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Inventory updated: Fri, Jun 12, 2026 04:02 PM cst
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Ch. Ampelia |
2019 |
Cotes de Castillon (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$191.99 |
10 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. d' Armailhac |
2016 |
Pauillac (6x1.5L) 
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$828.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 94 (2/2019): A thrilling bottle of wine that readers should snatch up is the 2016 Château d’Armailhac. This deeply colored, medium to full-bodied, powerful Armailhac gives up a lovely perfume of blackberry and plums fruits, violets, graphite, cedar pencil, and earthy, herbal nuances. Classic, ripe, layered, and just a beautiful Pauillac any way you look at it, it has plenty of upfront sex appeal but is going to keep for 20-25 years as well. Bravo! The 2016 is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.
WA 93 (11/2018): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 D'Armailhac opens with gregarious crème de cassis, blackberry pie and mulberries scents with hints of chocolate box, roses and charcoal with a waft of dried sage. Medium-bodied, the palate has a rock-solid frame of firm, grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing long and earthy.
VM 93 (1/2019): The 2016 d’Armailhac, which was bottled in May 2018, has an elegant bouquet that unfolds in the glass, offering blackberries, briar and a touch of cedar and mint. The palate is medium-bodied with dense tannin, grippy in the mouth, and quite voluminous, with perhaps more density on the solid, almost broad-shouldered finish compared to the Clerc-Milon. This fulfills all my expectations from my barrel tasting and is quite simply one of the best d’Armailhac wines ever made. Neal Martin.
JS 95 (1/2019): This is a really driven d’Armailhac showing blackcurrants and fruit tea with hints of bark on the nose and palate. Full-bodied, very firm and structured with a long and powerful finish. Direct and linear. Try after 2023. |
|
| Ch. Ausone |
1996 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,324.99 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (4/1999): I do not understand the critics of Alain Vautier, who now has sole control of Ausone and is taking the estate's quality to a higher level. Moreover, the wine is consistent, with great depth and richness on the mid-palate, without sacrificing Ausone's 40-50+ years of longevity. As I suspected, the 1996 is beginning to shut down. I left it in the glass for nearly 30 minutes and was impressed with the nuances that developed. The color is a dense ruby/black/purple. Reluctant aromas of blueberries, blackberries, minerals, flowers, truffles, and subtle new oak eventually emerge. Elegant on the attack, with sweet ripeness, and a delicate, concentrated richness, the hallmark of this wine is subtlety rather than flamboyance. A sweet mid-palate sets it apart from many of the uninspiring Ausones of the eighties and seventies. The wine is stylish, and presently understated, with tremendous aging potential. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2040. |
|
| Chapelle d' Ausone |
2021 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,125.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Ausone |
2025 |
St. Emilion
ETA Fall 2028 |
$509 |
6 |
|
| |
|
|
2025 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA Fall 2028 |
$3,022 |
6 |
|
| |
|
|
2025 |
St. Emilion (3x750ML)
ETA Fall 2028 |
$1,516 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Batailley |
2015 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$793.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Bellefont Belcier |
2019 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$404.99 |
36 |
|
| |
JD 95 (4/2022): A beautiful, elegant Saint-Emilion that will be loved by both modernists and traditionalists out there, the 2019 Château Bellefont-Belcier comes from a south-facing, limestone terroir just beside Château Pavie and Larcis Ducasse. A blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, it starts out reticent and understated yet builds beautifully with time in the glass and has wonderful cassis and black raspberry fruits intermixed with notes of truffle, tobacco, damp earth, and violets. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has silky tannins, perfect overall balance, and a great finish. It's not a powerhouse, but it shines for its purity, finesse, and elegance. Drink bottles over the coming 15-20 years or so.
VM 94 (2/2023): The 2019 Bellefont Belcier is delineated and focused on the nose with pure blackberry, briary, crushed stone and cedar scents, the oak here nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, cohesive and smooth, blackberry and white pepper tinged with cedar towards the finish. This sashays along in style, and it is very promising. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. Neal Martin. |
|
|
2019 |
St. Emilion (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$411.99 |
9 |
|
| |
JD 95 (4/2022): A beautiful, elegant Saint-Emilion that will be loved by both modernists and traditionalists out there, the 2019 Château Bellefont-Belcier comes from a south-facing, limestone terroir just beside Château Pavie and Larcis Ducasse. A blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, it starts out reticent and understated yet builds beautifully with time in the glass and has wonderful cassis and black raspberry fruits intermixed with notes of truffle, tobacco, damp earth, and violets. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has silky tannins, perfect overall balance, and a great finish. It's not a powerhouse, but it shines for its purity, finesse, and elegance. Drink bottles over the coming 15-20 years or so.
VM 94 (2/2023): The 2019 Bellefont Belcier is delineated and focused on the nose with pure blackberry, briary, crushed stone and cedar scents, the oak here nicely integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, cohesive and smooth, blackberry and white pepper tinged with cedar towards the finish. This sashays along in style, and it is very promising. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. Beychevelle |
2023 |
St. Julien (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$655.99 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 93-96 (4/2024): From a château that seems to have hit another gear over the past five to seven years, the 2023 Château Beychevelle is based on 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot, pulled from 60% of the total production, and will see 18 months in 70% new French oak. Its deep purple hue is followed by a deep, rich, medium to full-bodied Saint-Julien loaded with ripe red and blue fruits, leafy herbs, truffle, iron, and spring flowers. It's medium to full-bodied, has a remarkable sense of freshness and purity, velvety tannins, and outstanding length. The 2023 hit 13.3% alcohol with a rock-solid pH of 3.67.
VM 94-96 (4/2024): The 2023 Beychevelle is fabulous. As always, Beychevelle includes quite a bit more Merlot than most wines in the appellation, but the Cabernet is especially high here. Inky dark fruit, crème de cassis, mocha, licorice and lavender build in the glass. This juicy, extroverted Saint-Julien has a ton to offer. The combination of fruit intensity, acid and supporting structure is superb. The 2023 is showy, but not at all overdone. Beychevelle remains one of the most distinctive wines in all of Bordeaux. It is especially classy in this edition. Tasted two times. Antonio Galloni.
WA 93-94 (4/2024): The 2023 Beychevelle has turned out especially well this year, exhibiting a more integrated, seductive style than recent vintages that were constructed in a punchier, more extracted register. Offering up aromas of cassis and plums mingled with notions of pen ink, violets and pencil shavings, it's medium to full-bodied, broad and fleshy, with a deep core of fruit and a classy, suave profile that foregrounds the estate's prime vineyard holdings on the plateau around Ducru-Beaucaillou. It's a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot that represents 50% of the estate's production.
JA 94 (4/2024): Plummy red fruits, fresh acidities, sculpted tannic architure, this has balance and finesse, white pepper, capsicum spice, black tea, cigar box, liqourice root, rose petals, fine tannins, St Julien balance with a kick of smoked oak on the finish. |
|
| Ch. Bourgneuf |
2020 |
Pomerol (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$418.99 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Brane-Cantenac |
2021 |
Margaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$407.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 93 (2/2024): I loved the nose on the 2021 Château Brane-Cantenac, which has good intensity as well as the vintage's fresher, vibrant, focused style. Ripe red and blue fruits, violets, tobacco, and a beautiful sense of graphite and minerality all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a supple, elegant, layered mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and nicely integrated acidity. The overall balance here is spot on, and while this is approachable and delicious even today, it should shine for two decades. The blend is 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, Carmenère, and Petit Verdot, with the élevage spanning 18 months in new barrels. (Drink between 2024-2044).
WA 93 (2/2024): The 2021 Brane-Cantenac offers up aromas of sweet dark berries mingled with mint, vanilla pod and spices. It shows its élevage and malolactic fermentation in new oak more prominently than it did en primeur. Medium to full-bodied, with good depth and concentration, it's bright and velvety, with plenty of structuring barrel tannin and a vanillin-inflected finish. The quality of Brane's terroirs and a strict selection shows through, so if it can digest its oak more completely, this will prove exceptional.
VM 92 (9/2025): The 2021 Brane-Cantenac clearly has less fruit than the 2019 and 2020, though it retains delineation and focus as blackberry meets graphite and pencil shavings. It simmers with anticipation, but will never deliver aromatics like the previous two vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit and fine delineation, not as complex or as pixelated as the best vintages, but there is plenty of fruit on the finish and a surprisingly sweet aftertaste. Give this four to five years in bottle. Tasted at the Brane-Cantenac vertical at the château in September 2025. (Drink between 2029-2049). Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. Calon-Segur |
2003 |
St. Estephe (3.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$629.98 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (4/2006): Bottled in July, 2005, the saturated ruby/purple-colored 2003 exhibits a tightly-knit, but promising nose of mulberries, blackberries, cherries, and hints of new oak and truffles. This 60% Cabernet Sauvignon / 40% Merlot blend possesses a gorgeous texture as well as an expansive, exotic softness, and 13% alcohol (according to the proprietor, Madame Denise Gasqueton). Generous and rich, this high class, full-bodied wine will undoubtedly be more approachable than its closest spiritual sibling, the 1982. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2030. |
|
|
2003 |
St. Estephe (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,838.98 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (4/2006): Bottled in July, 2005, the saturated ruby/purple-colored 2003 exhibits a tightly-knit, but promising nose of mulberries, blackberries, cherries, and hints of new oak and truffles. This 60% Cabernet Sauvignon / 40% Merlot blend possesses a gorgeous texture as well as an expansive, exotic softness, and 13% alcohol (according to the proprietor, Madame Denise Gasqueton). Generous and rich, this high class, full-bodied wine will undoubtedly be more approachable than its closest spiritual sibling, the 1982. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2030. |
|
| Ch. Canon |
2017 |
St. Emilion (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$533.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 97 (2/2020): Showing spectacularly, the 2017 Chateau Canon checks in as a final blend of 77% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Franc that’s from one of the most exceptional terroirs in the appellation. Hitting 14% alcohol (the pH is 3.66), it reveals a ruby/purple hue as well as gorgeously sweet raspberries and cassis-like fruit interwoven with notes of spring flowers, rose petal, white chocolate, and spice. While it doesn’t have the massive opulence of the 2015 and 2016, it’s more classically styled as well flawlessly balanced, with a terrific sense of minerality, ultra-fine tannins, and a brilliant finish. Give bottles 5-7 years in the cellar, and it will evolve gracefully for 30-40 years. Hats off to Nicolas Audebert as well as the team of Thomas Duclos for one of the wines of the vintage!
WA 96+ (3/2020): Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Canon bursts from the glass with expressive notions of baked black cherries, kirsch, plum preserves and black raspberries plus hints of red roses, Ceylon tea, black olives and fertile loam. Medium-bodied, the palate is wonderfully elegant and refined, with a soft, finely grained texture and seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. The blend is 77% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Franc and it was aged for 18 months in French oak, 50% new.
JS 95 (12/2019): Extremely perfumed with blackcurrants, flowers, gunmetal, gunpowder and blackberries. Full-bodied, tight and reserved. The tannins are so tightly knit and just run through the center. Needs at least three or four years to open. A blend of 77% merlot and 23% cabernet franc. Better after 2023. |
|
|
2018 |
St. Emilion (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$658.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98 (3/2021): The Grand Vin is the 2018 Château Canon, which is based on 72% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc brought up in 52% new French oak. Its incredible bouquet delivers richness paired with amazing freshness and precision, offering loads of crème de cassis and darker berry fruits intermixed with classic Saint-Emilion chalky minerality, graphite, scorched earth, and spring flowers. Gorgeous on the palate as well, with medium to full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannins, flawless balance, and again, this wonderful sense of freshness paired with ample richness, it needs 4-5 years of bottle age and will evolve for 30+ years. The 2009 and 2015 are still my favorite vintages of this wine, but this is up there with the best of them.
VM 98 (3/2021): The 2018 Canon is every bit as magnificent from bottle as it was from barrel. Maybe more so. Vertical and explosive in the glass, Canon sizzles with tension and vibrancy. Readers will find a majestic, soaring Grand Cru Classé that captures all the magic of Saint-Émilion's limestone plateau. Canon exudes mind-blowing precision and deliciousness. It is another magnificent effort from Technical Director Nicolas Audebert and his team. Antonio Galloni.
JA 98 (11/2020): A beautiful Canon that performs the 360-degree trick in your mouth of expanding up, down and out. Of course a little austere right now at this young age, but already walking the tightrope towards richness; the creaminess in the texture becomes clear after 20 minutes in the glass. This has salinity, purity, precision and grip, showing its distinct personality and its ability to draw juice and mouthwatering expression from the fruits.
WA 97+ (3/2021): A blend of 72% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Canon has a pH of 3.69 and 14% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple in color, it tumbles effortlessly out of the glass with a gorgeous perfume of candied violets, preserved plums, black cherry compote and Ceylon tea with hints of kirsch, powdered cinnamon, chocolate box and fertile loam. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed with juicy black fruit layers, supported by plush, oh-so-soft tannins and well-knit freshness, finishing long and fragrant. |
|
| Ch. Les Carmes Haut Brion |
2014 |
Pessac Leognan (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$792.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Clerc Milon |
2022 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$611.99 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 94-96 (5/2023): As to the Grand Vin 2022 Château Clerc Milon, it reminds me of the 2018 with its full-bodied, ripe, yet elegant style. Cassis, graphite, espresso roast, and lead pencil notes define the aromatics, and it has a beautiful spine of acidity, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It shows the ripe, exuberant yet structured style of the vintage beautifully. The blend is 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Carmenère, harvested between the 9th and 26th of September, with an alcohol content of 14.5%, a pH of 3.83, and an IPT of 74. The élevage here is 55% new French oak. Tasted multiple times with consistent notes.
WA 93-95 (5/2023): The 2022 Clerc Milon is beautiful, offering up aromas of cherries, raspberries and plums mingled with hints of pencil shavings and rose petals. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it's taut and lively, with a vibrant core of fruit framed by fine, chalky tannins. Its clay-limestone terroir lends it a distinctive signature that sets it apart from the rest of the portfolio.
JA 95 (5/2023): The depths are evident in the velvety texture and colour, and it stretches out through the palate with slow confidence. Plenty of grip and supple tannins that cradle the cassis and bilberry fruit, studded with olive, cocoa bean, white pepper, slate, clear spice, intense phenolics and this is excellent quality. Caroline Artaud technical director. Old vine Carmanère no doubt helps add the spice and eucalyptus edge. 63% of production in this wine, 55% new oak, 3.83ph. 37hl/h yield. |
|
| Ch. Conseillante |
2025 |
Pomerol (6x750ML)
ETA Fall 2028 |
$1,173 |
3 |
|
| |
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2025 |
Pomerol (12x375ML)
ETA Fall 2028 |
$1,213 |
5 |
|
| |
|
|
2025 |
Pomerol (3x1.5L)
ETA Fall 2028 |
$1,181 |
5 |
|
| |
|
|
2025 |
Pomerol (3x750ML)
ETA Fall 2028 |
$591 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Ducru-Beaucaillou |
2008 |
St. Julien (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,180.99 |
11 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (5/2011): One of the stars of the vintage, and a remarkable achievement in 2008, with impressive richness, this dense purple colored wine is almost as opaque as the 2010. Spring flowers, crushed rocks, creme de cassis and some subtle oak are followed by a full-bodied, concentrated wine that transcends the vintage character in its power, richness, and aging potential. It also exhibits tremendous precision, purity, and depth of character. It is more forward than the 2010 is likely to be, but probably not as sumptuous as the 2009 will turn out to be. This is a wine to buy. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2035.
JS 94 (12/2010): Wow. This is really impressive for the vintage, with a solid core of raspberry, currants and spices. Full and round, with velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Superb winemaking for the vintage. Try after 2013.
VM 92+ (8/2011): Ruby-red. Pungent, vibrant aromas of cassis, bitter chocolate and graphite. Silky and seamless, but with terrific lift to the tight core of raspberry, mineral and chocolate flavors. Strong but integrated acidity gives superb vinosity to the wine's racy fruit. Finishes brisk, perfumed and long, with suave, dusty tannins. This wine went into a shell with aeration, suggesting that it will need at least several years of bottle aging. I would not be surprised if it merited an even higher score ten years down the road. |
|
| Ch. L' Eglise Clinet |
2009 |
Pomerol (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,744.98 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 99+ (2/2012): Proprietor Denis Durantou has produced a blockbuster Pomerol from a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, tipping the scales at just over 14.5% natural alcohol. A riveting wine, pure, elegant, but at the same time, extremely powerful and concentrated, with stunning texture, opulence and density, the tannins are abundant, and the wine certainly in need of a decade of cellaring. Fabulous creme de cassis and cherry liqueur notes are intertwined with hints of licorice, truffle, and graphite. Full and rich, but still in an infantile state of development, this wine needs to be cellared for 10 years but should keep for five decades or more. This 2009 is absolutely profound.
JS 97 (2/2012): Wonderful aromas of crushed blackberries and blueberries and spices. Rose petals. Full body, with soft and velvety tannins and a juicy, fruity finish. Beautiful layers of tannins, with hints of acidity. Best after 2017.
VM 95+ (7/2012): Good medium ruby. Essence-of-merlot aromas of bitter cherry, blueberry, boysenberry, dark chocolate, licorice and spices, lifted by a whiff of violet. Dense, thick and sweet, with a saline nuance to the seamless flavors of dark berries, licorice and spices. Wonderfully sweet, subtle and long, finishing with substantial building tannins and a medicinal reserve that bodes well for a slow and graceful evolution in bottle. A great vintage for this estate. |
|
| Ch. Figeac |
2014 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,120.99 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 96 (2/2017): The 2014 Figeac is shaping up to be a real jewel of a wine. Powerful and structured, with plenty of tannic spine, the 2014 won't start hitting its stride for at least a few years. Even today, though, it is impressive for its energy and overall intensity. Plum, smoke, spice, graphite and leather build into the huge, expressive finish. Figeac is one of the stars of the vintage. There is real density and gravitas here, not to mention considerable personality. Antonio Galloni.
JS 96 (2/2017): The aromas of blackcurrants and fresh forest floor are evocative. Oyster shells and stones. Turns to blackcurrants. Medium to full body and firm and silky tannins that are polished and coat your mouth. The palate is ever dense and concentrated. Needs four to five years to open but already a beautiful red.
JD 94 (11/2017): The 2014 Château Figeac had a tough act to follow coming after the 2015 yet it showed beautifully, with the finesse, elegance, and purity that’s the hallmark of the vintage. Black fruits, charcoal, truffle, and tobacco notes are all present in this nicely concentrated, medium to full-bodied Figeac which is beautifully balanced and long. Drink it anytime over the coming 20-25 years.
WA 94 (3/2017): The 2014 Figeac builds on its promise from barrel and delivers a very fulfilling bouquet with red plum, crushed strawberry, cedar and light graphite aromas that I suspect will close down for a period after bottling. (The bottle tasted at the château displayed a subtle incense aroma.) The palate is very well defined with a crisp line of acidity, sorbet fresh in the mouth and fanning out towards its structured, tensile finish. It is a great Figeac, a superb forerunner to the brilliant 2015 and it should not be underestimated. Chapeau winemaker Frederic Faye and his team. Tasted twice (both in London and at the property) with consistent notes. |
|
|
2018 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,229.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98 (3/2021): Reminiscent of the 2016 with its incredible purity and elegance, the 2018 Château Figeac offers a terrific perfume of crème de cassis, redcurrants, dried earth, tobacco, lead pencil, spring flowers, and exotic spice-driven nuances. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it's flawlessly balanced, has silky, polished tannins, and a stunning sense of purity. It doesn't have the sexiness of the 2015, but it's very much in the style of the 2018 vintage with its pure, elegant, haut couture-like style. And it doesn't show a hint of its 100% new oak élevage. Give bottles 4-5 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following 20-30 years. It's not the biggest or richest Saint- Emilion, yet the balance, finesse, and elegance are something to behold. I think it's going to check in behind the 2015 (and maybe the 2019) when all is said and done, but it's unquestionably one of the greatest Figeac in the past 20-30 years. The blend is 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc, raised all in new oak. Another big “Bravo” to the talented director, Frédéric Faye!
VM 98 (3/2021): The 2018 Figeac is a regal, aristocratic Saint-Émilion. Vertical in feel, Figeac possesses stunning energy and vibrancy right out of the gate. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, licorice, rose petal and spice all open with a bit of coaxing. Figeac is a bit restrained today, but it won't be an issue in another few years' time. Figeac is not an obvious wine, but it is superb. Antonio Galloni.
