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Inventory updated: Wed, Sep 09, 2026 04:02 PM cst
2006 Hall Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2006
Region: USA Red
Color/Type: Red
Size: 750 ML
Lightly Scuffed Label
Tasting Notes:
WA 90+ (12/2008): Not surprisingly, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is slightly more tannic and firmer, revealing aromas of creosote, coffee beans, black currants, and toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied with a more aggressive structure as well as more noticeable astringency to the tannins, but with the necessary depth of fruit and concentration for balance, it should drink well for 12-15 years.
VM 90 (5/2009): Full red-ruby. Currant, chocolate, loam and a whiff of meat on the nose. Sweet, lush and creamy, with rather exotic flavors of currant and chocolate liqueur. A satisfying mouthful of cabernet, finishing with substantial fine-grained, dusty tannins. Stephen Tanzer.
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Hall |
2012 |
Bergfeld St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon |
$200 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Darwin Red Wine |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2017 |
Eighteen Seventy-Three Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon  |
$179 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (10/2018): The very deep purple-black colored 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack's Masterpiece reveals the most stunning perfume of violets, chocolate box, star anise, rose hip tea and lavender over a core of kirsch, blackberry pie, warm plums and cassis plus a waft of allspice. Full-bodied and delivering intense fresh black and red fruits in the mouth, the palate maintains a lot of grace and finesse in spite of the the obvious power, with beautifully plush tannins and a very long, perfumed finish.
VM 93 (12/2018): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack's Masterpiece is another impressive wine from Hall. The Diamond Mountain tannins are present, but they are nearly buried by the sheer intensity and power of the fruit. Graphite, menthol, licorice, spice, sage and wild flowers are very nicely delineated. The 2015 is potent, but also remarkably well balanced for a young mountain wine. (Drink between 2021-2030). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98 (1/2020): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack's Masterpiece comes from a mix of vineyards and is a cellar selection put together by the winery president and former winemaker Mike Reynolds. Rocking levels of red, blue, and black fruits are interwoven with notions of unsmoked tobacco, iron, lavender, and lead pencil shavings. These all flow to a full-bodied, brilliantly balanced, seamless red that has ripe, sweet tannins, a stacked mid-palate, and the class to drink beautifully today yet evolve for two decades or more. (Drink between 2020-2040).
WA 96 (9/2019): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack's Masterpiece bursts from the glass with confident cassis, preserved plums and mulberries scents backed up by notions of cedar chest, pencil lead, espresso and tar. Full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house with a solid frame of grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long with fantastic purity.
VM 94 (1/2020): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack's Masterpiece is a potent, virile wine. Swaths of tannins wrap around a core of inky black fruit. Leather, licorice, smoke, gravel and incense add to the wine's decidedly dark, somber personality. I would give the tannins a few years to soften. (Drink between 2023-2031). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon |
$134.10 |
11 |
|
| |
JD 96 (2/2023): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack's Masterpiece is in the same ballpark, with slightly more blue fruits in its bouquet of blueberries, mulberries, violets, and spicy oak. A blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc, this full-bodied, concentrated, incredibly textured 2019 can be drunk any time over the coming two decades or more. (Drink between 2023-2043).
WA 96 (9/2022): Blended to be a more robust, mountain-driven counterpart to the Kathryn Hall bottling, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack's Masterpiece blends fruit from Mount Veeder, Atlas Peak, Sacrashe and Montagne. Aged in 75% new French oak (mostly Taransaud), it delivers scents of cassis, herbal shadings like bay leaf and sage, cedar, dark chocolate and vanilla. It's full-bodied, firm but ripe and velvety, then shows more of a silky, dusty edge on the finish. |
|
|
2020 |
Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (12/2023): The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack's Masterpiece is a dense, powerful wine. Inky blue/purplish fruit, cloves, new leather, lavender, licorice and chocolate fill out the layers. I would be tempted to cellar this for a year or two, as the tannins are quite potent at this stage. Vineyard sites are Sacrashe, Beller, Dellar-Freidkin and Sage Ridge. (Drink between 2026-2036). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2022 |
Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 94 (3/2025): All Cabernet Sauvignon aged in new French oak, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack's Masterpiece boasts beautiful cassis, juicy blackberries, crushed stone, graphite, and mineral notes intermixed with chocolaty oak. On the palate, it shows impressive freshness and purity, integrated acidity, and ripe tannins. Drink over the next 12-15 years. (Drink between 2025-2040).
VM 94 (12/2024): The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack’s Masterpiece is another terrific wine in this range from Hall. Dark, ample and explosive, the 2022 is quite the extrovert. Blackberry jam, espresso, chocolate, licorice, cloves and incense all stain the palate. This opulent Cabernet is beautifully done, especially for the year. The main fruit sources are Soda Canyon, St. Helena and Mt. Veeder. (Drink between 2025-2034). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2002 |
Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Very Heavily Bin-Soiled Label |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 90+ (12/2008): Not surprisingly, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is slightly more tannic and firmer, revealing aromas of creosote, coffee beans, black currants, and toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied with a more aggressive structure as well as more noticeable astringency to the tannins, but with the necessary depth of fruit and concentration for balance, it should drink well for 12-15 years.
VM 90 (5/2009): Full red-ruby. Currant, chocolate, loam and a whiff of meat on the nose. Sweet, lush and creamy, with rather exotic flavors of currant and chocolate liqueur. A satisfying mouthful of cabernet, finishing with substantial fine-grained, dusty tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2006 |
Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Scuffed Label |
$100 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 90+ (12/2008): Not surprisingly, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is slightly more tannic and firmer, revealing aromas of creosote, coffee beans, black currants, and toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied with a more aggressive structure as well as more noticeable astringency to the tannins, but with the necessary depth of fruit and concentration for balance, it should drink well for 12-15 years.
VM 90 (5/2009): Full red-ruby. Currant, chocolate, loam and a whiff of meat on the nose. Sweet, lush and creamy, with rather exotic flavors of currant and chocolate liqueur. A satisfying mouthful of cabernet, finishing with substantial fine-grained, dusty tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2013 |
Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon |
$167 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96 (12/2016): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall from Napa is another blockbuster, exhibiting an opaque bluish purple color, notes of charcoal, graphite, blackberry, chocolate and exotic spices, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long, long finish. Like most 2013s, it is just hinting at its ultimate potential, but this wine is loaded and exciting. Forget it for another 4-5 years and drink it over the following three decades.
VM 92 (12/2016): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall is dark, powerful and juicy. Raspberry jam, mocha, new leather and dark spices, along with supple, forward fruit give the Kathryn Hall its soft, succulent personality. This is one of the more approachable, racy 2013 Cabernets readers will come across. Silky tannins add to the wine's finesse and texture. Antonio Galloni.
JS 88 (12/2016): Very ripe and raisiny with dense and rich fruit. A little hot. Dialling it back a few notches would make this Outstanding but alas, there's just too much here, and what there is overdone. |
|
|
2019 |
Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 95 (2/2023): The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall is a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot, brought up mostly in new barrels. It’s a killer bottle of wine offering lots of ripe black fruits intermixed with savory herbs, melted chocolate, and tobacco. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it shows the lush, round, velvety style of the 2019 vintage and is already impossible to resist. It’s going to evolve for 15+ years if well stored. (Drink between 2023-2039).
WA 93 (9/2022): There are 6,500 cases of the flagship 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall, based largely on fruit from the Sacrashe Vineyard, at the eastern edge of the Rutherford AVA. A blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Merlot, aged in 75% new barrels (mainly Taransaud), it's cedary on the nose, with plenty of cassis and black cherries in support. Full-bodied and plush, this well-endowed effort finishes long and softly dusty, with just a touch of alcoholic warmth. |
|
|
2010 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (5/2013): Good bright, dark red with ruby highlights. Pure aromas of redcurrant, loam and licorice. Pliant and sweet, offering good texture and extract to its flavors of plum, currant, mocha and brown spices. Finishes with broad, sweet tannins and a drop of milk chocolate. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2019 |
Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$179.10 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Terra Secca Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
The Bishop Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98+ (12/2017): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon The Bishop is another staggeringly good wine from this estate. Ripe, unctuous, and blockbuster stuff all the way, it gives up loads of black, black fruits, chocolate, roasted plum, licorice, and graphite. It's one of the larger scaled, more concentrated wines in the lineup, has a huge mid-palate, ripe tannin, and notable freshness, all of which make it almost impossible to resist. Brought up in 90% new oak, you can drink it today or cellar bottles for 2-3 decades. One of the eye-opening tastings while working on this report was the lineup from Kathryn Hall’s estate located in St. Helena. There’s a wealth of wines here, yet they all have deep, concentrated, pure profiles as well as singular characters. You could pretty much randomly select from this lineup and be guaranteed to have a brilliant wine. Hats off to winemaker Steve Leveque. All the 2016s, and the majority of the 2015s, were tasted as barrel samples. (Drink between 2018-2048).
WA 96 (10/2017): Inky purple-black in color, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon The Bishop is a little youthfully shy to begin, opening out to glorious crushed blackberries and plums notes with underlying violets, mocha, forest floor and truffles plus a touch of wild thyme. Voluptuous, full-bodied, rich and very seductive in the mouth, the generous fruit is well framed by plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with lingering fragrant fruit notes. |
|
|
2021 |
The North End Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| 21 Grams |
2006 |
Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (11/2009): Dark red. Plum, redcurrant, tobacco and strong cedary oak on the nose. Dense and chewy but bright, with very good intensity to the flavors of redcurrant, plum, raspberry and nutty oak. Harmonious acidity gives the fruit a penetrating quality and helps it absorb its strong layer of oak. Finishes supple, smooth and long, with lovely sweetness. Very well done: I note that I rated this wine ahead of the cabernet bottlings from both Waters and Gramercy Cellars. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Alban Vineyards |
2006 |
Edna Valley Grenache |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (11/2008): Inky ruby. Brooding aromas of cherry, mulberry, plum jam and smoky minerals; smells almost like syrah. Brighter red berries on the palate, complicated by candied licorice, Asian spices and an exotic cured meat quality. A serious rendition of grenache, finishing with excellent chewy persistence and lingering dark berry and licorice notes. This will reward cellaring. |
|
| Alpha Omega |
2006 |
Proprietary Blend Signed Bottle |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (12/2009): The Outstanding 2006 Proprietary Red Wine (56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) exhibits sweet plum, black currant, coffee, and chocolate notes intertwined with notions of herbs and new oak. Medium to full-bodied, pure, and impressively textured with good length, it should drink well for 10-12 years. |
|
| Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards |
2006 |
Eloge Proprietary Blend |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95+ (12/2009): The 2006 Eloge’s dark plum/ruby color is followed by a sweet kiss of plum, black cherry, earth, licorice, and spice box, a medium to full-bodied wine, abundant tannin, and impressive concentration, purity, and overall complexity. Reasonably evolved, and extremely seductive aromatically, with a slightly structured finish, it can be enjoyed now and over the next 15 years. It is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot, and 3% Merlot. |
|
|
2006 |
Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2009): The unfined, unfiltered 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve spends two years in French oak and another year in the bottle before being released. This cuvee has a long track record of aging (the 1990 and 1991 are still going strong). The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2006 offers notes of new saddle leather, black currants, autumnal vegetation/forest floor, cassis, and cherries, superb richness, and a full-bodied, powerful finish. Cellar it for 5-6 years, and drink it over the following 25 years. |
|
|
2006 |
Right Bank Proprietary Blend |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2009): The unfined, unfiltered 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve spends two years in French oak and another year in the bottle before being released. This cuvee has a long track record of aging (the 1990 and 1991 are still going strong). The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2006 offers notes of new saddle leather, black currants, autumnal vegetation/forest floor, cassis, and cherries, superb richness, and a full-bodied, powerful finish. Cellar it for 5-6 years, and drink it over the following 25 years. |
|
| Anthill |
2006 |
Abbey-Harris Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (5/2008): Deep red. Sexy strawberry, raspberry and blood orange on the nose, along with Asian spices and smoky minerals. Deeper-pitched on the palate, offering supple red and dark berry liqueur flavors, with energetic, spicy minerality adding vivacity. For such richness of fruit this is almost shockingly lithe and precise. Finishes with serious grip, juiciness and persistence. Pretty stunning stuff. Josh Raynolds.
BH 92 (10/2008): The nose immediately serves notice that you're on to something special here with its airy spice infused red and blue pinot fruit aromas that possess real depth as well as a beguiling touch of violets where the latter element can also be found on the rich, focused, sweet and intense flavors that, exactly like the 2005 so amply demonstrated, exude a clear sense of place, all wrapped in a dusty, pure, energetic and impressively long finish. In particular, I really like the mouth feel and it reminds me a bit of the Demuth in this sense as the vinification found the sweet spot between perfect extraction and the supporting elements. Terrific and absolutely recommended. (Drink starting 2012) |
|
| Arnot-Roberts |
2006 |
Clajeux Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Aubert |
2006 |
UV-SL Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$95 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Beau Vigne |
2006 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2008): Absolutely profound is the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, which clearly puts Beau Vigne alongside the Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet as one of the stars of Stags Leap. A wine of great intensity, exceptional power, and admirable grace as well as equilibrium, this full-bodied 2006 offers beautifully sweet creme de cassis, licorice, spice box, and toasty oak characteristics. Multidimensional, with a layered mid-palate, and a finish that lasts 45+ seconds, it will benefit from some bottle age, although it is accessible enough to be drunk now. Drink it over the next 20-25 years. This small boutique operation (nine acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and one acre of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) sits on a knoll in the Stags Leap viticultural area. Although somewhat under the radar among the top Napa producers, Beau Vigne’s offerings are very impressive. |
|
| Behrens Family (Erna Schein) |
2006 |
Homage to Ed Oliveira Alder Springs Vyd. Syrah |
$30 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2008): Another brilliant effort from Lisa and Les Behrens is the 2006 Homage to Ed Oliviera Alder Sp rings Vineyard. This 300-case cuvee of 84% Syrah and 16% Petite Sirah displays black and blue fruits, raspberries, lead pencil shavings, spring flowers, and wet stones. Dense, full-bodied, lush, and succulent, revealing oodles of fruit and glycerin as well as a hedonistic, blockbuster, fruit-driven style, it should age effortlessly for 5-10 years. |
|
| Betz Family Winery |
2006 |
Clos de Betz Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93+ (12/2008): (a blend of 52% merlot; 30% cabernet sauvignon, 13% cabernet franc and 5% malbec) Bright red-ruby color. Subdued but pure and highly complex nose features candied cherry and red berries, brown spices, flowers and sexy dried herbs. Wonderfully silky and subtle on entry, then juicy and sharply delineated but quite closed in the middle, with terrific acidity and a strong spice character contributing to the impression of purity and lift. The note of cherry candy follows through on the palate. I'd give this youthfully tight wine five years in the cellar. Incidentally, winemaker Bob Betz told me that as of 2008 there will be no cabernet franc or malbec in this cuvee.
WA 93 (12/2008): The Bordeaux-styled wines start with the 2006 Clos de Betz, a blend of 61% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Malbec. It was aged for 16 months in 70% new French oak. Purple/black in color, it reveals a fragrant nose of pain grille, pencil lead, scorched earth, black cherry, blackberry, and plum. This leads to a smooth-textured, intense, layered wine with superb depth and concentration and enough stuffing to evolve for 4-6 years. It will reach its peak by 2012 and remain at that level through 2026. |
|
| Boudreaux Cellars |
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (12/2012): The Boudreaux 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon - sourced from nine disparate and prestigious vineyards all mentioned in small print on the front label - was wisely moved to wooden tank after its second year in barrique lest the tannins of this high-heat vintage become too drying. As it is, a faint drying spot does creep into the finish, but as with a number of Boudreaux wines I tasted, the positive flavors outlast that; and there is sappy primary fruit retention by way of classic dark cherry and cassis. Alkali, smoky black tea, peat and red licorice complement that fruit character on the nose as well as on a surprisingly polished, expansive palate. A note of tar or asphalt in the finish makes me think "Syrah?" I would plan on enjoying this rather unusual wine over the next year or two, notwithstanding how well the corresponding 2003 - from a vintage Newsome calls "along similar lines" - shows when tasted alongside. |
|
| Cadence |
2006 |
Bel Canto Red Mtn. Cara Mia Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$51 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Camerata Cara Mia Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (12/2008): (94% cabernet sauvignon and 6% cabernet franc) Initially withdrawn nose reveals musky plum, dark cherry and herbs with aeration. Lush in texture, with a silky sweetness; boasts good juicy acidity yet comes off as a tad chunky today. Perhaps best today on the rising finish, which shows a penetrating quality. Entirely from the three-year-old Cara Mia estate vineyard and not showing the depth or complexity of a wine from older vines. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Caldwell |
2006 |
Estate Grown Block 15 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Cameron |
2006 |
Abbey Ridge Pinot Noir |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Clos Electrique Rouge |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Chappellet |
2006 |
Signature Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (6/2009): Full ruby-red. Aromas of currant, tobacco, graphite and crushed rock. Sweet, plush and nicely deep, with a silky texture to the flavors of plum, currant and spicecake. Quite sweet, even a bit exotic, for this bottling. Finishes with substantial broad, dusty tannins and plenty of spicy, chocolatey oak. |
|
| Chimney Rock |
2006 |
Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon (6.0 L) |
$600 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Constant |
2006 |
Diamond Mountain Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (6/2009): Aromas of plum, cassis, menthol and dark chocolate, with complicating licorice and graphite nuances. Lush and nicely concentrated; a step up in sweetness from the Claret, with good energy to the currant, plum, mocha and chocolate flavors. This one is slightly herbal in a positive way. Finishes with dusty, building tannins and lingering berry and mineral flavors. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Corliss |
2006 |
Red Wine |
$65 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2011): The 2006 Red is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Petit Verdot aged in 73% new oak for 33 months. This loaded effort delivers a sexy concoction of toasty oak, exotic spices, and assorted black fruits that titillates the nose. Deftly combining power and elegance, it should see its 20th birthday in peak form. |
|
| Corra |
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 91 (6/2009): Bright ruby-red. Blueberry, cassis, bitter chocolate, licorice and menthol on the nose. Supple and lush on the palate, with captivating cassis, mineral and melted chocolate flavors; showed a strong graphite quality with air. This boasts a compellingly creamy texture and finishes with substantial sweet tannins. A very nicely balanced 2006, built to age but already offering considerable appeal. This is consulting winemaker Celia Masyczek's own project, made from vines on Pritchard Hill as well as in Rutherford and Oakville.
