Hermitage La Chapelle (3.0 L)	$5,900	1
	WA 100 (6/2000): The 1990 La Chapelle is the sexy and opulent. I had the 1990 at the Jaboulet tasting, and again out of a double magnum three months ago. On both occasions it was spectacular, clearly meriting a three-digit score. The modern day equivalent of the 1961, it deserves all the attention it has garnered. The color remains an opaque purple, with only a slight pink at the edge. Spectacular aromatics offer up aromas of incense, smoke, blackberry fruit, cassis, barbecue spice, coffee, and a touch of chocolate. As it sits in the glass, additional nuances of pepper and grilled steak emerge. There is extraordinary freshness for such a mammoth wine in addition to abundant tannin, an amazing 60-second finish, and a level of glycerin and thick, fleshy texture that have to be tasted to be believed. Despite its youthfulness, the 1990 La Chapelle is lovely to drink, although it will be even better with another 5-6 years of cellaring; it should age for 35-40+ years. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2050
		Rhone White
M. Chapoutier	1999	Ermitage Blanc LErmite (1.5 L)	$549	1
	WA 100 (4/2002): This is one of the greatest dry white wines I have ever tasted. The 1999 Ermitage l'Ermite is a liquid mineral, crystalline expression. It is the essence of its grape as well as terroir. It may be the greatest expression of terroir I have seen outside of a handful of Alsatian Rieslings (Clos Ste. Hune comes to mind). It has that transparent character that terroiristes talk more about than actually recognize. Drinking it is like consuming a liquified stony concoction mixed with white flowers, licorice, and honeyed fruits. It is frightfully pure, dense, and well-delineated. As I said last year, "There is no real fruit character, just glycerin, alcohol, and liquid stones." That's about it, but, wow, what an expression! Anticipated maturity: 2012-2050. This is for the connoisseur of rare wines. Along with Gerard and Jean-Louis Chave, Chapoutier is producing the finest expressions of white Hermitage. His single vineyard cuvees are to die for if you like these eccentric, idiosyncratic, mammoth dry whites.   JLL ****** (4/2006): Full yellow; buttered nose, quite simple at this stage; good, creamy wine - peach flavours and spice, good fat within. Slight aniseed on end. Fabulous elegance, good length and a clean finish.   WS 92 (11/2001): Beautiful. Thick, yet so reserved aromatically, with plenty of honey, mineral, macadamia nut, pear tart and passion fruit. What makes it a winner is the opulent, smooth texture. Drink now through 2010. 380 cases made.
		Loire
Dom. Huet	2003	Vouvray Cuvee Constance (500 ML) Lightly Scuffed Label	$135	1
	WA 100 (11/2015): The color of the 2003 Vouvray Moelleux Cuvée Constance (poured from the 500 ml bottle) is as golden-orange as is the small paper strip label. On the nose this wine is an unreal beauty, combining perfect fruit ripeness and concentration with precision, finesse and spicy/mineral flavors that are quite rare in sweet wines of this top level. Smooth, nobly elegant, perfectly balanced and highly intense on the palate, this is a wine to die for. Its finesse and weightless intensity is beyond worth. Surely the finest Huet I ever tasted.   WS 98 (6/2006): Offers a stunning array of date, quince paste, fig and persimmon aromas and flavors, with a laser of acidity carrying it all through an extremely lengthy finish. Just when you think it's all opulence, riveting acidity and a green tea hint flash on the finish, leaving a wonderfully elegant impression. Drink now through 2030. 330 cases made.   VM 94 (12/2014): Vivid gold. Complex scents of yellow peach, nectarine, orange marmalade and candied flowers, complicated by acacia honey and mineral salts. Lush yet penetrating pit fruit flavors show remarkable depth and elegance, with zesty citrus notes adding lift and clarity. A nervy pear note resonates on the finish, which also leaves traces of lime zest behind. Offers a unique blend of richness and vivacity. The first vintage in this style was 1989. Since then, 2005 (already reviewed) and 2007 have followed. Joel B. Payne.
		USA Red
Abreu	2010	Howell Mountain Proprietary Blend Slightly Depressed Cork	$389	2
	VM 100 (11/2013): The 2010 Howell Mountain is simply magnificent. Inky, deep, and full-bodied to the core, the 2010 blasts out of the glass with graphite, pencil shavings, menthol, melted road tar, plum, cassis and licorice notes. The 2010 is an exciting, viscerally thrilling wine that takes hold of the sense and never lets up. Today, it is firing on all cylidners. The Howell Mountain is the only Abreu wine that incorporates Malbec, a variety that seems to work magic here. The 2010 is 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot, 8% Malbec and 5% Merlot.   WA 94-97 (10/2013): An absolute blockbuster, the 2010 Howell Mountain includes Malbec and Petit Verdot blended with the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. It boasts an inky/blue/purple color as well as a sumptuous perfume of barbecue smoke, lead pencil shavings and wet rocks. This ripe, smoky, intense, full-bodied wine reveals a boatload of tannins, but also richer fruit and a deeper, multidimensional mouthfeel and finish than the 2009, which appears to be more broodingly backward and structured. This appears to be a great success. Consume it over the next 25-30 years.
Fairchild Estate	2013	Stones No. 1 Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon	$579	9
	WA 100 (10/2015): Absolutely perfect is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Stones No. 1, which comes from the Beckstoffer/Las Piedras Vineyard in St. Helena. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 80% new French oak for 20 months, the wine has that Mission Haut-Brion/Haut-Brion scorched-earth, gravelly, quarry-stone aromatics intermixed with blueberry, cassis and spring flowers. It is full-bodied with magnificent texture and concentration, stunning freshness, and a terrific finish that goes on for close to a minute. This is surreal and compelling Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the next 30+ years.   VM 93 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Stones No. 1, from the famous Las Piedras vineyard in St. Helena, opens with exquisite aromatics. Silky, nuanced and polished to the core, the 2013 shows the more finessed side of this site. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, mint and sweet spices are laced into the super-expressive finish. The minerality of Piedras comes through most clearly on the finish. Still, it would be nice to see more site specificity here. Antonio Galloni.