JA 97 (3/2022): Love this vibrant, succulent and welcoming Figeac, great reflection of an excellent vintage in St Emilion. Has plenty of juicy damson and raspberry fuits on the opening beats, with gourmet black pepper and smoked caramel, and velvety tannins that wrap themselves around the fruit and carry it right through the palate. Drawn out finish also, with flecks of lemongrass acidity and slate minerality. Well balanced yet succulent, a little atypical perhaps of Figeac in its upfront charms, but hard to disagree with - and the mint leaf finish brings things back into line. Harvest Sptember 17 to October 12, 100% new oak for ageing. |
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|
2025 |
St. Emilion
ETA Fall 2028 |
$167 |
5 |
|
| |
|
|
2025 |
St. Emilion (24x375ML)
ETA Fall 2028 |
$1,973 |
5 |
|
| |
|
|
2025 |
St. Emilion (12x375ML)
ETA Fall 2028 |
$1,013 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. La Fleur de Gay |
2021 |
Pomerol (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$672.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Pomerol (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$672.99 |
50 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. La Fleur Petrus |
2009 |
Pomerol (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,800.98 |
3 |
|
| |
JS 99 (11/2011): This is very ripe with loads of sweet fruit with dark and milk chocolate, berries, but then turns to black olives. It’s full and compacted with fabulously fine tannins and a terrific finish. It’s subtle and very, very long. Perfection? Try after 2020.
WA 97 (2/2012): Even with considerable youthful characteristics, this stunning, open-knit 2009 is quite approachable. This fabled terroir sandwiched between Petrus and Lafleur (hence the name) generally produces one of the more elegantly-styled Pomerols, but in 2009 it offers an extra dimension of flavor intensity as well as more texture and concentration. It reveals a super-seductive perfume of mocha, loamy soil, herbs, black cherries and black currants, truffles and licorice, full body and velvety tannins. The overall impression is one of intensity, power, glycerin and richness as well as undeniable elegance and laser-like focus. This 2009 can be drunk now or cellared for another 25-30+ years.
VM 93+ (7/2012): Bright red-ruby. Reticent nose hints at plum. Fat, sweet and voluminous, with mouthfilling plum and cherry fruit flavors complicated by smoke and underbrush. This seriously concentrated and firmly structured wine is most impressive today on the long, insinuating finish, which offers terrific focus for a 2009 Pomerol. |
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| Ch. de Francs |
2018 |
Francs Cotes de Bordeaux |
$20 |
12 |
|
| |
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| Ch. Le Gay |
2015 |
Pomerol (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$744.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Ch. La Croix de Gay |
2018 |
Pomerol (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$662.99 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 91 (3/2021): Showing nicely, the 2018 Château La Croix De Gay offers a rich, nicely concentrated, textured style as well as notable purity in its smoky black fruits, charcuteries, spice, dried herbs, and cedary aromas and flavors. It packs plenty of richness on the mid-palate, has ripe yet present tannins, subtle background oak, and outstanding length on the finish. It's impressive but needs 3-4 years at a minimum in the cellar and will cruise for 10-15 years. (Drink between 2024-2039).
WA 89 (3/2021): Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 La Croix de Gay is still wearing a bit of its oak, opening with cedar and clove notes before giving way to a core of boysenberries, stewed black cherries and baked plums with touches of bouquet garni and pencil lead. The medium to full-bodied palate offers soft acidity and a light chewiness to match the understated black fruit preserves flavors, finishing earthy. Drink between 2022-2036.
VM 87 (3/2021): The 2018 La Croix de Gay is a bold, hearty wine. Dark red fruit, iron, dried herbs, licorice, earthiness and gravel, along with firm tannins, add to the wine's rustic personality. Drink it over the next decade or so. (Drink between 2021-2030). Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2023 |
Pomerol (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$574.99 |
23 |
|
| |
JD 89-91 (4/2024): Spring flowers, ripe cherries, red plums, and damp earth nuances all emerge from the 2023 Château La Croix de Gay, a medium-bodied, pretty, perfumed Pomerol that has a good sense of freshness, ripe, supple tannins, and ample upfront charm and character.
VM 87-89 (4/2024): The 2023 La Croix de Gay is a potent, brooding Pomerol. Black cherry, plum, gravel, incense, licorice, tobacco, gravel and scorched earth lend notable somber intensity. I find the 2023 rather rustic today, in both its flavor profile and rough, large-scale tannins. This barrel sample shows some reduction as well. Antonio Galloni.
JA 88 (4/2024): The second vintage where this seems to be slightly underperforming its usual excellence Pomerol character. Rich spice notes, grilled and enticing oak, soft strawberry fruits that seem to be skirting full ripeness. Sibling estate to La Fleur de Gay, both owned by the Raynaud-Lebreton family, Axel Marchal consultant. 42hl/ha yield. |
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| Ch. Gazin |
2006 |
Pomerol (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,761.99 |
1 |
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| |
| WA 92 (2/2009): This is a very strong effort from this estate, which sits just adjacent to Petrus. In fact, they sold part of their vineyard to Petrus in the early 1970s. This is a full-bodied, powerful 2006 with the oak more restrained than it normally is in a young Gazin. Copious quantities of sweet plum, fig, and black cherry fruit are intermixed with cedar and dried herbs in a medium to full-bodied, rich, long, impressively endowed style. This is an Outstanding wine, with enough stuffing, structure, and density to age beautifully over a 20- to 25-year period. |
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|
2010 |
Pomerol (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,633.99 |
1 |
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| |
WA 96 (2/2013): Wow! This wine exceeded my enthusiastic barrel tasting notes. A big, back-strapping blockbuster from Gazin, in which the oak seems to be pushed into the background (thankfully), the wine offers up notes of caramelized black cherry and black currant fruit interwoven with mocha, white chocolate, subtle toast and hints of coffee beans and tobacco leaf. The exceptional aromatics are easily followed up by a full-bodied, powerful, broodingly backward, rich, intense wine with multiple dimensions, layers of fruit, and a sensational finish of close to a minute. This is one of the all-time great efforts from Gazin. It should be forgotten for 6-10 years and drunk over the following 30 to 40.
JS 95 (11/2013): A subtle red with ultra-fine tannins that accentuate a palate of chocolate, berries and nuts. Full and very round. It's refined and beautiful. Hard not to drink now but wait at least five years. Top wine from Gazin. |
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|
2019 |
Pomerol (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,000.98 |
1 |
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| |
VM 95-97 (6/2020): The 2019 Gazin is tightly wound at first and needs coaxing from the glass. Broody dark berry fruit, truffle and smoke eventually emerge, flanked by a discrete marine influence. The palate is very promising with saturated tannins that belie the structure of this Pomerol. The freshness is very impressive, lighting up the senses. The finish is imbued with wonderful tension and traces of iron on the aftertaste. Quintessentially Gazin, this is a superb wine. Neal Martin.
JD 94-96 (6/2020): The 2019 Château Gazin checks in as 89% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Cabernet Franc. I'm not sure it's going to match the 2018, but it's certainly not far off and has a wonderful mix of freshness, richness, and complexity that's the hallmark of this great vintage. Lots of ripe red and black fruits, tobacco, mocha, and spring flower notes all emerge from the glass, and it's beautifully balanced, building nicely with time in the glass, and just has everything in the right places. This gorgeous Pomerol in the making will be accessible in its youth and drink brilliantly for 15-20 years.
JS 95-96 (6/2020): A tight, focused red with blackberry and blueberry character, as well as chocolate. It’s full and compact with soft, silky tannins and a flavorful finish. Harmonious. |
|
| Sirene Giscours |
2019 |
Margaux (6.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$403.99 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 90-92 (6/2020): The second wine of Giscours in Margaux, the 2019 La Sirene De Giscours reveals a deep purple color as well as lots of juicy black cherry and mulberry fruits that give way to more tobacco, cedar, and earth with time in the glass. Medium-bodied, nicely textured, and elegant on the palate, it's a terrific, fruit-forward, delicious second wine.
JS 92-93 (6/2020): A very spicy and flavorful, young second wine of Giscours with blackberries, white pepper and black tea. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins and a juicy finish. Structured. A blend of 70% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot, 9% petit verdot and 9% cabernet franc. |
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|
2020 |
Margaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$503.99 |
15 |
|
| |
|
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2020 |
Margaux (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$524.99 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Ch. Grand Puy Lacoste |
2009 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$703.98 |
1 |
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| |
WA 95 (2/2012): Performing better from bottle than it did from cask (and comparable to their wines 2005, 2000, 1990 and 1982), this is a great classic from Xavier Borie’s estate situated on the back roads west of the town of Pauillac. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by hints of spring flowers, crushed rocks, black currants, cedar and earth/underbrush. Precise and elegant as well as backward and foreboding, it should put on weight in the bottle and evolve for two decades. Very concentrated as well as velvety-textured, it is a beauty of finesse, balance, purity and nobility. It will benefit from 5-7 more years of bottle age.
VM 95 (3/2019): The 2009 Grand Puy Lacoste is one of the great vintages from this estate in the modern era. It storms from the glass with scents of blackberry, undergrowth, cedar and mint, retaining the classicism of GPL. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity. Very harmonious with a gorgeous, lithe, graphite infused finish that lingers in the mouth. Bon vin. Tasted blind at BI Wines & Spirits' Ten Year On tasting. Neal Martin.
JS 95 (2/2012): Complex and decadent. Blackberries and black currants, with fresh herbs on the nose. Tea too. Full body, with soft tannins and an earthy finish. Juicy wine. Turns to pure black currants. Best in 2018. |
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|
2022 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$967.98 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 96-98 (5/2023): The 2022 Grand Puy Lacoste was picked from 7 to 23 September and contains more Merlot due to the high quality of the fruit, matured in 75% new oak. There is 14.2% alcohol. Therefore, this lends this GPL a little more precocity and sensuality compared to other vintages, not cut from the same "classical" cloth as, say, the 2019 or 2020. Underlying this velvety veneer are enticing traits of freshly-rolled tobacco and undergrowth. The palate is medium-bodied with finely-sculpted tannins. Silky smooth in texture, so much so that it belies that backbone underneath. There is a peacock's tail of mineral-rich, quite peppery black fruit on the finish, completing a Pauillac endowed with huge potential. Neal Martin.
WA 95-97 (5/2023): A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot, the 2022 Grand-Puy-Lacoste is a brilliant classic in the making, wafting from the glass with aromas of dark berries, violets and pencil shavings, followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated palate that exhibits beautiful structural refinement and purity of fruit. Classy and integrated, it is somewhat reminiscent of a modern-day and less forbiddingly structured version of this estate's brilliant 1982.
JA 96 (5/2023): Inky depths to the colour. Violet edging, bitter black chocolate and graphite, can feel the grain of the tannins, and the beautiful balance and juice to damson, cassis and plum puree fruits. Captures just the right amount of drama without sacrificing Pauillac character, this is a wine that is clearly going to age extremely well, with depth of flavour and rich tannic frame that shows how 2022 can succeed in the right hands. 75% new oak, 3.57ph. Harvest earliest ever, beginning on September 7 (2003 was September 15), 60% of production in the 1st wine, Eric Boissenot consultant. 38hl/h yield, a little over the Pauillac average. |
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| Ch. Haut Brisson |
2021 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$265.99 |
11 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Haut-Brion |
2006 |
Pessac Leognan (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$5,516.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (2/2009): The 2006 Haut-Brion performed even better from bottle than it did from barrel. Sixty-four percent of the production went into this wine, and while it displays the vintage’s powerful tannins and structure, it possesses superb concentration, and the minerality/scorched earth notes of a great Haut-Brion. Medium to full-bodied, with perhaps not quite the fleshiness of the 2005 or 2000, it is built more along the lines of the 1998 and 1996. It is a brilliant effort displaying sensational purity, texture, and length that should be exceptionally long-lived. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2035 .
VM 95 (6/2009): Medium ruby-red. Inviting aromas of plum, warm stones, red licorice and menthol. Suave, gentle and elegantly styled; distinctly sweeter and lusher today than the La Mission, with even more mid-palate depth. Showing more red fruits today as well, with pungent minerality giving the wine lift and juiciness. Finishes with suave but substantial building tannins. Last year this wine was showing its spine while La Mission was more opulent; in bottle it's the other way around. |
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|
2010 |
Pessac Leognan (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$9,061.98 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 99 (3/2020): Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Haut-Brion charges out of the gate with exuberant notes of crème de cassis, blueberry pie and baked plums followed by nuances of dark chocolate, licorice and cloves. Full-bodied, the palate has lots of subtle earth and mineral accents with a firm, finely grained texture and great freshness lifting the long finish.
VM 98+ (8/2013): Good full ruby-red. Complex, expressive, very showy aromas and flavors of cassis, menthol, smoke and tobacco complemented by violet, milk chocolate and sweet spices. Fat, sweet and concentrated in the mouth, with an almost liqueur-like ripeness to its highly concentrated, palate-saturating flavors. Finishes ripe and savory, with huge but plush tannins and lingering notes of blueberry and minerals. Stephen Tanzer.
JS 97 (2/2013): This is very spicy with dried mushroom aromas with dark fruits and plum undertones. Sweet tobacco as well. This is full-bodied, with lots of tannins that are chewy and firm. This is muscular for HB and flexing it. Try in 2020. |
|
|
2010 |
Pessac Leognan (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,589.98 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 99 (3/2020): Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Haut-Brion charges out of the gate with exuberant notes of crème de cassis, blueberry pie and baked plums followed by nuances of dark chocolate, licorice and cloves. Full-bodied, the palate has lots of subtle earth and mineral accents with a firm, finely grained texture and great freshness lifting the long finish.
VM 98+ (8/2013): Good full ruby-red. Complex, expressive, very showy aromas and flavors of cassis, menthol, smoke and tobacco complemented by violet, milk chocolate and sweet spices. Fat, sweet and concentrated in the mouth, with an almost liqueur-like ripeness to its highly concentrated, palate-saturating flavors. Finishes ripe and savory, with huge but plush tannins and lingering notes of blueberry and minerals. Stephen Tanzer.
JS 97 (2/2013): This is very spicy with dried mushroom aromas with dark fruits and plum undertones. Sweet tobacco as well. This is full-bodied, with lots of tannins that are chewy and firm. This is muscular for HB and flexing it. Try in 2020. |
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|
2020 |
Pessac Leognan (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,432.99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 100 (3/2023): I finished my trip through Bordeaux with the 2020 Château Haut-Brion, and it was certainly a fitting cap to the trip. Revealing a deep ruby/plum hue, the 2020 exhibits extraordinary aromatics of ripe black fruits, scorched earth, cold fireplace, and acacia flowers. An absolute blockbuster on the palate, this structured, full-bodied, massively concentrated Pessac builds incrementally, with ultra-fine tannins, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a great, great finish. Richer and more concentrated than both the 2018 and 2019 (there are some similarities to 2010), this is a legend in the making. The blend is 42.8% Merlot, 39.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Cabernet Franc, all of which will spend 15-18 months in 77% new French oak. Hide bottles for a decade, and it should evolve for 50-75 years.
JS 100 (4/2021): This is a superb Haut-Brion with incredible tannins that are wonderfully fine-grained. It’s really powerful. This is very primary with so much grape-generated tannin structure. Very, very long, going on for minutes. Seductive and friendly at the start and then takes you on at the finish with so much structure. Wine of the vintage?
VM 96 (2/2023): The 2020 Haut-Brion is shaping up to be one of the wines of the year. Substance, depth and textural intensity elevate Haut-Brion into the realm of the sublime in 2020. All the elements are so wonderfully balanced. Inky dark fruit, gravel, lavender, violet and dark spice build as the 2020 gradually opens with some aeration. Wow. Neal Martin.
WA 98-100 (5/2021): The 2020 Haut-Brion is a blend of 42.8% Merlot, 39.7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17.5% Cabernet Franc, harvested from 7th to 29th September, with an estimated alcohol of 15% and a pH of 3.8. Opaque purple-black colored, it leaps from the glass with a first wave of vibrant black raspberries, ripe blackberries and mulberries scents, followed by a powerful core of warm cassis, dark chocolate and violets, before bursting into an array of crushed rocks, iron ore, tree bark and black truffles notes. The concentrated, densely packed, full-bodied palate is not in the least bit heavy, delivering a refreshing backbone of red berry and dried herbs suggestions, framed by seamless acidity and very finely grained tannins, finishing on an epically long, fragrant earth note. Simply stunning. |
|
| Ch. Lafite Rothschild |
2006 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,009.99 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 97 (2/2009): One of the fabulous surprises, although I had suggested last year that it could jump in quality, of my tastings, the 2006 Lafite Rothschild is a great, great wine made from a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. When I tasted it from barrel, it reminded me of their successful 1988, but it is dramatically superior to that vintage. Frankly, it may turn out to be as good as the 2005, which in all of Bordeaux is a far greater vintage than 2006. Lafite’s severe selection process (42% made it into the grand vin) resulted in a full-bodied wine boasting an extraordinary perfume of charcoal, truffles, lead pencil shavings, and sensationally sweet, ripe black currant and cedar notes. A wine of extraordinary intensity, texture, and depth with silky tannins as well as awesome concentration, this has turned out to be a remarkable Lafite Rothschild that should be drinkable much earlier than the 2005, but age for three decades. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2035+.
VM 95+ (6/2009): Good full ruby-red. Very ripe aromas of cassis, graphite and cedar chips, lifted by peppery and floral high notes. Densely packed and superconcentrated but light on its feet, with compelling flavors of spicy berries and minerals. The very long, slow-building finish stains the palate with flavor. Very backward but not austere; and unlike some recent vintages of Lafite, which could appear deceptively light in the early going, this showcases its density and ripeness from the outset. I have the impression that most of the less-ripe fruit was declassified into the far lighter Carruades de Lafite (87), which shows a distinctly cool style for the year. |
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| Ch. Lafleur |
2000 |
Pomerol (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$17,418.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (6/2010): An utterly awesome wine, the only problem with the 2000 Lafleur is that I indicated its maturity window would be 2012-2040+. Based on two tastings of it, I would now argue 2020-2060+. Yes, it is that backward, but it has extraordinary potential. Dense ruby/purple to the rim, this fabulously concentrated wine has a sweet nose of kirsch liqueur intermixed with licorice and subtle floral notes as well as a hint of truffle in the background. It is stacked and packed on the attack, with a multi-dimensional mid-palate of unbelievable intensity of concentration and richness, yet at the same time all this power is allied to striking elegance, purity, and depth. This is great Bordeaux, a profound Lafleur, and in about ten years, much of its magic should begin to be unleashed. If you can find it, it is an extraordinary wine, and as expensive as it was a decade ago, it will look cheap compared to prices for more recent vintages.
VM 93+ (5/2003): Bright ruby-red. Huge, superripe, rather sauvage nose combines roasted berries, grilled meat, roasted nuts, tar and tobacco; showing some distinctly uncivilized notes of great Lafleur vintages of the past. A huge wine with impressive fat and volume. Classic superrich Lafleur notes of cherry liqueur, game, truffle and burning tobacco. A bit disjointed on the back today, with big, somewhat harsh tannins. But this outsized wine displays great power and persistence. Stephen Tanzer. |
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|
2021 |
Pomerol (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,051.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Larcis-Ducasse |
2005 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,544.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (6/2015): With an unbelievable nose of licorice, tapenade, black cherry and blackcurrant liqueur, as well as full body, super-sweet tannin, and astonishing richness and length, this prodigious effort in 2005 announced the resurrection of this great terroir on the slopes near Château Pavie. Dark garnet/plum/purple, this is compelling stuff and drinkable already, but capable of lasting another 25-30 years. This beauty is not to be missed! Only 3,000 cases were produced, from a blend of 78% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon.
VM 94 (6/2008): Ruby-red. Superripe, vibrant nose offers cherry, blueberry, blackberry, mocha and fruity dark chocolate. Rich and wonderfully fine-grained, with excellent acidity leavening the impression of superripeness and giving cut to the intense dark berry, plum and mineral flavors. Finishes very long and lush, with a fine dusting of tannins and noteworthy subtlety. With its 14.5% alcohol, this is a big boy, but its energy and balance are impressive for such an opulent wine. |
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| Ch. Lascombes |
2019 |
Margaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$429.99 |
14 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Latour |
2007 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$6,016.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92+ (4/2010): The 2007 Latour (the first wine made in the newly renovated cellars) exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as a sweet, expansive bouquet of black fruits and spring flowers interwoven with a striking minerality. The wine’s dense, medium to full-bodied flavors are surprisingly evolved, with soft tannins, an ample, generous mouthfeel, and an endearing texture. Undoubtedly one of the longest lived wines of the vintage, the 2007 Latour should last for two decades or more.
