|
|
 |
| |
Inventory updated: Wed, Sep 09, 2026 04:02 PM cst
2006 Williams Selyem Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2006
Region: USA Red
Color/Type: Red
Size: 750 ML
Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label
Tasting Notes:
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+.
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Williams Selyem |
2018 |
Bucher Vyd. Pinot Noir  |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
BH 89 (4/2021): A vague whiff of bitter chocolate lurks in the background of the ripe but distinctly cool aromas of red cherry, dark pinot fruit and spiced tea. The sleek, well-detailed and energetic middle weight flavors possess a mildly tangy, dusty and bitter cherry pit-inflected finale. This is a bit one-dimensional today and is a wine that also seem mildly awkward at present though I suspect that a few years of bottle age set things right. (Drink starting 2026).
VM 75 (1/2021): The 2018 Pinot Noir Bucher Vineyard is a bold, pungent wine. I find the strong game, manure and feral aromas to be highly unpleasant. Searing tannins don't do anything to make the wine any more charming. (Drink starting 2021). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Bucher Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| BH 93 (6/2022): A cool and decidedly restrained nose reluctantly offers up its array of red and dark currant, spiced plum and a hint of herbal tea. The sleek, intense and refined medium weight flavors possess a silky mouthfeel while delivering excellent persistence on the balanced and markedly firm finale. This gorgeously textured and highly promising effort will need to develop more depth to merit my rating but the potential to do so certainly appears to be present. (Drink starting 2029). |
|
|
2020 |
Bucher Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Bucher Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Calegari Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
| BH 92 (6/2022): An exuberantly fresh nose blends both red and blue pinot fruit with notes of exotic spice, lilac and violet. Here too the texture of the medium-bodied flavors is super-sleek thanks to the notably fine-grained tannins supporting the intense, delineated and youthfully austere finale. This well-balanced effort could also use better depth, but the underlying material appears to be more than up to the task. Lovely. (Drink starting 2029). |
|
|
2020 |
Calegari Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Calegari Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2024): The 2021 Pinot Noir Calegari Vineyard comes from vines planted in the late 1990s in decomposed, iron-rich, volcanic soils on Eastside Road. Matured in 53% new oak for 16 months, it opens with soaring scents of mixed berry preserves and nuances of iron, charcuterie, lavender, orange oil and botanicals. The medium-bodied palate features concentrated, detailed flavors. It’s structured by powdery tannins and seamless acidity and has a long, spicy finish. It will benefit from 3-5 years in bottle. |
|
|
2016 |
Central Coast Pinot Noir |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 87 (4/2018): The 2016 Pinot Noir (Central Coast) is a pleasant, mid-weight wine to drink now and over the next few years, while the red berry fruit, floral and spice notes remain vibrant. This is a tasty entry-level Pinot from Williams Selyem. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Central Coast Pinot Noir |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (4/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir (Central Coast) is bright, punchy and nicely lifted. Freshly cut flowers, mint, white pepper, hard candy and red berry fruit give the 2018 lovely energy to match its mid-weight, gracious personality. The Central Coast Pinot is an absolute joy in 2018. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Central Coast Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 92 (2/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir Central Coast has a medium ruby-purple color and a nose of black and red berry fruit with touches of blood orange, earth and licorice. The medium-bodied palate is soft, silky and open, with juicy uplift and loads of spicy accents on the finish. 866 cases produced.
BH 88 (4/2021): Notably ripe aromas feature those of black raspberry, currant and a whiff of poached plum. There is good richness to the decidedly plush and round medium-bodied flavors possess good energy and an appealing mouthfeel on the ever-so-mildly tangy finale. This could easily be enjoyed now or held for the development of better depth. (Drink starting 2024).