Hundred Acre Winery	2010	Few and Far Between Cabernet Sauvignon	$549	1
	WA 100 (10/2013): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Few and Far Between has a minerality that is also found in the Howell Mountain cuvee as well as deep, luxurious, beautiful black currant and blackberry fruit intermixed with hints of jammy black cherries, licorice, camphor and charcoal embers. Exceptionally full-bodied with sweet tannin, surreal richness and remarkable purity as well as delineation, this pushes ripeness and intensity to nearly over-the-top levels, but it pulls back to simply create a wine of genius. This 2010 should age effortlessly for two to three decades, but there is no reason to delay your enjoyment.   VM 95 (6/2013): (the only one of these cabernets that includes some cabernet franc): Bright ruby-red. Lovely floral lift to the aromas of black raspberry, blueberry, smoky minerals and musky brown spices, with a note of coconutty oak emerging with air. Large-scaled, chewy and rich, showing compelling early sweetness to its dark berry and saline mineral flavors. Wonderfully velvety, palate-staining wine with enough minerality to maintain its shape and balance. I found this a step up in concentration from the 2009 release.   WS 94 (11/2013): Matches power with finesse, offering an amazing mix of ripe, zesty, vibrant blackberry, raspberry, black licorice, espresso and kitchen spices. This gains momentum and holds focus, revealing a touch of heat on the finish. Extremely well done in a superripe style. Drink now through 2026. 300 cases made.
	2013	Few and Far Between Cabernet Sauvignon	$519	4
	WA 100 (10/2016): Obviously, the Eisele Vineyard next door is a first-growth quality vineyard, and so is Jayson Woodbridge’s 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Few and Far Between. This has some Cabernet Franc (5%-15%), and spends 32 months in barrel. It is an absolutely outrageously great wine from the volcanic rocks and white volcanic ash of these soils in this northeast sector of Napa to the south of Calistoga. The finish goes on for over a minute, as this wine has layers and layers of fruit. If anything, it reminded me of a Château Latour on steroids. A magnificent example, it is one of the prodigious wines of this great vintage for Bordeaux varietals in Napa. The 2013 Few and Far Between already drinks well, but will still be reveling its purchasers 35-40 years from now. The sad thing about the Few and Far Between Vineyard is that it is only a five-acre parcel.   WS 93 (11/2016): Plump and juicy, with ripe plum, cherry and blueberry flavors. The dense backbone of oak, herb and tannins gives this a sense of power, as well as finesse, structure, charm and length. Drink now through 2032. 450 cases made.
	2007	The Ark Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label; Wrinkled Label	$495	1
	WA 100 (12/2010): A perfect wine, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard (1,300 - 1,400 cases) from Howell Mountain is one of the great efforts from this high elevation terroir. It offers notes of burning embers, black raspberries, blueberries and flowers, a full-bodied opulence, wonderful intensity, but the wine is not weighty or overripe. Fleshy and voluptuous with terrific floral notes, it should drink well for 15-20 years.
	2007	The Ark Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Nicked Label; Bin-Soiled Label	$495	1
	WA 100 (12/2010): A perfect wine, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard (1,300 - 1,400 cases) from Howell Mountain is one of the great efforts from this high elevation terroir. It offers notes of burning embers, black raspberries, blueberries and flowers, a full-bodied opulence, wonderful intensity, but the wine is not weighty or overripe. Fleshy and voluptuous with terrific floral notes, it should drink well for 15-20 years.
	2007	The Ark Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label	$495	1
	WA 100 (12/2010): A perfect wine, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Ark Vineyard (1,300 - 1,400 cases) from Howell Mountain is one of the great efforts from this high elevation terroir. It offers notes of burning embers, black raspberries, blueberries and flowers, a full-bodied opulence, wonderful intensity, but the wine is not weighty or overripe. Fleshy and voluptuous with terrific floral notes, it should drink well for 15-20 years.
Kapcsandy Family	2008	Grand Vin State Lane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Slightly Depressed Cork	$385	1
	WA 100 (12/2010): Another perfect wine (identical to the 2007) is the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin State Lane Vineyard. Composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot (430 cases produced), this is an exquisite wine of great precision and profound concentration and complexity. It possesses an inky/purple color in addition to an ethereal nose of cassis, chocolate, burning embers, espresso and forest floor. Sweet tannins, a multidimensional mouthfeel, full-bodied power and good structure as well as freshness make for a prodigious example of wine that will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring, but will keep for 25-30 years. This is an awesome effort, particularly after what the Kapcsandy family achieved in 2007.   VM 94+ (5/2011): (87% cabernet sauvignon, 5% each merlot and cabernet franc, and 3% petit verdot): Bright medium ruby. Crushed cassis, blackberry, bitter chocolate and menthol on the nose, along with a pronounced rocky minerality. Densely packed and energetic, with powerful dark berry, crushed stone and saline flavors enlivened by a lavender element. Finishes very long and firm. This uncompromisingly dry wine shut down in the glass and gives every sign of needing a good eight to ten years of cellaring.   JS 94 (6/2011): Notes of blueberry and cassis on the nose and palate. This is chewy and rich with a full body that gives hints of minerals, mint, and spices. Don't touch this for five or six years. 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petite Verdot. 430 cases.