VM 92 (8/2010): Good bright ruby-red. Rather backward nose hints at cassis, black cherry, shoe polish, graphite, minerals and spices. Sweet, broad and rich, but with enticing fresh minerality giving energy to the rather full-bodied middle palate. The wine's cassis fruit is complicated by an almost decadent floral element. Finishes perfumed and very long, with wonderfully lush, supple, fine-grained tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
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|
2008 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,087.98 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 96 (2/2019): The brilliant 2008 Château Latour has the classic stature and regal style of the estate front and center. A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, it’s still purple-colored and brilliantly concentrated, offering medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of blackcurrants, tobacco, lead pencil, and graphite. Dense, perfectly balanced, with ripe tannins, it’s a few years away from prime time (although it certainly offers pleasure) but will drink well for another 2-3 decades.
VM 96 (2/2018): The 2008 Latour has a more bold and concentrated bouquet compared to the Lafite-Rothschild, scents of blackberry, bilberry, iris, cigar humidor and cold wet stone that all surge from the glass. This is beautifully defined. The palate is medium-bodied with firm in tannin, a light marine influence infusing the black fruit, a little spice towards the finish with superb persistency. It is an authorative Latour as usual, one now beginning to enter its stride although naturally it will last for two or three decades with ease. (Tasted at BI Wine & Spirit’s annual 10-Year On tasting.) Neal Martin
WA 95+ (5/2011): An extraordinary wine, the classic 2008 Latour (13.5% natural alcohol) is composed of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc (40% of the production made it into the grand vin). Its dense purple color is followed by hints of espresso roast, cassis, burning embers, truffles and graphite. Rich with full-bodied power, beautiful purity and graciousness allied to a voluminous, savory, broad mouthfeel, this beauty will be drinkable in 4-5 years and will keep for three decades.
JS 95 (12/2010): Gorgeous aromas. Sandalwood and flowers, so perfumed and beautiful. Spices and currants with cassis too. Amazing nose. Such beauty and density with an iron and pure fruit character. Solid and racy. Best after 2015. |
|
| Ch. Leoville Las Cases |
1985 |
St. Julien (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,923.98 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 96 (8/2018): The 1985 Leoville Las-Cases is quite simply one of the finest Saint-Julien wines of the decade and over a dozen encounters have reaffirmed this as the most pleasurable Las-Cases ever made. This is a stupendous bottle, perhaps the best that I have ever encountered. It has a brilliantly defined bouquet that soars from the glass: red berry fruit, crushed stone, pressed flower, a hint of blood orange and woodland aromas. You could nose this all day. The palate is medium-bodied with the depth and structure one expects from this Second Growth. But what the 1985 has in spades, a virtue not always found at this address, is charm. Silky smooth in texture, the pure red fruit seduces the sense with a shimmering sense of energy on the finish. It is drinking now after three decades and based on this showing could give another three before it declines.
WA 95 (2/2010): Tasted blind at Harry Gill’s annual lunch. Always on the of finest Las-Cases of the 1980s, this bottle convinces with a complex, tightly-wound nose of blackberry, cedar, dried herbs, sous-bois and cigar box. The palate is full-bodied with firm, sinewy tannins, compact at first but fanning out wonderful towards a supple, lithe finish tinged with iodine. Marvellous. Drink now-2030. |
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2025 |
St. Julien (3x1.5L)
ETA Fall 2028 |
$931 |
5 |
|
| |
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2025 |
St. Julien (3x750ML)
ETA Fall 2028 |
$466 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Clos du Marquis |
2025 |
St. Julien (6x750ML)
ETA Fall 2028 |
$303 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. La Mission Haut Brion |
2020 |
Pessac Leognan (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,627.98 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 99 (3/2023): Lastly, the Grand Vin 2020 Château La Mission Haut-Brion is cut from the same cloth as the La Chapelle, only it brings more of everything. Black raspberries, cassis, ripe cherries, sandalwood, smoked tobacco, and acacia flowers are just some of its nuances, and this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless, sexy mouthfeel, remarkable tannins, and a great, great finish. The level of purity, finesse, and elegance, paired with incredible concentration, is something to behold. Give bottles just 5-7 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following half a century. The blend is 48.6% Merlot, 43.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc, hitting a natural alcohol of 14.7%.
WA 97-99 (5/2021): Composed of 48.6% Merlot, 43.2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8.2% Cabernet Franc, harvested from 7th to 29th September, the 2020 La Mission Haut-Brion has an alcohol of 14.7%. It needs considerable swirling and coaxing to reveal slowly emerging scents of freshly crushed blackcurrants, Morello cherries, wild blueberries and forest floor, leading to suggestions of violets, baker's chocolate and cardamom with wafts of dusty soil and oolong tea. The medium to full-bodied palate bursts with impactful, fresh red, black and blue fruit layers, supported by impressive freshness and fantastically ripe, fine-grained tannins, finishing very long and fragrant. A stunning expression of this vintage!
VM 97-99 (5/2021): The 2020 La Mission Haut-Brion was picked September 7–29. It has a very intense and beautifully defined bouquet of blackberry, wild strawberry, wilted violet petals and hints of orange blossom. It unfolded with aeration as I examined it side-by-side against its neighbor over the course of an hour. The exquisitely balanced palate is lightly spiced on the entry and segues into a very structured midpalate that frames the weight of pixelated black fruit. That spicy theme continues and is exaggerated toward a finish that fans out wonderfully. This is a less alcoholic La Mission Haut-Brion compared to recent vintages, a bit "cooler" and streamlined, yet no less intense and satisfying. An enthralling wine in the making from Jean-Philippe Delmas and his team. Neal Martin.
JS 97-98 (4/2021): This really builds on the palate. Loads of blackberry and iodine with asphalt undertones. It’s full-bodied with tannins that steamroll at the end and keep going. Classic blend. |
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| Ch. La Mondotte |
2021 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$558.98 |
3 |
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| |
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|
2025 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA Fall 2028 |
$673 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Ch. Montrose |
2025 |
St. Estephe (3x1.5L)
ETA Fall 2028 |
$881 |
7 |
|
| |
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2025 |
St. Estephe (3x750ML)
ETA Fall 2028 |
$441 |
7 |
|
| |
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| La Dame de Montrose |
2025 |
St. Estephe (6x750ML)
ETA Fall 2028 |
$247 |
10 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Mouton-Rothschild |
2022 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,490.99 |
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.
JA 98 (5/2023): Inky damson colour, with vibrant violet reflections, velvet texture, aromatics less exuberant than the Petit Mouton, but the concentration and depth on the palate is absolutely there, with cocoa powder, grilled coffee bean, olive paste, cassis, bitter black chocolate on the finish as the tannins close in, ready for decades ahead. This walks the line, and is a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Clearly needs a long time before approaching, give it the full 10 years and then some. Harvest began September 1, earliest since 1893. 32hl/h yield. 3.89ph, 76IPT, 100% new oak. Harvest overall September 1 to 26. Jean-Emanuel Danjoy director. 49% of production in the Grand Vin, 27% Petit Mouton. 100% new barrels for ageing. |
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| Ch. Palmer |
2009 |
Margaux (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,777.99 |
1 |
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JD 99 (11/2020): I've been lucky enough to have the 2009 Château Palmer numerous times over the past handful of years, and it continues to be a primordial yet heavenly wine every time, revealing a deep purple color as well as an incredibly powerful bouquet of blackcurrants, black cherry liqueur, smoked tobacco, graphite, crushed stone, and chocolate. Possessing full-bodied richness and a massive, dense, incredibly powerful style (not far off the 2018), it gains elegance and finesse with time in the glass, has ultra-fine tannins, and one hell of a finish. This magical Palmer needs another decade to hit maturity and will evolve for 50+ years or more.
JS 98 (2/2012): This has such class and power. Aromas of blueberries and blackberries, with hints of violets. Full-bodied, with polished tannins and a juicy finish. Solid and extremely pretty. Fabulous finish. Try in 2020.
WA 98 (3/2019): Deep garnet colored, the 2009 Palmer delivers a beguiling array of black fruit—warm plums, cassis and black cherry compote—with kirsch and wild sage sparks plus profound suggestions of fragrant earth, black truffles, iron ore and liquid licorice. Full-bodied, rich and decadently seductive in the mouth, the generous fruit is superbly framed with plush tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and mineral laced.
VM 96 (3/2019): The 2009 Palmer has a beautifully defined bouquet with bright black cherry and boysenberry fruit, crushed stone and rose petal. Not as decadent as the bottle poured at the BI tasting, yet precise. The palate is medium-bodied with supple and refined tannin, and crisp acidity. Wonderfully poised with quite a penetrating finish that delivers a payload of multi-layered blueberry and blackberry. This is a very well crafted 2009 Margaux destined for long-term ageing. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting. Neal Martin. |
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|
2016 |
Margaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,313.98 |
2 |
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JD 100 (2/2019): The finest vintage I’ve ever tasted from this estate, surpassing the 2009 and 2010, the 2016 Château Palmer is a blend of 47% each of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Petit Verdot, all of which was brought up in 65% new French oak. This magical effort reveals a saturated purple color as well as a huge nose of crème de cassis, graphite, crushed rocks, and spring flowers, and it develops beautifully with time in the glass. Full-bodied, deep, incredibly concentrated and powerful, it nevertheless just glides over the palate with flawless purity and balance, present, ripe tannins, and a finish that just won’t quit. This is Bordeaux at its most regal and classic. It will be drinkable with just 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for half a century.
VM 100 (1/2019): Technical Director Thomas Duroux and his team made one of the most brilliant wines of the 2016 vintage. Palmer is simply exceptional. Rich and dramatically sweeping in the glass, the 2016 is breathtaking. All the elements simply fall into place in a wine of mesmerizing beauty. The counterpoint of dark, sumptuous fruit and floral notes makes for an utterly compelling Palmer that will take its place among the estate's finest vintages. Dark cherry, lavender, spice and mocha are some of the many notes that build into a deep, substantial finish that is truly unforgettable. In a word: magnificent! Antonio Galloni.
WA 98+ (11/2018): The 2016 Palmer is a blend of 47% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot. Opaque garnet-purple colored, it slowly glides out of the glass with compelling notes of blueberry compote, warm cassis and kirsch with emerging hints of violets, cigar box, black tea, sandalwood and Sichuan pepper. Medium to full-bodied, wonderfully rich, concentrated and packed with latent energy, the palate literally grows in the mouth, revealing layer upon layer of black, blue and red fruits and tons of floral sparks, framed by super ripe, incredibly fine-grained tannins and finishing with epic length. It’s a wine that makes you wanna drape yourself languidly over a chaise lounge, glass of Palmer in hand, sighing with deep satisfaction, “This is so wonderfully Palmer.”
JS 98 (1/2019): Such attractive fruit and alluring ripeness that it draws you in from the get-go. The discreet power here is delivered with a very astute touch. Assorted dark-berry aromas, as well as red plums, abound on the nose. The richness and depth in the mouth is stunning. The tannins are super polished and layered and they draw pristine dark fruit flavors deep into the finish in effortless mode. This is a star of the vintage. A blend of 47 per cent merlot, 47 per cent cabernet sauvignon and six per cent petit verdot. Try from 2024. |
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|
2022 |
Margaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,935.98 |
2 |
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JD 97-99 (5/2023): The 2022 Château Palmer is utterly brilliant, so much so that I questioned in my notes if this would challenge the 2018. A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, from tiny yields of 22 hectoliters per hectare, its mammoth-sized personality offers layers of blue and black fruits, notes of melted chocolate, crushed stone, and spring flowers, building, velvety tannins, and a great, great finish. While many estates commented that they extracted less in the vintage, Palmer went in a different direction and extracted more during the vinifications to provide a solid backbone to match the concentration and power of the vintage. It appears to have worked brilliantly, and hats off to Thomas Duroux for having the confidence to go his own path. He has produced a truly Grand Vin in 2022. The alcohol here is a normal 14.4%, and the pH is a healthy 3.79.
VM 96-98 (5/2023): The 2022 Palmer is a wine of sublime beauty and refinement. Silky, caressing and super-expressive, the 2022 is also one of the most surprising wines of the year in that it does not show the drought or heat of the growing season at all either in its flavor profile or feel. Succulent black cherry, plum, leather, licorice, spice and dried herbs lend notable complexity throughout. The 2022 starts off rather slow, and then really explodes on the back end. It is a magnificent wine in every way. Antonio Galloni.
WA 95-97 (5/2023): As is the case at neighbor Château Margaux, the 2022 Palmer is one of the most powerful wines this estate has ever produced. A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, it offers up aromas of blackberries, burning embers, violets, iris and sweet soil tones, followed by a full-bodied, broad and expansive palate, its velvety attack segueing into a rich and layered core. Supple, seamless and concentrated, it checks in at 14.4% alcohol and a rather high pH of 3.79.
JA 96 (5/2023): Dark brooding fruits, this is intense and concentrated, ripe flavours with an exotic edge, cassis, roasted plum, damson and star fruit with a curl of woodsmoke and tobacco leaf, set against fresher edges of blueberry and iris. This is serious, structured, with everything turned up pretty high, giving the imprint of the vintage in its black pepper, rosemary, turmeric, mandarin peel and clove. 3.79ph, harvest September 7 right through to October 5. Blend done by December, yield 23hl/h. Ageing sees the first year in barrel, then second year in larger sized oak casks to minimise oak impact, something that will be particularly important in a year with these unusually high alcohols. |
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| Ch. Pavie |
2022 |
St. Emilion (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,324.99 |
1 |
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| |
JD 96-98+ (5/2023): Released in a special bottle to celebrate the 25th harvest of Gerard Perse, the 2022 Château Pavie checks in as 52% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, which is in line with recent vintages, although one important factor is that both Pavie Decesse and Bellevue Mondot will no longer be produced and will are now incorporated into the Château Pavie. Given the quality of those two releases, I don't see that affecting the quality of the Grand Vin. The 2022 sports a deep, saturated purple hue as well as a gorgeous bouquet of ripe cassis, blackcurrants, espresso roast, violets, and chalky minerality. Hitting the palate with full-bodied richness, it has a layered, opulent mouthfeel, velvety tannins, integrated oak, and a great finish. This is another heavenly Pavie that's going to shine with just 5-7 years of bottle age and evolve for 30-40 years or more.
VM 94-96 (5/2023): The 2022 Pavie is a unique wine that celebrates a number of milestones for the château. It marks the 20th anniversary of Pavie under the helm of Gerard and Chantal Perse, who have taken this once sleepy property to brilliant highs. Two thousand twenty-two is also the first vintage for Pavie since the incorporation of the Pavie Decesse and Bellevue Mondotte properties. From my perspective, it is always sad to see the loss of historical estates, even if they are relatively small because it is a loss of culture. In terms of the wine, it is superb. Black fruit, mocha, chocolate, licorice and spice add to an impression of virile intensity. Many recent vintages of Pavie have hinted towards a more vibrant style, but the 2022 is very strongly marked by the heat and drought of the year, the yields that are lower than typical and the harvest that started late in relative terms. In my view, the 2022 is a bit pushed, at least today. Huge tannins and a strong torrefaction oak imprint need time to soften, and that may or may not happen with élevage. Antonio Galloni.
JA 95 (5/2023): Wonderfully intense and concentrated, this is an impressive Pavie, muscular, intense and well constructed. It has an exuberance to the aromatics that is striking, with incense, baked damson, milk chocolate and creamy black cherry fruits, almost overwhelming until the limestone fingerprints hit in the mid palate to add tentson and salinity, even a hint of savoury freshness. Powerful, will take the full ten years to come around. 75% new oak. Buno Lacoste consultant. First year with the inclusion of Pavie Decesse and Bellevue-Mondotte, bringing it to 42ha, which is the biggest fully classified footprint, with 30ha on the plateau. Harvest 19 to October 1. 10th anniversary of classification and 25th harvest of Gerard Perse. |
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| Pavillon Rouge du Chateau Margaux |
2022 |
Margaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,232.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Margaux (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$632.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Le Petit Lion du Marquis de Las Cases |
2025 |
St. Julien (6x750ML)
ETA Fall 2028 |
$283 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. Pichon-Longueville Baron |
2010 |
Pauillac (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,520.98 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 99+ (2/2018): Borderline perfection in a bottle, the 2010 Pichon-Longueville Baron (79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot) boasts a saturated purple color as well as truly extraordinary aromatics of crème de cassis, licorice, crushed rock-like minerality, graphite, and spring flowers. Possessing full-bodied richness, a huge, unctuous mid-palate, and building tannin, it shows the purity, grandeur, and precision that makes this vintage so remarkable. Hide bottles for another 4-5 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy bottles over the following 2-3 decades.
WA 97+ (2/2013): Administrator Christian Seeley thinks the 2010 is the greatest Pichon Longueville Baron he has ever made, equaling some of the estate’s colossal wines from vintages such as 1989 and 1990. It was certainly showing well when I stopped by the chateau in January. Opaque purple, with loads of charcoal, licorice, incense and some exotic Asian spices along with abundant cassis liqueur, blackberry and hints of roasted coffee and spring flowers, it is full-bodied and opulent, with relatively high tannins, but they have sweetened up considerably and seem less aggressive than they did from barrel. The oak is clearly pushed to the background by the wine’s wealth of fruit, glycerin and full-bodied texture. This sensational Pichon Longueville Baron needs 5-6 years of cellaring, and should keep 30+ years.
VM 96 (4/2020): The 2010 Pichon-Baron has a very intense bouquet with blackberry, blueberry, touches of violet and a whiff of the estuary (presumably the Gironde). This is very concentrated and like the 2010 Pichon-Lalande, it suggests that its secondary aromas will be worth waiting for. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, plenty of red and black fruit laced with graphite, tobacco and white pepper. It fans out wonderfully towards the very persistent, spicy finish that is a pure joy. Superb. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal. Neal Martin.
JS 95 (11/2013): A dense and layered wine with lots of ripe and sweet fruit. Loads of currants, plums and tar. This is concentrated and almost jammy with velvety tannins. Powerful. Chewy. Try in 2020. |
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|
2021 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$732.99 |
2 |
|
| |
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| Ch. Pichon-Longueville Lalande |
2020 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,077.99 |
1 |
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| |
WA 95-97 (5/2021): Deep purple-black in color, the 2020 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande begins on a single, well-defined, wonderfully pure note of ripe blackcurrants, opening out to a melody of redcurrant jelly, kirsch, ripe blackberries and tar, with emerging suggestions of dark chocolate, cardamom, ground cloves and violets, with a waft of black truffles. Medium-bodied, tightly wound and with loads of fantastically nuanced black fruit layers, it has a rock-solid frame of finely grained tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. The blend this year is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc.
VM 96-98 (5/2021): The 2020 Pichon-Lalande has a backward nose similar to that of its neighbor Pichon-Baron, and so I decanted the bottle for 45 minutes. It then revealed gorgeous scents of blackberry, wild hedgerow, seaweed (Japanese nori) and wild mint. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit and gentle but insistent grip. Very intense but not ripe; there is a coolness about this Pauillac that I like, while the finish is very classically styled and leaves behind a persistent, slightly briny aftertaste. This is a magnificent, cerebral Pichon-Lalande that will deserve serious aging and the patience of anyone still waiting for The Cure's new album. Tasted three times, including directly from the château. Neal Martin.
JD 98-100 (5/2021): An estate that has been on fire of late, the 2020 Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse De Lalande is another brilliant wine in a succession of brilliant wines. Revealing a dense purple hue as well as full-bodied aromas and flavors of blac currants, scorched earth, tobacco leaf, and violets, it hits the palate with an expansive, rich, yet pure, precise texture that carries fabulous tannins, perfect balance, and a stacked mid-palate. Based on 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc, it's an incredible wine that's going to flirt with perfection and is unquestionably one of the finest, if not the finest, Left Banks in the vintage. Bravo. Tasted twice.