WA 89-91 (12/2008): Still in barrel, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits the vintage’s more muscular, masculine style along with high tannins as well as plenty of concentration and substance. Still unformed, it needs more time to sort out its big-framed personality. It should turn out to be Outstanding, but whether or not it will compete with the gorgeous elegance of the beautiful 2005 remains to be seen. |
|
| Coup de Foudre |
2006 |
Cuvee 37.2 Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 87 (12/2009): The 2006 Blend 37.2 Cuvee (91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc) exhibits plenty of mocha, berry, chocolate, and licorice notes as well as a ton of new oak. The tannins are slightly gritty, and that problem is exacerbated by the oaky component. Nevertheless, there is a lot going on in this solidly made red. If the oak dissipates and the tannins fall away, an excellent wine should emerge in 4-5 years. |
|
| DeLille Cellars |
2006 |
Grand Ciel Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 94 (11/2009): (100% cabernet sauvignon) Good deep ruby-red. Blackberry, blueberry, minerals and violet on the precise, vibrant nose. Sharply delineated and refined, with terrific energy and cut to the flavors of dark berries, violet, minerals and bitter chocolate. There's a lightly leafy cabernet nuance and a note of graphite that remind me of a top Medoc wine. A real essence of Washington cabernet, finishing with broad, silky tannins and superb persistence.
WA 94 (8/2010): The 2006 Grand Ciel Cabernet Sauvignon (100% varietal from the DeLille owned Grand Ciel Vineyard in the Red Mountain AVA) sports a captivating bouquet of wood smoke, herbs, balsamic, espresso, blackberry, and a hint of chocolate. Elegant on the palate with loads of savory fruit and spice elements, it personifies the phrase of the iron fist in the velvet glove. It will evolve for several more years and easily see its 20th birthday. |
|
| Dom. Drouhin |
2006 |
Cuvee Louise Pinot Noir |
$30 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 94 (10/2008): The 2006 Pinot Noir Louise Drouhin Family Estate will not be released until May, 2009. Dark ruby-colored, the nose offers up enticing aromas of pain grille, pencil lead, mineral, violets, red and black cherry, and black raspberry. Velvety, elegant, and plush, it has loads of succulent fruit, layers of flavor, Outstanding depth and concentration, and a very long finish. Cellar it for 4-5 years and drink it from 2013 to 2026.
VM 91 (6/2008): Dark red. Explosively perfumed, vivid aromas of raspberry, kirsch, smoky mineral and yellow rose. Racy and pure, with finely etched red fruit flavors and a seductive, silky texture. Gains weight and sweetness with air, finishing with a deep, sappy cherry quality and excellent persistence. This is already delicious.
BH 89 (10/2008): A pretty and notably ripe nose of intense red berry fruit with a hint of cherry cough drop introduces rich, full and suave middle weight flavors that possess good complexity and length on the round but persistent finish. This has perhaps a touch less detail than what I'm used to seeing with this wine but it's generous, delicious and should age well over the medium term. Drink 2011+. |
|
| Robert Foley Vineyards |
2006 |
Claret Lightly Scuffed Label |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 91+ (6/2009): Bright ruby-red. Aromas of cassis, plum and licorice. Sweet and densely packed, with dark berry and graphite flavors along with a slight dried-fruit character. I find this a bit low-pitched for a Foley wine despite its sound ripe acidity. Finishes with chewy, slightly dry tannins that call for at least a few years of aging. This is all cabernet sauvignon in 2006, from vineyards on Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, Atlas Peak and Calistoga.
WA 89+ (12/2008): Foley’s flagship cuvee, the 2006 Claret (a blend of Bordeaux varietals) exhibits a dense ruby/purple hue as well as a sweet bouquet of creme de cassis, blackberries, spice, and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied with gritty tannins in the background, but nice length, texture, and purity, it should merit an Outstanding score after another 1-2 years of bottle age. It will keep for 10-12 years. |
|
| Force Majeure (Grand Reve) |
2006 |
Collaboration I Red Wine |
$65 |
12 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2009): The 2006 Collaboration I is the same blend but spent “only” 23 months in barrel. It reveals a similar aromatic and flavor profile but appears to be just a bit more forward, succulent, and voluptuous. It will deliver prime drinking from 2012 to 2025. |
|
|
2006 |
Collaboration IV Red Wine |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Collaboration Series Reserve Syrah |
$60 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (6/2011): Like the ’05 Reserve Syrah, the 2006 Grand Reve Vintners Reserve Syrah is made by Ben Smith, sees a dash of co-fermented Viognier, and gets an extended stint in 100% new French oak. Downright sexy and upfront, with a huge perfume of crème de cassis, raspberry ganache, spice cabinet, licorice, graphite, and dried meats on the nose, the wine is full bodied in the mouth, showing gorgeous fruit and a brilliant, creamy, and mouth filling texture that stays light and airy. There’s not a hard edge to be found, and the sheer seamlessness and approachable nature makes this a joy to drink. Given how approachable it is, I don’t see any reason to hold off, however, it should have at the least a decade of prime drinking. |
|
| Futo |
2006 |
OV Proprietary Blend |
$69 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Ghost Block |
2006 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2009): Better balanced is the impressive 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by plenty of creme de cassis, charcoal, roasted herb, and licorice notes. Medium to full-bodied and ripe with elegance, substance, and well-integrated tannins, it should drink well for 15-20 years. |
|
| Gramercy Cellars |
2006 |
John Lewis Reserve Syrah |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2008): Full red-ruby. Deep, varietally expressive aromas of cherry, cola, bacon fat, smoked meat and pepper, complicated by a cool, minerally graphite component. Lush and chewy with extract but quite dry, with lovely grip to the flavors of red fruits and minerals. Very suave and expressive syrah, with a subtle sweetness of fruit and excellent slow-mounting persistence. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2006 |
Lagniappe Syrah |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (12/2008): ( blended with 3% viognier; fermented with 40% whole clusters) Full, dark red. Aromas of boysenberry and fruity peppercorn, plus a whiff of licorice. Supple and velvety but adamantly dry, with pungent herb and spice flavors currently dominating the berry fruit in the mid-palate. Plump in the middle but quite firm on the back end, with a hint of bitter fruit skin. A grown-up style that should be flexible at the dinner table. |
|
| Grgich Hills |
2006 |
Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 84 (12/2009): The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits notes of chocolate, red and black currants, and camphor, but high acids and high tannin give the wine a monochromatic, clipped, lean character that will not age out. Rather, the wine is likely to dry out. |
|
|
2006 |
Yountville Selection Cabernet Sauvignon |
$70 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Hall |
2006 |
Darwin Red Wine |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 90+ (12/2008): Not surprisingly, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is slightly more tannic and firmer, revealing aromas of creosote, coffee beans, black currants, and toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied with a more aggressive structure as well as more noticeable astringency to the tannins, but with the necessary depth of fruit and concentration for balance, it should drink well for 12-15 years.
VM 90 (5/2009): Full red-ruby. Currant, chocolate, loam and a whiff of meat on the nose. Sweet, lush and creamy, with rather exotic flavors of currant and chocolate liqueur. A satisfying mouthful of cabernet, finishing with substantial fine-grained, dusty tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Hanzell |
2006 |
Sonoma Valley Pinot Noir Lightly Scuffed Label |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Keever |
2006 |
Inspirado Red Bordeaux Blend |
$59 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Korbin Kameron |
2006 |
Cuvee Kristin Cabernet Sauvignon |
$30 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Kosta Browne |
2006 |
Garys’ Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (6/2008): Dark red. Vibrant red and dark berry aromas are complemented by baking spices, licorice and musky underbrush. Energetic, sharply defined raspberry and wild strawberry flavors are nicely concentrated but the wine is light in body, with a surprisingly elegant personality and good lift. Gains energy on the finish, which is impressively spicy, fresh and long. |
|
|
2006 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$59 |
8 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$59 |
9 |
|
| |
VM 91 (6/2008): Medium red. Energetic red berries, minerals and fresh flowers on the nose, complicated by Asian spices and pungent herbs. Racy and sharply focused, offering tangy redcurrant and wild strawberry flavors. Bracing minerality adds cut to the long, spicy finish.
BH 86 (10/2008): A Maraschino cherry nose that displays attractive spice hints a soupçon of menthol moves into round, supple and nicely rich flavors that possess a distinctly edgy finish where the tannins are not well integrated into the finish, which is also distinctly warm. I like the complexity but the delivery isn't one of harmony. Drink 2009+. |
|
| Herb Lamb Vineyards |
2006 |
HL Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Lamborn Family |
2006 |
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Larkmead Vineyards |
2006 |
LMV Salon Proprietary Blend |
$109 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (12/2008): Equally prodigious are the 800 cases of 2006 LMV Salon Proprietary Red, a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and the rest the other three Bordeaux varietals (Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot). Spicy, chocolatey espresso roast notes intermixed with spring flowers and a hint of bay leaf are followed by a full-bodied wine with oodles of black currant and cherry fruit. The sweetness of the tannins, the breadth and savory mouthfeel, as well as the layered texture, make for an exceptional glass of sumptuous wine. It should drink nicely for 15+ years.
VM 91 (8/2019): Good dark red-ruby. Less high-toned than the '06 Solari. Aromas of black raspberry, dark cherry, mocha and licorice show less of the spicy high tones of the '06 Solari. In a rather powerful style, like the Solari, with dark fruit, graphite and licorice flavors dominating. Here the tannins come across as a bit rough but still supported by the wine's strong fruit and extract. Less suave than the Solari but softened considerably with aeration, showing an attractive sweetness and emerging soil tones. (15.5% alcohol) (Drink between 2019-2029). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2006 |
The Lark Proprietary Blend |
$225 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2008): A new cuvee, the 2006 The Lark (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) comes from the proprietor’s favorite block, which was once identified by the late Harold Olmo as his choice for Cabernet Sauvignon. It is only four barrels, or 100 cases, so I’ll keep my notes short. The wine displays beautiful sweetness and opulence in a style very much like the Solari, and at this stage it seems hard to differentiate from that wine. |
|
| Lewelling Vineyards |
2006 |
St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2008): The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is a dead-ringer for a Napa version of the famed Pauillac, Pontet-Canet. Charcoal, creme de cassis, unsmoked cigar tobacco, and earthy characteristics are present in its fragrant bouquet. It possesses sweet tannin, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and immediate accessibility, although it can be cellared for 15 more years. |
|
|
2006 |
Wight Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2008): Slightly deeper, fuller, and more structured, with noticeably higher tannin is the opaque purple-hued 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Wight Vineyard. Sharing many of the same characteristics as its less expensive sibling, it also reveals notes of creme de cassis, smoky charcoal, graphite, and earth as well as a bigger framework and structured tannins, both nicely supported by an extravagant wealth of fruit and richness. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring, and drink it over the following 25 years. |
|
| Littorai |
2006 |
Summa Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (6/2008): Good fresh red. Very pure, perfumed aromas of raspberry, minerals and blood orange. Juicy, vibrant and precise, with red berry and mineral flavors of noteworthy finesse. In texture, this reminded me of Chambolle. Finishes juicy, sharply delineated and long. Very classy wine-and at the low end in alcohol for this collection, at 13.7%. |
|
| Long Shadows Wineries |
2006 |
Feather Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (10/2009): The 2006 Feather is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon cuvee made by Randy Dunn of Napa Valley fame. The wine was sourced from several prime vineyards and aged for 22 months in new French oak. The nose gives up aromas of toasty oak, scorched earth, Asian spices, black currant, and blackberry. Firm and structured yet elegant on the palate, there are layers of fruit and enough tannin to evolve for another 4-6 years. The wine will be at its best from 2013 to 2026. |
|
|
2006 |
Pedestal Merlot |
$60 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 94 (10/2009): The 2006 Pedestal features Michel Rolland who was at Long Shadows on the day of my tasting to do some blending. His wine is 86% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec aged for 22 months in 85% new French oak. Purple-colored, it offers an alluring bouquet of sandalwood, pencil lead, spice box, incense, black currants, and black cherry. Seamless on the palate, this plush wine has layers of ripe, savory flavors, well-concealed tannin, excellent aging potential, and a 60-second finish. It will provide much pleasure between 2013 and 2026.
VM 91 (11/2009): (Michel Rolland's blend, consisting of 86% merlot, 8% cabernet sauvignon, 4% petit verdot and 2% malbec; aged in 85% new oak) Good bright ruby-red. Sweet, creamy aromas of redcurrant and sexy sandalwood. Fat, rich and sweet, with a ripeness verging on overripe. The wine's big tannins initially overwhelmed the merlot character, but this big, broad, distinctly New World wine showed increasing fruit flavor with extended aeration. Finishes with broad, serious tannins that call for patience. |
|
|
2006 |
Pirouette Red Wine |
$59 |
10 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2009): ( this joint project of Agustin Huneeus, Sr. and Philippe Melka is a blend of 54% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot, 15% petit verdot, 6% cab franc and 5% syrah) Good deep ruby-red. Very ripe aromas of dark raspberry, mocha and spices, with a sweetness from the Taransaud barrels. Broad and sweet in the mouth: I would have guessed this had some residual sugar but I suspect the wine's glyceral quality is largely due to the fact that much of it was fermented in 400-liter barrels with native yeasts. Finishes with big, chewy tannins that build with air without losing their essential suavity. This wine, as well as the Chester Kidder, spends up to 42 days on its skins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Matthews |
2006 |
Colombia Valley Claret |
$25 |
12 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (12/2009): Dark red. Expressive aromas and flavors of currant, plum, tobacco, graphite and chocolatey oak. Supple and juicy, with moderate sweetness and flesh. Slightly tart acidity gives shape and lift to this blend, which finishes with dusty, building, oak-driven tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Maybach |
2006 |
Materium Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 94 (12/2008): The 2006 Materium may be an even greater achievement as it is an undeniably brilliant success in a less consistent vintage for Bordeaux varietals. Full-bodied and powerful with surprisingly silky tannins, it exhibits abundant black fruit, charcoal, and loamy soil characteristics as well as a 40-45-second finish. This stunning 2006 should age effortlessly for 25+ years.
VM 93 (6/2009): Deep, bright ruby-red. Very ripe, soil-driven aromas of currant, blueberry, black cherry, menthol, smoke and tobacco, complicated by mint and creosote. Densely packed and very ripe but with a suave character and harmonious acidity. Smoke, mint and rocky notes complicate the dark fruit flavors. Finishes with big, broad tannins and excellent length. This 100%-cabernet sauvignon wine, made from the Weitz Vineyard above Dalla Valle, has a pH under 3.6 with alcohol of 15.5%, according to winemaker Thomas Brown. |
|
|
2006 |
Materium Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$350 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (12/2008): The 2006 Materium may be an even greater achievement as it is an undeniably brilliant success in a less consistent vintage for Bordeaux varietals. Full-bodied and powerful with surprisingly silky tannins, it exhibits abundant black fruit, charcoal, and loamy soil characteristics as well as a 40-45-second finish. This stunning 2006 should age effortlessly for 25+ years.
VM 93 (6/2009): Deep, bright ruby-red. Very ripe, soil-driven aromas of currant, blueberry, black cherry, menthol, smoke and tobacco, complicated by mint and creosote. Densely packed and very ripe but with a suave character and harmonious acidity. Smoke, mint and rocky notes complicate the dark fruit flavors. Finishes with big, broad tannins and excellent length. This 100%-cabernet sauvignon wine, made from the Weitz Vineyard above Dalla Valle, has a pH under 3.6 with alcohol of 15.5%, according to winemaker Thomas Brown. |
|
| Merus |
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 92+ (12/2008): Although closed at present, Merus’ inky/purple-colored 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon displays enormous power and richness. It is a massive, blockbuster-styled effort possessing black fruits, plenty of spicy oak, hints of licorice and graphite, and mouth-staining tannins and extract in the finish. Forget it for 4-5 years, and drink it over the following 20-25.
VM 92+ (6/2009): (blended with 3% malbec and 2% petit verdot) Saturated ruby. Dusty black raspberry, blackberry, spices and licorice pastille on the nose, with hints of meat, dark chocolate and eucalyptus. Less sweet and harmonious than the young 2007 sample, showing a rather tightly wound quality and a medicinal aspect to its dark fruit flavors. Finishes with serious, even somewhat tough tannins. In a disjointed stage now and in need of patience. |
|
| Peter Michael Winery |
2006 |
Les Pavots Proprietary Blend |
$149 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96 (12/2008): The 2006 Les Pavots (a 2,730-case blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot) exhibits big notes of chocolate fudge intermixed with dark berry fruit, forest floor, underbrush, and some smoky oak. The wine is full-bodied, with remarkable intensity, low acidity, and a fleshy, opulent mouthfeel. This wine should drink well for 15-20+ years.