	2012	Grand Vin State Lane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon	$378	1
	WA 100 (10/2014): The bottled 2012s are all performing brilliantly. It was a large, but not excessive crop with a consistently warm growing season that never suffered the heat spikes Napa often experiences. The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin State Lane Vineyard is the greatest example of this cuvée since the 2007. Bottled without fining or filtration, this blend of 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot tips the scales at 14.1% natural alcohol. There are 320 cases. The Kapcsandys have hit the bull’s eye with this beauty. A stunning set of aromatics consisting of white chocolate, blackcurrant liqueur, cedarwood, graphite, incense and melted licorice is followed by a beautifully integrated, seamless, full-bodied classic. With terrific fruit purity, a touch of spice, and a voluptuously textured, super-pure, extravagant mouthfeel, this well-balanced 2012 can be drunk young because of the stylistic precociousness of this vintage or cellared for two decades.   VM 97+ (12/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin is a real stunner. The Grand Vin has all the richness and texture of the Roberta's but with a little more verve, energy and overall structure. Beams of tannin and acidity provide the backdrop in a Grand Vin that brings together the raciness of the vintage with a fabulous sense of vibrancy. The 2012 is going to be very hard to resist young, but it also clearly has the capacity to age for decades.   VM 96-99 (5/2014): (13.9% alcohol; includes 2% merlot; 100% new French oak): Bright medium ruby. Urgent crushed blackcurrant, licorice and wild herb aromas are lifted by violet and iris notes. Superconcentrated and utterly seamless in the mouth but with a magically light touch to the blueberry, licorice and mineral flavors. This really spreads out to saturate the mouth and echoes and resounds on the mounting back end. Tannins are completely buffered by extract. A monumental wine in the making.
	2013	Grand Vin State Lane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon	$435	1
	WA 100 (10/2016): Little can be added to the greatness of the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Vin, a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. The wine (600 cases) is truly stunning in its dense, crème de cassis and blackberry-scented nose with a hint of barbecue smoke and forest floor. Tasting like a ripe vintage of Château Latour from Pauillac, the wine has amazing richness and a savory, expansive mouthfeel, but tiptoes across the palate like a ballerina. A wine of magnificent richness and intensity, but vibrancy, purity and overall equilibrium, this is a staggeringly great wine and another tribute to the Kapcsándy family’s extraordinary professionalism and meticulous attention to detail in their vineyard.   JS 98 (4/2016): Incredible black currant, blueberry, stone, oyster shell and violet. Subtle and complex. Sweet tobacco. Full body, superb density and flavor. Great length and structure. A wine that is complete and complex. So much aging potential. Linear and dense. Better in 2022.
Maybach	2013	Materium Cabernet Sauvignon	$439	5
	WA 100 (10/2015): There are roughly 600 cases of the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Materium, all of which comes from the Weitz Vineyard on the eastern Vaca Mountain hillside of Oakville at an elevation of about 1,000 feet above the Silverado Trail. This is shallow soil interspersed with loads of pebbles and stones. This wine is incredible first-growth material – a magical Cabernet Sauvignon with an opaque purple color, an extraordinary nose of blackberry and cassis, white flowers, crushed rock and minerality followed by a full-bodied majestic mouthfeel with phenomenal balance, purity and overall equilibrium. Stunningly rich and impressive, this wine will hit its peak in 8-10 years and has the potential to last 40-50 years. For those who keep track of such things, the wine was completely aged in 100% new Darnajou and Taransaud barrels.
	2014	Materium Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L)	$799	2
	WA 100 (10/2016): The flagship, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Materium, represents 560 cases and achieved 14.8% alcohol after aging in 90% new Taransaud and Darnajou casks. Remarkably, the wine matches the perfect 2013, with extraordinary fragrance of blueberry, blackberry, forest floor, truffle, spring flowers and background barbecue smoke followed by a thick, unctuously textured, juicy, but incredibly well-balanced, intense wine. This is built like a skyscraper with enormous quantities of blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit, well-integrated acidity and sweet, gentle tannins. This is an extraordinary effort from Maybach that can be drunk now or cellared for up to 30 or more years.
	2014	Materium Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L)	$899	1
	WA 100 (10/2016): The flagship, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Materium, represents 560 cases and achieved 14.8% alcohol after aging in 90% new Taransaud and Darnajou casks. Remarkably, the wine matches the perfect 2013, with extraordinary fragrance of blueberry, blackberry, forest floor, truffle, spring flowers and background barbecue smoke followed by a thick, unctuously textured, juicy, but incredibly well-balanced, intense wine. This is built like a skyscraper with enormous quantities of blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit, well-integrated acidity and sweet, gentle tannins. This is an extraordinary effort from Maybach that can be drunk now or cellared for up to 30 or more years.
	2014	Materium Cabernet Sauvignon (375 ML)	$225	4
	WA 100 (10/2016): The flagship, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Materium, represents 560 cases and achieved 14.8% alcohol after aging in 90% new Taransaud and Darnajou casks. Remarkably, the wine matches the perfect 2013, with extraordinary fragrance of blueberry, blackberry, forest floor, truffle, spring flowers and background barbecue smoke followed by a thick, unctuously textured, juicy, but incredibly well-balanced, intense wine. This is built like a skyscraper with enormous quantities of blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit, well-integrated acidity and sweet, gentle tannins. This is an extraordinary effort from Maybach that can be drunk now or cellared for up to 30 or more years.
	2014	Materium Cabernet Sauvignon (375 ML) Slightly Depressed Cork	$225	1
	WA 100 (10/2016): The flagship, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Materium, represents 560 cases and achieved 14.8% alcohol after aging in 90% new Taransaud and Darnajou casks. Remarkably, the wine matches the perfect 2013, with extraordinary fragrance of blueberry, blackberry, forest floor, truffle, spring flowers and background barbecue smoke followed by a thick, unctuously textured, juicy, but incredibly well-balanced, intense wine. This is built like a skyscraper with enormous quantities of blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit, well-integrated acidity and sweet, gentle tannins. This is an extraordinary effort from Maybach that can be drunk now or cellared for up to 30 or more years.
Outpost	2014	True Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon	$345	12
	WA 100 (10/2016): The limited-production 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard (475 cases) is also 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 20 months in 90% new French oak. This is an amazing 2014 and one of the few perfect wines that I could find while tasting at the top addresses in Northern California. Blue/purple in color, with extraordinarily intense floral notes intermixed with blueberry, blackberry, crushed charcoal and camphor, the wine hits the palate with a spectacular display of glycerin, fruit, sweet tannin, adequate acidity, and wonderful equilibrium and purity. The finish was close to a minute. This wine is irresistible, although it is certainly capable of lasting three decades or more. Kudos to the Dotzlers and Thomas Rivers Brown for this magnificent achievement!   VM 92 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard is ample, rich and expressive. There is plenty of the trademark Outpost intensity, but the True offers a good bit of freshness for the year. Moreover, the True has the frame to handle the wine's exotic richness and pure power. Inky blue/purplish fruit, chocolate, torrefaction, lavender and crème de cassis are some of the aromas and flavors that flesh out over time.