JS 97-98 (4/2021): This is extremely structured, but with a level of polish and refinement that highlights the excellence of the terroir. Very long and expansive on the palate, showing class and beauty. Powerful, yet comes across refined and curated at the end. Lovely texture. |
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| Ch. Pontet Canet |
2008 |
Pauillac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$610.98 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 96 (2/2019): Unquestionably one of the gems in the vintage is the 2008 Pontet-Canet, which reminds me of the 2005 with its concentrated, deep, powerful style. Beautiful dark fruits, graphite, obvious minerality, and classic Pauillac lead pencil notes all emerge from this still youthful, full-bodied, and pure 2008 that’s 4-5 years away from maturity and will keep for 30+ years. Hats off to Alfred Tesseron for another awesome wine that ranks up with the crème de la crème of the vintage.
WA 96 (5/2011): A candidate for the “wine of the vintage," Pontet Canet’s 2008 boasts an opaque purple color as well as copious aromas of sweet blueberries, blackberries and black currant fruit intertwined with lead pencil shavings, subtle barbecue smoke and a hint of forest floor. Full-bodied, with fabulous richness, texture and tremendous freshness, this first-growth-like effort is more developed than the uber-powerful 2010. Give it 5-8 years of cellaring and drink it over the following three decades. Bravo!
VM 94 (8/2011): Deep ruby-red. Knockout nose combines black cherry, lavender, potpourri spices and graphite minerality; high-toned and slightly liqueur-like. Then dense, seamless and vibrant in the mouth, with firm acidity giving Outstanding energy to the dark fruit, floral and mineral flavors. Really spreads out on the back end and stays a while. Brilliantly delineated, complex wine with superb cut and penetration. Stephen Tanzer.
JS 94 (7/2016): The minerality and floral character to this is really impressive with lots of bark, currant and dried rose character. Full body, chewy yet polished tannins and a mouthwatering finish. Made from biodynamcially grown grapes. Drink or hold. |
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| Ch. Rauzan-Segla |
2016 |
Margaux (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,305.98 |
2 |
|
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JD 98 (5/2019): I continue to love the 2016 Rauzan-Segla, a thrillingly complete, flawlessly balanced, and borderline perfect Margaux that should be snatched up by readers. Notes of cassis, graphite, tobacco leaf, and earth all give way to a full-bodied effort that has building tannins, no hard edges, and a level of purity and elegance that’s just about off the charts. Given its purity and balance, it’s accessible today, but it will be best with 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 3-4 decades.
JS 98 (1/2019): The aromas of blackcurrants, sweet tobacco and sandalwood are tantalizing. Then it turns to subtle, dried fruit. Full-bodied with dense and powerful tannins, yet ending with finesse and vertical nature. Very deep. Power with finesse. Try after 2025.
VM 97+ (1/2019): The 2016 Rauzan-Segla is simply stunning. Ample and generous in the glass, the 2016 is a positively stellar wine that will leave readers weak at the knees. The flavors and textures are generous as this sublime Margaux shows off its alluring personality. Sweet red cherry, plum, pomegranate, blood orange, spice and rose petal are some of the many notes that run through this absolutely exquisite wine. The 2016 is just as impressive from bottle as it was from barrel, maybe even more! Tasted three times. Antonio Galloni.
WA 97 (4/2020): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Rauzan-Segla drifts effortlessly from the glass with fragrant rose hip tea, candied violets and chocolate box scents over a core of fresh blackcurrants and black cherry compote plus wafts of tobacco and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, it delivers a great mid-palate of softly textured black and blue fruits with loads of floral nuances and a refreshing lift on the finish. |
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|
2019 |
Margaux (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$610.98 |
1 |
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| |
JD 97 (4/2022): The Grand Vin 2019 Château Rauzan-Ségla is beautiful, and it seems this estate can do no wrong since 2015. A more elegant, ethereal, complex Margaux, it has a perfumed and complex style in its red, blue, and black fruits as well as notes of white flowers, chalky minerality, and exotic spices. Haute couture at its finest and seamless, medium to full-bodied, perfectly balanced, and just stunning any way you look at it, it already offers pleasure today yet will easily have 30 years of prime drinking.
VM 97 (2/2022): The 2019 Rauzan-Ségla is a wine that I did not taste en primeur. Picked from September 12 to October 9 and matured in 60% new oak, it has a gorgeous, seductive bouquet of pure blackberry, bilberry, crushed iris petals and just a hint of licorice. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and good cohesion and depth. The oak is seamlessly integrated on the finish, which lingers like a temptress. Two samples tasted, the second demonstrating a little more salinity on the aftertaste. This will be irresistible. Neal Martin.
WA 96 (4/2022): The 2019 Rauzan-Ségla has turned out brilliantly, unwinding in the glass with fragrant aromas of cassis, blackberries, violets, rose petals and sweet soil tones. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and concentrated, it's deep and layered, with beautifully refined tannins, lively acids and a long, perfumed finish. This is a sensual, elegant Rauzan-Ségla from Nicolas Audebert and his team.
JA 96 (1/2023): This is just the most delicious Rauzan Ségla, so much depth, carefully placed black cherry, damson and blueberry fruits, juicy even though still so young. A vintage that has plenty of tannic architecture, softened by cocoa bean, liqourice and rosebud, love it. 42hl/h yield, 60% new oak, 3.73ph. Harvest 12th September to October 9th. Nicolas Audbert director, Eric Boissenot consultant. An upscore since I last tasted this wine. |
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|
2021 |
Margaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$400.99 |
6 |
|
| |
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| Ch. Rocheyron |
2016 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$409.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Saintayme |
2020 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$382.99 |
23 |
|
| |
WA 90-92 (5/2021): The 2020 Saintayme is 100% Merlot, harvested between the 28th and the 30th of September. It has an alcohol of 14.5% and is aging in French oak barrels, 30% new. Deep purple-black colored, it needs a little coaxing to unlock scents of tar, forest floor and aniseed, over a core of baked black plums, blackberry pie and chocolate-covered cherries, plus a touch of dried mint. The full-bodied palate is densely packed with muscular black fruits and loads of earthy accents, framed by firm, rounded tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on a lingering minty note. 63,000 bottles are expected to be made.
JD 91-93 (5/2021): Another gem from Denis Durantou, the 2020 Saintayme should be snatched up by savvy readers, as it’s a year-in, year-out value, and in a vintage where Merlot excelled, it’s a real standout. Black cherries, mulberries, camphor, chocolate, and subtle oak notes all emerge from the glass, and it’s medium to full-bodied, balanced, and has a great mix of richness and freshness. Drink bottles over the coming 10-12 years.
JS 94-95 (4/2021): A gorgeous red with so much black fruit and salty, mineral character. It’s medium-to full-bodied with creamy, polished tannins and a long finish. The precision and fine texture is impressive. One of the best I have had for a while. |
|
| Segla |
2011 |
Margaux (3.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$256.98 |
10 |
|
| |
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2011 |
Margaux (6.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$477.98 |
10 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Margaux (3.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$256.98 |
10 |
|
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| Ch. Tertre Roteboeuf |
2018 |
St. Emilion (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$973.98 |
1 |
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VM 93-96 (5/2019): The 2018 Tertre-Rôteboeuf is a real powerhouse. Rich and explosive, the 2018 possesses stunning depth and fabulous textural intensity. Dark fruit, chocolate, spice, leather, tobacco and cedar add aromatic nuance, but more than anything, Tertre-Rôteboeuf is a wine that captures the heady, ripe personality of the year in spades. Alcohol approaches 16% and yet is not all that evident. The blend is 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc.” Antonio Galloni.
JD 97-99 (5/2019): The 2018 Tertre Roteboeuf is another powerful, opulent wine from this estate that reminds me a little of the 2005 with its density and tannic structure. Cassis, graphite, black raspberries, and tons of classy oak all emerge from this full-bodied beauty that has tons of fruit and texture, a stacked mid-palate, and a big finish. It’s a massive, sumptuous, and lavishly oaked and fruited wine that’s going to benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and keep for 25-30 years. |
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| Ch. Tour Saint-Christophe |
2020 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$294.99 |
5 |
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JD 96 (3/2023): The 2020 Château Tour Saint Christophe showed spectacularly well, and based off past vintages, this shouldn't surprise anyone. Based on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc raised in 40% new barrels (the balance is in second- and third-fill oak), it offers a full-bodied, incredibly pure, balanced style revealing subtle oak, terrific darker, almost blue fruits, lots of chocolate, leafy herb and mineral nuances, and gorgeous tannins. It's worth pointing out that this will be the last vintage made by the talented Jérôme Aguirre. This terrific Saint-Emilion will evolve for two decades. (Drink between 2024-2044).
VM 94 (11/2024): The 2020 Tour Saint Christophe has a more classically styled, well-defined bouquet, perhaps with Cabernet Franc imparting attractive bell pepper and meaty notes. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins. It's fleshy, velvety and cohesive, with a persistent finish that lingers in the mouth. Excellent. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. (Drink between 2027-2052). Neal Martin. |
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|
2020 |
St. Emilion (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$547.99 |
2 |
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JD 96 (3/2023): The 2020 Château Tour Saint Christophe showed spectacularly well, and based off past vintages, this shouldn't surprise anyone. Based on 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc raised in 40% new barrels (the balance is in second- and third-fill oak), it offers a full-bodied, incredibly pure, balanced style revealing subtle oak, terrific darker, almost blue fruits, lots of chocolate, leafy herb and mineral nuances, and gorgeous tannins. It's worth pointing out that this will be the last vintage made by the talented Jérôme Aguirre. This terrific Saint-Emilion will evolve for two decades. (Drink between 2024-2044).
VM 94 (11/2024): The 2020 Tour Saint Christophe has a more classically styled, well-defined bouquet, perhaps with Cabernet Franc imparting attractive bell pepper and meaty notes. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins. It's fleshy, velvety and cohesive, with a persistent finish that lingers in the mouth. Excellent. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. (Drink between 2027-2052). Neal Martin. |
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| Ch. Troplong Mondot |
2020 |
St. Emilion (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$561.99 |
1 |
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VM 98 (2/2023): The 2020 Troplong Mondot is fabulous. Rich, dark and expansive, the 2020 is wonderfully exuberant right out of the gate. Black cherry, plum, gravel, incense and licorice are all dialed up. There's tremendous breadth and power, but without the excess weight of the past. Even so, the 2020 is a big, big wine that needs the better part of a decade to soften. All the classic Troplong structure is there, but buffered by vibrant acids and tons of supporting minerality. Harvest started on September 5 and finished on October 8, a very wide window for the Right Bank, and a reminder of how different the parcels are. The 2020 was done in 60% new oak, 12% foudres, 28% once-used barrels. Antonio Galloni.
JS 98-99 (4/2021): This has superb depth and intensity with very fine tannins that draw you down. So much black fruit, together with black pepper and salt. Extremely well crafted. Vertical and deep. Chalky and salty with black chocolate.
JD 96-98 (5/2021): I’d wager the finest vintage here since the 2015, then the 2009, the 2020 Château Troplong Mondot is a blend of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Cabernet Franc. It offers a dense purple hue as well as powerful, unevolved aromas and flavors of pure crème de cassis, black cherries, graphite, gravelly earth, and tobacco. Coming from the highest elevation vineyard in the appellation and deeper, clay soils (which excelled in 2020), it’s medium to full-bodied and has a dense, thick mid-palate, building tannins, and a great finish. It’s not for the instant gratification crowd out there, but it’s going to be incredibly long-lived. Hats off to the team at Troplong Mondot as well as oenologist Thomas Duclos.
WA 95-97+ (5/2021): The 2020 Troplong Mondot is composed of 85% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, harvested from 4th September and lasting for about three weeks. The pH is 3.53, the IPT (tannin index) is 75 and the alcohol is 14.5%. Opaque purple-black colored, it opens with a vivacious burst of black fruits—stewed plums, baked blackberries and boysenberries—giving way to a fragrant undercurrent of licorice, ground cloves, cinnamon stick and lilacs, with a touch of bouquet garni. The full-bodied palate is chock-full of plump, juicy black fruits and savory sparks, framed by fantastically ripe, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and opulent. |
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2022 |
St. Emilion (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,718.99 |
1 |
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JD 97-99 (5/2023): Clearly the finest wine to date under the new team and direction here, the 2022 Château Troplong Mondot reveals a vivid purple hue as well as sensational notes of black raspberries, cassis, acacia flowers, and graphite, with a beautiful underpinning of chalky minerality. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has flawless balance, ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. The purity, precision, and just sheer class are something to behold.
VM 96-98 (5/2023): The 2022 Troplong Mondot is one of the most elegant wines I have ever tasted here. Seamless and layered, the 2022 caresses the palate with layers of dark-fleshed fruit, spice, leather and mocha. The purity of the fruit is just remarkable. The typical Troplong stature is present, but the tannins are nearly imperceptible. Clean saline notes extend the long, precise finish. In 2022, the estate was quite selective and only bottled about 70% of the production as Grand Vin, as opposed to the more typical 90% or so. Antonio Galloni.
WA 98-100 (5/2023): A wine that transcended both my lofty expectations and anything produced at this address in the last 50 years, the 2022 Troplong Mondot realizes all the potential of this striking terroir. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of dark berries, cherries, exotic spices, bay leaf and orange zest, it's full-bodied, deep and multidimensional, with incredible concentration without weight, supple tannins and a seamless, complete profile, concluding with a long, saline finish. All the work of the last few years in the vineyards and winery makes itself felt, as Troplong Mondot's vineyards took the hot, dry conditions in their stride, and the quality of the fruit that they produced has been preserved by a gentle vinification and a discreet élevage, featuring only 55% new oak and some 20% of the volume in large foudres.
JA 98 (5/2023): Violet edged with an inky core. Expertly delivers the sense of energy that is so key to the best wines in 2022. As powerful as you would expect from these clay-limestone soils, the vintage character shows in dried rosemary and white pepper spice, lacing the fresher blueberry and loganberry fruits. These are big tanins that take a long time to uncurl during tasting and will take a long time in bottle to come around. Contained power, with chocolate block, liqourice, dried roses, delicate but underpinned by menancingly powerful tannins, and a saline twist. Expert construction from director Aymeric de Gironde, carefully containing both the natural power of the soils of Troplong and the natural concentration of the vintage. 50hl/h yield. Harvest began on August 29 through to September 26. Thomas Duclos consultant. Around 3% whole bunch used during fermentation, aged in 55% new oak, 24% one year old, 21% large 2,000l oak casks. |
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| La Violette |
2017 |
Pomerol (6.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,475.98 |
2 |
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WA 94-96+ (4/2018): Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 La Violette is a little reticent to begin, unfurling to give crushed blackberries and blackcurrants notes with touches of forest floor, truffles, cast iron pan and star anise. The palate is exquisitely balanced and intense, with firm, ripe tannins and seamless freshness framing the rock-solid, muscular fruit, finishing very long.
JS 94-95 (4/2018): This shows substantial fruit and tannin concentration with plenty of dark-berry and dark-chocolate character. Full body, a rounded texture and a delicious finish. A wine that will please in its youth.
JD 93-96 (4/2018): The 2017 La Violette is another silky, elegant effort that has a Burgundian flare. Black cherries, blueberries, violets, white flowers, and spice characteristics all emerge from this seamless 2017 that is as classy, silky and pure as they come. Total class and up with the crème de la crème of the vintage.
VM 89-91 (5/2018): The 2017 Kirwan has a slightly smudged bouquet that does not quite deliver the detail of its peers: raspberry preserve and crushed strawberry at first, then light sous-bois and smoke aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly angular tannin, not as cohesive as I would have liked although I appreciate the cracked black pepper note on the aftertaste. This is a château that I feel can produce great Margaux however, the 2017 does not possess the nuance and complexity of the best examples from the appellation. Neal Martin. |
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|
2017 |
Pomerol (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$973.98 |
5 |
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WA 94-96+ (4/2018): Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 La Violette is a little reticent to begin, unfurling to give crushed blackberries and blackcurrants notes with touches of forest floor, truffles, cast iron pan and star anise. The palate is exquisitely balanced and intense, with firm, ripe tannins and seamless freshness framing the rock-solid, muscular fruit, finishing very long.
JS 94-95 (4/2018): This shows substantial fruit and tannin concentration with plenty of dark-berry and dark-chocolate character. Full body, a rounded texture and a delicious finish. A wine that will please in its youth.
JD 93-96 (4/2018): The 2017 La Violette is another silky, elegant effort that has a Burgundian flare. Black cherries, blueberries, violets, white flowers, and spice characteristics all emerge from this seamless 2017 that is as classy, silky and pure as they come. Total class and up with the crème de la crème of the vintage.
VM 89-91 (5/2018): The 2017 Kirwan has a slightly smudged bouquet that does not quite deliver the detail of its peers: raspberry preserve and crushed strawberry at first, then light sous-bois and smoke aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly angular tannin, not as cohesive as I would have liked although I appreciate the cracked black pepper note on the aftertaste. This is a château that I feel can produce great Margaux however, the 2017 does not possess the nuance and complexity of the best examples from the appellation. Neal Martin. |
|
| | Bordeaux White |
| Le Petit Cheval Blanc |
2019 |
Bordeaux Blanc (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$457.98 |
4 |
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JD 93 (4/2022): A wine that I don't get to taste often, the 2019 Château Cheval Blanc Le Petit Cheval Blanc is a stunning white that's certainly worth seeking out, and it actually reminds me of the great white from Château Margaux. Vibrant citrus, white flowers, lime, and chalky mineral notes all emerge on the nose, and it's medium-bodied, has terrific purity, bright acidity, and the balance to evolve for over a decade.
VM 91 (2/2023): The 2019 Le Petit Cheval Blanc feels more Sauvignon-driven on the nose, Granny Smith apples and gooseberry. A touch of wild nettle emerges with time. The palate is well-balanced with fine weight, not quite as complex as the best dry white in the flight, just a bit too toasty towards the finish. But there is sufficient length and freshness, but perhaps not one that will cellar as long as others. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. Coutet |
2019 |
Barsac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$272.98 |
27 |
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| VM 93 (2/2023): The 2019 Coutet has quite a flamboyant, Germanic bouquet with petrol-infused botrytized fruit, though it lacks a bit of complexity and nuance. The palate is well-balanced with orange zest, marmalade and quince on the entry. Moderate depth, and quite linear towards the finish. It doesn't quite deliver the panache of the best wines of 2019 and there has been better Coutet's in recent years, but there is potential here. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. (Drink between 2025-2048). Neal Martin. |
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|
2020 |
Barsac (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$272.98 |
26 |
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| Ch. Haut-Brion |
2019 |
Pessac Leognan Blanc (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$5,965.99 |
1 |
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| JS 100 (6/2020): This is crazy quality. The depth and intensity is really something. It is so compact and powerful with such intensity and density. Energy. So structured. Full-bodied. Layered and superb. Like a great Montrachet from a great vintage, but so Haut Brion. Speechless. Perfect wine. |
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| Ch. Mouton-Rothschild |
2014 |
Aile d’Argent Bordeaux Blanc (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,008.99 |
1 |
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JS 94 (2/2017): A dense and flavorful white offering plenty of lemon curd, cooked apples and stones. Full and tropical with a long finish. Gorgeous now.
VM 88 (2/2017): The 2014 Aile d'Argent is laced with the essence of orchard fruit, brioche, dried flowers and chamomile. The higher %age of Semillon, along with the natural personality of the vintage, produced a softer style for this wine than some past vintages. I would prefer to drink the 2014 sooner rather than later. Antonio Galloni.
WA 88 (3/2017): The 2014 Blanc, 57% Sauvignon Blanc and 43% Semillon, was bottled one year earlier (September 2015); it has a fresh grapefruit and lychee-scented bouquet that is well defined, hints of passion fruit and clementine. The palate is fresh and taut on the entry with crisp acidity, very harmonious and with a tensile finish. It is not the most complex Aile d'Argent that I have encountered, but it should drink well over the next decade. |
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| Les Pagodes de Cos |
2020 |
Bordeaux Blanc (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$460.99 |
5 |
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|
| Pavillon Blanc du Chateau Margaux |
2022 |
Margaux (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,176.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
| Ch. de Rayne-Vigneau |
2017 |
Sauternes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$466.99 |
1 |
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JS 92-93 (4/2018): A very sweet center palate to this medium- to full-bodied Sauternes, which shows dried-pineapple and -mango character. Hints of spices and dried fruit on the finish.