VM 94 (6/2009): (77% cabernet sauvignon, 13% cabernet franc, 8% merlot and 2% petit verdot) Glass-staining ruby. Powerful aromas of red- and blackcurrant, with deeper cherry compote, tobacco and candied licorice emerging with air. Very rich but surprisingly graceful, offering sweet red and dark berry flavors, velvety texture and a suave floral pastille quality. Tightens up on the finish, which repeats the redcurrant and licorice notes and simply refuses to let up. This wine's depth and linear character are something else. There is more cabernet sauvignon in this Pavots than in any previous bottling, according to Nick's brother Luc, who still consults here. |
|
| Modus Operandi |
2006 |
Antithesis Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Robert Mondavi |
2006 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2008): The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville reveals more licorice, spice, box, cedar, black cherries, and black currants in its complex, moderately intense aromatics. Full-bodied with outstanding concentration and moderate tannin, it displays the potential to improve for a decade, and last for 15-20 years thereafter. |
|
|
2006 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2008): The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville reveals more licorice, spice, box, cedar, black cherries, and black currants in its complex, moderately intense aromatics. Full-bodied with outstanding concentration and moderate tannin, it displays the potential to improve for a decade, and last for 15-20 years thereafter. |
|
| Ch. Montelena |
2006 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$120 |
11 |
|
| |
VM 92 (6/2009): Bright ruby-red. Blackberry, cassis and boysenberry aromas complemented by licorice, violet, menthol and bitter chocolate. Juicy, intensely flavored and quite fresh but a bit youthfully disjointed, with a firm tannin/acid spine supporting the crushed dark berry and menthol flavors. The wine's substantial tannins will need time to knit, but this wine retains good aromatic freshness.
WA 91+ (12/2010): The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate appears to have completely shut down, not surprising as Montelena’s Cabernet Sauvignons typically need plenty of time. The 2006 reveals medium to full body, austere tannins and lots of red and black fruits, dusty, loamy soil undertones and a hint of herbs/tobacco leaf. Give it another 4-5 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 20+. |
|
| Mount Eden Vineyards |
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 93+ (2/2010): The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate exhibits a saturated ruby/purple color as well as more subtle smoke, graphite, damp earth, creme de cassis, and blackberry characteristics, and a youthful, full-bodied mouthfeel with impressive concentration, texture, and length. This blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc from high elevation vineyards (2,000 feet) is capable of lasting two decades or more.
VM 93 (11/2009): Ruby-red color. Cherry preserves, cassis, pipe tobacco and dried flowers on the nose, with a sexy note of oak spice emerging with air. Juicy and gently sweet red and dark berry flavors are complemented by notes of bitter chocolate and cherry pit, with a hint of spicy tobacco on the back end. At once deep and graceful, with strong finishing cut and a lingering note of bitter cherry. I prefer this bottling to the excellent 2005 and find it more accessible as well. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Outpost |
2006 |
True Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2008): From a 9-acre parcel, the full-bodied 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard includes some Cabernet Franc and Merlot in the blend. It reveals a floral cocktail-like bouquet intermixed with lead pencil shavings, blue and black fruits, good freshness, and laser-like focus. A powerful, rich, layered effort, it ranks a few notches above their regular offering. It should evolve for two decades. |
|
| Quilceda Creek |
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$169 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 99 (10/2009): The flagship 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon comes predominantly from the famous Champoux Vineyard in which the winery is a partner. It was aged in 100% new oak. It sports a deep purple-color with a captivating nose of spice box, sandalwood, truffle, Asian spices, incense, black cherry, and black currant. Opulent on the palate (but elegant as well), it already reveals serious complexity, density, and succulence of fruit. Enjoyable now but with at least 8-10 years of cellaring potential, this marvelous effort should have a 30 year lifespan.
VM 95+ (12/2009): Good deep ruby-red. Cassis, licorice pastille, violet, incense and sexy smoky oak on the nose. Densely packed, intense and sweet but the most backward and primary of these 2006s. Wonderfully full, chocolatey fruit saturates the palate. Quilceda Creek's flagship bottling has become more of a competition wine lately than this producer's examples in the '80s and '90s, but this very powerful wine boasts greater vibrancy and focus than recent vintages and seems as much Pauillac in character as Napa Valley cult wine. Finishes ripe but classically dry, with terrific medicinal reserve and slowly building tannins that reach the front teeth. A bit youthfully monolithic now, this really demands cellaring. |
|
|
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$339 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (10/2009): The flagship 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon comes predominantly from the famous Champoux Vineyard in which the winery is a partner. It was aged in 100% new oak. It sports a deep purple-color with a captivating nose of spice box, sandalwood, truffle, Asian spices, incense, black cherry, and black currant. Opulent on the palate (but elegant as well), it already reveals serious complexity, density, and succulence of fruit. Enjoyable now but with at least 8-10 years of cellaring potential, this marvelous effort should have a 30 year lifespan.
VM 95+ (12/2009): Good deep ruby-red. Cassis, licorice pastille, violet, incense and sexy smoky oak on the nose. Densely packed, intense and sweet but the most backward and primary of these 2006s. Wonderfully full, chocolatey fruit saturates the palate. Quilceda Creek's flagship bottling has become more of a competition wine lately than this producer's examples in the '80s and '90s, but this very powerful wine boasts greater vibrancy and focus than recent vintages and seems as much Pauillac in character as Napa Valley cult wine. Finishes ripe but classically dry, with terrific medicinal reserve and slowly building tannins that reach the front teeth. A bit youthfully monolithic now, this really demands cellaring. |
|
| Ramey |
2006 |
Annum Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (9/2019): Deep ruby-black in color, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Annum, blended with 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, opens with tertiary aromas of baked plum, nori, raisin, cedar, dried tobacco, licorice, pencil shavings, cocoa and old leather with dried red and black currants and cherries plus a dusty earth note—this is one of those magical wines that brings back fleeting images of childhood as the aromas, difficult to name, flesh out. Medium-bodied, it's silky and fully tertiary in the mouth, with lovely savory and mineral layers. The tannins are firm and lightly chalky, the acidity still juicy and the finish long and nuanced. This is drinking just lovely right now! 872 cases produced. |
|
|
2006 |
Larkmead Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
16 |
|
| |
VM 93 (5/2009): (includes 4% petit verdot, 3% cabernet franc and 2% malbec) Glass-staining ruby. Deep, youthfully brooding cassis and dark cherry on the nose, with a strong licorice note building in the glass. Sappy black and blue fruit flavors are framed by dusty tannins and energized by a tangy mineral note. The licorice quality repeats on the finish, which is broad, sappy and impressively persistent. For a big boy, this is pretty graceful. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 92+ (12/2008): Although backward, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Larkmead Vineyard (3,820 cases) is extremely promising. Its inky/ruby/purple color is followed by a gorgeous perfume of smoke herbs, graphite, creme de cassis, coffee beans, and toasty oak. With sensational fruit on the attack and mid-palate, and a finish filled with power, glycerin, depth, and impressive structure, this 2006 will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, and should evolve for two decades or more. |
|
|
2006 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 91 (5/2009): (includes 11% merlot and 2% each of cabernet franc and petit verdot) Bright ruby. Cherry and red berry aromas are complicated by dried rose, tobacco and fresh herbs. Juicy and intense, with gently sweet red and dark berry flavors and slow-mounting tannins. Becomes more floral with air and finishes with impressive clarity and spicy persistence. Eighty percent of the vines that provided this fruit are planted on steep hillsides, Ramey told me. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 90 (12/2008): The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is a bigger, deeper effort revealing austere tannins in the finish, but also plenty of chocolaty, black currant fruit intermixed with licorice, roasted herbs, and underbrush. It has shut down in bottle, and requires another year or so to open. |
|
| Rivers Marie |
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
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+. |
|
| Rudius |
2006 |
Spirit Rock Alder Springs Vyd. Syrah |
$38 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Saxum |
2006 |
Heart Stone Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (8/2009): A blend of 38% Syrah, 36% Grenache, and 26% Mourvedre, the 2006 Heart Stone Vineyard offers up scents of flowers, lavender, black cherries, raspberries, blackberries, underbrush, and forest floor. Justin Smith uses a lot of whole clusters in his fermentation, which seems to give his wines structure as well as nuance. This is the most French-like of Saxum’s 2006s, and it comes across like a restrained, northern Rhone-like effort that is only hinting at its ultimate potential. It will benefit from 1-3 years of cellaring, and should evolve for 10-15 years.
VM 92 (12/2008): ( 38% syrah, 36% grenache and 26% mourvedre) Bright red. Sexy, strongly floral aromas of strawberry, black raspberry and candied flowers, with a suave Christmas spice quality. Sappy and sweet, with vivid red fruit and floral pastille flavors and a seductive overlay of cinnamon and mace. Bright minerals add lift and cut to the sappy finish. This was fermented with about 35% whole clusters. |
|
| Schrader |
2006 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 98+ (12/2008): One of the more backward efforts is the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Schrader. It is dense and full-bodied, but holding more in reserve. |
|
|
2006 |
T6 Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$299 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2008): The similarly-styled 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon T6 displays extraordinary focus and precision along with lavish amounts of creme de cassis fruit intermixed with smoked herbs, milk chocolate, and burning embers. Powerful yet silky-textured and sumptuously rich, this is another stunner to drink over the next 20-25 years.
VM 97 (10/2013): Schrader’s 2006 and 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon T6, also from my cellar, were showstoppers. I preferred the 2006 for its explosive, vibrant personality, sumptuous fruit and exceptional pedigree. The 2006 was flat-out breathtaking. Wow. |
|
| Sheridan Vineyard |
2006 |
L’Orage Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (10/2009): The 2006 L’Orage is composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Cabernet Franc aged for 26 months in 50% new French oak. Opaque purple/black in color, it has an alluring perfume of pain grille, spice box, creme de cassis, and blackberry. Rich, layered, and opulent on the palate, this weighty effort has fully integrated its oak and the lengthy finish suggests a long life ahead. It will offer a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2026. |
|
|
2006 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2009): There are only 250 cases of the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve sourced from the tenderloin (Block 1 ) of the Sheridan Vineyard and aged for 30 months in 100% new French oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it exhibits a brooding bouquet of toasty oak, cocoa, cassis, blackberry, and incense. Dense, rich, and super-concentrated on the palate, the wine is mouth-filling, focused, and splendidly balanced. It will reward 6-8 years of cellaring and drink well through 2030. |
|
|
2006 |
Reserve Syrah |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (10/2009): The 2006 Syrah Reserve is a spectacular effort. Yields for the wine were 1 ton per acre with no crop thinning. It was aged for 30 months in 100% new French oak. Fragrant aromas of vanilla, chocolate, and coconut are reminiscent of an Almond Joy candy bar. Add notes of bacon, smoked meat, and blueberry to the mix and it becomes an exotic, kinky elixir. Mouth-filling, extravagantly rich, and succulent, the wine’s finish lingers for over one minute. So flavorful that it can actually be enjoyed now with 2 hours of decanting, it will benefit from 2-3 years of further bottle age and drink well for at least a decade. |
|
| Sine Qua Non |
2006 |
In the Crosshairs Grenache (1.5 L) |
$1,499 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (8/2010): The extended barrel aged Grenache, the 2006 In the Crosshairs, will be released in a few months. A blend of 84% Grenache, 12% Syrah, and 4% Viognier from the estate's 11 Confessions Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills, this cuvee was aged completely in French oak, many of the barrels being demi-muids. It spent 32 months in wood, which goes against nearly every conventional rule about how Grenache reacts to wood. This contrarian notion is the genius of Krankl. An extraordinary wine, it may turn out to be his greatest Grenache since the 2000 Incognito (a wine that is currently at a magical maturity point). No shy wine at 16.3% alcohol (similar to a top-notch Chateauneuf du Pape), it exhibits a deep plum/ruby/purple color as well as a luxurious bouquet of raspberry jam, kirsch liqueur, lavender, licorice, and spice box. Full-bodied and sumptuously textured with stunning power as well as elegance, this hedonistic and intellectual turn-on should rock and roll (or is it Rock and Rhone?) for another 10-15 years.
VM 96 (12/2010): (includes 12% syrah and 4% viognier) Opaque ruby. A wild bouquet exudes scents of candied red and dark berries, incense, smoked meat and black olive. I'd have guessed that there was a lot more syrah in here. Lush and palate-coating black raspberry and boysenberry flavors are lifted by zesty acidity and complemented by exotic floral pastille and spice flavors. Strikes an impressive balance of richness and vivacity and finishes with Outstanding clarity and smoky, spicy persistence. With air some fine-grained tannins peeked out, but this is really a wall of seductive fruit, floral and spice qualities. |
|
| Sineann |
2006 |
Resonance Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90+ (6/2008): Vivid red color. Exotically perfumed nose offers spiced raspberry, cherry, blackberry, dried flowers and patchouli, with a suave vanilla undertone. Deeper bitter cherry and cola flavors are gently firmed by dusty tannins and given lift by orange peel and tangy minerals. Finishes fresh and firm, with the bitter cherry and cola qualities repeating. I suspect that this will reward cellaring. |
|
|
2006 |
Resonance Vyd. Reserve Pinot Noir |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (10/2008): The 2006 Pinot Noir Resonance Reserve is a selection of the four best barrels. It reveals a similar personality but with more grip and depth and splendid integration of the oak, tannin, and acidity leading to a seamless, pure close. Peter Rosback makes one other Pinot Noir but you’ll have to be one of the fortunate few to get a reservation at Napa Valley’s The French Laundry restaurant where it is sold exclusively to diners. |
|
| W.H. Smith |
2006 |
Piedra Hill Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Sojourn Cellars |
2006 |
Sangiacomo Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| BH 90 (10/2008): An admirably elegant, pure and refined nose features mostly red berry fruit nuanced with a subtle crushed herb note as well as a discreet touch of spice that is also picked up by the detailed, silky and utterly delicious flavors that are at once intense and detailed while delivering a certain generosity on the admirably long finish. A lovely wine that is worth a look. (Drink starting 2011). |
|
| Soos Creek |
2006 |
Champoux Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Stags' Leap Winery |
2006 |
The Leap Cabernet Sauvignon Torn Label; Bin-Soiled Label |
$70 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Sterling Vineyards |
2006 |
Napa Valley Sangiovese |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Switchback Ridge |
2006 |
Peterson Family Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 92 (12/2008): That is not the case with the dense ruby/purple-hued 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Peterson Family Vineyard. Beautiful aromas of sweet blackberries, cassis, forest floor, and spring flowers jump from the glass of this full-bodied, opulent, moderately tannic wine. Its textured, layered mouthfeel displays no aggressiveness. Drink this beauty over the next 10-15 years.
VM 92 (6/2009): Bright, moderately saturated ruby-red. Currant, tar, smoke and violet on the nose. Dense and superripe, with an almost exotic quality to the dark berry, spice and forest floor flavors, but also harmonious framing acidity. This is really stuffed with fruit. Finishes with substantial but fine tannins. A big boy with very good texture and depth. |
|
|
2006 |
Peterson Family Vyd. Merlot |
$52 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 89 (6/2009): Medium red. Superripe but subdued plummy aroma. Ripe, lush and moderately concentrated, but with a classically dry, restrained quality. A serious, minerally and youthfully tight style of merlot, evolving slowly: give it plenty of air if you plan to open it anytime soon.
WA 87 (12/2008): The 2006 Merlot Peterson Family Vineyard reveals an evolved dark plum/garnet color followed by notes of animal fur intermixed with chocolate and ripe berry fruit. In the mouth, the wine is soft and supple, but tails off in the mid-palate and finish, revealing some lightness as well as shortness. While charming and sensual, it lacks concentration. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. |
|
|
2006 |
Peterson Family Vyd. Petite Sirah |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 92+ (6/2009): Good saturated medium ruby. Aromas of crushed black fruits and rare steak. Densely packed, sweet and chewy, with terrific depth of flavor; the note of bloody rare steak carries through in the mouth. This outsized wine finishes with big, chewy, youthfully tough tannins that need aging. As young as this is, it's easier to taste today than the merlot as there's considerably more material here.
WA 91+ (12/2008): The blockbuster 2006 Petite Sirah Peterson Family Vineyard boast an inky/blue/purple color as well as copious quantities of blueberry jam intermixed with truffles, incense, and a hint of charred meat. This full-bodied, powerful, rich, unevolved, backward Petite Sirah should be forgotten for 4-5 years, and drunk over the following two decades. |
|
| Thomas |
2006 |
Dundee Hills Pinot Noir |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (5/2009): Light red. Complex aromas of strawberry, cherry skin, dried rose, smoked meat and musky underbrush. With air, the wine's fruit and floral qualities come to the fore and carry onto the palate. Silky and alluringly sweet, with good tangy mineral cut and an impressively long, sappy finish. Really benefits from aeration, so decant this if you plan to open a bottle anytime soon. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2006 |
Dundee Hills Pinot Noir Nicked Label |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (5/2009): Light red. Complex aromas of strawberry, cherry skin, dried rose, smoked meat and musky underbrush. With air, the wine's fruit and floral qualities come to the fore and carry onto the palate. Silky and alluringly sweet, with good tangy mineral cut and an impressively long, sappy finish. Really benefits from aeration, so decant this if you plan to open a bottle anytime soon. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Turley Wine Cellars |
2006 |
Dusi Vyd. Zinfandel |
$52 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (6/2008): Good bright ruby-red. Superripe aromas of berry liqueur, dark chocolate and fruity pepper, with some distinctly exotic high tones. Lush, sweet, seamless and superripe, boasting terrific depth of fruit and bright framing acidity. This is magically light on its feet for a wine with 16.4% alcohol. Finishes very long, with suave tannins. Downright thick but not at all cloying.