Pride Mountain Vineyards	2013	Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon	$299	2
	WA 100 (10/2016): A real tour de force once again, and their second consecutive perfect score, is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, which is 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot aged 22 months in 40% new French oak. It is a larger cuvée of 1,416 cases versus 450 for the Reserve Claret. The Cabernet is just under 15% alcohol. A fantastic wine, with great intensity, notes of graphite, forest floor, crème de cassis, white chocolate and blackberry, the wine hits the palate with a thunderous presence, has a multi-layered, skyscraper-like palate feel, a plush, intense texture, high but well-integrated tannin and acidity, and nicely disguised oak. This is a magnificent wine, with 79% of it coming from the Sonoma side of Spring Mountain and 21% from the Napa side. Drink it over the next 25-30+ years.   VM 96+ (12/2016): The 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon captures all the best of the Pride house style. Rich, ample and concentrated, with superb depth, the 2013 possesses exceptional balance and tons of pure pedigree. The sheer intensity of the fruit nearly buries the tannins, but they are there. Polished, silky tannins add to the wine's tremendous appeal. This is a total knock-out from Pride and winemaker Sally Johnson. Pride fans will not want to miss this exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Antonio Galloni.   WS 91 (11/2016): A bit racy, with a twinge of blackberry and balsamic amid an otherwise potent core of dense dark berry, licorice and gravelly earth flavors. A style of wine that should only get better as the tannins ease and the fruit becomes more prominent. Best from 2019 through 2029. 1,416 cases made.
	2013	Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon	$325	3
	WA 100 (10/2016): A real tour de force once again, and their second consecutive perfect score, is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, which is 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot aged 22 months in 40% new French oak. It is a larger cuvée of 1,416 cases versus 450 for the Reserve Claret. The Cabernet is just under 15% alcohol. A fantastic wine, with great intensity, notes of graphite, forest floor, crème de cassis, white chocolate and blackberry, the wine hits the palate with a thunderous presence, has a multi-layered, skyscraper-like palate feel, a plush, intense texture, high but well-integrated tannin and acidity, and nicely disguised oak. This is a magnificent wine, with 79% of it coming from the Sonoma side of Spring Mountain and 21% from the Napa side. Drink it over the next 25-30+ years.   VM 96+ (12/2016): The 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon captures all the best of the Pride house style. Rich, ample and concentrated, with superb depth, the 2013 possesses exceptional balance and tons of pure pedigree. The sheer intensity of the fruit nearly buries the tannins, but they are there. Polished, silky tannins add to the wine's tremendous appeal. This is a total knock-out from Pride and winemaker Sally Johnson. Pride fans will not want to miss this exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Antonio Galloni.   WS 91 (11/2016): A bit racy, with a twinge of blackberry and balsamic amid an otherwise potent core of dense dark berry, licorice and gravelly earth flavors. A style of wine that should only get better as the tannins ease and the fruit becomes more prominent. Best from 2019 through 2029. 1,416 cases made.
	2013	Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Slightly Depressed Cork	$325	3
	WA 100 (10/2016): A real tour de force once again, and their second consecutive perfect score, is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, which is 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot aged 22 months in 40% new French oak. It is a larger cuvée of 1,416 cases versus 450 for the Reserve Claret. The Cabernet is just under 15% alcohol. A fantastic wine, with great intensity, notes of graphite, forest floor, crème de cassis, white chocolate and blackberry, the wine hits the palate with a thunderous presence, has a multi-layered, skyscraper-like palate feel, a plush, intense texture, high but well-integrated tannin and acidity, and nicely disguised oak. This is a magnificent wine, with 79% of it coming from the Sonoma side of Spring Mountain and 21% from the Napa side. Drink it over the next 25-30+ years.   VM 96+ (12/2016): The 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon captures all the best of the Pride house style. Rich, ample and concentrated, with superb depth, the 2013 possesses exceptional balance and tons of pure pedigree. The sheer intensity of the fruit nearly buries the tannins, but they are there. Polished, silky tannins add to the wine's tremendous appeal. This is a total knock-out from Pride and winemaker Sally Johnson. Pride fans will not want to miss this exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Antonio Galloni.   WS 91 (11/2016): A bit racy, with a twinge of blackberry and balsamic amid an otherwise potent core of dense dark berry, licorice and gravelly earth flavors. A style of wine that should only get better as the tannins ease and the fruit becomes more prominent. Best from 2019 through 2029. 1,416 cases made.
Scarecrow	2013	Cabernet Sauvignon	$640	5
	WA 100 (12/2015): The prodigious 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, including fruit from some of the oldest Cabernet vines still in existence in Napa. This full-bodied classic displays notes of forest floor, earth, crème de cassis, blackberry liqueur, licorice and some pen ink. It is dense, full-bodied, prodigiously rich, massive in intensity, yet relatively light on its feet. This great ballerina of a wine has extraordinary ripeness but pulls back from the edge before going over the top. There are 1,000 cases of this classic, which should age effortlessly for 30+ years.   VM 97 (10/2015): The 2013 Scarecrow is magnificent. Rich, opulent and intense, the 2013 is a prototypical modern Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with tons of ripeness, no hard edges and exceptional polish. A host of ferrous, savory notes abound, but as usual here, Scarecrow is really about the whole package. The 2013 is still recovering from its recent bottling, but it is pretty special, even at this early stage. Antonio Galloni.   WS 95 (10/2016): A dense, muscle-bound style that gives no quarter, with rich, chewy, grainy, extracted chocolate, dark berry, graphite and cedar flavors, balanced by aromatic notes of cassis and dark berry. Offers a gutsy, tannic texture, but shows a glimpse of elegance and refinement that time should reward. No rush here. Best from 2020 through 2035. 1,800 cases made.