JD 91-94 (4/2018): A rich, powerful Sauternes, the 2017 Château de Rayne Vigneau sports a slightly deeper gold color as well as a ripe, honeyed, pedal-to-the-metal bouquet of caramelized white fruits, brioche, and spice. Thick, powerful, and opulent on the palate, it’s another impressive sweet wine from the vintage. |
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| Ch. Rieussec |
2008 |
Sauternes (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$748.99 |
1 |
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| WA 93 (12/2011): Tasted single blind against its peers. The Chateau Rieussec 2008 should become an excellent Sauternes for the vintage. It has a floral bouquet with peach, tinned apricot and a touch of marmalade, all with fine delineation, and touches of lemon curd developing with aeration. The palate is mellifluous on the entry, with great depth and a luscious, vanillary note with hints of orange peel, marmalade and quince towards the long finish. Excellent. |
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| Ch. Suduiraut |
2015 |
Sauternes (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$266.99 |
2 |
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| Ch. d' Yquem |
2011 |
Sauternes (3.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,441.99 |
3 |
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JS 98 (1/2014): Crazy minerality to this, with lots of dried mango, pineapple and papaya on the nose. Botrytis-spice and nutmeg undertones. Full body, very sweet, with superb depth of fruit and richness. It goes on for minutes. Turns dense and concentrated on the palate. Speechless. Better in 2019.
VM 98 (7/2014): Luminous golden yellow. Cool, pure aromas of white peach, honeyed mango, guava nectar, white flowers and saffron are complicated by elements of crushed stone and spicy lemony botrytis. Suave and intensely flavored, with mineral-spiced apple, mango, passion fruit and grapefruit flavors offering Outstanding purity, precision, and depth. The brisk but harmonious acidity gives this great Sauternes a penetrating quality and provides a powerful spine to the very deep flavors, making it seem less opulent than it really is. This Yquem has the depth of the 2007 but boasts even greater purity and focus. Finishes bright and extremely long, with repeating suggestions of white flowers and lemony botrytis. Though it lacks the depth of the 2001 or the opulence of the 2009 at a similar stage of development, this is one of my favorite young Yquems ever: it will age spectacularly well.
WA 96 (3/2014): Served from an ex-chateau bottle. Bottled in October 2013, the 2011 Chateau d’Yquem is reticent at first, a little stage fright perhaps. It soon recovers and offers gorgeous scents with fresh white peach, nectarine and fresh apricot that are beautifully defined, although there is a veneer of new oak that will need to be subsumed. The palate is well-balanced with superb structure. There is a light spiciness here with great symmetry, and although there is not the persistency of a top flight Yquem, it has a penetration that is compelling. |
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|
2014 |
Ygrec "Y" du Yquem Bordeaux Superieur (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$555.99 |
1 |
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| WA 93 (6/2016): The 2014 Ygrec is a blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Semillon with seven grams per liter of residual sugar. It has an attractive nose with scents of nettle, dandelion, gooseberry and grass clippings, the Semillon taking a back seat to the Sauvignon Blanc at the moment. The palate is very well balanced with the 20% new oak nicely integrated (the remainder is matured in two-year-old Yquem barrels). It is very refined with lovely passion fruit and kumquat notes towards the second half where finally the Semillon makes its presence felt, with touches of brioche and lemongrass developing in the glass. What a gorgeous Ygrec. |
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| | Burgundy Red |
| Dom. Marquis d' Angerville |
2019 |
Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Ducs (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,131.99 |
1 |
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|
| Dom. du Comte Armand |
2010 |
Pommard 1er Cru Clos des Epeneaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$889.98 |
1 |
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WA 93-95 (2/2012): I tasted the 2010 Pommard Clos des Epeneaux from three separate lots (corresponding to different vine ages and soils within the Clos) and then in an approximate blend. The 2010 is notable for its energy and sheer class. There is a weightless elegance to the 2010 that is quite striking. The 2010 isn’t as boisterous as it can be, but this is an approximate blend, so we will have to see what happens once the wine is in bottle. In some ways, the separate lots are more exciting than the approximate blend, so there is plenty of potential. Readers who appreciate the focused, taut side of Burgundy will find much to admire. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030.
VM 92-95 (2/2012): (I tasted the various elements of this wine, then an approximate blend; winemaker Benjamin Leroux now vinifies several cuvees by geology rather than age of vines): Good bright medium red. Captivating, highly complex aromas of redcurrant, raspberry, cherry, spices, orange zest, flowers, licorice, menthol and vanillin oak (40% new). Silky-sweet but with lovely energy and vinosity. Very suave in texture, expanding impressively on the back half and saturating the mouth with fruit and soil flavors. This classy, pliant wine shows superb balance and finishes with building, subtle length. The bottling won't take place until April, at the earliest. Incidentally, Leroux destems all of this fruit, as he believes vinification with a percentage of whole clusters makes more sense for delicate wines that need a bit more mid-palate oomph. Nor is he enamored with the idea of bottling the oldest vines bottled on their own, as he believes this wine would still be too tannic and hard when the tertiary aromas arrive after 10 or 15 years in bottle.
BH 92-95 (4/2012): ( the 5+ ha Clos is composed of approximately 80% Petits Epenots and 20% Grands Epenots; the vine ages run from 18 to 75+ years of age. The 2010 Clos des Epeneaux is segregated into several different cuvees based on vineyard location and will then be blended in varying proportions. The tasting note that follows is based upon a sample that should reasonably resemble the final blend) The combined cuvees revealed an exceptionally fresh combination of pure and quite elegant red cherry and raspberry aromas liberally laced with warm earth and iron nuances. There is really lovely purity to the gorgeously well-detailed, intense and muscular medium weight plus flavors that brim with dry extract and a caressing mouth feel before terminating in a mouth coating and explosively long finish. This is relentlessly persistent with Outstanding depth on the palate staining finish. Terrific. Drink 2022+. Don't Miss! Outstanding! |
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| Olivier Bernstein |
2020 |
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru (3.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,226.99 |
2 |
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| |
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| Dom. Berthaut Gerbet |
2023 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,997.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
| Dom. Bonneau du Martray |
2020 |
Corton Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,876.99 |
1 |
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2021 |
Corton Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,745.99 |
1 |
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2022 |
Corton Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,356.99 |
1 |
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|
| Bouchard Pere et Fils |
2005 |
Bonnes Mares Grand Cru
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$911.99 |
3 |
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2016 |
Bonnes Mares Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,811.99 |
1 |
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VM 93-96 (1/2018): (a normal year for Bonnes-Mares, with the same crop level as in 2015; aging in one-third new oak): Dark red with ruby tones. Wonderfully sweet, sappy scents of black raspberry and spicecake. Fat, creamy and full but with lovely inner-mouth tension and lift to the complex, explosive flavors of black raspberry and flowers. I find this much more vibrant and delineated than the 2015 version. The slow-building whiplash of a finish displays noble tannins and building sweetness. Like some other examples of 2016 Bonnes-Mares, this wine transcends its vintage. Stephen Tanzer.
BH 93-96 (4/2018): (from a .24 ha mix of terres rouges and terres blanches but with a bit more of the former.) Here the oak isn't shy though it's not as intrusive as it is in some of the wines as it doesn't dominate the dark pinot fruit that is cut with plenty of earth and spice nuances plus and a hint of the sauvage. There is a seductive mouth feel to the round and velvety full-bodied flavors that brim with an abundance of dry extract while delivering superb depth and persistence on the very firmly structured finale. Once again, patience is strongly advised. Drink 2036+. Don't miss! |
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| Dom. Sylvain Cathiard |
2022 |
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru en Orveaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,251.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
| Vincent Dancer |
2023 |
Pommard Les Perrieres (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$479.99 |
1 |
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|
| Joseph Drouhin |
2005 |
Bonnes Mares Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,726.98 |
1 |
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BH 96 (4/2007): A spicy, ripe and pure nose of floral red pinot fruit and rose petals possesses nuances of menthol, earth and a slight whiff of the sauvage that can also be found on the rich, serious and powerful big-bodied flavors that are sleekly muscled and very firmly structured yet they remain balanced, cool and harmonious on the monumentally long finish. This seems less structured than it really is as the abundant sap renders them less prominent if not invisible. While 15 to 20 years should see this at its apogee, this will still be alive and well at 50 years of age. Drink: 2020+
WA 92 (6/2007): Black raspberry with horehound aromas in Drouhin’s 2005 Bonnes Mares lead to a sappy, intense palate of black raspberry and pungent herbal essence with notes of caramel and cocoa, and to a finish of persistent fruit intensity. Here is another of those cases where imposing richness coexists with bright, indeed almost electrically energetic fresh fruit intensity. This lacks the riveting complexity of the best wines here today but will be a force to reckon with in 8-10 years.
VM 90-93 (4/2007): Medium red. Spicy aromas of briary red berries and blueberry, wild herbs, mocha and pepper. Concentrated, powerful and tight, with a medicinal cast and noteworthy energy to the vibrant flavors of briary berries, herbs and spices. Conveys an impression of firm acidity: this is all about energy and thrust today. Finishes firmly tannic and tight, in need of a good eight to ten years of bottle aging. This could hardly be more different in style from the comparatively creamy Amoureuses. |
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|
2015 |
Clos de la Roche Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,894.99 |
1 |
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2019 |
Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,619.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
| Dom. Dujac |
2005 |
Bonnes Mares Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$7,048.98 |
1 |
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| BH 96 (1/2008): A surprisingly expressive and high-toned nose of blue, black and violet aromas trimmed in touches of smoke, earth and wood precede the supple and exceptionally fresh flavors that are detailed, textured, serious and powerful with huge underlying reserves of material and along with the RSV, the longest finale of the group. This displays the youthful, indeed almost cool austerity one would expect from a classically structured Bonnes Mares and should age effortlessly yet it is not so firmly structured that it will be unapproachable young. In a word, brilliant. Drink 2019+. |
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2022 |
Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,706.99 |
1 |
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| Dom. Faiveley |
2011 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,476.99 |
2 |
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BH 92-94 (1/2013): (blended from 3 separate parcels). An attractively complex and unusually refined nose speaks of red currant, kirsch, soft earth and a hint of wood spice. There is a refined mouth feel to the larger-scaled flavors thanks to the fine grain of the ripe and well-integrated tannins on the mildly austere and impressively long, indeed even explosive finish. This is terrific and the backend offers the same excellent depth the nose promises. Lovely stuff. Drink 2026+.
VM 90-93 (2/2013): Good bright, deep red. Cherry, rose petal, mocha and game on the nose, plus a hint of metallic minerality. Dense, sappy and youthfully tight; less expansive today than the Echezeaux and more peppery too. Has a serious spine for aging but seems a tad dry in the early going. |
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| Dom. Henri Gouges |
2015 |
Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Les Chaignots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$592.98 |
1 |
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WA 92-94 (12/2016): The 2015 Nuits Saint Georges 1er Cru Les Chaignots has a generous, lively bouquet with dark cherries, a hint of blackcurrant and cold stone - very defined with good fruite. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe red cherry and cranberry fruit. It possesses an agreeable sense of reserve towards the second half: more structured with grainy tannins and a chalkiness lingering on the aftertaste. Mugneret-Gibourg aside, Les Chaignots does get better than this. This is an Outstanding effort.
VM 90-92 (1/2017): (also recently racked): Healthy medium red. Spicier on the nose than the basic village offering, conveying scents of red fruits, earth, chocolate and dried flowers. Lovely spicy, saline wine with red and darker fruit flavors framed by harmonious acidity. Slightly rustic in a Nuits way but with noteworthy concentration. Distinctly more tannic and structured than the village offering. The Gouges have been reducing the yields in this vineyard in recent years by forcing the roots deeper. Gregory Gouges noted that the 50% of these vines that were planted in 1985 are quite vigorous and have a natural tendency to overproduce. But the yield in 2015 was a low 26 hectoliters per hectare. Stephen Tanzer.
BH 90-92 (1/2017): (from 30+ year old vines.) Mild reduction doesn't completely mask the clearly ripe dark berry fruit liqueur-like aromas that are laced with earth and spice elements. There is good energy to the precise and sleek middle weight flavors that possess lovely depth on the dusty and firm but not rustic finale. Drink 2023+. |
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| Dom. Jean Grivot |
2011 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,352.99 |
3 |
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| |
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| Dom. Robert Groffier |
2023 |
Bonnes Mares Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,777.99 |
4 |
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2023 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Hauts Doix (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,396.99 |
4 |
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| |
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| Louis Jadot |
2016 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Fuees Domaine Louis Jadot (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$784.99 |
1 |
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2017 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Fuees Domaine Louis Jadot (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$732.99 |
2 |
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| Dom. Francois Lamarche |
2005 |
Echezeaux Grand Cru |
$279 |
1 |
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2005 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru |
$195 |
3 |
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| VM 91 (3/2008): Good full red. Pungent aromas of cherry, menthol and nutty oak. Sweet, concentrated red fruit flavors are intensified by underlying minerality, giving the wine a real palate-staining quality. A dry, broad wine with a light touch in spite of its strength of material. Stephen Tanzer. |
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|
2005 |
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru les Chaumes |
$195 |
3 |
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| |
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| Dom. des Lambrays |
2017 |
Clos des Lambrays Grand Cru |
$329 |
3 |
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| |
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| Dominique Laurent |
2004 |
Echezeaux Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,661.99 |
2 |
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| Dom. Leroy |
2013 |
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru Les Beaux Monts (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$71,081.99 |
1 |
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| Dom. Meo-Camuzet |
2023 |
Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Aux Boudots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,379.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Dom. Ponsot |
2016 |
Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,716.99 |
1 |
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| Dom. Jacques Prieur |
2015 |
Musigny Grand Cru
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$851.99 |
3 |
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2020 |
Le Chambertin Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,873.99 |
1 |
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| |
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|
2021 |
Le Chambertin Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,876.99 |
1 |
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| |
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|
2022 |
Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,534.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
| Dom. Prieure-Roch |
2020 |
Nuits St. Georges Clos des Corvees (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,735.99 |
2 |
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| Dom. Georges Roumier |
2009 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Amoureuses (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$47,843.99 |
1 |
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|
2010 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Cras (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$19,704.99 |
1 |
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VM 93 (4/2013): Good bright, full red. Perfumed nose and palate offer very pure raspberry, smoke, minerals and sexy soil tones. Sweet, ripe and utterly suave, showing excellent concentration and intensity but also an exhilarating impression of weightlessness. Classic 2010 style, showing lovely refinement, a light touch, sweet tannins and terrific lingering perfume.
BH 93 (1/2013): (From a 1.75 ha parcel of vines averaging 35 to 40 years of age). An ultra-fresh, cool, airy and admirably pure nose features crystal clear and transparent red pinot fruit and essence of stone. This is a bit firmer than the Combottes with even more evident minerality on the delicious, focused and beautifully well-delineated flavors that terminate in a precise, long, linear and palate staining finish. Terrific and worth a special search to find though be aware that this youthfully austere effort will required extended cellaring. Drink 2022+. Outstanding!
WA 91-93 (2/2012): The 2010 Chambolle-Musigny Les Cras comes across as delicate and finely knit in this vintage. The hard, firm tannins that are at times present are nowhere to be found. A beautifully expressive, knock-out bouquet melds into a finely knit fabric of red berries. The tannins feel like satin on the caressing finish. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2030. |
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| Dom. Anne et Herve Sigaut |
2021 |
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Sentiers Vieilles Vignes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$827.99 |
10 |
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| |
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| Dom. Taupenot Merme |
2023 |
Gevrey Chambertin (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$600.99 |
10 |
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| |
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| Dom. Jean & Jean Louis Trapet |
2021 |
Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru La Petite Chapelle (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,094.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
| | Burgundy White |
| Maison Henri Boillot |
2022 |
Le Montrachet Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$5,876.98 |
1 |
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| |
BH 97 (6/2024): There is a subtle exotic character to the jasmine tea, dried herb, orange peel, anise and eucalyptus-suffused nose. The sleek, precise and borderline painfully intense flavors aren't quite as imposing as the of the Bâtard (see Domaine Boillot) but they are notably finer with seemingly an unending reserve of dry extract that buffers the very firm acid spine on the massively long finish. This is a superb Montrachet to basically buy and forget you own it for at least a decade and it wouldn't surprise me if this beauty needed all of 15 years to reach its full potential. Brilliant. Drink 2034+. Don't miss!
VM 95-97 (1/2024): The 2022 Montrachet Grand Cru, from the Puligny side, is an elegant, energetic white rendered with a light hand. Hints of lemon confit, spice, white flowers, crushed rocks and white pepper infuse the Montrachet with striking aromatic presence. It's all refinement and class in this stylish, wonderfully appealing Montrachet from Henri Boillot. Neal Martin. |
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|
2023 |
Le Montrachet Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$5,876.98 |
2 |
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| JM 95-98 (10/2024): Mid lemon colour. Discreet but majestic nose. No problem with at all. So many threads on the palate, one greener which lifts it, but the individual fruits should not be singled out – nectarine, passion fruit without excess, a broad base of your favourite apple, lean and sinewy but entirely compelling. Drink from 2031-2040. |
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| Dom. Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey |
2023 |
St. Aubin 1er Cru en Remilly (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,619.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Dom. Rene & Vincent Dauvissat |
2023 |
Chablis (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,528.99 |
5 |
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| Louis Jadot |
2020 |
Batard Montrachet Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,303.99 |
2 |
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| Dom. Comte Lafon |
2023 |
Meursault 1er Cru Goutte d’Or (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,875.99 |
1 |
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| |
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| Dom. Leflaive |
2020 |
Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Les Combettes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,022.99 |
1 |
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2022 |
Bourgogne Blanc (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$956.99 |
10 |
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| BH 87-90 (6/2024): A very pretty nose freely reveals its aromas of apple, pear and lemon rind. The succulent, delicious and appealingly vibrant middleweight flavors possess a relatively refined texture while displaying fine depth and length for a wine of this level. The 20% addition of young vines from upper-level vineyards clearly helps and overall, this is excellent. |
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| Dom. Jacques Prieur |
2022 |
Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,823.99 |
1 |
|
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| Dom. Francois Raveneau |
2023 |
Chablis 1er Cru Foret (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,095.99 |
1 |
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| Etienne Sauzet |
2020 |
Puligny Montrachet (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$792.99 |
1 |
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| |
| WA 91 (1/2023): The 2020 Puligny-Montrachet Village bursts with aromas of pear, white flowers and orange oil. Medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy, with racy acids and a long, saline finish, it has turned out very well. |
|
| | Champagne |
| Billecart-Salmon |
NV |
Brut Rose Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$534.99 |
5 |
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| |
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| Dom Perignon |
2002 |
Rose Champagne |
$500 |
3 |
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WA 98 (11/2012): Unfortunately there is only one new release from Dom Perignon on the market, but what a wine it is! The 2002 Brut Rose explodes from the glass with endless layers of huge, voluptuous fruit, A big, full-bodied wine, the 2002 is probably the most overly vinous, intense Rose ever made by long-time Chef de Caves Richard Geoffroy. Layers of cool, insistent minerality balance the fruit beautifully on the crystalline, vivid finish. The 2002 will be nearly impossible to resist young, but take my word for it; the wine is extremely closed right now. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2032.
VM 95 (12/2013): Bright orange-pink. A heady, intensely perfumed bouquet evokes candied red berries, blood orange, rose oil and buttered toast, with vibrant mineral and Asian spice nuances adding complexity; smells like a high-class red Burgundy from one of the high-rent Chambolle neighborhoods. Sappy, penetrating raspberry and bitter cherry flavors gain sweetness with air, with notes of orange marmalade and succulent herbs adding complexity. Clings with superb intensity on the smoky, minerally, floral finish. |
|
|
2009 |
Brut Rose Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,257.99 |
6 |
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VM 98 (3/2024): The 2009 Dom Pérignon Rosé is tremendous. Rich, creamy and ample, the 2009 impresses with its sheer radiance, the signature of the year. Kirsch, orange peel, mint, spice and cedar all build in the glass. Silky, plush contours wrap it all together. The 2009 is a pretty overt Rosé, but the energy and brightness of Champagne are never far away. Antonio Galloni.