WA 91-93 (12/2007): The 2006 Zinfandel Dusi Vineyard, another Paso Robles site, is a whopper at 16.4% alcohol, but has terrific fruit, slightly caramelized Amarone-like licorice, tar, and blackberry fruit, with decent acidity and a full-bodied mouthfeel with high glycerin. Drink it over the next 4-6 years. |
|
|
2006 |
Moore "Earthquake" Vyd. Zinfandel |
$52 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 89-92 (6/2008): Bright medium red. Cherry, pepper and smoke, along with an intriguing flinty quality, on the slightly reduced nose. Moderately sweet and fat, with the smoke and flint nuances carrying through on the palate. Currently a rather atypical Moore, as it doesn't yet show the explosive fruit this bottling often displays. This is 15% alcohol "at the most," notes winemaker Jordan, adding that the fruit was harvested very late.
WA 88-90 (12/2007): One of my favorite Zinfandels is the Zinfandel Moore Earthquake Vineyard, but the 2006 was just not singing. It is an elegant style, with high acidity, and restrained and somewhat understated when comparing it with previous examples from this vineyard. We’ll see how it behaves. |
|
|
2006 |
Tofanelli Vyd. Zinfandel Torn Label |
$52 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 90-93 (12/2007): Deep berry fruit intermixed with some caramelized herbs, spice box, and earth characterize the dark ruby 2006 Zinfandel Tofanelli Vineyard. The wine exhibits purity, richness, and a heady finish.
VM 90-93 (6/2008): Bright red-ruby. Enticing nose offers raspberry, mocha and Tellicherry pepper. Silky on entry, then creamy and voluminous in the middle, with a strong spice character. Superrich if a bit youthfully aggressive, finishing with big but ripe tannins and lingering spice. Still in tank. |
|
|
2006 |
Vineyard 101 Zinfandel |
$52 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92 (6/2008): Good red-ruby. Sappy, resiny aromas of red fruits and illegal herbs. Sweet and pungent in the mouth, with fascinating juicy flavors of red berries, wild anise and fruity pepper. Finishes long and perfumed, with fine-grained tannins and considerable complexity. Very distinctive wine.
WA 91-93 (12/2007): One of the long-standing old-vine Zinfandel vineyards is Turley’s Zinfandel Vineyard 101 from Alexander Valley. Always showing considerable amounts of generous fruit, pepper, herbs, and cherry liqueur, this wine is a bit deeper in 2006 than it was in 2005; it is attractive, supple-textured, and a beauty. |
|
| Clos du Val |
2006 |
Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$69 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Venge |
2006 |
Scout’s Honor Napa Valley Proprietary Blend |
$39 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Vice Versa |
2006 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (5/2009): Bright ruby-red. Cassis, licorice pastille, minerals and chocolatey oak on the nose. Dense but juicy, with good energy but a youthfully clenched character to its dark berry flavors. Spreads out nicely to coat the palate on the back end, finishing with substantial dusty tannins and building oakiness. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Andrew Will |
2006 |
Champoux Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
10 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (9/2016): The 2006 Champoux Vineyard (57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot) is another classy wine from this vineyard that offers those textbook Champoux notes of wild herbs, black currants, smoked earth and licorice. This full-bodied, rounded and voluptuous wine has building, fine tannin and a great finish. I love its tannin quality and while it's drinking beautifully today, it will no doubt keep for another decade. |
|
|
2006 |
Ciel du Cheval Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
18 |
|
| |
WA 93 (10/2009): The 2006 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard is a blend of 40% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Petit Verdot. Purple-colored, it has an outstanding bouquet of cedar, cinnamon, clove, black currant, and blackberry. On the palate the tannins so predominant in Red Mountain are nicely tamed. There are layers of savory fruit, considerable complexity, excellent balance, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. This lengthy effort will benefit from 3-5 years of additional cellaring and drink well through 2026.
VM 93 (11/2008): Bright ruby-red. Raspberry, redcurrant, minerals and dried herbs on the nose; less high-toned than the 2005. Juicy, bright and intense, with lovely precision to its primary flavors. Offers a terrific tight core of fruit and harmonious ripe acidity. A step up from the earlier vintage in lift. Finishes broad, with very suave tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2006 |
Two Blondes Vyd. Red Wine |
$55 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 92 (9/2016): Made when they were still doing manual punch downs, the 2006 Two Blondes Vineyard (close to one-third each of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) has a high pitched bouquet of violets, olive, leafy herbs, plums and black currants. It is rich, rounded, supple and sexy, with a beautiful seamlessness that just makes you want to drink it. Drink this sexy, forward and delicious wine over the coming decade.
VM 92 (11/2008): Good bright ruby-red. Musky aromas and flavors of sweet dark berries, truffle and smoke. Quite lush and sweet, but with enticing inner-mouth lift and a bright spicy quality to the fruit flavors. I find this distinctly fresher and suaver than the 2005 bottling. Rich, firmly structured wine with fine tannins to support bottle aging. Chris Camarda has taken his wines to a new level of freshness and consistency with the 2006 vintage, thanks in large part to the installation of new heating and cooling equipment in his winery, and the adoption of closed-top tanks, which has enabled him to make wines with better definition. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Williams Selyem |
2006 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 91 (6/2008): Bright red. Vivid red berry, cherry and blood orange aromas are complemented by fresh rose and dusty minerals. Racy strawberry and raspberry flavors are impressively precise, with tangy orange zest and floral pastille qualities adding verve. Gentle tannins emerge with air and extend through the long, spicy finish.
BH 87 (10/2008): A high-toned and slightly candied crushed red berry fruit nose trimmed in a very subtle touch of wood spice merges into round, forward and supple light to barely medium-bodied flavors that possess fine intensity and while this is definitely on the fruit-driven side, there is reasonably good depth and persistence on the ever so slightly warm finish. Drink 2009+. |
|
| Zepaltas |
2006 |
La Cruz Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$30 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (5/2008): Medium red, with a slight haze. Fresh red berries and pomegranate on the nose, with lavender and baking spices building with air. Zesty redcurrant and wild berry flavors are sharply focused and lithe, picking up sexy vanillin oak spice on the back end. Finishes juicy, brisk and minerally. Fans of full-throttle New World pinots are liable to be puzzled by this. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Baron de Brane |
2019 |
Margaux Ex-Negociant |
$32.99 |
29 |
|
| |
VM 92 (2/2022): The 2019 Baron de Brane is a gorgeous second wine. Succulent black cherry, plum, spice and leather are front and center. This racy Margaux offers a compelling interplay of bright red-toned fruit and silky contours. Drink it over the next handful of years. Tasted two times.
JA 89 (10/2026): Inky plum colour, deep and rich damson and raspberry fruits, with touches of peony aromatics. This is good quality, confident stuff. An upscore from En Primeur.
JD 88 (4/2022): The second wine of Brane-Cantenac, the 2019 Baron De Brane is more Merlot-dominated and has a fleshy, medium-bodied, supple style as well as rock-solid aromatics of black cherries, cedar pencil, and chocolaty herbs. It's already drinking nicely yet should keep for a decade. |
|
|
2023 |
Margaux ex-Negociant |
$35.99 |
55 |
|
| |
JA 92 (4/2024): Baron de Brane once again sets the bar high once again in terms of 2nd wines, with fragrant floral aromatics, nuance and depth from the attack and continuing through the mid palate, firm tannins and concentrated black fruits. 20% new oak.
Decanter 92 (4/2024): Ripe and floral notes on the nose, really quite expressive and open aromatically. There’s a richness to the scents with ripe blackcurrants, cherries and touches of rose and violets too with some milk chocolate. Supple and tart, high acidity, juicy and ripe fruit, with crunchiness, quite lean but there’s great length with freshly picked mint and some cedar and herbal aspects. Crisp and clean, lovely purity and precision. Not so layered or plush but it’s fresh and inviting with lift and a lovely mineral undertone. Accessible. Ageing 12 months, 20% new oak. 14.5 press wine. Almost 100 IPT. 40% of production. (Drink between 2027-2038) |
|
| Ch. Boyd-Cantenac |
2020 |
Margaux |
$49 |
58 |
|
| |
| JA 95 (11/2025): Inky purple in colour with a fist of toasted oak on the aromatics, but here it is skilfully coupled with a punch of cassis and blueberry fruits, and a lift of violet flowers, and creamy smoked caramel. It's exceptionally good, for me the best of the lineup, with clear precision on show. One to look out for, easy to recommend. 80% new oak. Lucien Guillemet owner and winemaker. No external consultant. |
|
| Ch. Capbern |
2019 |
St. Estephe Ex-Negociant |
$32 |
32 |
|
| |
JD 94 (4/2022): I love the nose on the 2019 Château Capbern, a medium to full-bodied, spicy, rich, tobacco and cedar pencil-filled beauty with ripe yet building tannins, a great mix of richness and freshness, and a blockbuster of a finish. It's incredibly impressive, and while it offers pleasure even today, it deserves 5-6 years of bottle age, and I can't imagine it not evolving for two decades. (Drink between 2027-2042).
VM 89 (2/2023): The 2019 Capbern has improved since I tasted it just after bottling. Finally, it has developed a more elegant bouquet, mainly black fruit fused with cedar and undergrowth scents. It has mustered more classicism. The palate is medium-bodied with a strong graphite element on the entry, fine depth, quite fresh with a structured, gritty finish. Fine. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. (Drink between 2025-2045). Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. Cos Labory |
2018 |
St. Estephe ex-Negociant |
$49 |
16 |
|
| |
VM 93 (3/2021): The 2018 Cos Labory is fabulous. An extra kick of richness from the warm year and a bit more Petit Verdot than usual result in a Cos Labory that is wonderfully savory, powerful and layered. Black cherry, plum, cloves, chocolate and dried herbs build as this potent, exotically ripe Saint-Estèphe opens in the glass. Today, the 2018 is dark, brooding and in need of cellaring. Cos Labory is a bit wild, but that just adds to its considerable allure. (Drink between 2025-2043). Antonio Galloni.
WA 93 (3/2021): The 2018 Cos Labory has a deep garnet-purple color, bursting from the glass with bold notes of warm cassis, blackberry compote and Morello cherries, plus suggestions of roses, unsmoked cigars and tree bark. The medium-bodied palate has a very sturdy frame of firm, grainy tannins and tons of freshness supporting the rather delicately played fruit, finishing long and earthy/minerally. The structure stands out a little now, which I enjoy, but for those preferring softer, rounder expressions, give this a good 3-5 years in the cellar and drink it over the next 15-20 years.
JD 90 (3/2021): Lots of rich red and black currants, tobacco, savory spice, and new leather notes emerge from the 2018 Château Cos Labory, a medium-bodied Saint-Estèphe with terrific overall balance, ripe, velvety tannins, lots of character, and outstanding length. It's well worth cellaring and drinking any time over the coming 15+ years. |
|
| Ch. de Francs |
2018 |
Francs Cotes de Bordeaux |
$20 |
12 |
|
| |
| JD 88 (3/2021): Bright cherry and mulberry fruits, a touch of cedary oak, and tobacco all emerge from the 2018 Château De Francs. Medium-bodied, with good overall balance and a clean finish, this is a solid, bistro-style drinker to enjoy over the coming 4-6 years. (Drink between 2021-2027) |
|
| Ch. de Pez |
2019 |
St. Estephe |
$44.99 |
18 |
|
| |
JD 93 (4/2022): Currants, plums, new leather, and cedar pencil notes all emerge from the 2019 Château De Pez, a nicely balanced, medium to full-bodied Saint-Estèphe that has plenty of classic character as well as class. With ripe, polished tannins and terrific purity, it can be drunk any time over the coming 20-25 years. (Drink between 2022-2047)
VM 92 (2/2022): The 2019 de Pez has gained tremendously in weight, power and substance. A wine of breadth and pure power, Pez possesses tremendous resonance and intensity, right out of the gate. Scorched earth, incense, plum, menthol and tar hit the palate. This rich, heady Saint-Estèphe has a ton to offer. Antonio Galloni.
WA 92-94 (6/2020): This year's blend is 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 de Pez comes tumbling out of the glass with an astonishingly beautiful perfume of lilacs, black cherries and black raspberries over a core of stewed plums, clove oil, dark chocolate and Sichuan pepper. The medium-bodied palate is jam-packed with energetic black fruits, supported by a firm foundation of ripe, grainy tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and perfumed. I love where this once-malingering château is headed—bravo to winemaker Nicolas Glumineau from Pichon Lalande! |
|
| Ch. Fonbadet |
2019 |
Pauillac (375 ML) Ex-Negociant |
$22.99 |
22 |
|
| |
JD 93 (4/2022): Blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, chocolate, and some cedary, spicy, lead pencil notes all emerge from the 2019 Château Fonbadet, a medium to full-bodied, rich, mouth-filling Pauillac with plenty of tannins, a balanced, layered mouthfeel, good concentration, and outstanding length. It will evolve for 20+ years if stored properly. (Drink between 2022-2044).
VM 93 (2/2022): The 2019 Fonbadet, impressive from barrel, has a delineated bouquet of blackberry, bilberry and touch of licorice that gains intensity with aeration; this is a Pauillac with ambition. The palate is medium-bodied with grip and density, broad shoulders and a very saline finish. This should age supremely well. (Drink between 2025-2050). Neal Martin.
WA 90 (4/2022): From a 12-hectare estate sandwiched in between Pontet Canet, Pédesclaux and Lafite, the 2019 Fonbadet offers up aromas of cassis, plums, cocoa nib and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, lively and creditably concentrated, it's built around powdery tannins that assert themselves on the youthfully chewy finish. |
|
| Ch. Haut Simard |
2012 |
St. Emilion ex-Negociant |
$39.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (1/2016): The 2012 Haut-Simard offers good mid-palate depth for the vintage, with a distinctly gamy, pleasantly rustic personality that distinguishes it in the Vauthier family's range of wines. Tobacco, savory herbs, leather and dark-fleshed fruits open into the finish. The tannins are a bit rough around the edges, but otherwise this is a fine effort. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ch. Joanin Becot |
2018 |
Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux ex-Negociant |
$29.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JD 93 (3/2021): Emerging from the team of Beau-Séjour Bécot, the 2018 Château Joanin Bécot is based on 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc coming from the limestone soils of the Côtes de Castillon region. Lots of black cherry and redcurrant fruit as well as leafy herbs, dried flowers, chalky minerality, and camphor emerge on the nose. This carries to a medium-bodied, seamless 2018 with terrific overall balance, ripe yet present tannins, and outstanding length on the finish. Tasting like a topflight Saint-Emilion, it will benefit from a year or so in the cellar and impress for at least a decade. Readers looking for a brilliant Right Bank wine to put in the cellar should jump on this beauty. (Drink between 2021-2033).
WA 92 (4/2023): A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Joanin Bécot exhibits delicate aromas of blueberries, flowers and violets with touches of tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, it’s a lively, rather delicate wine with a fleshy core of fruit and a crystalline texture overlaid with a fresh, penetrating finish that has racy acidity. The wine will offer a broad tasting window.
VM 89 (3/2021): The 2018 Joanin Bécot has retained the earthy, cedar-tinged bouquet that takes a few swirls of the glass to emerge. There is crisp black fruit here, pine fresh. The medium-bodied palate delivers fine grip on the entry and dusky black fruit mixed with tobacco and sage. Almost Left Bank in style toward the graphite-tinged finish. This is fine Joanin that should drink well for 8–10 years. (Drink between 2021-2030). Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. La Gurgue |
2016 |
Margaux |
$39 |
26 |
|
| |
| JS 93-94 (4/2017): Tight and chewy with currant and blueberry character. Medium body, a lovely center palate and a subtle finish. Pretty continuation to the 2015. |
|
| Ch. Labegorce |
2016 |
Margaux ex-Negociant |
$42.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JA 94 (3/2023): Concentrated but restrained with old school charm and an abundance of muscular tannins, it's easy to feel the heart of this wine, packed with liqourice, slate, black chocolate, cassis, brambled hedgerow, aniseed and fennel, with plenty of grip. Years ahead of it, an impressive wine in this exceptional vintage, offering good value. Harvest September 4 to October 21. 50% new oak, technical director Marjolaine de Coninck.
JD 94 (2/2019): From an estate on the uptick and showing beautifully on two separate occasions, the 2016 Château Labégorce is a head-turner of a Margaux that’s based on 52% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that was brought up in 45% new oak, with the balance in once-used barrels. Sexy notes of blackcurrants, black raspberries, crushed flowers, sandalwood, and incense all flow to a medium to full-bodied, fabulously textured Margaux that carries ripe tannins, loads of fruit and richness, and a great finish. Since arriving in 2009, Marjolaine de Coninck has resurrected this estate and the wines now play with the top in the appellation. Give bottles 3-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades or more. (Drink between 2022-2042)
WA 93+ (11/2018): The 2016 Labégorce is composed of 52% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, aged in 45% new and 55% one-year-old French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps out of the glass with gregarious cassis, kirsch and black raspberries, candied violets, dark chocolate and spearmint. Medium-bodied, elegant, fresh and with exciting intensity, it delivers a fantastically long, fragrant finish. 12,000 cases produced.