Sine Qua Non	2012	Cumulus Vyd. Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) Cracked Wax Capsule	$885	1
	WA 98-100 (8/2015): I think what will be the greatest wine yet from this vineyard, Krankl's inky purple 2012 Cumulus Vineyard #6 should flirt with perfection once it's released. Made from 38% Syrah, 37% Grenache, 17.4% Petite Sirah and the balance Mourvedre, fermented with 36% whole clusters, it spent 33 months in 54% new French oak, and there's a scant 320 cases made. The wine exhibits thrilling notes of liquid blackberries, violets, spring flowers and ground herbs that flow to a massive, full-bodied, unctuous and voluptuous red that has sensational purity of fruit, plenty of tannin and a killer finish. A bigger, rich, more stacked wine than the '11, it will need 4-5 years to round into form and drink well for upward of two decades. It's also worth noting that this cuvee has changed dramatically since its inception, where it was much more Syrah dominated. At this point, I think the blend is much closer to Manfred's original idea of the wine/vineyard, and, based off this showing, the wine world is better for it! Also, the Next of Kyn releases are sold in a box set, which contains three 750ml bottles and one magnum.   VM 97+ (8/2015): The 2012 Next of Kyn - No. 6 is a step up from the 2011. Among other things, the higher level of Grenache is quite evident in a flavor profile that is brighter and distinctly more red-toned than has been the case with prior vintages. Sweet raspberry, pomegranate and spice are all pushed forward in a powerful, super-expressive wine loaded with energy, nuance and the potential to develop beautifully for years to come. The blend is 38% Syrah, 37% Grenache, 17% Petite Sirah and 7% Mourvèdre, done with 36% whole clusters, also a big increase over 2011. Next of Kyn is sold as a box set of three bottles and one magnum.
	2012	Cumulus Vyd. Proprietary Blend No Capsule	$439	2
	WA 98-100 (8/2015): I think what will be the greatest wine yet from this vineyard, Krankl's inky purple 2012 Cumulus Vineyard #6 should flirt with perfection once it's released. Made from 38% Syrah, 37% Grenache, 17.4% Petite Sirah and the balance Mourvedre, fermented with 36% whole clusters, it spent 33 months in 54% new French oak, and there's a scant 320 cases made. The wine exhibits thrilling notes of liquid blackberries, violets, spring flowers and ground herbs that flow to a massive, full-bodied, unctuous and voluptuous red that has sensational purity of fruit, plenty of tannin and a killer finish. A bigger, rich, more stacked wine than the '11, it will need 4-5 years to round into form and drink well for upward of two decades. It's also worth noting that this cuvee has changed dramatically since its inception, where it was much more Syrah dominated. At this point, I think the blend is much closer to Manfred's original idea of the wine/vineyard, and, based off this showing, the wine world is better for it! Also, the Next of Kyn releases are sold in a box set, which contains three 750ml bottles and one magnum.   VM 97+ (8/2015): The 2012 Next of Kyn - No. 6 is a step up from the 2011. Among other things, the higher level of Grenache is quite evident in a flavor profile that is brighter and distinctly more red-toned than has been the case with prior vintages. Sweet raspberry, pomegranate and spice are all pushed forward in a powerful, super-expressive wine loaded with energy, nuance and the potential to develop beautifully for years to come. The blend is 38% Syrah, 37% Grenache, 17% Petite Sirah and 7% Mourvèdre, done with 36% whole clusters, also a big increase over 2011. Next of Kyn is sold as a box set of three bottles and one magnum.
	2013	Cumulus Vyd. Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) No Capsule	$750	1
	WA 98-100 (8/2016): Possessing an uncommon purity and freshness, the 2013 Cumulus Vineyard #7 is 45% Syrah, 29% Grenache, 15% Petite Sirah and the rest Mourvedre, Touriga Nacionale and Roussanne. It has a perfumed, floral character as well as killer notes of cassis, exotic spice and violets, full-bodied density and depth, and building, polished tannin that emerge on the finish. It’s as seamless and pure as they come, and while I’m sure I’d crack a bottle the night I received it, it will benefit from short term cellaring.   VM 98+ (9/2016): The 2013 No. 7 - Cumulus Vineyard is remarkably vivid for such a big, powerful wine. Stylistically, the 2013 is more tannic and virile than the 2012 tasted alongside it, along with that extra kick of energy that is such a signature of the vintage. The flavors are dark, bold and intense throughout, with plenty of dark cherry, plum, violet, graphite, new leather and licorice overtones. Still an infant, the 2013 should come into its own with another few years in bottle. Even today, it is superb. The blend is 45% Syrah, 29% Grenache, 15% Petite Sirah, 5 % Mourvèdre, 4.5% Touriga Nacional and 1.5% Roussanne, done with 58% of whole clusters were used, the rest was destemmed and aged in 44% new oak barrels. Sold in cases of 3 bottles and 1 magnum. Antonio Galloni.
	2013	Cumulus Vyd. Proprietary Blend (OWC- 3 bottles and one magnum) (5.0 L)	$2,200	2
	WA 98-100 (8/2016): Possessing an uncommon purity and freshness, the 2013 Cumulus Vineyard #7 is 45% Syrah, 29% Grenache, 15% Petite Sirah and the rest Mourvedre, Touriga Nacionale and Roussanne. It has a perfumed, floral character as well as killer notes of cassis, exotic spice and violets, full-bodied density and depth, and building, polished tannin that emerge on the finish. It’s as seamless and pure as they come, and while I’m sure I’d crack a bottle the night I received it, it will benefit from short term cellaring.   VM 98+ (9/2016): The 2013 No. 7 - Cumulus Vineyard is remarkably vivid for such a big, powerful wine. Stylistically, the 2013 is more tannic and virile than the 2012 tasted alongside it, along with that extra kick of energy that is such a signature of the vintage. The flavors are dark, bold and intense throughout, with plenty of dark cherry, plum, violet, graphite, new leather and licorice overtones. Still an infant, the 2013 should come into its own with another few years in bottle. Even today, it is superb. The blend is 45% Syrah, 29% Grenache, 15% Petite Sirah, 5 % Mourvèdre, 4.5% Touriga Nacional and 1.5% Roussanne, done with 58% of whole clusters were used, the rest was destemmed and aged in 44% new oak barrels. Sold in cases of 3 bottles and 1 magnum. Antonio Galloni.