WA 95 (10/2023): In comparison to the charming, pure 2008 Dom Pérignon Rosé, the 2009 Dom Pérignon Rosé possesses a ripe, dense bouquet with aromas of dark berries, licorice, dried white flowers, toast and pastry, enhanced by delicate, racy smoky hints. Full-bodied, broad and rich, it’s dense and phenolic due to the approximately 15% still red wine sourced from grapes planted in the villages of Hautvilliers, Aÿ and Bouzy, culminating in a protracted, sapid and chalky finish. Although already thoroughly enjoyable, it should age well over the next 10 years. This blend of 56% Pinot Noir and 44% Chardonnay was disgorged in March 2022 with a dosage of five grams per liter. |
|
| Krug |
N.V. |
Brut Grande Cuvee 169th Edition Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,444.98 |
1 |
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NV |
Brut Grande Cuvee 169th Edition Champagne (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,753.99 |
5 |
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| Larmandier-Bernier |
2014 |
Les Chemins d’Avize Champagne (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,225.98 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Moet & Chandon |
2013 |
Brut Grand Vintage Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$407.99 |
10 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (3/2021): Disgorged with five grams per liter dosage, Moët's 2013 Extra Brut Grand Vintage is a real success, wafting from the glass with aromas of pear, fresh bread, Meyer lemon, nougat and white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, chiseled and fine-boned, with an enveloping core of bright, vibrant fruit and a pretty pinpoint mousse, it concludes with a precise, penetrating finish. Incisive but not austere, it's an impressive effort, reflecting good levels of maturity in this cool, late harvest. It's as fine a rendition of this cuvee as I can remember tasting. |
|
| Philipponnat |
2014 |
Clos des Goisses Brut Champagne (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$715.99 |
5 |
|
| |
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| Pol Roger |
2013 |
Cuvee Winston Churchill Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,447.99 |
1 |
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| |
|
| Jacques Selosse |
NV |
Lieux-Dits Collection Assortment Case Extra Brut Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$5,898.99 |
1 |
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NV |
Blanc de Blancs Substance Champagne (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$5,648.99 |
1 |
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WA 96 (12/2009): The NV Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Substance is 100% Chardonnay from Avize made Solera-style, with vintages dating back to 1987. The December 4, 2008 disgorgement is a rich, liqueur-like wine endowed with layers of roasted nuts, honey, licorice, dried apricots, tobacco and spices. As is often the case, the Substance presents a fascinating combination of the old and the new. The aromas and flavors are that of a wine with age, but the mousse is impeccably fresh. This is a fascinating, contemplative Champagne, and while it can be a difficult wine to grasp, Substance is also incredibly rewarding. Disgorged: December 4, 2008. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2014.
VM 94 (11/2008): Copper-hued gold. Brooding pear, rose and blond tobacco aromas gain freshness with air, taking a turn to white flowers and dusty minerals. Firm, tightly wound orchard and pit fruit flavors are sweetened by brown butter and candied licorice. The floral notes repeat emphatically on the finish, which simply refuses to let up. This wine is completely from Avize and the blend (Selosse referred to it as a solera) was started with the 1986 vintage. |
|
| | Chile |
| Casa Lapostolle |
2014 |
Clos Apalta (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$655.99 |
1 |
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| |
| WA 93 (10/2018): The 2014 Clos Apalta is composed of 48% Carmenère, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot and has lots of tannins and some astringency. It really suffers when compared with the 2015, which feels longer and has a different quality of tannins, but I prefer both to the 2013. This matured in 100% new French oak barrels for 26 months. 62,388 bottles were filled in June 2016. |
|
| | Germany |
| Weingut Hermann Donnhoff |
2007 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Auslese (12x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$761.99 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 98 (9/2009): Incredible nose of candied orange peel, preserved ginger and honeysuckle with a touch of wet pebbles. The palate is packed with minerals and spiced fruits. A high level of lively acidity perfectly balances the seductive sweetness. Very long, minerally finish.
VM 94 (2/2009): Rich golden yellow. Passion fruit, a floral nuance and a bit of licorice on the nose. Pineapple and honey give way to brisk spicy acidity on the palate. A well-balanced, vivid auslese that finishes smoky and long, with an almost salty minerality. |
|
| | Italy |
| Elio Altare |
2001 |
Barolo Brunate Bin-Soiled Label |
$159 |
1 |
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| |
WA 95 (10/2006): Altare’s 2001 Barolo Brunate adds one more layer of complexity, with notes of licorice, eucalyptus and menthol on the nose, flavors of dark cherries and plums, and softer, more elegant tannins than the Arborina. There is much evolution in the glass and this exquisite wine offers a never-ending finish. It is a superb effort that is consistently among the very finest wines of the region. With a tiny production of around 1,800 bottles Altare’s Brunate is surely one of Italy’s top cult wines. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2021.
VM 94+ (12/2004): Deep, bright red. Very subtle, highly aromatic nose combines kirsch, mocha, tobacco, dried flowers and a minty coolness. Then wonderfully sweet and elegant, with mint and mineral notes contributing to the impression of definition and lift. Very lush, slow-mounting finish features big but fine-grained tannins and superb length. Altare has always modestly described his Arborina (he has now worked this vineyard for 38 years, including the years he helped his father) as the equivalent of a Burgundy premier cru, but this Brunate has grand cru texture and class. |
|
|
2001 |
Barolo Vigneto Arborina |
$179 |
2 |
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| |
|
| Piero Antinori |
2010 |
Solaia (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,264.96 |
4 |
|
| |
VM 98 (12/2013): In this context, it is obvious why the 2010 is the greatest Solaia ever made. The 2010 has it all; expressive aromatics, wonderfully nuanced fruit and tons of supporting structure. The 2010 has been magnificent since I started tasting the component wines in 2011. Not that it is in bottle, it is every bit as stunning as I had hoped. Readers will not want to miss this towering masterpiece from the Antinori family. Ideally, the 2010 should be cellared until at least age ten. This mesmerizing, wonderfully complete Solaia represents the height of finesse Antinori started to achieve with the 2004. In time, the 2010 will be recognized as one of the all-time legendary Solaias. Actually, it already is. I can't think of a better wine with which to wrap up this monumental, truly once-in-a-lifetime tasting.
JS 98 (11/2013): A triumph for Solaia: it suggests the greatness of the legendary 1997. This is a wine with very subtle, complex aromas and flavours of currants, licorice and raspberries. Wonderful nose. Full body with ultra-fine tannins and a long, long finish. It lasts for minutes on the palate. The precision of the cabrenet sauvignon comes through here. Better in 2016.
WA 97 (8/2013): The 2010 Solaia puts on an incredible show that hits all the senses and keeps your unyielding attention for as long as there is wine in the bottle. There are various ways to describe the bouquet. First, is the wine’s sweet side, as this beautiful 75-20-5 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc delivers ripe cherry, black currant, baking spice and dark chocolate. After that, the wine becomes redolent of tobacco, balsam, bay leaf, rum cake and dark licorice. The bouquet is all encompassing and complete. A firmly structured backbone is padded generously by the fleshy richness of its consistency. This is a gorgeous wine that will age for decades. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2040.
VM 93+ (9/2014): (75% cabernet sauvignon, 20% sangiovese and 5% cabernet franc): Good dark ruby. Black cherry, blackcurrant, chocolate, fresh herbs and smoky oak on the nose and palate. Highly concentrated, silky and sweet, but also quite taut and energetic in the mouth, displaying perfectly integrated acidity and polished tannins. The subtle, slowly expanding finish features captivating lingering sweetness. Still very youthful: I'd forget about this wine in the cellar for another eight to ten years. |
|
|
2010 |
Tignanello (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,411.98 |
4 |
|
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| VM 96 (8/2013): Antinori's 2010 Tignanello is stunning, as it has been since I started tasting the component wines in 2011. Firm yet sweet, silky tannins form the backbone for this gorgeous, vivid wine. Dark red cherries, plums, cloves, mint and sage inform a Tignanello that impresses for its delineation, nuance and power. Clean, saline notes support the mineral-drenched finish. The 2010 isn't huge, but rather is a vertical wine endowed with tremendous energy and vibrancy. I can't remember a Tignanello with this much crystalline tension and pure energy. Simply put, the 2010 Tignanello is a magnificent, towering wine from Antinori. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2017 |
Solaia (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$734.99 |
1 |
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| |
JS 97 (8/2020): Extremely aromatic with sage, lavender, blackberries and currants. Full-bodied with chewy and very polished tannins that melt into the wine. Foursquare and slightly austere. Fresh and well framed. A wine that needs five to six years to soften and come together completely. Try after 2025.
VM 95+ (8/2019): Just bottled, the 2017 Solaia is naturally going to need time to come together. Even in the early going, though, it shows all the richness and opulence that is typical of the year, with terrific aromatic expansiveness and tons of persistence. I can't wait to taste it with a bit more time in bottle. Antonio Galloni.
WA 95 (8/2020): The Marchesi Antinori 2017 Solaia offers a uniquely floral personality with wild rose and lilac that comes as a surprise, especially if you are expecting the more robust and opulent dark fruit associated with this vintage. To use a word that is popular now, the aromas are absolutely lifted. This is a bouquet-driven wine, showing great oak choices that are synergistic with the light and considerably thinner palate. Dried or pressed flowers cede to cherry, blueberry, some red meat char and a light touch of cinnamon. My impression is that the dry extract from the oak ultimately plays a bigger role in the overall flavor profile, preserving its red fruit core nevertheless. The wine is very accessible in terms of mouthfeel, showing a comparatively thinner and shorter approach. With more time in the glass, it offers some of the white soil dust that is a standard Solaia signature. It will be released the first week of September. |
|
| G.B. Burlotto |
2018 |
Barolo Vigneto Cannubi (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,704.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Cerbaiona |
2020 |
Brunello di Montalcino (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,053.99 |
10 |
|
| |
|
| San Filippo |
2018 |
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Le Lucere (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,053.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Fuligni |
2020 |
Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$351.99 |
20 |
|
| |
|
| Elio Grasso |
2018 |
Barolo Gavarini Chiniera (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$186.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Barolo Gavarini Chiniera (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$592.96 |
5 |
|
| |
JD 98 (5/2023): The 2019 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera is just superb, with layers of pure fruits and spices interwoven with vibrant cherry liqueur, candied roses, incense, and baking spice. Harmonious and balanced from the start, it offers ripe tannins, a seamless spine of fresh acidity, and fantastic length that leaves me wanting more. As it opens, it reveals more nuanced notes of apricot and saline earth. An outstanding medium to full-bodied red, this is one to cellar for a few years, as it has a ways to go before its full spectrum is revealed. Drink 2026-2050. Audrey Frick.
WA 97 (8/2023): With vines adjacent to forests on white chalky soils, the Elio Grasso 2019 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera is a luminous and very beautiful wine. Vintner Gianluca Grasso called this "the helicopter vintage" because he actually rented a helicopter to fly over the vines for 45 minutes to dry them from rain right before harvest. As he tells it, this was a costly but good decision because 15 minutes after he finished harvesting on October 26, heavy rain came and lasted an entire week. Thanks to these dramatic measures, the grape skins were excellent, and maceration with submerged cap lasted 55 days. That's how perfect the skins were. This balanced wine shows extreme precision and elegance.
VM 96 (1/2023): The 2019 Barolo Gavarini Chiniera is classically austere and just gorgeous right out of the gate. Soaring aromatics and fine, sculpted fruit race out of the glass. Crushed rose petal, cinnamon, orange peel and mint are all beautifully delineated. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2019 is going to need years to be at its best, yet it has that embryonic inner sweetness that characterizes the very finest wines here. Superb. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Isole e Olena |
2019 |
Cepparello (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$665.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Collezione de Marchi Cabernet Sauvignon (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$761.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Le Macchiole |
2010 |
Messorio IGT (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,129.99 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 96 (8/2013): The 2010 Messorio boasts stunning depth and richness. Over the last few months, the 2010 has found a new level of finesse that wasn't apparent earlier this year. Hints of dark cherry, plum, cloves and tar flesh out on the huge, powerful finish. Although the 2010 is years away from offering its finest drinking, its class and personality are impossible to miss. Patience will be a virtue.
JS 96 (11/2013): A wine with great structure and muscular tone. It is full-bodied with chewy tannins that remain polished and very pretty. The length and fruit are fantastic; it goes on for minutes. Pure merlot. Better in 2016.
WA 95 (8/2013): The 2010 Messorio will shed its baby fat and some of those pronounced oak tones as it unwinds in the cellar. This is an expertly crafted Merlot that offers so much in terms of charm, intensity and finesse. The opulence of its dark fruit and black cherry is offset against lingering tones of spice and leather. You'll need to wait a bit. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. |
|
| Il Marroneto |
2021 |
Brunello di Montalcino Madonna delle Grazia (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,272.98 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Bartolo Mascarello |
2015 |
Barolo (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,619.99 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 97 (2/2020): The 2015 Barolo is outrageously beautiful. Best of all, it will drink well with minimal cellaring. Rich, sumptuous and super-expressive, the 2015 is such a showy and expressive wine. Bright red cherry, red plum, blood orange, mint, star anise and dried flowers are all given an extra kick of textural richness in this flashy, exceptionally ripe Barolo. I loved it. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Montevertine |
2022 |
Le Pergole Torte Toscana IGT (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,575.99 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Tenuta dell' Ornellaia |
2011 |
Ornellaia (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,344.98 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 97 (9/2014): Another dark, intense wine, the 2011 Ornellaia boasts superb depth, richness and power. Here, too, the 2011 has tightened up quite a bit over the last six months. Today, the searing tannins are quite prominent, giving the 2011 an element of gravitas and muscle that argues for cellaring. How long? I am not sure, but the 2011 is built for the long haul. Savory herbs, new leather, menthol and cloves resonate on the huge finish.
JS 94 (10/2014): This shows incredible concentration with dark-berry, dark-chocolate, mint and rosemary character. Full body with a superb depth of fruit and polished tannins. It's chewy but caressing. This needs at least four or five years to come around. Powerful and intense. Yet it remains fresh and bright.
WA 94 (10/2014): The 2011 Bolgheri Superiore Ornellaia lives up to the legacy of this important wine, thanks to its extreme intensity and its skillfully crafted bouquet. The excellent quality of fruit stands clear, despite the heat of the vintage, with pristine notes of dark cherry, exotic spice and chocolate. This expression of Ornellaia is composed of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. The results are nothing short of exuberant and this vintage will reward both those who decided to drink it early, as well as those who have the patience to wait. The only slight ruffle in this otherwise gorgeous presentation is the 2011 tannin that feels a touch aggressive. For that reason, its probably better to put the wine aside in your cellar. |
|
|
2014 |
Le Serre Nuove (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$572.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Le Serre Nuove (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$233.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Castello Dei Rampolla |
2019 |
Sammarco (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$188.99 |
12 |
|
| |
WA 96 (9/2023): A blend of (organic and biodynamic) Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese, the 2019 Sammarco is more austere and even robust compared to the punchier style prized throughout this portfolio. This is a firmly grounded wine, with a bigger baseline of aromas, spanning black fruit, baked plum, spice, tobacco and crushed limestone. You feel the natural concentration of the 2019 vintage and beautifully managed tannins in this wine. This is a release of 25,837 bottles and 292 magnums.
VM 94 (8/2023): The 2019 Sammarco is a very pretty, elegant wine with gorgeous aromatic intensity from the Cabernet Sauvignon that makes up the majority of the blend this year. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar, mint, dried cherry, incense and crushed leaves lend notable aromatic presence to this young, nascent Sammarco. Time in the glass brings out striking inner perfume and sweetness. In 2019, Sammarco is more finesse than power. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Roagna |
2013 |
Barolo La Pira (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$913.99 |
6 |
|
| |
VM 95 (10/2018): The 2013 Barolo Pira is dark and powerful to its core. Deceptive in its mid-weight structure, the 2013 is all nerves and muscle. Iron, blood, smoke, cedar, smoke and licorice give the 2013 much of its super-distinctive flavor profile. In the glass, the 2013 is wonderfully deep and exotic, with layers of dimension that open up effortlessly over time. Readers will have to be patient with the 2013, but it is hugely promising. Sadly, prices for the Roagna wines have gone up dramatically in recent years. If there is one wine that readers should absolutely not miss, it is the 2013 Barolo Pira. Antonio Galloni. Drink 2023-2038.
WA 93 (6/2019): The 2013 Barolo Pira sees fruit sourced from a five-hectare plot (with 16,800 bottles made). The Pira vineyard is Roagna’s home-base parcel and is the biggest single vineyard the family cultivates in the Barolo appellation. Pira is easy to recognize in terms of bouquet, thanks to those distinctive aromas of dried rose petal and balsam herb that lift gently from the bouquet. Due to long maceration times, which are the norm here at Roagna, the wine’s color shows medium intensity, but that color should be fixed and stable over the long haul because any remaining material in suspension has since fallen out, thanks to the slow fermentation process. This wine delivers evident structure and a touch of rawness or naked nerve that underlines the wine’s young age (and, consequently, its long future aging potential). Dark fruit and a touch of sweet spice add volume to the finish. |
|
| Livio Sassetti |
2013 |
Brunello di Montalcino Pertimali (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$497.99 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (4/2018): Dark red-ruby. Camphor, mint and blueberry on the nose. Then refined flavors of red berries, dried herbs and quinine that display a steely, linear quality. Very clean Brunello of early appeal that finishes long with a bittersweet touch, an air of austerity and a touch of aromatic herbs. Lovely Brunello. Ian d'Agata. |
|
| Tenuta di Trinoro |
2019 |
Trinoro IGT (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,489.99 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 100 (10/2021): This is a stunning wine and one of the best in this report covering the icons of Tuscany. The 2019 Tenuta di Trinoro is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. Fruit is sourced from the very best parcels, and the blending formula changes according to vintage and the style desired by vintner Andrea Franchetti. These vineyard parcels vary in altitude, ranging from 400 to 600 meters above sea level, and the soils are quite varied with pockets of clay, sand and rock. The Trinoro is profoundly deep and pure with a solid core of black fruit that is framed by an elegant contour of spice, tobacco, smoke and crushed stone. To the palate, the wine is long and the finish can be counted in minutes, but the entire experience is beautifully streamlined and velvety. This vintage saw an important freeze event on the 7th of May, and 9,000 fire candles were lit in the lower vineyard blocks to fight off frost damage.
VM 97+ (7/2022): The 2019 Tenuta di Trinoro is a surprisingly reticent wine. That's not a descriptor I find myself reaching for often here, but it seems appropriate. Medium in body and quite nervy, the 2019 is going to need time to come together. The tannins are a bit severe at this stage. And yet there is plenty of Trinoro intensity waiting to emerge. Time brings out hints of dark-fleshed fruit, spice, mocha, licorice and incense. There's plenty to look forward to. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Tua Rita |
2021 |
Syrah (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$503.99 |
10 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Giusto di Notri Rosso Toscana (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$446.99 |
20 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Syrah (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$503.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Valdicava |
2010 |
Brunello di Montalcino Madonna del Piano Riserva (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$446.99 |
2 |
|
| |
JS 100 (11/2016): A wine with superb finesse and depth. So subtle and understated yet powerful and long. The tannin intensity is amazing. It just builds like a massive wave. Superb. Give this time in the bottle. The length is endless. Better in 2018.
WA 95+ (8/2016): Here is a big wine with lofty ambitions and an impactful presentation. The Valdicava 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano hits all the right buttons. The wine shows a profound sense of elegance and poise with subtle berry notes that blend into spice, licorice and tar. Those bright and lively aromatic components fold gracefully within the wine's tight texture, its sheer power and the silky nature of the tannins. This wine promises a long and steady aging future ahead.
VM 93 (2/2016): The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano is a classic Valdicava wine built on power, intensity and depth. Black cherry, smoke, licorice, dark spices and menthol make a strong first impression, followed by huge waves of tannin and acidity that will require at least a few years to settle down. In a part of Montalcino that is known for finesse, the Madonna del Piano is decidedly powerful, concentrated and extracted. Readers will want to give the 2010 a good bit of air, as the Madonna del Piano needs quite a bit of time to open up. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Vietti |
2014 |
Barolo Ravera (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$630.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Loire |
| Edmond Vatan |
2022 |
Sancerre Clos la Neore (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$627.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| | New Zealand |
| Burn Cottage |
2020 |
Central Otago Pinot Noir (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$469.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Other Red |
| Ao Yun (Moet Hennessy) |
2016 |
Shangri-La Cabernet Sauvignon |
$230 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Sadie Family |
2023 |
Columella Proprietary Blend (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$963.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Other White |
| F.X. Pichler |
2006 |
Gruner Veltliner M Smaragd |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Loibner Berg Riesling Smaragd Lightly Nicked Label |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Loibner Steinertal Gruner Veltliner Smaragd |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Port |
| Croft |
2016 |
Port (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$363.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| | Rhone Red |
| Ch. de Beaucastel |
2011 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$486.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (10/2013): Reminiscent of a lighter weight 2009, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape offers up a sweet bouquet of spiced black cherries, plum, truffle, saddle leather and underbrush. Coming from tiny yields (which were down 50% from 2010), this medium to full-bodied 2011 is gorgeously textured and has solid mid-palate depth, terrific purity of fruit and ripe tannin. Relatively approachable and enjoyable even now, it should nevertheless evolve gracefully for 15-20 years. Drink 2015-2031.