VM 88 (1/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir (Central Coast) is laced with dried cherry, tobacco, cedar, dried flowers and earthy notes. This understated, mid-weight Pinot is a terrific choice for drinking over the next few years, while the fruit retains some vibrancy. This is an especially savory style. (Drink between 2021-2027). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2020 |
Central Coast Pinot Noir |
$59 |
5 |
|
| |
| BH 89 (6/2022): A pretty nose combines notes of red currant, cherry and a touch of cranberry with those of spice and a very subtle hint of wood. The delicious, succulent and fleshy middle weight flavors possess sufficient richness to be borderline opulent, all wrapped in a satisfying and nicely long finish where the only reproach is a touch of warmth. This isn't the most vibrant of these 2020s, but it is inviting because even though it should replay 3 to 5 years of keeping, it is sufficiently forward to be accessible young if desired. Drink 2025+. |
|
|
2021 |
Central Coast Pinot Noir |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Eastside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 92+ (4/2018): The medium ruby-purple colored 2015 Pinot Noir Eastside Road Neighbors has a wonderfully spicy nose featuring notes of allspice, fenugreek, cloves and anise over a core of black cherries, warm red currants and pomegranate with a waft of fertile loam. Medium-bodied, soft, spicy and seductive, it offers beautiful poise and compelling depth. 865 cases produced. |
|
|
2017 |
Eastside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir |
$75 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2019): The 2017 Pinot Noir Eastside Road Neighbors has a pale to medium ruby-purple color and is youthfully shy, slowly offering scents of raspberry preserves, red and black cherries and touches of cured meats, peppercorn, autumn leaves, dried rose petal and potpourri. It's light to medium-bodied, rounded and silky with slowly evolving earth and spice layers, a sturdy frame of grainy tannins and great freshness, finishing long with baking spice touches. This is very youthfully coiled, and my score may look conservative a year from now. 1,289 cases produced. |
|
|
2018 |
Eastside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (1/2021): The 2018 Pinot Noir Eastside Road Neighbors is a gorgeous, super-expressive wine. Cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, mint and crushed flowers lift a core of bright red berry fruit. Vibrant and beautifully delineated, the Eastside Road Neighbors packs a lot of punch in its mid-weight frame. I would give this a good bit of air. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2020 |
Eastside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir |
$75 |
7 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Estate Pinot Noir |
$85 |
9 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (6/2023): The 2020 Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard was matured in 76% new oak for 16 months. It has a medium ruby color and a core of red cherry fruit with accents of mushroom, tobacco and Angostura bitters. The light-bodied palate is soft and refreshing with understated, spicy fruit and a satisfying, juicy finish. |
|
|
2021 |
Estate Pinot Noir |
$115 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (10/2024): The 2021 Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard, matured for 16 months in 69% new oak, is bursting with scents of pomegranate and raspberry preserves, orange peel, licorice, allspice and earth. Medium-bodied and powerful, the palate features concentrated, hedonistic flavors. It has a surprisingly elegant structure of silky tannins and bright acidity and boasts a long, perfumed finish. |
|
|
2018 |
Ferrington Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 95 (1/2021): The 2018 Pinot Noir Fearrington Vineyard is one of the many highlights in this range. It possesses tons of fruit and inner perfume to match its exuberant, explosive personality. Wild cherry, mint, cedar, pipe tobacco and menthol meld into the substantial finish. Give the tannins a few years to soften. (Drink between 2026-2038). Antonio Galloni.
BH 89 (4/2021): A restrained nose reluctantly reveals its aromas of red raspberry, cranberry and lavender. There is once again good energy to the delicious and beautifully well-detailed middle weight flavors that conclude in a dusty, moderately austere and mildly lean finish that also flirts with dryness. Again, I suspect that the finish will better harmonize with time in bottle and as such this is not likely to make for especially interesting early drinking. In any event, if you're tempted anyway, I would suggest serving it with a proper dish. (Drink starting 2026). |
|
|
2019 |
Ferrington Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 95 (8/2022): The 2019 Pinot Noir Ferrington Vineyard has lifted graphitic minerality, red plum, and pine. The palate is energetic and snappy, with lasting red cherry, fine tannins, and mineral-rich earth. Drink 2024-2038. (Drink between 2024-2038). Audrey Frick.