	2010	Stockholm Syndrome Grenache	$695	3
	WA 100 (8/2014): The current release of the estate vineyard (a.k.a. the extended barrel-aged cuvee), the 2010 Grenache Stockholm Syndrome is an incredible effort that I couldn’t find a fault with. A blend of 75% Grenache, 22% Syrah, 2% Roussanne and 1% Viognier, all from the Eleven Confession Vineyard, it spent just under 30 months in 22% new and 78% used French oak prior to bottling. Locked and loaded, it knocks it out of the park with its cassis, licorice, smoked duck, spice-box and exotic herb-styled bouquet. The palate follows suit and while it has the expected depth and richness of the estate, it’s seamless, elegant and lively, with perfect balance, ultra-fine tannin and a finish that just won’t quit. It doesn’t get any better and count yourself lucky if you can latch onto a couple of these. It will thrill for 15-20 years.   VM 96 (7/2014): The 2010 Grenache Stockholm Syndrome has an explosive energy to it that takes hold of the senses and never lets up. A distinctly dark side of Grenache comes through in an intense, opulent, full-throttle wine endowed with superb intensity and tons of fruit. Hints of over ripeness appear, especially on the finish, but that isn't enough to detract from the pure pleasure the 2010 delivers.   VM 94 (12/2013): (made from fruit grown in the Krankl's Eleven Confessions vineyard; 75% grenache, 22% syrah, 2% viognier and 1% roussanne; 15.7% alcohol): Brilliant ruby. Vibrant aromas of fresh blueberry, smoky Indian spices and minerals, with a sexy floral overtone. Then rich and pliant in the mouth, with sappy blue fruit and floral pastille flavors that come off surprisingly lithe for the wine's power. Finishes spicy and very long, with fine-grained tannins fading into the wine's plush fruit.
	2010	Stockholm Syndrome Grenache	$745	3
	WA 100 (8/2014): The current release of the estate vineyard (a.k.a. the extended barrel-aged cuvee), the 2010 Grenache Stockholm Syndrome is an incredible effort that I couldn’t find a fault with. A blend of 75% Grenache, 22% Syrah, 2% Roussanne and 1% Viognier, all from the Eleven Confession Vineyard, it spent just under 30 months in 22% new and 78% used French oak prior to bottling. Locked and loaded, it knocks it out of the park with its cassis, licorice, smoked duck, spice-box and exotic herb-styled bouquet. The palate follows suit and while it has the expected depth and richness of the estate, it’s seamless, elegant and lively, with perfect balance, ultra-fine tannin and a finish that just won’t quit. It doesn’t get any better and count yourself lucky if you can latch onto a couple of these. It will thrill for 15-20 years.   VM 96 (7/2014): The 2010 Grenache Stockholm Syndrome has an explosive energy to it that takes hold of the senses and never lets up. A distinctly dark side of Grenache comes through in an intense, opulent, full-throttle wine endowed with superb intensity and tons of fruit. Hints of over ripeness appear, especially on the finish, but that isn't enough to detract from the pure pleasure the 2010 delivers.   VM 94 (12/2013): (made from fruit grown in the Krankl's Eleven Confessions vineyard; 75% grenache, 22% syrah, 2% viognier and 1% roussanne; 15.7% alcohol): Brilliant ruby. Vibrant aromas of fresh blueberry, smoky Indian spices and minerals, with a sexy floral overtone. Then rich and pliant in the mouth, with sappy blue fruit and floral pastille flavors that come off surprisingly lithe for the wine's power. Finishes spicy and very long, with fine-grained tannins fading into the wine's plush fruit.
	2005	The 17th Nail in My Cranium Syrah Very Lightly Wrinkled Label; Very Lightly Scuffed Label; Cracked Wax Capsule	$1,150	1
	WA 100 (8/2009): The 2005 Syrah The 17th Nail In My Cranium, a blend of 96.5% Syrah and 3.5% Viognier which is aged 38 months prior to bottling. (I always wonder what Marcel Guigal would think of a wine like this which seems to tip its hat in the direction of Cote Rotie and then goes into high gear and clearly says, “I’m just something very different, but thanks for even thinking of that appellation while smelling and tasting me.") Black as a moonless night, the 2005 17th Nail reveals a stunning nose of spring flowers intermixed with creme de cassis, blackberries, charcoal, graphite, and hints of lard and barbecue spices. Dense, with an endless (and I mean endless) finish, remarkable purity, and layer upon layer of flavor, but no sense of heaviness or flabbiness, this prodigious Syrah should evolve for 15 or more years.   WS 98 (2/2010): Fantastic spice aromas lead to notes of fresh ground black pepper, beef carpaccio, rich blackberry and roasted coffee, giving this an exotic mix of flavors. Dense, concentrated, structured and tightly focused, striking a balance between the broad array of flavors and the firm tannins. Drink now through 2018. 398 cases made.   VM 97 (12/2009): Glass-staining purple. Hypnotic bouquet of blackberry, boysenberry, black pepper, olive tapenade and smoked meat, with a strong note of potpourri gaining with aeration. Deep, sweet and remarkably pure, offering broad dark berry and cherry compote flavors, with exotic floral and spice notes adding complexity. Becomes chewier on the finish but yields none of its sweet, palate-saturating fruit.