VM 91-93 (2/2013): (based on roughly 50% mourvedre this year): Inky ruby. Powerful, expressive aromas of red- and blackcurrant, cherry and licorice, with suave anise and floral overtones. Juicy and precise, with tangy red and dark berry flavors, supple texture and a strong mineral note on the back. Spicy on the finish, which shows very good focus and length. This is impressively elegant and should be drinkable on the young side. |
|
| Dom. Henri Bonneau |
2020 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Marie Beurrier (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,144.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Jean-Louis Chave |
2023 |
St. Joseph (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$609.99 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Clos des Papes |
2023 |
Chateauneuf du Pape (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$602.99 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 99+ (10/2025): The 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape from Clos des Papes is exquisite, wafting from the glass with a captivating bouquet of sweet red berries, iris, dark cherries, menthol, blood orange and flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, layered and textured, it’s denser than usual, with a more pronounced structure and a lovely, fleshy core of fruit. Concluding with an ethereal, saline and weightless finish, this is a strong candidate for wine of the vintage—one that should evolve with grace over the coming years to attain a likely perfect score.
JD 96 (11/2025): Bottled in May and based on 55% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, and the rest a mix of permitted varieties, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape was completely destemmed and brought up entirely in foudre. Its medium ruby hue is followed by a gorgeously complex nose of red and black fruits, Provençal spices, and roasted meats. It's medium to full-bodied, with a seamless, layered, ultra-classy style that will drink beautifully for 20-25 years. Drink 2025-2048.
VM 95 (10/2025): Cassis pastilles, licorice, ripe blackberry, herbal tones and peppery accents introduce the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which was bottled in May 2025. Gently wrapped around smooth tannins with less apparent structure than the preceding 2022 vintage, the 2023 is an open-knit, accessible but ageworthy red Clos des Papes, hitting the palate with boatloads of jammy strawberry flavors. Juicy and smooth, the 2023 is one of the sexiest Clos des Papes in recent history and totally worth the hunt. (Drink between 2027-2045). Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
| Dom. Courbis |
2015 |
Cornas Les Eygats (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$479.98 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Etienne Guigal |
2007 |
Cote Rotie La Mouline
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$551.99 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (8/2014): A big step up, the 2007 Cote Rotie la Mouline boasts serious richness and depth, with a still tight, focused and youthful profile that’s begging for another couple of years in the cellar. Giving up plenty of smoked earth, toast, dried flowers, graphite, chocolate and hints of bacon fat, it’s a masculine version of this cuvee that should start to open up in another 3-4 years, and drink beautifully through 2032.
VM 94 (3/2012): Deep ruby. A highly complex bouquet evokes dark berry preserves, potpourri and cola, with a smoky overtone. Juicy and precise, with penetrating black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors firmed by zesty minerality. Rich but light on its feet, with a bright, focused finish that features suave floral pastille and spice nuances. |
|
|
2007 |
Cote Rotie La Mouline (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,087.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (8/2014): A big step up, the 2007 Cote Rotie la Mouline boasts serious richness and depth, with a still tight, focused and youthful profile that’s begging for another couple of years in the cellar. Giving up plenty of smoked earth, toast, dried flowers, graphite, chocolate and hints of bacon fat, it’s a masculine version of this cuvee that should start to open up in another 3-4 years, and drink beautifully through 2032.
VM 94 (3/2012): Deep ruby. A highly complex bouquet evokes dark berry preserves, potpourri and cola, with a smoky overtone. Juicy and precise, with penetrating black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors firmed by zesty minerality. Rich but light on its feet, with a bright, focused finish that features suave floral pastille and spice nuances. |
|
|
2021 |
Cote Rotie Trilogy Assortment Case (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,167.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Jamet |
2016 |
Cote Rotie (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,210.98 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 96 (9/2019): Deep, lurid purple. Assertive, highly perfumed aromas of fresh blackberry, cherry, Moroccan spices and violet pick up olive and licorice nuances with air. Juicy, energetic and appealingly sweet, offering palate-staining red/blue fruit preserve, spicecake and violet pastille flavors that become deeper as the wine opens up. The floral and mineral notes repeat with gusto on an impressively long, focused finish that features youthfully firm tannins and a touch of bitter chocolate. Josh Raynolds.
JD 94-96 (12/2018): Not yet bottled, the 2016 Côte Rôtie is as fresh, elegant, and classic a Côte Rôtie as you’ll be able to find. Offering medium to full-bodied richness, perfumed aromas and flavors, ultra-fine tannins, and no hard edges, this beauty just glides across the palate and is already almost impossible to resist. Nevertheless, it’s going to be best with 4-5 years or cellaring and evolve nicely for two decades or more.
WA 94 (12/2019): Tasted from 375 milliliters, Jamet's 2016 Cote Rotie is already open and velvety, showing some meaty notes. It's full-bodied, supple and silky, without the bold fruit, raciness and drive of the best years, yet it still delivers plenty of pleasure, from the cassis and blueberry fruit to the savory notes of black olive and espresso and hints of licorice on the long finish. |
|
| Dom. de la Janasse |
2016 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$814.98 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 99 (8/2018): Bottled end of February/early in March, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Chaupin is incredible stuff, and while I suspect it’s the best vintage to date, it’s going to be great comparing it to bottles of the 2005, 2007, 2010, and 2015 over the coming 15+ years. This beauty offers a thrilling blend of kirsch, blackberries, smoked earth, graphite, and licorice on the nose. It's full-bodied, deep, pure, ultra-fine, and powerful on the palate and flirts with perfection. It’s a tour de force in Grenache that readers need to snatch up!
WA 95-97 (10/2017): Tasted from a single foudre representing the La Crau Est lieu-dit, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin comes across as even richer and creamier than the 2015, yet with brighter acids and similar spice. Red fruit lingers, morphing toward chocolate as the finish goes on and on. |
|
| Dom. du Pegau |
2010 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Capo (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,965.98 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (10/2013): Comprised of roughly 85% Grenache and the rest Syrah and other permitted varieties, aged all in foudre, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee da Capo is sheer perfection in a glass. Wine doesn’t get any better. Incredibly rich and concentrated, yet ethereal and even graceful, it boasts off-the-hook aromas of blackberry, licorice, spice-box, smoked meats and underbrush that continue to change and develop in the glass. Massive and decadent on the palate, yet again, with no weight and a seamless texture, this brilliant effort needs a handful of years in the cellar and will live to see its 30th birthday in fine form. Drink 2016-2040.
VM 95-96 (2/2013): Inky purple. Heady, explosive aromas of black raspberry and blueberry preserves, garrigue and incense, with smoky mineral and anise accents. Lush and palate-coating, offering deeply concentrated black and blue fruit flavors that are enlivened by juicy acidity. Ridiculously rich but animated wine, with excellent finishing thrust and lingering spiciness. This wine had still not been bottled when I tasted it in mid-November. |
|
| Georges Vernay |
2014 |
Cote Rotie Maison Rouge (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,557.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Cote Rotie Maison Rouge (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,557.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | Rhone White |
| Jean-Louis Chave |
2021 |
Hermitage Blanc (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,760.99 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 96 (3/2024): Vinified from grapes that were harvested as late as the 26th of September, the 2021 L'Hermitage Blanc was cropped at 38 hL/ha, above the levels of 2022. It dazzles with vivid spring blossom, honeysuckle, lemon peel, white peach, quince, apricot and discrete cedar aromas. Medium-bodied and immaculately balanced by bright acidity, this is an athletic L'Hermitage Blanc with marked freshness and energy. A saline aftertaste wraps up the sapid finish. Outstanding. (Drink between 2024-2041). Nicolas Greinacher.
JD 95+ (3/2024): Recently bottled, the 2021 Hermitage Blanc is a brilliant wine that shows a fresher, more mineral-driven style while still clearly being in the classic Jean-Louis concentrated, textured style. White currants, crushed citrus, flowers, green almond, and a kiss of reductive-like minerality all define the aromatics, and if you called this a great Grand Cru White Burgundy in a blind tasting, I wouldn't hold it against you. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and beautifully balanced, with a terrific salinity on the finish, it's going to benefit from a year or two of bottle age and I suspect evolve for 20-25 years. |
|
| | Southern France |
| Dom. Grange des Peres |
2022 |
Vin de Pays de l’Herault (12x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,601.98 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| | Spain |
| Alion |
2020 |
Ribera del Duero (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$677.98 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Dominio de Pingus |
2020 |
Pingus (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,993.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Flor de Pingus (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$741.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Pingus (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,296.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Roda |
2016 |
Rioja Cirsion (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$689.98 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| | USA Red |
| Abreu |
2010 |
Rothwell Hyde Proprietary Blend |
$150 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 94 (10/2014): The sumptuous 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a deep purple color along with notes of incense, white chocolate, mocha, blackberries, blackcurrants, forest floor and barrique smells in the background. This dense, full-bodied 2010 is the richest, most complex of these offerings from Rothwell Hyde. Drink now-2028.
VM 94 (12/2014): Perhaps the greatest compliment I can pay the 2010 Rothwell Hyde, Abreu's rarely seen second wine, is that Brad Grimes served it last in our tasting and it more than held it's own. Sure, there is plenty of vintage 2010 pedigree, along with the typical Abreu textural richness, but it is the wine's overall balance that leaves the most lasting impression. Rothwell Hyde is made from a selection of the wines that don't go into the four main labels and is sold mostly through the mailing list and in a few select restaurants. If you see the 2010, grab it. |
|
| Aratas |
2009 |
Napa Valley Petite Sirah |
$50 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Bougetz Cellars |
2014 |
Amaryllis Cabernet Sauvignon |
$45 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| J. Davies |
2016 |
Diamond Mountain Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$110 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Davis Estates |
2019 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Donelan |
2010 |
Cuvee Christine Syrah |
$55 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Flora Springs |
2007 |
Trilogy Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
12 |
|
| |
WA 93 (12/2009): The 2007 Trilogy might be called a Napa version of St.-Emilion blended with a Margaux. A harmonious blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, it offers undeniable elegance as well as lovely black currant and black cherry notes intermixed with hints of cocoa, roasted herbs, cedar, and licorice. This textured, lush, medium to full-bodied, beautifully constructed 2007 can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years.
VM 91 (6/2010): Bright ruby-red. Complex nose melds cassis, blackberry, bitter chocolate, cedar, menthol and licorice, with tobacco, loam and leathery nuances emerging with air. Sweet, pliant and expressive, with a bit more stuffing to buffer its firm acidity than the basic Napa Valley cabernet. Finishes nicely broad, with a fine dusting of sweet tannins and subtle leather and game notes. Based on this wine and the 2006 Trilogy, as well as the winery's other very successful '07 cabernets, the 2007 vintage marks a breakthrough to higher quality here. |
|
| Foley Johnson |
2013 |
Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon |
$35 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Galerie |
2018 |
Pleinair Cabernet Sauvignon |
$45 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Garric Cellars |
2012 |
George Cabernet Sauvignon |
$49 |
7 |
|
| |
|
| Leviathan |
2021 |
Red Wine |
$29 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Quilceda Creek |
2003 |
Merlot |
$89 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 94 (4/2006): Though this is first and foremost a Cabernet producer, this fall Quilceda Creek will release an exceptional 2003 Merlot (400 cases). Produced with 12.5% Cabernet Franc, it brings to mind some of the finest St.-Emilions. Sweet black fruits and notes of roasted asphalt can be detected in its aromatics. Highly concentrated and dense, it is medium to full-bodied, suave, and silky-textured. Dark chocolate, blackberries, dark cherries, and hints of raspberries make up its boisterous flavor profile. Projected maturity: 2008-2020. Congratulations Alex and Paul, welcome to the big leagues.
VM 91 (11/2006): (includes 12.5% cabernet franc) Good ruby-red color. Lively aromas of redcurrant, tobacco, mocha and maple syrup. Then high-pitched and fresh in the mouth, with a slightly carnal tone to the flavors of dark cherry, redcurrant, tobacco, roasted marshmallow and herbs. Finishes with firm tannins and a hint of boysenberry. This has a pH of 3.8 but comes across as brighter than the Red Wine bottlings. Quilceda's merlot bottling has become consistently Outstanding. |
|
|
2005 |
Columbia Valley Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 93 (6/2008): The 2005 Red Wine is the winery’s second label for declassified lots. It consists of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Merlot. Purple-colored, it reveals an expressive bouquet of cedar, pencil lead, spice box, black currant, and blackberry. This is followed by a full-bodied, plush wine with ample ripe tannins and layers of sweet fruit. The wine has serious weight, excellent length, and will profit from several years of additional cellaring. It should be at its best from 2011 through 2020. The wine is true to the house style and is a superb value.
VM 90 (12/2008): Bright ruby-red. Very ripe, rich aromas of currant, plum, smoke and mocha, lifted by spice and floral nuances. Plush and slightly candied in the mouth, with dried fruit and roasted, smoky oak notes perked up by the spice component. The sweet finish features substantial dusty tannins. |
|
|
2007 |
Columbia Valley Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
12 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (8/2010): The 2007 Red Wine is composed of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Malbec. As always, it is a great value offering a fragrant, already complex nose of confiture of black fruits, incense, and Asian spices. On the palate it is savory and elegant with a plush texture. It is likely to evolve for several years but there is no compelling reason to defer gratification. |
|
|
2008 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$155 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (6/2013): More pure and focused than the 2009, with a slightly closer to the vest feel, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon shows the cooler nature of the vintage and has incredible detail, purity and freshness to its aromas and flavors. A blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot that spent 22 months in 100% new French oak, it offers classic black currant, spice box, coffee bean, violets and exotic spices to go with an ethereal, layered and seamless palate that delivers massive amounts of fruit and texture without any apparent weight. I thoroughly enjoyed it now, yet it will age for decades. Drink now-2033.
VM 96 (11/2011): (cabernet sauvignon blended with 2% merlot): Good full red-ruby. Complex, slightly high-toned aromas of plum and brown sugar. Wonderfully sweet but firmly built; dense, smooth and complex, with the terrific definition of the 2008 vintage at its best. A hint of nutty ripeness is countered by a lively suggestion of eucalyptus. This is harmonious from day one. Comes across as less sweet than the Palengat, finishing with great length and breadth but no undue weight, and spreading out to coat the mouth with flavor. |
|
|
2008 |
Columbia Valley Proprietary Blend |
$64 |
10 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (8/2011): The Quilceda Creek lineup begins with the 2008 Red Wine made up of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Aromas of cedar, spice box, mineral, incense, black currant, and blackberry inform the nose of a ripe, savory, smooth-textured wine. In the glass it displays more minerality, excellent volume, and enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years. Enjoy this first-class effort now through 2020. |
|
|
2008 |
Palengat Proprietary Blend |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (8/2011): The 2008 Palengat Proprietary Red Wine is made up of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, with the balance Merlot and Petit Verdot. The fruit was sourced entirely from the Palengat Vineyard. Pain grille, pencil lead, Asian spices, incense, violets, dried herbs, black currant, and blackberry aromas compose the bouquet of this impeccably balanced offering. It opens in the glass to reveal plush, succulent flavors, superb concentration, plenty of ripe tannin, and at least 4-5 years of aging potential. It will deliver optimum drinking from 2015 to 2028.
VM 94 (10/2011): (76% cabernet sauvignon, 14% cabernet franc, 7% merlot and 3% petit verdot; this used to be a single-vineyard wine but Palengat is now used as the name for a proprietary Bordeaux blend): Expressive aromas of cassis, cocoa powder and brown spices. Sweet and smooth on entry, then intensely flavored and tactile in the middle, with a plush creme de cassis flavor framed and intensified by mounting graphite minerality. Wonderfully suave wine with terrific back-end volume, very smooth tannins and lingering spiciness. Paul Golitzin describes 2008 as "focused and complex," while the 2009s, he says, are "ripe and fruity, like the 2005s." He says that he may prefer 2009 at this stage. |
|
|
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$135 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (6/2013): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Merlot) is a ripe, flamboyant and brilliantly proportioned effort that oozes kirsch, licorice, lead pencil shavings and dried spice on the nose. Showing the perfume and headiness of the vintage, it nevertheless stays vibrant and lively on the palate while delivering layers of fruit and texture. While formidably structured and tannic, it can be enjoyed now due to the overall tannin quality and purity of fruit. It will evolve and drink well for over two decades. Drink now-2029.
VM 95 (12/2012): (includes 2% merlot; 90% estate grown fruit from Champoux, the rest from Klipsun and Tapteil): Deep ruby-red. Black fruits, licorice and sandalwood on the nose. Offers uncanny sweetness and depth, not to mention great breadth of texture to the plush flavors of dark berries, chocolate and expensive oak. At once chewy and seamless cabernet, finishing extremely long and smooth, with big but thoroughly suave tannins. |
|
|
2009 |
Galitzine Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 96 (6/2013): Also incredibly concentrated, with burly structure and a mountain of tannin, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard (99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot) delivers a seriously intense array of blackberry and kirsch-styled fruit, licorice, charcoal and spice box on both the nose and palate. Aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak and a big, broad shouldered, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, it possesses a rocking mid-palate and fabulous length on the finish. Really showing the power of its Red Mountain terroir, it needs 4-5 years of bottle age to become civilized and will have decades of evolution. Drink 2017-2034.
VM 94+ (11/2012): (includes 1% merlot): Bright medium ruby. Cassis aroma lifted by sandalwood. Densely packed and intense, with terrific energy to its chewy flavors of dark berries, licorice pastille and minerals. Less plush and harmonious today than the estate's flagship cabernet but this superconcentrated wine (made from a yield of just 1.5 tons per acre, according to Paul Golitzin) boasts a serious tannic spine and great energy and length. Should be the best release for this bottling. It's blacker than the cabernet and less seamless today but I would not bet against this chewy bottling in the long run. |
|
|
2009 |
Palengat Proprietary Blend |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (6/2013): Much more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated, the 2009 Palengat (86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 6% Merlot) shows the warmer vintage with ripe red and black fruit, licorice, roasted meat and hints of singed herbs on the nose. Fantastically polished on the palate, with silky tannin, full-bodied richness and a layered mouthfeel, it is a knockout effort that will have 15-20 years of prime drinking. Drink now-2029.
VM 93 (12/2012): Good full ruby. Aromas of blackcurrant and licorice. Rich, deep and concentrated, with an almost Kahlua-like liqueur quality to its dense, exotic flavors of cassis, dark chocolate, mocha and orange peel. Very rich blend with an impressively long finish featuring fine tannins and hints of licorice pastille, dark berries, sexy Taransaud spices and black walnut. From vines planted at 3 x 6 feet, according to Paul Golitzin, "about as dense as it gets in this state." |
|
|
2010 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$275 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 98+ (6/2013): Rich, backwards, structured and massively concentrated, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon comes mostly from the Champoux Vineyard (also from Galitzine, Klipsun, Palengat and Tapteil) and is comprised of 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot that spent 22 months in all new French oak. Offering up plenty of creme de cassis, coffee bean, toasted spice, pencil shavings and violet-like qualities on the nose, it has palate staining levels of extract and tannin that come through on the mid-palate and finish. Gorgeously full-bodied, layered and textured, with perfect balance, this awesome Cabernet needs to be forgotten for 5-6 years and will have two to three decades of longevity. Drink 2018-2030. |
|
|
2010 |
Columbia Valley Proprietary Blend |
$79 |
8 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (6/2013): A superb entry level effort that has not only layers of fruit and texture, but solid back-end structure, the 2010 Red Wine is a declassified blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, yet has 15% Merlot and a splash of Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc in there as well. Up-front, perfumed and intense, it offers up spice-laced red and black fruits, toast, cedar, vanilla and hints of chocolate to go with a full-bodied, mouth-filling and voluptuously textured palate. Lacking the polish and elegance that can be found in this estate’s upper tier efforts, it nevertheless has superb fruit, ripe tannin and serious length. Enjoy it while you wait for this estate’s other wines to mature. Drink now-2020. |
|
|
2010 |
Galitzine Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (6/2013): Even more concentrated, structured and dense than the Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard (99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot all from the Red Mountain AVA) delivers an incredible array of black currant, dark chocolate, cedar, tobacco and assorted spring flower-like nuances that give way to a massively concentrated, tannic and structured 2010 that has brilliant mid-palate depth, integrated acidity and a pure, detailed and energetic texture that carries through the finish. As with the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, this is more fun to taste than to drink presently and needs 5-6 years or more of bottle age to round into form. It too will have two to three decades or more of ultimate longevity. Drink 2018-2035. |
|
|
2010 |
Palengat Proprietary Blend |
$149 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (6/2013): Refined, elegant and supple, yet also rich and concentrated, the Merlot-dominated 2010 Palengat has 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot in the blend and spent 20 months in 100% new French oak. Gorgeous on the nose, with notions of creme de cassis, violets, graphite and mint, it flows onto the palate with full-bodied richness and depth that’s paired with a seamless, incredibly elegant and polished texture. Firming up on the finish with masses of tannin, mineral and juicy acidity, this incredible 2010 needs 3-5 years of bottle age and will have upwards of 15-20 years of ultimate longevity. Drink now-2030.