VM 93 (4/2026): The 2016 Labégorce has a very pretty nose with blackberry, briar, cedar and well-integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannins, a little more acidity than its peers, segueing into a savoury, black pepper-tinged finish that shows admirable persistence and sapidity. This is a classy Margaux that is ageing with style. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting. (Drink between 2027-2042). Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. Lilian Ladouys |
2018 |
St. Estephe ex-Negociant |
$27.50 |
60 |
|
| |
JA 93 (7/2021): Owed by Jacky Lorenzetti (new owner also of Ch Lafon Rochet in the same appellation), this is one of those surefire estates that delivers St Estèphe power with a touch of luxury. There are layers of ripe black fruits and chewy tannins here, so it will benefit from a few more years in bottle or a serious carafing before drinking. 48hl/h yield, 35% new oak with both 225l and 400l barrels. Converting to organic farming as of 2020.
VM 92 (3/2021): The 2018 Lilian Ladouys is showing nicely now that the wine is in bottle. It has a riper bouquet compared to, say, the Calon-Ségur, more lush – a 2018 with wider appeal, featuring blueberry and cassis scents that soar from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins that disguise the backbone of this Saint-Estèphe. It is not the most powerful Lilian Ladouys in recent years, safeguarding its linearity and strictness all the way through to the finish. But it conveys a sense of classicism and has abundant freshness that should see it age well over the next two decades. (Drink between 2023-2040). Neal Martin.
JD 92 (3/2021): A year-in, year-out value, the 2018 Château Lilian Ladouys checks in as 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that was brought up in 35% new oak. Jammy blueberries, ripe cherries, damp earth, tobacco, and spicy wood notes define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a plump, rounded texture, opulent aromas and flavors, and a great finish. (Drink between 2021-2036) |
|
| Ch. Marsau |
2019 |
Francs Cotes de Bordeaux |
$29.95 |
60 |
|
| |
| Decanter 93 (1/2022): A svelte, seductive and seriously appealing 100% Merlot grown atypically on clay-dominant soils on one of the highest points of the Francs Côtes de Bordeaux. Wild strawberries, Morello cherries and subtle spices on the nose and palate, softly sweet, generous, round, plump, juicy and mouth filling, all harmoniously packaged and carefully balanced with freshness from start to finish. Complete and evocative with purity of expression. Seek it out. (Drink between 2023-2031) |
|
|
2022 |
Francs Cotes de Bordeaux 2023 en Primeur Release |
$29.95 |
12 |
|
| |
WA 92-94 (5/2023): This medium to full-bodied 2022 Marsau is an attractive wine produced from 100% Merlot. It has a delightfully pure bouquet of peony, violet, iris, menthol and cassis, followed by a crunchy and juicy yet fresh texture and then by a mineral-driven finish of remarkable purity, expressing elegant notes of licorice and pencil lead. Anne-Laurence and Mathieu Chadronnier have produced a red wine that punches above its weight. Bravo!
JA 92 (5/2023): Floral notes on the aromatics, shows the heavy spice of the vintage with black pepper, rosemary and turmeric notes, begins to lift through the palate as it opens. An unusual spot in Franc Côtes de Bordeaux with a lot of clay in the soils, and this is powerful and concentrated, with a flash of heat on the finish. 12ha vineyard, entirely clay, entirely Merlot, organic since 2018, no till farming, 25hl/h yield. Harvest September 7 to 12, to be aged 80% large oak casks (no new oak), 10% one year old, 10% neutral oak and amphora. |
|
| Ch. Pibran |
2020 |
Pauillac Ex-Negociant |
$39 |
18 |
|
| |
JD 93 (3/2023): Based on 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon that saw 50% new oak, the 2020 Château Pibran is a classic wine in the vintage that has a pure, layered, medium to full-bodied style as well as textbook notes of darker berries, cassis, irone, and tobacco. With ripe tannins, a good spine of acidity, and plenty of texture, it's going to evolve for 15-20 years in cold cellars. (Drink between 2023-2043).
VM 93 (2/2023): The 2020 Pibran is a potent wine. Black cherry, plum, mocha, licorice and chocolate are nicely dialed up in this rich, heady Pauillac. Soft, plush and exuberant, Pibran is a total charmer. Best of all, it will be ready to drink with minimal cellaring. Bright acids and floral notes lift the finish. (Drink between 2025-2035). Antonio Galloni.
WA 90+ (4/2023): Aromas of cassis, raw cocoa, licorice and loamy soil introduce the 2020 Pibran, a medium to full-bodied, layered and velvety wine framed by powdery tannins that assert themselves on the finish. |
|
| Ch. Sociando Mallet |
2020 |
Haut Medoc |
$38 |
48 |
|
| |
JS 94 (12/2022): This has a pretty nose with dark spices, nut shell and cedar notes with a dark fruit backbone, following through to a medium body with firm and finely polished tannins that go on and on. Refined and nicely balanced with velvety texture. Lingering and chalky finish. Try after 2026.
VM 93 (2/2023): The 2020 Sociando Mallet has retained its impressive aromatics from its showing in barrel with beautifully defined blackberry and raspberry fruit, pressed violet and light cedar aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with firm backbone, a little powdery in texture, fine backbone with ample freshness and tension towards its graphite-infused finish. Bravo! Neal Martin. |
|
| Clos Sainte Anne |
2018 |
Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux ex-Negociant |
$16.99 |
40 |
|
| |
|
| Esprit de Chevalier |
2020 |
Pessac Leognan ex-Negociant |
$28.99 |
26 |
|
| |
VM 92 (11/2024): The 2020 L'Esprit de Chevalier has a tad too much wood influence on the nose, but there is sufficient fruit to absorb it. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, fleshy, lively and detailed, with a dash of white pepper toward the finish. This is another delicious, classically styled Pessac-Léognan. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. (Drink between 2026-2042). Neal Martin.
JD 91 (3/2023): The 2020 L'Esprit De Chevalier is more restrained aromatically, yet has outstanding purity in its red and black fruits as well as notes of dried herbs, tobacco, chocolate, and damp earth. It's a medium-bodied, elegant, balanced, and certainly delicious second wine that will benefit from just a year or two of bottle age and shine for a decade. (Drink between 2023-2033)
WA 90 (4/2023): Fleshy and demonstrative, the 2020 L'Esprit de Chevalier bursts with aromas of sweet berries, plums and petals. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, with polished tannins and an expansive finish, it will drink well young. |
|
| Fleur de Pedesclaux |
2019 |
Pauillac ex-Negociant |
$32.95 |
25 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (2/2022): The 2019 Fleur de Pédesclaux, matured in 30% new oak, has been increasing its Cabernet Sauvignon since 2009, when it was pure Merlot (and also undergoing organic conversion since 2013). Raspberry, blackberry, cedar and light tobacco scents unfurl in the glass. The palate is still quite fleshy and rounded, and lightly spiced, retaining that hint of Chinese five-spice toward the tender finish. A lovely second wine. (Drink between 2023-2033). Neal Martin. |
|
| G. d' Estournel |
2020 |
Medoc ex-Negociant |
$32.99 |
39 |
|
| |
JA 92 (1/2023): So interesting tasting this against a wide range of AOC Médoc wines. It's a more expensive bottle than many of them, but it is confident, crafted and full of personality. Cocoa bean, espresso, plentiful berry fruit, touches of mandarin peel and lemongrass to lift things on the finish, slate texture tannins, good stuff.
JD 89 (2/2023): A terrific wine, the 2020 Goulee By Cos D'Estournel sports a healthy ruby/purple hue as well as ripe aromatics of currants, sandalwood, damp earth, and leafy tobacco. This medium-bodied, silky, juicy, ready-to-go Médoc is perfect for enjoying over the coming 7-8 years. (Drink between 2023-2031)
VM 89 (2/2023): The 2020 Goulée by Cos d'Estournel is very pretty and aromatic. Élevage has filled out the layers nicely, but this remains a decidedly aromatic, mid-weight vintage for the château's Médoc. Sweet pipe tobacco, leather, mint, cinnamon and dried cherry build nicely in the glass. The 2020 has come together nicely. (Drink between 2024-2035). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Le C des Carmes Haut Brion |
2022 |
Pessac Leognan ex-Negociant |
$44.95 |
60 |
|
| |
WA 94 (3/2025): The 2022 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion is punching above its weight this year. Unfurling in the glass with a gourmand, lively and vibrant bouquet of raspberry, mulberries, rose, violet and cassis, it's medium to full-bodied, seamless and layered with refined, velvety tannins and a deep core of fruit, concluding with a harmonious, elegant profile that avoids any excess, enhancing its distinctive personality. Guillaume Pouthier, Guillaume Deschepper and their team have done a fantastic job at this address, delivering an exceptional wine.
JD 94 (2/2025): The 2022 C Des Carmes Haut-Brion is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, and the rest 1% Petit Verdot that was fermented with 30% whole clusters and aged 12 months in a new foudre (there's a small part in used barrels) followed by four months all in concrete tanks. There are fewer stems in this cuvée as the vines are younger, and it has a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. Its deep ruby/purple hue is followed by a spicy, peppery, complex perfume of darker berry and plum fruits, spring flowers, tobacco leaf, and a beautiful sense of minerality. Medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, elegant, and loaded with character, it's a singular Pessac-Léognan that will have two decades of longevity. (Drink between 2025-2045).
VM 92 (2/2025): The 2022 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) from gravelly soils, will be kept for one year in bottle before release. It has 13.3% alcohol, reduced by the 30% whole cluster contribution with infusion rather than maceration, using a coffee plunger concept to push down the cap in the vat. It aged for one year in barrel and one year on foudres. The nose presents blackberry, clove and curry leaf aromas, with a touch more mint than before. The medium-bodied palate has slightly chalky tannins and is fresh thanks to the whole bunch contribution. Quite linear and a little Syrah-like towards the finish, this lovely wine will age well over the next 12 to 20 years. (Drink between 2028-2048). Neal Martin. |
|
| Les Fiefs de Lagrange |
2010 |
St. Julien (375 ML) |
$32 |
58 |
|
| |
| WA 89-91 (5/2011): A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 9% Petit Verdot, this has a very fine nose of blackberry, briary and a touch of black tea. Good definition and purity. The Petit Verdot add a little edginess to this wine that has fine tension if lacking a little length on the saturated, slightly chewy finish. Very good purity and precision though. |
|
| Les Griffons de Pichon Baron |
2019 |
Pauillac Ex-Negociant |
$49 |
20 |
|
| |
JD 94 (4/2022): The second wine of this great estate, the 2019 Les Griffons De Pichon Baron is a more Merlot-dominated release and is 59% Merlot and 41% Cabernet Sauvignon that saw 40% new oak. It has a gorgeous nose of ripe blackcurrant and darker cherry fruits as well as tobacco, smoked herbs, violets, and freshly sharpened pencils. Vibrant, pure, and complex aromatically, it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, has the vintage's pure, elegant character, terrific depth on the mid-palate, and outstanding length. It's a wonderful, already approachable Pauillac that will deliver the goods over the coming 20+ years. (Drink between 2022-2044).
VM 90 (2/2023): The 2019 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron has a slightly evolved nose, red fruit mixed with melted tar and mixed herbs. The palate is better with firm tannins, fine acidity, quite a solid wine with admirable grip on the finish. Enjoy this over the next 10 to 12 years. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. (Drink between 2025-2035). Neal Martin. |
|
| | Bordeaux White |
| Baron de Brane |
2023 |
Bordeaux Blanc ex-Negociant |
$25.95 |
32 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. de Rayne-Vigneau |
2014 |
Sauternes (375 ML) ex-Negociant |
$34.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 95 (2/2017): A rich, exotic Sauternes, the 2014 de Rayne Vigneau exudes class. A mélange of apricot jam, wild flowers, mint and lemon confit fills out the wine's frame effortlessly. Ample, powerful and super-inviting, the 2014 shows beautifully today. This is one of the more over, extroverted Sauternes of the vintage. (Drink between 2017-2029). Antonio Galloni.
WA 94-96 (4/2015): The Château Rayne-Vigneau 2014 could be one of the standouts of the vintage. It was showing a little new oak on the nose, though readers should note that this sample was taken from a new Burgundy barrel. There are touches of vanilla infusing the honeyed fruit. The palate is fresh and vibrant on the entry. This is very balanced and poised with superb tension, energetic but classy, a sophisticated Sauternes that feels persistent and long in the mouth. Talented winemaker Anne Le Naour has crafted another beauty from this estate that deserves more respect. |
|
| Ch. Rieussec |
2024 |
"R" de Rieussec Bordeaux Blanc Sec ex-Negociant |
$39.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JA 94 (4/2025): This is succulent and precise, definitely one to look out, plenty of energy and lift through the palate, elderflower, citrus, white pepper, sage, lime zest, apricot, nectarine, saffron, steel and slate. Great stuff from Rieussec in this vintage. 3.15ph. |
|
| | Burgundy Red |
| Dom. Michele and Patrice Rion |
2023 |
Bourgogne Bons Batons ex-Domaine |
$39.95 |
22 |
|
| |
VM 88-90 (1/2025): The 2023 Bourgogne Rouge Bon Baton comes from a parcel adjacent to Ghislaine Barthod's on stonier soils, aged mostly in one-year-old barrels. Lightly perfumed on the nose, this conjures raspberry, strawberry and wild hedgerow scents, more complex than your common or garden Bourgogne Rouge. The palate is medium-bodied with satisfying concentration, not weighty or dense but light on its feet with commendable purity and grip on the finish. Traces of tobacco emerge on the aftertaste. Village Cru in quality. (Drink between 2026-2031). Neal Martin.
JM 87-89 (10/2024): An even purple colour. A very attractive stylish perfumed floral nose, with a little more body than the regular. Not massively concentrated but distinguished in its length. Sound acidity. The flavours stay with you. Drink from 2026-2030.
BH 86-89 (1/2025): A slightly riper and more deeply pitched nose features aromas of dark cherry, poached plum and freshly turned earth. The delicious if not especially dense flavors do possess a lovely sense of underlying tension before culminating in a youthfully austere, lingering and mildly austere finale. This is also very good for its level and worth checking out. Drink 2027+. Outstanding! |
|
| Dom. Patrick Javillier |
2023 |
Pernand Vergelesses Rouge ex-Domaine |
$39.99 |
50 |
|
| |
BH 89 (4/2025): Here too there is a mentholated top note to the fresh and more deeply pitched nose of poached plum, dark berries and more subtle earth nuances. There is better volume to the solidly concentrated middle weight flavors that possess both a finer texture and a discreet bead of minerality on the balanced, youthfully austere and slightly firmer finale. This is a quality Pernand villages. (Drink starting 2028).
JM 87-89 (12/2024): An even light crimson colour. While there is less fruit evident on the nose, there is more concentration than expected on the palate, with a certain density towards the back, in a crunchy strawberry raspberry style. Once the bouquet develops this will, become an interesting wine. |
|
| Patrice Rion |
2023 |
Bourgogne Pinot Noir ex-Domaine |
$32.99 |
44 |
|
| |
JM 86-87 (10/2024): A fine red to crimson colour, with an agreeable immediate red fruit nose, no great concentration but nicely made. Perfumed with some cherries, a slight hardness at the finish still needing time to soften – recently racked – and good acidity. Some young vines in this. Drink from 2026-2028.
BH 86-89 (1/2025): (from Chambolle vines.) An expressive and fresh nose offers up notes of red and blue pinot fruit laced with earth and discreet spice nuances. The supple, delicious and fleshy middle weight flavors conclude in a refreshing and long finish where a touch of rusticity eventually surfaces. Solid quality here. Outstanding! |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes de Nuits Villages Vieilles Vignes ex-Domaine |
$39.95 |
32 |
|
| |
VM 89-91 (1/2025): The 2023 Côte de Nuits-Villages comprises two-thirds fruit purchased from Clombanchien, and the rest Domaine fruit from En Luret lieu-dit. Blackcurrant and raspberry combine nicely on the nose, not concentrated per se, yet showing decent clarity and purity. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly granular texture on the entry, lightly peppered though there are no stems in the blend. Focused and harmonious toward the finish, this is a worthy follow-up to the 2022. (Drink between 2027-2037). Neal Martin.
JM 89-90 (10/2024): A mix of their own vines, one third from Au Leurey, and the rest purchases in Comblanchien. There is more depth to the purple colour here. A perfumed nose with a more sensual and floral bouquet redolent of the sunshine. Good acidity behind, medium density, some length. Drink from 2027-2030.
BH 88-91 (1/2025): (mostly from Belle-Vue in Comblanchien with small amounts of Les Loges, Les Leurey and Vaucrains.) This is aromatically similar to the Bon Bâtons but with notably more spice influence. The supple, delicious and energetic medium weight flavors possess a highly seductive, even velvety, texture while displaying very good length and depth on the balanced bitter pit fruit-inflected finish. Drink 2028+. |
|
| Pierre Boisson |
2023 |
Hautes Cotes de Beaune Rouge |
$39.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| | Burgundy White |
| Anne Boisson |
2023 |
Bourgogne Aligote |
$33.95 |
24 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Bourgogne Blanc Les Clous Perrons |
$47.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Bessin-Tremblay |
2023 |
Chablis ex-Domaine |
$37.99 |
47 |
|
| |
BH 89-91 (10/2024): Cool and airy aromas include those of Granny Smith apple, citrus rind and ample Chablis character, especially seaweed. The delicious middle weight flavors possess a lovely texture, especially for a villages Chablis, while displaying a subtle materiality on the youthfully austere and lingering finale. Lovely. (Drink starting 2027).