	2012	The Writing on the Wall Petite Sirah (1.5 L) OWC plus The Art of SQN book	$5,500	1
	VM 98 (8/2015): The 2012 Petite Sirah The Writing on the Wall is beyond beautiful. Wonderfully delineated and nuanced, with none of the edginess or rusticity Petite often shows, The Writing on the Wall is a real stunner. Bold red cherry, pomegranate, spice and sweet floral notes are all underpinned by veins of acidity and tannin that give the wine its freshness and polish. The 2012 is 94% Petite Sirah and 6% Viognier, done with fully destemmed fruit and aged for 23 months in French oak, 20% new. Vineyard sources are 80% Third Twin, 14% Cumulus and 6% Eleven Confessions. Manfred and Elaine Krankl take Petite Sirah into a whole new realm. Unfortunately, The Writing on the Wall is also one of the rarest wines Sine Qua Non has ever made. Just 350 magnums were sold, all of them in the Sine Qua Non art label book box set. That is a real shame, as most readers will never have a chance to experience just how moving the 2012s is. Antonio Galloni.   WA 97-100 (8/2014): The 2012 Petite Sirah The Writing on the Wall should be the greatest Petite Sirah to ever come out of California (or the world?). Made from 94% Petite Sirah and 6% Viognier and aged in 80% old hogsheads and 20% in new French oak, it’s bottled only in magnum and will be sold along with the new Sine Qua Non label art book. A massive, full-bodied effort that offers incredible depth and richness without ever seeming heavy or cumbersome, it offers up blockbuster-styled aromas and flavors of blackberry, cassis, crushed rocks, beef blood and licorice. It should age for decades.
	2012	Touche Syrah	$435	3
	WA 100 (8/2016): Lastly, the utterly perfect 2012 Syrah Touche reminds me of a great vintage of Guigal’s Cote Rotie La Landonne. A blend of 93% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah and 2% Viognier, all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, it spent 40 months in 78% new French oak. Deep, concentrated, full-bodied and layered, with a multidimensional texture and to-die-for notes of camphor, cured meats, violets, smoke and assorted dark fruits, this beauty has fine, perfectly ripe tannin and blockbuster length. Give it 3-4 years and drink over the following two decades.   VM 98 (9/2016): A quintessential Sine Qua Non wine, the 2012 Syrah Touché is off the charts. Rich, seamless and voluptuous, the 2012 exudes concentration and flamboyance. Red cherry jam, plum, spice, licorice, pomegranate and new leather flesh out in an effortless, radiant wine bursting at the seams with personality. The 2012 is 93% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah and 2% Viognier, done with 36% whole clusters, all from Eleven Confessions. Antonio Galloni.
	2012	Touche Syrah	$519	10
	WA 100 (8/2016): Lastly, the utterly perfect 2012 Syrah Touche reminds me of a great vintage of Guigal’s Cote Rotie La Landonne. A blend of 93% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah and 2% Viognier, all from the Eleven Confessions Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, it spent 40 months in 78% new French oak. Deep, concentrated, full-bodied and layered, with a multidimensional texture and to-die-for notes of camphor, cured meats, violets, smoke and assorted dark fruits, this beauty has fine, perfectly ripe tannin and blockbuster length. Give it 3-4 years and drink over the following two decades.   VM 98 (9/2016): A quintessential Sine Qua Non wine, the 2012 Syrah Touché is off the charts. Rich, seamless and voluptuous, the 2012 exudes concentration and flamboyance. Red cherry jam, plum, spice, licorice, pomegranate and new leather flesh out in an effortless, radiant wine bursting at the seams with personality. The 2012 is 93% Syrah, 5% Petite Sirah and 2% Viognier, done with 36% whole clusters, all from Eleven Confessions. Antonio Galloni.
Sloan	2007	Proprietary Blend	$590	9
	WA 100 (12/2010): The 2007 Sloan, now in bottle, has lived up to the extraordinary quality it exhibited from barrel. A world-class, perfumed nose of charcoal, espresso roast, white chocolate, black currants, sweet plums, Asian soy and a Grave-like scorched earth aroma soars from the glass of this dense purple-colored wine. Full-bodied and seamlessly constructed with a multidimensional mouthfeel as well as a phenomenal finish, this 2007 carries considerable tannin, but at present it is concealed by the wine’s luxurious levels of fruit, glycerin and intensity. This spectacular 2007 should drink well for 25-30+ years.   VM 96 (6/2010): Good bright ruby-red. Sexy, highly aromatic nose melds cassis, black raspberry, violet, minerals, bitter chocolate and cedar. Tightly wound and minerally, with strong acidity intensifying the flavors of black fruits, licorice, violet and tobacco. The elements of cabernet franc and petit verdot give additional lift to this slightly high-toned and very energetic wine. The very long, firm finish boasts terrific grip. A great example of the 2007 vintage.
	2007	Proprietary Blend Slightly Depressed Cork	$590	1
	WA 100 (12/2010): The 2007 Sloan, now in bottle, has lived up to the extraordinary quality it exhibited from barrel. A world-class, perfumed nose of charcoal, espresso roast, white chocolate, black currants, sweet plums, Asian soy and a Grave-like scorched earth aroma soars from the glass of this dense purple-colored wine. Full-bodied and seamlessly constructed with a multidimensional mouthfeel as well as a phenomenal finish, this 2007 carries considerable tannin, but at present it is concealed by the wine’s luxurious levels of fruit, glycerin and intensity. This spectacular 2007 should drink well for 25-30+ years.   VM 96 (6/2010): Good bright ruby-red. Sexy, highly aromatic nose melds cassis, black raspberry, violet, minerals, bitter chocolate and cedar. Tightly wound and minerally, with strong acidity intensifying the flavors of black fruits, licorice, violet and tobacco. The elements of cabernet franc and petit verdot give additional lift to this slightly high-toned and very energetic wine. The very long, firm finish boasts terrific grip. A great example of the 2007 vintage.