BH 93 (6/2022): A mentholated top note is present on the vigorously spicy blend of poached plum, dark raspberry, Asian-style tea and an interesting hint of hoisin. There is terrific verve and freshness to the beautifully tension-filled flavors that possess a sophisticated texture along with plenty of sappy dry extract that serves to buffer the very firm tannic spine shaping the impressively long, dusty and austere finale. This built-to-age effort will definitely need an extended stay in a cool cellar if you wish to see it at its peak. This too is excellent. (Drink starting 2031). |
|
|
2020 |
Ferrington Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (6/2023): The 2020 Pinot Noir Ferrington Vineyard, matured for 16 months in 63% new oak, is very expressive and easy to drink. The nose is bursting with blackberry and blueberry jam aromas and streaks of lavender, conifer, aniseed and graphite. The medium-bodied palate is soft and refreshing with generous fruit and a long, floral finish. |
|
|
2021 |
Ferrington Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 94 (2/2025): Soft, supple tannins wrap around lively layers of rose petal, raspberry, and a light hint of cardamom in the memorable 2021 Pinot Noir Ferrington Vineyard from this famous Russian River Valley producer. Medium-bodied, the wine is zesty and weighty, persistent in acidity while complex and long-lasting on the palate. Drink now through 2031. (Drink between 2025-2031). Virginie Boone.
WA 93 (10/2024): The 2021 Pinot Noir Ferrington Vineyard, matured for 16 months in 60% new oak, opens with flinty touches that give way to blackberry, blueberry, pennyroyal and earth aromas. The medium-bodied palate features powerful, perfumed flavors structured by powdery tannins and bright acidity, and it has a long, layered finish. It will benefit from 3-5 years in bottle. |
|
|
2018 |
Foss Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (1/2021): The 2018 Pinot Noir Foss Vineyard is supple, polished and elegant. Blueberry, spice, menthol, licorice and lavender all meld together in the glass. Silky tannins give this mid-weight, juicy Pinot tons of sheer appeal. Best of all, the 2018 will drink well right out of the gate. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Foss Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
| BH 91 (6/2022): Super-fresh aromas of essence of various red berries, plum, violet and a hint of tea give way to plush, round and delicious middle weight flavors that manage to retain solid delineation on the dusty and austere finale that is bold to the point of being robust. This attractive and well-balanced effort isn't especially refined, though it stops short of being rustic. (Drink starting 2027). |
|
|
2020 |
Foss Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Foss Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (10/2024): The 2021 Pinot Noir Foss Vineyard was matured for 16 months in 61% new oak and takes significant time to open. Initial tones of damp earth and flint eventually give way to raspberry, botanicals and floral perfume. The medium-bodied palate features highly concentrated, layered flavors. It’s structured by abundant, suede-textured tannins and mouthwatering acidity, and it has a long finish replete with a flourish of spicy accents. It will benefit from extended cellaring. |
|
|
2016 |
Olivet Lane Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$109 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (4/2018): The 2016 Pinot Noir Olivet Lane Vineyard is pale to medium ruby-purple in color and gives up notions of warm plums and baked raspberries with wild blueberries, tilled soil and dark chocolate hints plus a waft of bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied and generously fruited, it fills the palate with juicy black berry flavors supported by plush tannins and finishing with an herbal lift. 290 cases produced. |
|
|
2017 |
Olivet Lane Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 95 (6/2019): The 2017 Pinot Noir Olivet Lane is another beautiful Russian River release from this estate that offers a big nose of wild strawberries, candied cherries, violets, mint, and sandalwood. Playing in the medium-bodied end of the spectrum, it's beautifully balanced, has moderate tannins, and a great finish, with its acidity there yet nicely tucked in behind beautiful fruit. It's not a heavyweight yet stays light, balanced, and incredibly satisfying. Drink it over the coming decade or more. (Drink between 2019-2029).
WA 94+ (4/2019): The 2017 Pinot Noir Olivet Lane Vineyard is pale to medium ruby-purple with a poignant nose of blueberry, red berry preserves, Earl Grey tea leaves, warm blackberry and dusty earth. Light to medium-bodied with a concentrated core of perfumed fruits, it offers wonderful freshness and a soft frame of tannins, with baking spices coming through on the finish.