JM 88 (6/2025): Bottled in March 2025. Pale lime green. Fresh and chiselled nose, some lime blossom all as minerals, Plenty of energy, not at all too fleshy, backward. Drink from 2025-2027. |
|
| Dom. des Malandes |
2023 |
Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu Ex-Domaine |
$49.95 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 91 (7/2025): The 2023 Chablis Mont de Milieu 1er Cru has a well-focused, quite animated bouquet that unfolds in the glass with touches of orchard fruit and grassy meadow. The palate is balanced with a fine bead of acidity. This is lightly spiced but just needs a little more tension on the finish. Overall, it's a very well-made Mont de Milieu that should age nicely in bottle. Tasted blind at the BIVB offices in Chablis. Neal Martin.
BH 88-90 (10/2024): (from a parcel of .26 ha). A funky nose of leesy reduction and lactic character. By contrast there is good freshness to the rich, generously proportioned and succulent medium-bodied flavors that culminate in a delicious if somewhat short finish. This should improve once it’s racked but it’s awkward today. Drink 2027+ |
|
|
2023 |
Chablis 1er Cru Vau de Vey Ex-Domaine |
$46.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 90 (7/2025): The 2023 Chablis Vau de Vey 1er Cru, aged 50% in used oak, has a light, fresh apple blossom- and pear-scented nose with hints of pressed white flowers. The palate is well balanced with slightly honeyed citrus fruit and modest weight, though it needs more Neal Martin.
BH 89-91 (10/2024): (from a 3.52 ha parcel aged in 30% wood). A fresh, ripe and expressive nose reflects good Chablis typicity that includes quinine, sea breeze, lemon rind and cool white fleshed fruit. There is fine density to the delicious, intense and solidly voluminous flavors that offer better depth and persistence on the youthfully austere finale. Drink 2028+ |
|
| Dom. Patrick Javillier |
2022 |
Bourgogne Cuvee des Forgets ex-Domaine |
$43.99 |
60 |
|
| |
BH 87 (6/2024): Bright aromas of just sliced citrus, white peach and pretty floral nuances are complemented by delicious middleweight flavors that are supported by lemon-tinged acidity on the vibrant, lingering and refreshing finale. Moreover, this is not your usual 'pop and pour' Bourgogne as it has the legs to repay 4 to 7 years of keeping. Worth checking out. Drink 2027+. Outstanding Top Value!
JM 87-89 (10/2023): A similar colour, pale primrose perhaps. A little bit crisper and more classic in bouquet. Delicious white fruit, very balanced, feel the limestone, enough flesh yet with precision as well. A longer and more mineral finish than Forgets. |
|
|
2023 |
Bourgogne Cuvee des Forgets ex-Domaine |
$41.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JM 89-91 (12/2024): To bottle in the New Year. A fine mid lemon yellow with an engaging generosity of fruit already apparent on the nose. The Javilliers have manged to harness freshness with ripeness in a most engaging fashion. Apple and plum fruit throughout, with a fine long finish. Drink from 2026-2029.
BH 87 (6/2025): Smoky aromas include those of apple, pear and a pretty floral top note. There is fine density, particularly in the context of the 2023 vintage, to the attractively textured and punchy flavors that conclude in a supple and lingering finish that is perhaps a bit less dry than usual. Even so, this is lovely and worth considering. (Drink starting 2026).
VM 87 (3/2025): The 2023 Bourgogne Côte d'Or Cuvée des Forgets has a light grass clipping- and apple blossom-scented nose. The palate is fresh with admirable weight, more expressive than the aromatics at the moment, with citrus peel and a hint of apricot on the finish. Drink over the next five years. (Drink between 2025-2030). Neal Martin. |
|
|
2023 |
Bourgogne Cuvee Oligocene ex-Domaine |
$39.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 89 (3/2025): The 2023 Bourgogne Côte d'Or Cuvée Oligocène has a little more evidence of oak on the nose and a touch more yellow fruit than the Cuvée des Forgets. The palate is fresh and lively, mixing citrus lemon with orange rind and a dash of lemongrass towards the finish. Great value as always, this comes recommended. (Drink between 2025-2032). Neal Martin.
JM 89 (12/2024): Bottled end November. A slightly paler lemon yellow. Oligocene proposes a more cerebral aspect after the joyous Forgets. Ther is still an excellent concentration of ripe fruit, with a clear limestone backbone. Very good tension here with some lime notes as well as ripe lemon. Balanced and classy. Drink from 2026-2029.
BH 87 (6/2025): A more layered nose is comprised by notes of petrol, various white orchard fruit, acacia and a whiff of citrus confit. There is a bit more volume to the vibrant and utterly delicious middle weight flavors that retain a fine sense of detail on the drier, longer and more complex finale. This is an excellent Bourgogne and warmly recommended. (Drink starting 2027). |
|
| Dom. Potinet-Ampeau |
2018 |
Bourgogne Aligote ex-Domaine |
$29.99 |
59 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Bourgogne Blanc Ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
28 |
|
| |
|
| Patrice Rion |
2023 |
Bourgogne Chardonnay ex-Domaine |
$32.99 |
60 |
|
| |
BH 86-88 (6/2025): Fresh and bright aromas include those of pear and apple compote, citrus rind and a hint of spice. There is equally good verve to the delicious and acceptably dense flavors that possess a succulent mid-palate that contrasts mildly with the youthfully austere and balanced finale. This could use better depth so a year, or perhaps two, of cellaring should help. (Drink starting 2026).
JM 86-87 (10/2024): A fine red to crimson colour, with an agreeable immediate red fruit nose, no great concentration but nicely made. Perfumed with some cherries, a slight hardness at the finish still needing time to soften – recently racked – and good ac |
|
| Pierre Boisson |
2022 |
Macon-Villages au Poirier Chanin |
$46.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Macon-Villages Blanc |
$31.99 |
24 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Rully Blanc Les Cailloux |
$42.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Pierre Morey |
2023 |
Bourgogne Aligote |
$31.99 |
20 |
|
| |
VM 88 (3/2025): The 2023 Bourgogne Aligoté, which had been bottled, offers lilting citrus peel and clementine scents on the nose that just need a little coaxing from the glass. The palate is well balanced with an underlying sapidity, slightly viscous in texture with veins of lemongrass towards the persistent finish. This is a fine upstanding Aligoté from Anne Morey. (Drink between 2025-2030).
BH 87 (6/2025): A textbook aligoté nose is comprised by notes of various citrus elements, spice and ripe green apple. The seductive, even suave, middle weight flavors possess excellent punch as well as an almost pungent minerality that seems to build on the bone-dry, youthfully austere and borderline rustic and tannic finale. This is an old school effort that will need a year or two of keeping first. A quality aligoté. (Drink starting 2027). |
|
| | Rhone Red |
| Dom. Coursodon |
2021 |
St. Joseph Rouge l’Olivaie ex-Domaine |
$39.99 |
60 |
|
| |
Decanter 92 (9/2022): Sparky herbal notes on the nose, with thyme and rosemary. There’s some roundness on the palate thanks in part down to the oak, which isn't overly dominating. Good presence on the palate thanks to the firm tannins, and a fairly long finish. A good option in 2021. 60-year-old vines, all destemmed, 15% new oak.
JD 90-92 (12/2022): The 2021 Saint Joseph L'Olivaie is rock-solid, offering pretty darker cherry and fresh fig-like notes as well as spice, game, and flowery incense nuances. This medium-bodied, supple, nicely balanced, and textured effort has outstanding potential and will certainly drink nicely right out of the gate. |
|
|
2022 |
St. Joseph Rouge l’Olivaie ex-Domaine |
$41.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JD 93 (5/2025): All Syrah aged 15 months in barrel (15% new), the 2022 Saint Joseph Olivaie offers red and black fruits, leafy herbs, sappy flowers, and spicy wood. Medium to full-bodied and beautifully balanced, with ripe tannins, it's a layered, elegant, and impressively made wine in a classic style. Drink bottles over the coming 8-10 years. Drink 2025-2035.
VM 91 (1/2025): The 2022 Saint-Joseph L'Olivaie mixes leafy accents with graphite, black cherry and a touch of cedar on the elegant aromatic profile. Medium-bodied, round and refreshing, the 2022 is a delicious Saint-Joseph that’s already starting to drink well. Drink between 2025-2030. Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2023 |
St. Joseph Rouge l’Olivaie Ex-Domaine |
$49.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JD 93-95 (5/2025): All Syrah, the 2023 Saint Joseph L'Olivaie brings another level of concentration, offering cassis, graphite, crushed stone, and classy oak on the nose. It has terrific purity, medium to full-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and a great finish. The overall balance and purity here are exceptional.
VM 90-92 (1/2025): Cedar, black cherry, wood smoke and pencil shaving introduce the 2023 Saint-Joseph L'Olivaie, a medium-bodied, deeply hued Northern Rhône Syrah. Touching the palate with elevated flavor concentration, the 2023 handles the oak well. I look forward to tasting the bottled version. Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2020 |
St. Joseph Rouge Silice ex-Domaine |
$31.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 93 (12/2022): Saturated violet color. Displays fresh-mineral-accented aromas of fresh red and blue fruits and candied flowers, with hints of savory herbs and black pepper in the background. Juicy and lithe on the palate, offering appealingly sweet cherry and boysenberry flavors and a touch of licorice. Finishes long and smooth, with resonating red fruit character and round, even tannins that come on late. Josh Raynolds.
JD 91 (12/2022): A great introduction to the wines of this terrific vigneron, the 2020 Saint Joseph Silice has classic darker berry fruits as well as peppery herbs, violets, and some obvious minerality on both the nose and palate. These carry to a medium-bodied effort with good acidity, firm yet ripe tannins, and outstanding length.
JS 91 (2/2022): An interesting nose of blackberries and blueberries with some graphite and leather adding interest. Robust structure for a St.-Joseph with plenty of pepper and spice, but the fruit is more than adequate to carry all this. Good length, if not tremendously complex. Sustainable. Drinkable now, but best from 2023. |
|
|
2021 |
St. Joseph Rouge Silice ex-Domaine |
$28.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JD 91-93 (12/2022): The 2021 Saint Joseph Silice is also beautiful, with a round, supple, layered style that shines in the vintage. Black raspberries, spice box, dried flowers, and hints of violets give way to a medium-bodied, up-front, charming, layered 2021 that certainly stands out in the vintage.
Decanter 91 (9/2022): Neat, well-balanced and fresh, with sappy acidity. It's a relatively light St-Joseph, as is common for the vintage, but they've found a good balance and reflected the vintage as well as it could be. Gently herbal streak and a touch of juniper. |
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|
2022 |
St. Joseph Rouge Silice ex-Domaine |
$29.99 |
28 |
|
| |
JD 94 (5/2025): Showing the least amount of oak in Coursodon's lineup, the 2022 Saint Joseph Silice offers blackberries, peppery herbs, damp earth, and sappy flowers, all with remarkable purity and complexity. All Syrah, destemmed and aged 12 months in barrel, this cooler-fruited effort is terrific. Drink bottles over the coming 8-10 years. Drink 2025-2035.
VM 92 (1/2025): The 2022 Saint-Joseph Silice unfolds with ripe black cherry, pencil shaving, black tea, crushed violet and gently leafy subtleties. Medium-bodied at most, the 2022 is a classic, age-worthy Silice that’s gently structured by ripe tannins. Drink between 2025-2035. Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2023 |
St. Joseph Rouge Silice Ex-Domaine |
$31.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JD 92-94 (5/2025): The 2023 Saint Joseph Silice shows beautifully, with a pure, balanced, medium to full-bodied style as well as classic Saint Joseph minerality, the vintage's ripe red and darker, almost blue fruits, lots of spice and floral nuances, integrated oak, and outstanding length. All Syrah, destemmed and aged 12 months in barrel, it should shine right out of the gate
VM 90-92 (1/2025): The 2023 Saint-Joseph Silice evokes a classic aromatic profile so typical of the appellation. This accentuates its Syrah elegance through delicate graphite, red and black plum notes as well as spicy subtleties. The medium-bodied 2023 is shaping up to be a refreshing Saint-Joseph, closing with a resonant echo on the bright finish. It is very complete, even at this early stage. Drink between 2025-2033. Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
| Dom. de Mourchon |
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Family Reserve Grenache ex-Domaine |
$36.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (2/2025): Almost all Grenache the 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Séguret Family Grenache was totally destemmed and spent 18 months in wooden conical trunk vats and barrels. It's a ripe, sexy, concentrated Grenache that has a rocking bouquet of black raspberries, black cherries, sandalwood, and peppery herbs. Reminding me of a great Gigondas, it offers medium to full-bodied richness, ripe, building tannins, and a great finish. It will shine over the coming 10-12 years. |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Family Reserve Grenache ex-Domaine |
$36.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (11/2025): This is gorgeous stuff offering black raspberries, violets, blood orange, and tons of peppery garrigue, as well as a beautiful sense of minerality. Based on 98% Grenache and aged 18 months in 600-liter oak containers, the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Grenache Family Reserve is medium to full-bodied and has a pure, layered mouthfeel with remarkable purity and fine tannins. It will stand up to just about anything in the region, and there are 375 cases produced. Drink 2025-2040. |
|
|
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Family Reserve Syrah Ex-Domaine |
$36.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (11/2025): A bigger, richer wine, the 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Syrah Family Reserve offers blackberries, chalky minerality, pepper, and gamey, meaty nuances. Based on 98% Syrah from vines planted in the 1950s and aged 18 months in oak barrels, it's medium to full-bodied and has a concentrated, layered mouthfeel with ripe tannins. It will continue to drink nicely over the coming decade, and there are 333 cases produced. Drink 2025-2035. |
|
|
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Grande Reserve Ex-Domaine |
$27.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (2/2025): The 2022 Cotes du Rhone Villages Segurey Grande Reserve is based on 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. Black raspberries, peppery herbs, spicy wood, and some meaty nuances all shine here, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a broad, layered mouthfeel, plenty of tannins, and a great finish. I love it today yet it's going to have a solid 10-12 years of prime drinking. |
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|
2025 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Loubie Rose ex-Domaine |
$16.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
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2024 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Nana ex-Domaine |
$17.50 |
60 |
|
| |
|
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2025 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Soubois Rose ex-Domaine |
$22.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
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2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Tradition Ex-Domaine |
$18.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 89 (2/2025): Blackberries, darker cherries, peppery garrigue, and plenty of curshed stone-like notes define the 2022 Cotes Du Rhone Seguret Tradition, a medium-bodied, structured, yet elegant Seguret that has tons of character. |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Tradition ex-Domaine |
$18.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 88 (11/2025): The classic cuvée of this terrific estate, the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Tradition offers red and black fruits, crushed stone, garrigue, and pretty floral nuances. Based on 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah and aged 20% in trunconic oak vats with 80% in concrete vats, it's medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, with fine tannins and a good finish. This charming, balanced, elegant Seguret will keep for 5-7 years, and there are roughly 3,250 cases produced. Drink 2025-2032. |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Tradition (1.5 L) ex-Domaine |
$41.99 |
24 |
|
| |
| JD 88 (11/2025): The classic cuvée of this terrific estate, the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Tradition offers red and black fruits, crushed stone, garrigue, and pretty floral nuances. Based on 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah and aged 20% in trunconic oak vats with 80% in concrete vats, it's medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, with fine tannins and a good finish. This charming, balanced, elegant Seguret will keep for 5-7 years, and there are roughly 3,250 cases produced. Drink 2025-2032. |
|
| Dom. Duclaux |
2020 |
Cote Rotie La Chana ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
29 |
|
| |
JD 89-91 (2/2022): Starting with the 2020 Côte Rôtie La Chana, which includes 7% Viognier, this has a ripe, up-front, charming style as well as classic Côte Rôtie black raspberry fruits mixed with spice and bacon fat nuances. It's going to drink nicely right out of the gate.
WA 89-91 (1/2022): Blended from several parcels and barrels for my evaluation, the 2020 Cote Rotie La Chana usually contains approximately 7% Viognier and sees no new wood. It shows attractive aromas of raspberries and apricot on the nose, a medium to full-bodied feel on the palate and a savory finish that nicely balances mouthwatering acids and softly dusty tannins. It should drink well for the rest of this decade. |
|
|
2022 |
Cote Rotie La Chana Ex-Domaine |
$49.99 |
53 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Cote Rotie La Germine ex-Domaine |
$46.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| Decanter 92 (10/2022): Spiced raspberry fruits on the nose, with a touch of blood orange. A dry, neat, compact style that will drink well young. Fine tannins reveal a gentle, light-bodied style with a good sense of freshness, if not concentration. Vines on gneiss, blonde soils. 20% whole bunch. Vinified in open concrete tanks. |
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|
2022 |
Cote Rotie La Germine Ex-Domaine |
$48.99 |
44 |
|
| |
JD 93 (5/2025): Incorporating 3% Viognier, the 2022 Côte Rôtie La Germine reveals a concentrated, rich, nicely structured profile of ripe black and blue fruits, crushed stone, and floral, sappy, gamey nuances. Medium to full-bodied, with plenty of mid-palate depth and a great finish, it was vinified with 20% whole clusters and aged 20 months in barrels and demi-muids (15% new). It, too, should have 10-15 years of longevity. Drink 2025-2035.