		USA White
Peter Michael Winery	2012	Point Rouge Chardonnay	$669	3
	WA 100 (12/2014): Remarkably, both vintages of Peter Michael’s top Chardonnay selection, the Point Rouge, may merit perfect scores. A selection of the best barrels, it is meant to age for 30 or more years. It represents the crème de la crème essence of what this estate is about. Helen Turley first coined the term by putting red dot stickers on the best barrels in the cellar, hence the name Point Rouge. This cuvée is made from Old Wente selections and some of the estate’s oldest vines, particularly the 25-year-old vines in Belle Côte. The 2012 Chardonnay Point Rouge is slightly more ostentatious and flamboyant than the 2013, with lots of orange marmalade, a full-bodied texture, creamy crème brûlée notes, exotic pineapple and a mind-boggling finish. In my 36-year career, this is one of the single greatest Chardonnays I have ever tasted. It should drink well for 10-15 years, although Peter Michael thinks it has 30 years of aging potential.
Sine Qua Non	2005	Mr. K The Straw Man Marsanne (375 ML)	$299	3
	WA 100 (6/2008): Even more remarkable is the 2005 Mr. K. Marsanne Vin de Paille The Strawman. One-hundred percent Marsanne from the Beckmen Vineyard, with remarkably low alcohol (7.5%), a whopping 392 grams of residual sugar per liter, and exceptional acidity (6.4 grams of acid per liter), this is one of the most singular sweet wines I have ever tasted. It rivals the great 2000 Suey that was made from Roussanne and ended up with 241 grams of residual sugar. The individualistic, prodigious sweet wines are the products of meticulous attention to detail, obsessive harvesting requirements, and amazing vinifications and upbringings. They are unbelievable elixirs, and this one is as complex and intense as any sweet wine made in the world. It is a fitting tribute to the genius of both Manfred Krankl and his late partner, Luis Kracher.
		Bordeaux Red
Ch. Bellevue Mondotte	2005	St. Emilion	$315		Sold Out
Ch. Cos d'Estournel	2009	St. Estephe (375 ML) Lightly Bin-Soiled Label	$175		Sold Out
Ch. Ducru-Beaucaillou	2009	St. Julien (6X750ML) ex-Negociant; 6x750 OWC	$2,060		Sold Out
Ch. La Mission Haut Brion	2009	Pessac Leognan (6X750ML) ex-Negociant; 6x750 OWC	$4,500		Sold Out
	2010	Pessac Leognan (6X750ML) ex-Negociant; 6x750 OWC	$4,000		Sold Out
Ch. Latour	2005	Pauillac (6X750ML) ex-Chateau; 6x750 OWC	$5,190		Sold Out
Ch. Mouton-Rothschild	2016	Pauillac ex-Chateau	$545		Sold Out
Vieux Chateau Certan	2009	Pomerol (1.5 L) ex-Negociant	$689		Sold Out
	2009	Pomerol (375 ML) ex-Negociant	$184.99		Sold Out
	2010	Pomerol (1.5 L) ex-Negociant	$689		Sold Out
	2010	Pomerol ex-Negociant	$339		Sold Out
		Bordeaux White
Ch. d' Yquem	2015	Sauternes 2017 ex-Chateau Release; 1x 750ml OWC	$345		Sold Out
Ch. Haut-Brion	2010	Pessac Leognan Blanc ex-Negociant	$1,195		Sold Out
		Rhone Red
Delas	2009	Hermitage Les Bessards	$219		Sold Out
Dom. de la Vieille Julienne	2001	Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Lightly Tissue-Stained Label	$399		Sold Out
Dom. du Pegau	2007	Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Capo (1.5 L) Very Lightly Scuffed Label	$849		Sold Out
	2007	Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Capo (1.5 L) Slightly Depressed Cork	$849		Sold Out
Dom. St. Prefert	2010	Chateauneuf du Pape Collection Charles Giraud	$239.99		Sold Out
Mas de Boislauzon	2010	Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Quet	$225		Sold Out
Paul Jaboulet Aine	1989	Hermitage La Chapelle Signs of Old Seepage; Slightly Depressed Cork; Slightly Depressed Cork; Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label	$245		Sold Out
	1990	Hermitage La Chapelle Bin-Soiled Label	$585		Sold Out
		Italy
Valdicava	2006	Brunello di Montalcino Madonna del Piano Riserva	$229		Sold Out
		Port
Quinta do Noval	1994	Nacional Port	$975		Sold Out
Taylor	1992	Port	$219		Sold Out
		USA Red
Abreu	2001	Madrona Ranch Proprietary Blend Bin-Soiled Label	$575		Sold Out
Bevan Cellars	2012	Sugarloaf Mountain Proprietary Blend Slightly Depressed Cork	$349		Sold Out
	2011	Tin Box Proprietary Blend	$399		Sold Out
Bond Estates (Harlan)	2012	Vecina Proprietary Blend	$439		Sold Out
Carter Cellars	2013	Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Bin-Soiled Label	$399		Sold Out
Dalla Valle	1992	Maya Proprietary Blend	$599		Sold Out
	2002	Maya Proprietary Blend Lightly Scuffed Label	$550		Sold Out
Harlan Estate	1997	Proprietary Blend	$1,125		Sold Out
	2001	St. Eden Proprietary Blend	$389		Sold Out
Hundred Acre Winery	2012	The Ark Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon	$399		Sold Out
Kapcsandy Family	2007	Grand Vin State Lane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) Slightly Depressed Cork	$749		Sold Out
Maybach	2014	Materium Cabernet Sauvignon	$399		Sold Out
Myriad	2013	Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Elysian Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon	$475		Sold Out
Quilceda Creek	2007	Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) Lightly Faded Label	$439		Sold Out
	2007	Cabernet Sauvignon	$215		Sold Out
	2007	Cabernet Sauvignon Slightly Depressed Cork	$215		Sold Out
	2007	Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Scuffed Label	$215		Sold Out
Realm	2013	Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon	$325		Sold Out
Shafer Vineyards	2001	Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon	$399		Sold Out
Sine Qua Non	2005	Atlantis Fe2O3-1a Syrah Heavily Bin-Soiled Label	$450		Sold Out
	2005	The 17th Nail in My Cranium Syrah Lightly Wrinkled Label; Scuffed Label	$1,150		Sold Out
		USA White
Kongsgaard	2013	The Judge Chardonnay	$675		Sold Out
Sine Qua Non	2004	Mr. K The Straw Man Semillon (375 ML)	$199		Sold Out