VM 91+ (11/2013): (15.2% alcohol; 64% merlot, 22% cabernet sauvignon and 7% each cabernet franc and petit verdot): Good dark ruby-red. Superripe aromas of blackberry, licorice and espresso. High-toned and a bit liqueur-like in the mouth, with round, primary dark fruit flavors joined by licorice, milk chocolate and graphite. A somewhat unrefined if serious blend that finishes with chewy, chocolatey tannins that coat the front teeth and a slight impression of warmth. This was previously a cabernet-driven wine. |
|
|
2011 |
Columbia Valley Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
8 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (6/2014): The 2011 Columbia Valley Red Wine offers the classic creme de cassis, graphite, toasted spice and hints of licorice that seems to be present in all of the estate’s Cabernets. Medium to full-bodied, supple and already approachable, it nevertheless has the back-end stuffing to evolve gracefully for upwards of a decade. |
|
|
2011 |
Palengat Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (6/2014): A blend of 61% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and the balance Petit Verdot, the 2011 Palengat Vineyard has a great bouquet of sweet plum liqueur, blackberry, graphite, lead pencil shavings and toast. This is followed by a full-bodied effort that has beautiful concentration (especially in the vintage), loads of texture and ripe underlying tannic structure. Reasonably approachable now, it will nevertheless evolve gracefully on its overall balance. Enjoy bottles over the coming 10-15 years. |
|
|
2013 |
Columbia Valley CVR Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
9 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (6/2016): Always a terrific value, the 2013 Cvr Columbia Valley Red Wine is a medium to full-bodied, ripe, sexy 2013 that has tons of plums, licorice, lead pencil shavings and spice to go with a rounded texture, ripe tannin and a great finish. Drink it over the coming decade. |
|
|
2013 |
Galitzine Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (6/2016): An utterly prodigious effort that would most likely be the wine of the vintage if not for its big brother, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard comes all from Red Mountain and was raised in 100% new French oak. Revealing a healthy ruby/purple color and classic notes of sage brush, graphite, black cherries, currants and chocolate, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness; building, present, yet ripe and polished tannin; perfect integration of its fruit, alcohol and oak; and awesome length. This is a powerhouse Cabernet Sauvignon that still holds onto a sense of elegance and finesse. Forget it for 4-5 years and drink bottles over the following two decades.
VM 94+ (11/2016): Deep ruby-red color. High-pitched aromas of blackberry, cassis and violet lifted by a pungent licorice note that may come from the very expensive, long-seasoned, tight-grained Taransaud T5 barrels. Tighter and less pliant in the early going than the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon but with a remarkably juicy intensity and superb inner-mouth perfume to the flavors of dark berries, wild rose and Belgian dark chocolate. Still youthfully imploded but boasts uncanny energy for this warm year. The tannins saturate the front teeth. This wonderfully cerebral wine is Lafite to the more powerful, densely packed flagship wine's Latour. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2013 |
Palengat Proprietary Blend |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (6/2016): More Merlot dominated in 2013 (they plan to move this back to a more Cabernet Sauvignon dominated blend in the future), the 2013 Palengat Vineyard is another terrific 2013 that makes the most of vintage. Sexy, voluptuous and rounded, with no hard edges, it gives up classic notes of plums, graphite and licorice in its full-bodied, mouth-filling and impossible to resist style. While I’d happily drink a glass (or three) today, it will drink well for another 10-15 years. |
|
|
2014 |
Columbia Valley CVR Proprietary Blend |
$69 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (6/2017): One of the finest examples of this cuvee to date, the opulent, sumptuous and downright sexy 2014 Cvr Columbia Valley Red Wine gives up loads of black currants, kirsch, licorice, toasted spice and dried herb aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, gorgeously textured, round, and just about as hedonistic as it gets, yet without being over the top or heavy in the least, drink it anytime over the coming decade. |
|
|
2015 |
Columbia Valley CVR Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
7 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (6/2018): A blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot and the balance equal parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2015 CVR Columbia Valley Red Wine offers up a generous bouquet of ripe red cherries, licorice and creamy new oak. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, supple and velvety, with an open-knit core and a generous personality, concluding with a chewy, richly fruity finish. |
|
|
2016 |
Palengat Proprietary Blend |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (4/2019): The 2016 Palengat is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 11% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, and it’s one of the smaller production cuvees. It’s a rich, full-bodied effort and has wonderful purity in its crème de cassis, graphite, and ample pencil lead like nuances, with an almost Pauillac vibe. With fine, sweet tannins, a great mid-palate, and considerable elegance and finesse matched up to classic Quilceda power and richness, it’s a beautiful wine to drink over the coming 15-20 years. (Drink between 2019-2034) |
|
| Rivers Marie |
2005 |
Summa Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$79 |
4 |
|
| |
| BH 91 (10/2007): Here the nose is, not surprisingly, quite similar to that of the Old Vines Summa if perhaps not quite as complex and nuanced that leads to balanced, intense and pure flavors brimming with dry extract and excellent length on the youthfully austere finish. This is quite impressive as well and like the Occidental, it should age well. Drink 2011+. |
|
|
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Occidental Ridge Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 90+ (6/2008): Bright deep red, the darkest of these three pinots. Enticing aromas of raspberry, mocha and earthy underbrush. A bit more firm and less pliant than the Sonoma Coast bottling, but with more intensity to the raspberry and spice flavors. This boasts excellent acidity and the highest alcohol (14.3%) of this trio of pinots. Not surprisingly, it's tightly wound today; more vertical while the Summa is more horizontal.
BH 90 (10/2008): A really pretty set up of moderately deeply pitched red and dark berry fruit aromas that carry a whiff of underlying earth precedes round and relatively forward middle weight flavors that possess good if not exceptional depth plus a very subtle hint of minerality and fine length. While this will certainly age, it is already accessible and with the right foods, could easily be enjoyed now. |
|
|
2006 |
Summa Old Vines Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| BH 92 (10/2008): A wonderfully complex nose is highly expressive, offering notes of black cherry and spiced raspberry that lead to equally complex middle weight flavors that possess good detail and a lovely layering effect on the solidly persistent finish. This is not especially dense in the manner of the 2004 and 2005 versions though the extract confers the sense of concentration on the delicious backend. A study in balance and grace. |
|
|
2006 |
Summa Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
BH 91 (10/2008): An admirably fresh and beautifully complex nose features spicy deep red cherry and ripe red pinot fruit aromas that complement perfectly the rich, mouth coating and balanced medium weight flavors that benefit from fine levels of dry extract and solid length. While the alcohol is the same as the Willow Creek, there is no undue warmth either. Lovely and absolutely worth a look at this understated, stylish and classy offering. Drink 2010+.
VM 91 (6/2008): Pungent aromas of wild berries, herbs, underbrush and smoke lifted by an enticing lavender perfume. Less fruity but more minerally and bright than the basic bottling, offering a rather silky texture and some attractive high-toned notes of perfumed red fruits. I like this pinot's restrained sweetness and its classically dry finish. Owner/winemaker Thomas Brown told me that the tiny quantities of fruit he had to work with in 2005 were difficult to manage, and that the 2006s were easier to make. Still, yields in the latter year were in the modest 1 to 2.5 tons-per-acre range. |
|
|
2006 |
Willow Creek Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| BH 91 (10/2008): A lovely and nicely deep nose of raspberry, red cherry and touches of both spice and earth lead to round and silky flavors that offer fine intensity and a naturally sweet finish that displays just a bit of backend warmth. It's not enough to upset the balance but neither is it invisible. Overall, I like the sappy and seductive texture and this should age well over the medium term yet drink well early. In a word, lovely. Drink 2011+. |
|
|
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
6 |
|
| |
|
|
2008 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
6 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is a gorgeous, rich wine layered with mint, tobacco, spices, cedar and licorice. It shows gorgeous textural depth and tons of aromatic nuances. This is a fabulous wine loaded with class and personality. It isn’t the biggest wine here, but it is exceptionally polished. Wow! Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. |
|
|
2009 |
Corona Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$90 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Roberto Corona Vineyard, from a site on the Oakville bench, is the richest of these 2009 Cabernets from Rivers-Marie. It bursts from the glass with jammy, opulent fruit and a big, full-bodied personality. Blue and black fruit, mint, licorice and sweet spices wrap around the finish. The 100% new oak comes through here. I am not sure this wine needs all the oak and makeup. There is plenty of pedigree already. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. |
|
|
2010 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2012): The estate’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is an excellent choice for drinking over the next few years. Juicy dark berries, flowers, mint and cloves all come together nicely in the glass. Today, the 2010 is open and expressive, with soft, silky tannins and tons of near-term appeal, all qualities entry-level Cabernets should have. The 2010 is mostly valley floor fruit, with dollops of Panek, Corona and GIII. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. |
|
|
2010 |
Corona Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
3 |
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| WA 94 (12/2012): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Roberto Corona Vineyard has come together beautifully since I last tasted it. A rich sumptuous wine, the 2010 caresses the palate with layers of dark fruit, spices, menthol and licorice. The dark fruit and intense spices are pure Oakville. The French oak, which was quite noticeable last year, has integrated beautifully. The Corona is totally different than the Panek, but just as beautiful. In 2010 I have a slight preference for the Corona over the Panek, but both are striking and absolutely delicious. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. |
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2011 |
Gioia Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
1 |
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| VM 89 (7/2013): The 2011 Pinot Noir Gioia Vineyard is one of the more immediate wines in the range. It has some of the brambly qualities found in the Summa, but with more fruit, the result of the warmer micro climate in this parcel. Today my impression is that the 2011 is best enjoyed sooner rather than later, as the fruit will likely start dropping out after a few years, but it is quite pretty today. Licorice, savory herbs, mint and anise are some of the aromas and flavor that add complexity on the finish. Antonio Galloni. |
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2011 |
Occidental Ridge Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$59 |
1 |
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| WA 91 (4/2013): Black cherries, plums, spices and new leather all come to life in the 2011 Pinot Noir Occidental Ridge Vineyard. Fresh, vibrant and beautifully delineated, the 2011 impresses for its nuance. The 2011 is a bit lighter than most recent vintages, but at the same time, the wine retains a buoyancy and vibrancy that is hugely appealing. Saline notes support the bright finish. This is a gorgeous showing. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021. |
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2012 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
2 |
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| VM 92 (12/2014): Rivers-Marie's 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon brings together the richness of the year along with pretty savory notes that balance some of the more overt fruit. Iron, smoke, cedar and dried red cherries are all laced into the super-expressive finish. This is one of very best Napa Valley Cabernets in its price range. The 2012 was made from three sites; Pellet (Calistoga) and Bourn and Bressler, both in St. Helena. Antonio Galloni. |
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2012 |
Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
3 |
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WA 96 (10/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga is a killer effort. Sweet blueberry, black raspberry and blackberry fruit along with notes of vanilla, toast, licorice, incense and spice box emerge from this full-bodied, classic Napa Cabernet. With good acidity, ripe tannin and a broad, savory, multidimensional mouthfeel, this fabulous wine represents 200 cases of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 75% new oak. The finished alcohol is 14.3%. It should drink well for 15-20 years.
VM 93 (12/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga emerges from a single block in what is widely considered the best part of the Larkmead estate. Dark black fruit, graphite, game, smoke and pencil shavings wrap around a core of dark fruit in a powerful, explosive Cabernet built on intensity and inner sweetness, although time in the glass brings out the wine's more seductive qualities. This broad, ample Cabernet Sauvignon should drink beautifully for a number of years. This is a strong debut vintage for the Calistoga Cabernet. Antonio Galloni. |
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2013 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
2 |
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| VM 91 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is plump, juicy and expressive. Sweet and open-knit in style, the 2013 is best enjoyed young, while the fruit retains its vibrancy. Sweet red cherry, plum and pomegranate add a final burst of energy on the close. (Drink between 2017-2028). Antonio Galloni. |
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2013 |
Corona Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$115 |
2 |
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VM 96 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Corona Vineyard has also turned out beautifully, which is indeed saying something, as Corona is a site that does not perform consistently from year to year. Dark cherry jam, graphite, blueberry compote, tobacco and sweet French oak blossom in a powerful, radiant Cabernet endowed with real breadth and volume. I suspect the Corona will drink well earlier than some of the other wines in this range, specifically the Calistoga and Lore Cabernets. This is one of the very best Coronas I can remember tasting at Rivers-Marie. Antonio Galloni.
WA 95+ (10/2015): Coming from a steep hillside vineyard in the western Oakville hills, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Corona Vineyard is a backward, almost first-growth Pauillac style of wine, with notes of lead pencil, licorice, wet stones, cedar wood and fruitcake. Fine-grained tannins are significant, giving the wine considerable grip and earthiness. This is a big, backstrapping, broodingly primordial style of wine that clearly will benefit from 5-7 years of cellaring and keep for three decades or more. |
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2013 |
Panek Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
6 |
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WA 98+ (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard comes from a five-acre, valley-floor vineyard just north of St. Helena near Vineyard 29's Aida. There are 450 cases of this magnificent Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes of Mediterranean herbs intermixed with licorice, blackberry and cassis jump from the glass of this opaque purple wine. Stunningly proportioned, full-bodied, super-intense, with great purity, structure and depth, this wine will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring and keep for three decades.
VM 93 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard, from a site on the valley floor, shows all the voluptuousness and raciness that is typical of this sector in the northern reaches of St. Helena. Dark red cherry, plum, pomegranate and spice blossom as this full-bodied, racy Cabernet shows off its personality. There is just enough acidity to give the aromatics enough lift to balance the super-ripe fruit. As always, the Panek is a very showy wine. Antonio Galloni. |
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2014 |
Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
1 |
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WA 97 (10/2016): The Cabernets start with the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, which is from a single block of the Larkmead Vineyard. This is fabulous – 100% Olmo clone that is the same as the Eisele clone. Opaque purple, this wine was aged 20 months in a relatively small percentage of new oak. Blackberry, cassis, spring flowers and vanilla all jump from the glass of this fabulous, concentrated, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that is dense, pure and terrific. Alcohol levels are relatively modest at 14.3%. Drink it over the next 20 years.
VM 92 (12/2016): A dark, brooding wine, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga captures the personality of this site nicely. Smoke, scorched earth, tar, licorice and plum give the wine much of its dark, imposing personality. This is an especially virile wine, but Thomas Brown has done a very good job in softening some of the contours. The Calistoga Cabernet emerges from one of the choicest parcels at Larkmead. Antonio Galloni. |
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2014 |
Corona Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
1 |
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| WA 96+ (10/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Corona Vineyard comes from the western Oakville hillside that was once an old gravel quarry. Blue/purple with notes of earth, crushed rock, blueberry and blackberry fruit, this is a relatively tannic, backward style compared to the other Cabernets with plenty of minerality, a muscular structure, full-bodied mouthfeel and loads of blue, red and black fruits. This is impressive and potentially fabulous with a great upside, but needs 3-5 years of bottle age and should keep for up to 30 years. |
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2014 |
Lore Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$179 |
1 |
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WA 96+ (10/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard is another magnificent wine from the Oakville corridor on the hills near Dalla Valle and the Pedregral Vineyard of David Ramey. Wonderful notes of fruitcake, cedar wood, spice box, blackcurrant and blackberry along with espresso and spice jump from the glass of this terrific wine that is powerful, concentrated and multidimensional, but still somewhat youthful and backward. Give it 3-4 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 25-30 years.
VM 94 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard is the deepest and most explosive of these 2014s. Vivid and chiseled in the glass, the 2014 exudes energy, with tons of intensely mineral and savory overtones. Rose petal, lavender, mint and sage all flesh out nicely in the glass. This collection of small parcels on the eastern hillsides of Oakville often yields wines of notable distinction. That is once again the case in 2014. This is a special wine. Antonio Galloni. |
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2015 |
Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
3 |
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| VM 92 (3/2018): Super-ripe red cherry, plum, mint and pomegranate rush onto the palate in the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon (Calistoga). Even with all its ripeness, the 2015 has quite a bit of depth and textural resonance, not to mention tons of personality. The Calistoga Cabernet emerges from one of the choicest areas in Larkmead. My only hesitation at the moment with the 2015 is the tannins, which are a bit grainy and suggest that ripening was not totally even. Antonio Galloni. |
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2015 |
Lore Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$189 |
2 |
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| WA 98 (12/2017): Deep purple-black colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard has a wonderfully expressive, savory nose of char-grilled meat, truffles, sauteed herbs and Bovril with a core of crème de cassis, blackberry tart, menthol, mocha and pepper. Medium to full-bodied, the palate simply sings with intense black fruits accented with loads of savory layers, framed by grainy tannins and wonderful freshness, finishing with epic length. 232 cases produced. |
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2015 |
Panek Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
3 |
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| WA 96 (12/2017): Deep purple-black, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard gives up compelling notes of fenugreek, turmeric and cumin seed over a core of blackberry compote, chocolate-covered cherries and smoked meat plus a touch of scorched earth. Medium to full-bodied, the palate features layers of vibrant black fruit plus earth and exotic spice accents, supported by fine tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing on a lingering mineral note. 300 cases produced. |
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2016 |
Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon |
$145 |
2 |
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| VM 94 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Calistoga) is driving and intense, with savory, earthy notes that give the wine its distinctive personality. This powerful Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon possesses tremendous depth and muscle, both signatures of Larkmead, one of the top vineyard sites in Calistoga, and Napa Valley, for that matter. Antonio Galloni. |
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2016 |
Panek Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$135 |
2 |
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| VM 95 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard has turned out beautifully. There is a sense of energy to the red cherry and plum fruit that gives this wine a natural measure of pure excitement. Red cherry jam, raspberry preserves, mint, spice and pomegranate meld together in a racy, sensual Cabernet that captures all the best vintage has to offer. Two thousand sixteen is a terrific vintage for the Panek. Antonio Galloni. |
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2018 |
Panek Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
1 |
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JD 98 (1/2021): Dense purple, with a blockbuster styled nose of jammy blueberries, currants, smoke tobacco, violets, and candied orange zest, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard is full-bodied and has a wealth of material, with ripe, silky tannins and the vintage’s more focused, inward, almost backward style. Nevertheless, this is brilliant stuff that needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and will evolve for 30+ years. (Drink between 2025-2058)
VM 97 (1/2021): The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard dazzles from start to finish. Silky, plush tannins wrap around a core of red/purplish fruit as this opulent, full-throttle Cabernet opens in the glass. The Panek is a very typical Cabernet for this northern sector of St. Helena where the wines are plush and racy. All the elements come together so effortlessly. Bright acids and sweet floral overtones lift the finish. Best of all, the 2018 will be ready to deliver maximum pleasure pretty much upon release. This is the first year in which Rivers-Marie had access to all the fruit. I suspect being able to choose the best blocks explains much of the elevated quality here. In a word: stunning. Antonio Galloni.
WA 96+ (2/2021): Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard is deep garnet-purple in color, offering expressive notes of fresh, ripe red and black currants, juicy plums and Black Forest cake with hints of tilled soil, underbrush, black olives and tar plus a waft of bay leaves. The palate is medium to full-bodied and built like a brick house, featuring very firm, finely grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing with long-lingering earthy/savory nuances. |
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| Clos du Val |
2006 |
Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$69 |
12 |
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| | USA White |
| Rivers Marie |
2013 |
Joy Road Vyd. Chardonnay |
$55 |
2 |
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| VM 93 (1/2015): Slate, graphite, dried pear, almonds, crushed flowers and sage emerge from the 2013 Chardonnay Joy Road Vineyard. The flavor profile is quite a bit more floral and savory than the other Chardonnays in the range, with the fruit pushed a bit into the background. The Joy Road is the most subtle and layered of the Rivers-Marie Chardonnays. In many ways, it is the most evocative as well. Antonio Galloni. |
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