VM 89 (1/2025): The 2022 Côte-Rôtie La Germine evokes a fairly simple aromatic profile, opening with red and black cherry notes alongside touches of violet and spice box. Medium-bodied and refreshing, the 2022 is an elegant, early approachable Côte-Rôtie culminating with brightness on the moderately long finish. (Drink between 2025-2030). NIcholas Greinacher. |
|
| Dom. Vincent Paris |
2020 |
Cornas Granit 30 |
$44.99 |
20 |
|
| |
JD 93-95 (2/2022): Starting with what could be considered the entry level cuvée, the 2020 Cornas Granit 30 comes from further down the slope, from vines closer to the village. That's obviously not a bad thing, since this plump, full-bodied, beautifully textured Cornas has remarkable purity and elegance as well as richness. Blackberries, blueberries, subtle smoke, graphite, and violets all emerge from the glass, and it has a seamless, incredibly elegant texture.
VM 93 (12/2022): Dark violet color. Dark berry preserve, licorice, olive and exotic spice aromas, with a hint of espresso in the background. Sappy and broad on the palate, offering spice-tinged cherry-cola, blueberry and candied violet flavors with a spicy snap of black pepper. The floral note carries through a very long, dark fruit-driven finish, where gently chewy tannins add shape and closing grip. Josh Raynolds.
Decanter 93 (10/2021): Very herbal, with leafy herbs like tarragon alongside woody herbs such as rosemary. Blueberry and liquorice too. Middleweight style, good concentration of fresh, juicy berry fruit and good persistence. Fresh, intense, gently saline and well-balanced. A good value pick this year. From 10-year-old vines, all destemmed. (Drink between 2022-2028) |
|
| Domaine les Goubert |
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Sablet ex-Domaine |
$16.99 |
30 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Gigondas Cuvee Florence ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
37 |
|
| |
| JD 91-93+ (10/2023): Slightly deeper hued, the 2021 Gigondas Cuvée Florence has a terrific nose of darker berries, sandalwood, white chocolate, and pepper. It's a concentrated, medium-bodied, balanced 2021 offering solid mid-palate depth, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. Based on Grenache and Syrah that sees an extended élevage in barrels, it should benefit from just a year or two of bottle age and have a solid decade of prime drinking. |
|
|
2024 |
IGP Vaucluse Principaute d’Orange Miss Grenouille ex-Domaine |
$19.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Jean-Luc Jamet |
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Rouge l’Enclave Ex-Domaine |
$34.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Rouge l’Enclave ex-Domaine |
$35.99 |
33 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
IGP Collines Rhodaniennes Rouge Syrah Valine Ex-Domaine |
$29.99 |
28 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Vin de France Syrah Valine ex-Domaine |
$31.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Mourchon |
2022 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Ex-Domaine |
$45.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (11/2025): A cuvée whose quality has soared over the past four to five years, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape is a brilliant effort in an arguably more challenging, heatwave-driven vintage. Sporting a ruby translucent hue, it boasts a brilliant perfume of ripe black cherries, redcurrants, peppery garrigue, and loamy earth with beautiful aromatic complexity. On the palate it's medium to full-bodied, has a ripe, layered mouthfeel, soft tannins, and a great finish. It's very much in the ripe, forward, sexy style of the vintage yet stays pure, graceful, and is just impossible to resist. It's not a long-term ager, so drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years. Drink 2025-2032. |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Ex-Domaine |
$14.99 |
54 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (11/2025): Lots of peppery red and black berry fruits, garrigue, and spice-driven aromatics emerge from the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône, with a hint of flowers. It's medium to full-bodied, has a round, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a juicy finish. It's one seriously good Côtes du Rhône that you could pretty much put up against anything in the appellation – count me impressed. This should have 10-12 years of prime drinking as well, and I'd be happy with a case in the cellar. Drink 2025-2037. |
|
|
2024 |
Cotes du Rhone ex-Domaine |
$14.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| | Rhone White |
| Dom. Coursodon |
2021 |
St. Joseph Blanc Silice ex-Domaine |
$29.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (12/2022): The 2021 Saint Joseph Silice Blanc has a Burgundian-like sense of reduction as well as beautiful quince, white flowers, honeyed minerality, and a kiss of background spice and toastiness. It's medium-bodied and has a clean, classy style that's going to evolve for 7-8 years in cold cellars. |
|
|
2023 |
St. Joseph Blanc Silice ex-Domaine |
$43.99 |
44 |
|
| |
JD 92 (5/2025): Based on 100% Marsanne, the 2023 Saint Joseph Silice Blanc reveals melon, honeyed flowers, spice, and toasted notes, showing impressive purity and cleanliness. It's fleshy on the palate, with beautiful balance and good purity, and while it has a slightly hazy color, it remains an impressive white. Drink bottles over the coming 4-6 years. Drink 2025-2031.
WA 91 (3/2025): Fresher and livelier than its Paradis Saint-Pierre counterpart, the 2023 Saint-Joseph Silice Blanc reveals aromas of confit citrus, spring blossoms and pear. Moderately weighted and delicately enveloping, it's juicy and layered with bright acids, concluding with a mouthwatering, floral finish.
VM 90 (1/2025): Flinty elements introduce the 2023 Saint-Joseph Blanc Silice, accompanied by notes of cedar, ripe pear, white peach and lemon flesh. Full-bodied, round and generous, the 2023 bundles vibrant energy and checks out with persistence on the sapid finish. This is an exquisite white Saint-Joseph. Drink between 2025-2027. Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2024 |
St. Joseph Blanc Silice Ex-Domaine |
$38.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. de Mourchon |
2024 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Soubois Blanc Ex-Domaine |
$22.99 |
20 |
|
| |
| JD 90 (11/2025): Based on 90% Viognier and 10% Roussanne and aged in demi-muids with weekly bâtonnage for six months, the 2024 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Soubois Blanc shows a light gold hue and offers crisp stone fruit, honeyed flowers, and a hint of orange blossom. It's medium-bodied, fresh, focused, and crisp, with terrific purity and balance. There are 191 cases produced. Drink 2025-2029. |
|
|
2025 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Soubois Blanc ex-Domaine |
$22.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. du Tunnel |
2024 |
Saint Peray Cuvee Prestige Ex-Domaine |
$48.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (2/2026): Honeyed melon, crushed stone, mint, and hints of orange blossom all define the 2024 Prestige, an incredibly pure Saint-Péray that has so much to love. It's medium-bodied, has undeniable minerality, and outstanding length. You could put this up with the crème de la crème of the vintage, and while it plays in the fresher style of the vintage, it brings tons of character. Drink bottles over the coming 10-15 years. Drink 2026-2041. |
|
|
2024 |
Saint Peray Marsanne Ex-Domaine |
$37.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (2/2026): All Marsanne, the 2024 Saint-Péray Marsanne offers a gorgeous nose of honeyed quince, sappy white flowers, spice, and crushed stone. It's medium-bodied and has a focused, juicy, yet still nicely concentrated mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and outstanding length. It plays in the fresh, juicy, focused style of the vintage and will evolve gracefully over the coming decade. Drink 2026-2036. |
|
|
2024 |
Saint Peray Roussanne Ex-Domaine |
$45.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (2/2026): Orchard fruits, honeyed mint, and sappy herb/floral nuances emerge from the 2024 Saint-Péray Roussanne, which is medium-bodied, juicy, fresh, and focused on the palate. I love its overall purity, and it picks up a beautiful sense of salinity with time in the glass. It has another decade or more of longevity ahead of it. Drink 2026-2036. |
|
| Dom. Duclaux |
2021 |
Condrieu Les Caillets ex-Domaine |
$46.99 |
26 |
|
| |
|
| Jean-Luc Jamet |
2021 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc Couzou ex-Domaine |
$25.99 |
12 |
|
| |
| JD 89 (5/2024): The 2021 Côtes du Rhône Couzou Blanc is based on Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier, all from more granitic soils. It has a light gold hue as well as a subtle nose of ripe stone fruits, honeyed orange, and spice, and it's medium-bodied, nicely textured, and nicely balanced on the palate. It has a good sense of freshness, but it's certainly a rich white that's going to shine on the dinner table. |
|
|
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc Couzou Ex-Domaine |
$26.99 |
43 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc Couzou ex-Domaine |
$34.99 |
36 |
|
| |
|
| Mourchon |
2024 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc La Source Ex-Domaine |
$16.99 |
25 |
|
| |
|
|
2025 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc La Source ex-Domaine |
$16.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| | Southern France |
| Ch. de Pibarnon |
2020 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$44.99 |
15 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (7/2026): Under seven years of age, this 2020 Bandol Pibarnon keeps all its promises. It has taken time to develop and grow more complex, with delicate oak notes and others more smoky and typical of the terroir: sour cherry jam, leather, and precious wood. The texture is frank, coating, broad, and round, and the balance will confirm itself over the next 10-15 years. Best from 2027-2035. Antoine Petrus |
|
|
2021 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$46.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (5/2026): The 2021 Bandol leans fully into a classical style, opening with licorice, dried herbs, blackberry and peppery undertones as a beautiful spiciness grows steadily in the glass. Medium- to full-bodied, it is shaped by gently chalky tannins that lend real composure. The savoury finish is marked by pepper, subtle fleshiness and understated authority. (Drink between 2028-2046). Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2021 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$46.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (5/2026): The 2021 Bandol leans fully into a classical style, opening with licorice, dried herbs, blackberry and peppery undertones as a beautiful spiciness grows steadily in the glass. Medium- to full-bodied, it is shaped by gently chalky tannins that lend real composure. The savoury finish is marked by pepper, subtle fleshiness and understated authority. (Drink between 2028-2046). Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2023 |
Bandol Blanc ex-Chateau |
$49.99 |
27 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (7/2024): The elegant and perfumed 2023 Bandol Blanc from Château de Pibarnon is a real success this year, despite a challenging vintage in the region. It evokes aromas of citrus, spring flowers, curry leaves and white fruits mingled with spicy notes. Medium-bodied, perfectly balanced and fleshy, it has a fleshy core of fruit, bright acids and a long, mineral and saline finish. This blend of 55% Clairette, 30% Bourboulenc and the rest of a mix of other white grapes is an outstanding wine. |
|
|
2022 |
Bandol Rose ex-Chateau |
$36.99 |
60 |
|
| |
WA 93 (6/2023): The citrusy, mentholated 2022 Bandol Rosé was crafted with a blend of 65% Mourvèdre and 35% Cinsault and matured six months in barrels. It displays aromas of pomegranate, citrus, spring flowers, iodine, jasmine and crushed stones, followed by a beautifully defined texture, a fleshy core of fruit and racy acids that underpin a delicate, well-delineated and calcareous finish. It's going to drink nicely in its youth, but I suspect it will also age gracefully over the next 2-5 years.
VM 91 (5/2023): The 2022 Rosé is savory and sweet with a rich blend of rosemary, sage and tomato leaf, giving way to dried cherries. It's silky-smooth and round with a buzz of minerality and brisk acidity up front as ginger-spiked nectarine forms toward the close. This tapers off with a salty flourish. Spice and citrus notes keep the mouth watering. Eric Guido. |
|
|
2023 |
Bandol Rose ex-Chateau |
$34.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 93 (5/2025): The 2023 Bandol Rosé is a powerful, classy Rosé that delivers the proverbial “iron fist in a velvet glove.” Deep and rich, the 2023 takes its time in the glass, gradually unfurling layers of waxy cherry fruit, Mediterranean herbs, raspberry liqueur, , crushed oyster shell and dried apricot. There’s an impressive phenolic core and a wealth of complexity here, not to mention a long, long finish. This is a very serious wine with the stuffing to improve in the cellar. Billy Norris.
WA 92+ (7/2024): A blend of 65% Mourvèdre and 35% Cinsault, the 2023 Bandol Rosé from Château de Pibarnon offers up a delicate, complex bouquet of spices, licorice, red berries, lemon, spring flowers and herbs. Medium-bodied, enveloping and beautifully structured, it’s round and juicy with a delicate, lively core of fruit and a mineral, calcareous finish. This is a classical rosé wine from Bandol. |
|
|
2024 |
Bandol Rose ex-Chateau |
$37.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (6/2025): The 2024 Bandol Rosé is another stunning wine from Provence. Revealing a complex, fresh bouquet of red berries, pomegranate, grapefruit and spices, it's medium- to full-bodied, fleshy and round, with a supple, elegant core of fruit supported by moderate tannins, finishing long and delicately saline. |
|
|
2021 |
Bandol Rose Nuances ex-Chateau |
$47.99 |
14 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (7/2026): With the 2021 Bandol Nuances, Pibarnon produces a near-perfect rosé. The pale ruby color leads into spiced, smoky aromas of white pepper, redcurrant jam, and peppery touches, while numerous fine tannins coat the palate to provide power, character, and length. Drink now. Antoine Petrus. |
|
|
2022 |
Bandol Rose Nuances ex-Chateau |
$46.99 |
40 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Le Roc des Anges |
2016 |
Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes Asterolide |
$31 |
15 |
|
| |
|
| Les Restanques de Pibarnon |
2021 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$38.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$38.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| | Alsace |
| Klipfel |
2012 |
Riesling Cuvee Louis Klipfel |
$18 |
18 |
|
| |
|
| | Champagne |
| Charpentier |
NV |
Tradition Brut Champagne |
$38.99 |
57 |
|
| |
|
| | Other France |
| Dom. Richard Rottiers |
2023 |
Moulin a Vent Ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
54 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (4/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent was bottled a month before my visit. This has fine purity on the nose. The 20% used oak knits everything together nicely, though not as powerfully as the 2022. The palate is medium-bodied and silky, with fine tannins and red cherry and crushed strawberry notes leading to a smooth, easy-drinking finish. The 2023 is very fine. Neal Martin. |
|
|
2023 |
Moulin a Vent Champ de Cour Ex-Domaine |
$26.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 92 (4/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Champ de Cour was bottled one month before my visit. It has a lifted and more intense bouquet than the Mortperay, with floral scents of rose and violet emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied and well balanced, with supple tannins and a precise, graceful finish that lingers in the mouth. The 2023 is superb. Neal Martin.
WA 90+ (3/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Champ de Cour, aged in oak barrels, stands out as the most lavish offering of the lineup, showcasing deep sappy notes of prunes, cherries, licorice and cacao powder. However, it maintains a poised balance thanks to a refreshing edge of ginger spice and graphite. Full-bodied and with ripe acidity, the wine exhibits a firm structure that signals its aging potential with tightly woven, youthful tannins. |
|
|
2023 |
Moulin a Vent Dernier Souffle Ex-Domaine |
$27.99 |
59 |
|
| |
VM 93 (4/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Dernière Souffle is bottled a couple of months later than other cuvées. It has redcurrant and cranberry aromas on the nose, with light earthy scents in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy red berry fruit, more grip than the Champ de Cour and more substance on the finish. This positively brims with potential. Neal Martin.
WA 91 (3/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Dernier Souffle is a luscious fruit-forward wine, yet one of refinement, with notes of rose petals, juicy cherries, vine smoke and sweet spices. It's full-bodied, with ripe acidity and a concentrated, sappy-fruited core. This richness is framed by smoothly integrated tannins that impart a velvety texture, with a dimensional finish toned with graphite. This is a generously proportioned wine that will undoubtedly benefit from time in the bottle or, at the very least, a spell in the decanter to unwind. |
|
|
2022 |
Moulin a Vent Mortperay ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (4/2024): The 2022 Moulin-à-Vent Mortperay comes from clayey soils just below Fleurie; the vines here are 70 years old. It aged in old barrels sourced from Chablis. It has another mineral-driven nose but with more roundness and depth than the classic bottling. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, very well-balanced and poised, touches of freshly rolled tobacco on the finish. Excellent. Neal Martin. |
|
|
2023 |
Moulin a Vent Mortperay Ex-Domaine |
$26.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 90 (4/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Mortperay comes from a parcel next to Fleurie on clay soils. It was bottled in January and offers Morello cherry, rose petal and cassis scents on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with finely knit tannins. This is pure and elegant in style, with touches of sour cherry and raspberry . Neal Martin.
WA 90 (3/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Montperay, slated for release in 2025, comes from 80-year-old vines located at the periphery of the Clos de la Roilette in Fleurie. The wine unfurls with a lush bouquet of stewed blueberries and cherries, accented by mocha spice and sweet soil. On the palate, the layered wine unfolds along a horizontal trajectory with subdued acidity that imparts a certain softness and density to its texture. |
|
| Pascal Aufranc |
2018 |
Julienas Les Cerisiers ex-Domaine |
$15.99 |
15 |
|
| |
|
| Richard Rottiers |
2023 |
Brouilly Ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
20 |
|
| |
VM 89 (4/2025): The 2023 Brouilly comes from purchased fruit grown on granite soils. Pretty red cherry and crushed strawberry aromas blossom in the glass. The palate is well balanced and transparent, with light tannins. It's a little fleshier than expected, featuring brambly red berry and bergamot notes on the finish. It's lovely, though not long-term. Neal Martin.
WA 89 (3/2025): The 2023 Brouilly, from purchased grapes near Odenas, is a classic bistro wine. It's juicy, with notes of lilacs, raspberries and plums and tones of crushed stones that give the wine some dimension. It's medium to full-bodied, with a balanced density of fruit and bright acidity that keep it fresh. |
|
| | Germany |
| Weingut Georg Gustav Huff |
2020 |
Niersteiner Hipping Riesling Trocken |
$39.99 |
20 |
|
| |
|
| | Italy |
| Antonio Vallana & Figlio |
2020 |
Gattinara |
$43.99 |
22 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (2/2025): Vallana's 2020 Gattinara is powerful, rustic and a bit rough around the edges, and yet it conveys so much genuine, uncomplicated character. Dark fruit, new leather, licorice, dried herbs and mint are some of the notes that take shape as this rambunctious Gattinara gradually opens in the glass. Don't look for finesse here. (Drink between 2025-2035). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Cantina Tibaldi |
2023 |
Langhe Favorita ex-Domaine |
$23.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2024 |
Langhe Favorita ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Langhe Nebbiolo ex-Domaine |
$25.99 |
19 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Roero Arneis Bricco delle Passere Riserva ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
29 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Roero Arneis Bricco delle Passere Riserva ex-Domaine |
$26.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Roero Roccapalea ex-Domaine |
$29 |
34 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Roero Roccapalea ex-Domaine |
$33.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Caprili |
2023 |
Rosso di Montalcino |
$21.99 |
21 |
|
| |
| JD 90 (1/2025): The bright ruby 2023 Rosso Di Montalcino jumps from the glass with bright mixed berry fruit, peaches, crushed flowers, and sweet tea. The palate is juicy, with a snap of fresh acidity, fine tannins, and a clean finish. This is a total charmer of a Rosso to drink now or over the next 5-6 years. (Drink between 2025-2031). Audrey Frick. |
|
| Cavallotto |
2022 |
Barbera d’Alba Superiore Vigna Cuculo ex-Domaine |
$36.95 |
33 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Barbera d’Alba Superiore Vigna Cuculo ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (4/2026): The 2023 Barbera D'Alba Superiore Vigna Cuculo pours a youthful red/purple hue and was fermented in stainless steel before aging 18 months in large Slavonian oak casks. It opens with wild black cherries, delicate rustic earth, incense, and violets. Medium-bodied, it’s vibrant and well-balanced, with fine tannins and a savory citrus lift that carries through the finish. A traditionally raised Barbera with both energy and structure, about 8,000 bottles were produced. Drink 2026-2036. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2022 |
Langhe Nebbiolo ex-Domaine |
$37.99 |
55 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Langhe Nebbiolo ex-Domaine |
$42.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 91 (4/2026): The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo is aged for 18 months in large Slavonian oak casks and pours a youthful ruby red color. It offers a ripe perfume that’s a bit shy, but the palate really shines, offering ripe red berries, a bit of rustic earth, fresh tobacco, and incense. Medium-bodied, zesty, and refreshing, with a good balance of sunny pure fruit, fine tannins, and refreshing acidity, it’s a very appealing Nebbiolo to drink now or over the next 8-10 years. A star in this category, no doubt, it’s delicious and I would snap it up. Drink 2026-2036. Audrey Frick. |
|
| Luigi Maffini |
2021 |
Cenito Cilento Aglianico |
$43.99 |
14 |
|
| |
| VM 93+ (5/2024): Wilted violets and ground cloves complicate a burst of dried wild blueberries and exotic spice as the 2021 Cenito smolders up from the glass. This is pure elegance—silky and polished, yet lifted and energetic, with a textural wave of ripe red and black fruits that flow across a stream of vibrant acidity. A caking of salty minerals mingles with fine tannins as the 2021 tapers off with staining length and youthful structure, leaving a tart blackberry concentration that puckers the cheeks. (Drink between 2026-2034). Eric Guido. |
|
|
2024 |
Kratos Fiano |
$24.99 |
45 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (8/2026): Quite mineral-driven in style, the 2024 Fiano Kratos wafts up with salty sea air, crushed rocks and lemon-spiked green apples. The palate is zesty, with a bump of riveting acidity on the entry to energize its tart orchard fruits. It tapers off with sour lime and a saline saturation. Eric Guido. |
|
| Sottimano |
2023 |
Langhe Nebbiolo ex-Domaine |
$23.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (10/2025): The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo, all young vines from Basarin, is terrific. Pliant and expressive, the 2023 is a superb choice for readers looking for a wine that overdelivers. Macerated cherry, plum, lavender and blood orange open first. Exotic floral and spice overtones develop with a bit of time in the glass. More than anything else, I am so impressed with the wine's textural depth and balance. The 2023 was done a modified, light style of submerged cap maceration for about a week that worked wonders. Élevage was nine months in cask. And the young vines are now nearly 30 years old! Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2023 |
Langhe Nebbiolo (1.5 L) ex-Domaine |
$49.99 |
20 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (10/2025): The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo, all young vines from Basarin, is terrific. Pliant and expressive, the 2023 is a superb choice for readers looking for a wine that overdelivers. Macerated cherry, plum, lavender and blood orange open first. Exotic floral and spice overtones develop with a bit of time in the glass. More than anything else, I am so impressed with the wine's textural depth and balance. The 2023 was done a modified, light style of submerged cap maceration for about a week that worked wonders. Élevage was nine months in cask. And the young vines are now nearly 30 years old! Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Tenuta Cocci Grifoni |
2024 |
Tara Pecorino |
$15.99 |
37 |
|
| |
|
| Tenuta di Carleone |
2022 |
Chianti Classico |
$34.99 |
20 |
|
| |
WA 94 (10/2025): This is one of the most original wines from the appellation. The Tenuta di Carleone 2022 Chianti Classico sees partial whole-cluster fruit and up to three months of extended fermentation. The wine opens to a medium-garnet color with a shiny element to its appearance. The bouquet is similarly bright and punchy with lots of tart red and blue fruits. Fruit for this 55,000-bottle release is sourced from across this 32-hectare estate in Radda in Chianti. This wine is extremely giving and bright at the moment.
VM 92 (7/2025): The 2022 Chianti Classico is gracious, elegant and polished, as these wines so often are. Crushed flowers, herbs, mint, pine and light citrus overtones exalt the natural brightness of Sangiovese. This translucent, weightless Chianti Classico is a real beauty. (Drink between 2025-2037). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Tenuta Santome |
NV |
Prosecco Brut |
$13.50 |
28 |
|
| |
|
| Ultima Pietra |
2025 |
Gemina Rose |
$40 |
23 |
|
| |
|
| | Port |
| Quevedo |
2006 |
Late Bottled Vintage Port |
$29.99 |
52 |
|
| |
|
|
2010 |
Quinta Vale d’Agodinho Port |
$49.99 |
15 |
|
| |
|
| | USA Red |
| Behrens Family (Erna Schein) |
2005 |
Herrick-Moulds Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
14 |
|
| |
| VM 91-94 (6/2007): Medium ruby. Aromatic nose combines currant, iron, mocha and pepper. Sweet, silky and pliant, with a captivating sugar/acid balance. This really vibrates on the palate. Finishes with suave tannins and terrific sappy, peppery length. This has the suavity and balance to age gracefully for a decade or more. |
|
| de Negoce |
2017 |
OG N. 123 Napa Valley Merlot |
$15 |
12 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
OG N. 480 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel |
$15 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| DeLille Cellars |
2011 |
Doyenne Grand Ciel Vyd. Syrah |
$25 |
12 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (6/2014): Slightly richer and more concentrated than the Signature Syrah, yet still playing in the elegant, seamless style of the vintage, the 2011 Doyenne Syrah Grand Ciel Vineyard is 100% Syrah that was aged in 35% new French oak. Possessing beautiful black raspberry, currants, licorice, crushed rock-like minerality and hints of graphite, this beauty flows onto the palate with full-bodied richness, fabulous purity of fruit and a seamless, silky texture that carries through the finish. Give it a year or two and drink bottles through 2024. |
|
|
2012 |
Doyenne Grand Ciel Vyd. Syrah |
$25 |
13 |
|
| |
WA 93 (6/2015): A similar purple/ruby, semi-opaque color to the Signature Syrah, the 2012 Doyenne Syrah Grand Ciel Vineyard has more minerality (no doubt due to coming from Red Mountain) to go with lots of blackberry, graphite, pepper and crushed violet notes. Like the Signature Syrah, it shows the vintage nicely with lots of concentration, integrated acidity and a big finish, where the wine's structure becomes more apparent. It will benefit from short-term cellaring and have 10-15 years of overall longevity.
VM 92+ (11/2015): Good dark red. Lovely perfume of cherry, cranberry, white pepper, spices and dusty flowers. Lovely fine-grained Syrah with a savory restraint to its highly aromatic red berry and spice flavors complicated by a hint of game. Made from a slow-to-ripen Entav clone. Finishing quite firm, even a bit youthfully sullen, this already complex Syrah needs time to evolve. (Drink between 2019-2028). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Donelan |
2013 |
Cuvee Moriah Proprietary Blend |
$50 |
12 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (7/2017): The 2013 Cuvee Moriah is 87% Grenache and 13% Syrah that’s all from the Dry Stack Vineyard in the Bennett Valley. It has a gorgeous (as well as complex) bouquet of ripe cherries, cranberry, dried flowers and incense. This carries to an ethereally textured, elegant Grenache that that has sweet fruit, medium-bodied richness and a great finish. It’s not going to make old bones, but it’s going to be impossible to resist over the coming 4-5 years. This may be my favorite vintage of this cuvee to date. |
|
| Failla |
2012 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$45 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Girasole |
2019 |
Mendocino Pinot Noir |
$16.99 |
16 |
|
| |
|
| Kutch |
2013 |
Falstaff Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$45 |
12 |
|
| |
VM 91 (1/2015): Rose petals, mint, spices and sweet red berries are all laced together in the 2013 Pinot Noir Falstaff Vineyard. This is the most lifted and aromatic of the wines in this range. The 2013 is intensely saline, lifted and perfumed. It will appeal most to readers who enjoy aromatic, mid-weight Pinots. The 2013 is all about precision and nuance. It is also a bit light, even within the context of this style. (Drink between 2015-2025). Antonio Galloni.
BH 91 (10/2015): Notes of dried rose petal, anise, herbal tea, red currant and a hint of cinnamon introduce silky-textured medium-bodied flavors that deliver fine length on the dusty, balanced and lingering finale. This too will need a few years but less than either the Sonoma Coast or Bohan, as the overall palate impression is notably finer. Note however that the balance should allow this to age, and improve, gracefully for up to a decade. (Drink starting 2019). |
|
| Matthews |
2010 |
Blackboard Colombia Valley Red Wine |
$15 |
12 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Colombia Valley Claret |
$25 |
12 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (12/2009): Dark red. Expressive aromas and flavors of currant, plum, tobacco, graphite and chocolatey oak. Supple and juicy, with moderate sweetness and flesh. Slightly tart acidity gives shape and lift to this blend, which finishes with dusty, building, oak-driven tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2010 |
Colombia Valley Syrah |
$20 |
20 |
|
| |
| VM 91+ (12/2013): (15.4% alcohol; aged in once-used puncheons and once-used barriques ): Saturated bright ruby. Very primary, dark aromas of blackberry, licorice and illegal resiny herbs, lifted by a high-pitched violet perfume. Dense, juicy and suave but quite tightly wound in the style of the vintage. Dark berry and bitter chocolate flavors work more savory than sweet. This very young, long wine finishes with very fine-grained, suave tannins and a hint of bitter chocolate. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Newton |
2019 |
The Puzzle Red Wine |
$49 |
55 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (2/2023): The 2019 Red Blend The Puzzle checks in as mostly Cabernet Sauvignon but includes 8% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, and 1.5% each of Malbec and Petit Verdot. This vivid blue-hued 2019 has a great nose of both black and blue fruits as well as sappy green herbs and crushed stone. Almost austere on the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, has firm tannins, good mid-palate depth, and outstanding length. I’d give bottles at least 3-4 years in the cellar. (Drink starting 2026). |
|
| Sojourn Cellars |
2022 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (6/2024): The 2022 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast was raised in 50% new French oak and was entirely destemmed. Pouring a youthful, ripe ruby color, it’s highly aromatic with floral and fruity aromas of sweet cola spice, mixed berries, and preserved flowers. Medium-bodied, it retains good energy and freshness as well as wonderful purity on the palate, with fine tannins and a clean, chalky textured finish. It is a beautiful entry to the range and is going to have a wide window for enjoyment over the next 6-8 years. Audrey Frick. |
|
| Sullivan |
2003 |
Estate Reserve Merlot |
$50 |
16 |
|
| |
|
| Varner |
2014 |
Spring Ridge Vyd. Upper Picnic Bloc Pinot Noir |
$45 |
53 |
|
| |
VM 95 (8/2018): The 2014 Pinot Noir Upper Picnic is all class. Silky tannins and expressive, perfumed aromatics give the wine unreal finesse. Just as compelling on the palate, the 2014 is absolutely exquisite in its understated, nuanced expression of the Santa Cruz Mountains. What a gorgeous wine it is. The Upper Picnic is the most elegant of these four Pinots. (Drink between 2018-2026). Antonio Galloni.
JD 94 (2/2019): I loved the 2014 Pinot Noir Upper Picnic Block Spring Ridge Vineyard. This beauty boasts fabulous red fruits, spice, dried flowers, and rose petal notes, with a hint of California bay leaf developing with time in the glass. Possessing a silky, rounded, elegant texture, medium body, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish, it’s a truly thrilling Pinot Noir that can be drunk today or cellared for 7-8 years. (Drink between 2018-2026). |
|
| Vincent Wine Co. |
2017 |
Bjornson Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$35.99 |
18 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (8/2020): Brilliant red. Highly expressive aromas of fresh red fruits, potpourri, exotic spices and candied rose, along with a hint of smoky minerality. Juicy and seamless in texture, offering penetrating raspberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors that show fine definition and back-end lift. Intensely flavored and finely delineated, with an impressively long, perfumed finish that delivers firm mineral cut and resonating florality. (Drink between 2022-2029). Josh Raynolds. |
|
| | USA White |
| Bevan Cellars |
2021 |
Dry Stack Vyd. Sauvignon Blanc |
$35 |
13 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (8/2022): A blockbuster of a Sauvignon Blanc, Bevan's 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Dry Stack Vineyard comes from an Italian clone planted in gravelly soil in the Bennett Valley and is raised, I believe, in barrel. Bottled unfiltered so it has touch of haziness in its gold hue, it offers a heavenly bouquet of caramelized lemon zest, mint, orange blossom, honeyed flowers, and brioche. Rich, full-bodied, and opulent, it has incredible concentration, a layered, pure mouthfeel, good freshness, and a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It's not for those craving lightweight aromas and flavors and has the weight and richness of a great Chardonnay. Drink this beauty over the coming 2-3 years. |
|
| Bunnell Family Cellar |
2012 |
Helene Yakima Valley White Wine |
$20 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Convene (Dan Kosta) |
2021 |
Russian River Valley Chardonnay |
$48.99 |
50 |
|
| |
| Decanter 98 (2/2024): Dan Kosta and Shane Finely have worked together since 2006, when Finley, at age 26, began working in the cellar at Kosta Browne. These guys are having a lot of fun with Convene, the label Kosta launched in 2019. After their entry-level bottlings, the Convene label represents the 'Premier Cru' level wines, while DK Grail is the 'Grand Cru' tier. They are unquestionably 'Holy Grail' worthy. Finley and Kosta are big fans of longer ageing and extended lees contact with their Chardonnays. We tasted in February 2024, and they'd just bottled their 2022s. Super expressive nose with wonderful ripe fruit flavours alongside butterscotch and toasty brioche. Wonderfully rich and full-bodied with plenty of salty mineral tension. Partial malolactic fermentation means the wine retains great tension, vibrancy, and freshness. Flavours run the spectrum from Meyer Lemon to apricots and white peaches. Crushed Marcona almonds are entangled in the finish, and I find this a balanced expression of California Chardonnay with the right amount of toasty richness and acidity. |
|
| DeLille Cellars |
2016 |
Chaleur Estate Blanc |
$30 |
16 |
|
| |
|
| Gambal Work |
2017 |
Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay ex-Domaine |
$43.99 |
45 |
|
| |
|
| Girasole |
2019 |
Mendocino Chardonnay |
$10 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Hourglass |
2024 |
Estate Sauvignon Blanc |
$33.99 |
24 |
|
| |
JD 94 (12/2025): Based on 86% Sauvignon Blanc/Musque and 14% Semillon from Napa and Sonoma County fruit and aged six months with 30% in oak barrels, the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc offers classic, fresh lime, ripe citrus, mint, and stony minerality aromatics. It's medium-bodied, has a bright, fresh, focused, pure mouthfeel, beautiful balance, and outstanding length. There are roughly 2,600 cases produced. Drink 2025-2035. (Drink between 2025-2035).
VM 90 (11/2025): The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc is an airy, gracious, aperitif-style white drink now and over the next few years. Citrus peel, sage, tomato leaf and mint are all finely sculpted. (Drink between 2025-2029). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Lewis Cellars |
2016 |
Sonoma County Chardonnay |
$36 |
19 |
|
| |
|
| Scherrer Winery |
2019 |
Scherrer Vyd. Chardonnay |
$43.99 |
14 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (1/2022): The 2019 Chardonnay Scherrer Vineyard is a powerful, wild wine. Soaring aromatics and a deep structure give this Alexander Valley Chardonnay tons of character. Orchard fruit, mint, tangerine oil and dried flowers all open in the glass. There's something exotic about the 2019 that is undeniably appealing. The creamy, substantial finish is a thing of beauty. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Sojourn Cellars |
2023 |
Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ex-Domaine |
$41.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Stony Hill |
2024 |
Chardonnay |
$43.99 |
36 |
|
| |
| Decanter 94 (2/2026): Fruit from 1967-planted vines, the oldest Chardonnay vines in the Napa Valley, is at Haynes and Quartz Creek on alluvial soils. This wine balances plush fruit, fleshy pears, 30% new oak for 10 months, and only partial malolactic fermentation. This is a wine of elegance that balances white peach flesh, mineral-driven, mountain Chardonnay, and is oh so fresh. (Drink between 2026-2034). |
|
| | Other White |
| Quevedo |
2011 |
Oscar’s White Douro |
$9.99 |
31 |
|
| |
|
|