VM 94 (5/2019): The 2017 Pinot Noir Olivet Lane Vineyard is soft, open-knit and inviting. Red berry fruit, silky tannins and expressive floral/spice overtones give the 2017 much of its undeniably allure. I imagine the 2017 will provide readers with a long window of drinking pleasure. (Drink between 2022-2032). Antonio Galloni.
BH 91 (10/2019): A restrained and once again very cool nose grudgingly offers up notes of both red and dark berries that are laced with spice and floral wisps. The sleek, intense and delicious medium weight flavors possess the finest mouth feel in the range along with better length on the more completely balanced finale. While there is a hint of dryness here as well, it's quite subtle and I suspect that time will eventually dissipate it. (Drink starting 2027). |
|
|
2018 |
Olivet Lane Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (4/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir Olivet Lane Vineyard is one of the more reserved wines in this flight of Williams Selyem Pinots. Bright, medium in body and nicely focused, the Olivet Lane is built more on energy rather than volume or fleshiness. I very much like the tension here. I imagine the 2018 will be even better with another few years in bottle. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (4/2018): Pale ruby-purple colored, the 2016 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley gives lovely black cherries, mulberries and warm plums with nuances of Chinese five spice and dried flowers plus a touch of dusty soil. Medium-bodied with plush, approachable tannins and just enough freshness lifting the expressive black fruit, it finishes on an earthy note. 2,405 cases produced. |
|
|
2018 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (4/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is plump and juicy, with a lovely sense of immediacy that runs through it. Sweet red/purplish berry fruit, wild flowers, mint and cinnamon are all nicely kicked up in this mid-weight, gracious appellation-level Pinot from Williams Selyem. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 93 (7/2021): Lots of smoky red and black fruits, peppery herbs, forest floor, and floral notes emerge from the 2019 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, another medium-bodied, ethereal, elegant wine from this estate. It too has some oak to integrate yet has beautiful tannins and a great finish. Give it a year or two as well.
WA 93 (2/2021): Medium ruby-purple, the 2019 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley has lush aromas of wild berry preserves, aniseed, forest floor, potpourri and tea leaves. The medium-bodied palate is deeply fruited, wonderfully spiced and seamlessly structured, with a very long, layered finish.
BH 91 (4/2021): More reserved aromas are composed by notes of red and dark cherry, spice, especially anise and a whiff of violet. The sleeker and finer middle weight flavors possess really lovely delineation as well as solid punch on the firm, dusty and mildly austere finish that offers slightly better balance. This too needs a few years to add depth, but it seems very promising and is worth checking out. (Drink starting 2026).
VM 89 (1/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is a terrific wine in this entry-level part of the range. Supple, open-knit and inviting, the Russian River Pinot captures the essence of the appellation so well. Succulent red/purplish berry fruit, lavender, spice and leather meld into the juicy, inviting finish. (Drink between 2021-2027). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2020 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$85 |
4 |
|
| |
JD 92 (8/2022): The 2020 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is packed with confected violet, macerated strawberry, and root beer spice. The palate is fleshy and ripe, with red cherry, turned soil, and cedar. Drink it over the next 8 years. (Drink between 2022-2030). Audrey Frick.
BH 90 (6/2022): A slightly higher-toned nose features notes of cool red berries and a floral hint with background nuances of plum and anise. The sleek and vibrant medium-bodied flavors possess very good richness along with a refined, even sophisticated, texture while the lingering, dusty and youthfully austere finish immediately firms up. This is noticeably more structured, and unlike the prior two wines, it's going to need at least moderate patience. (Drink starting 2028). |
|
|
2021 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$83 |
14 |
|
| |
WA 95 (6/2023): The 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, matured for 11 months in 41% new oak, is very expressive and generous this vintage. It has a medium ruby-purple color, and the nose is bursting with cranberry, raspberry, red cherry and wafts of tea leaves, mushroom, orange peel and wildflowers. The medium-bodied palate is full of powerful fruit, delivered in a seamless frame, and it reveals latent spicy accents on the long finish.
JD 93+ (7/2023): A deeper ruby, the 2021 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is classic and well-layered with ripe aromas of cola spice, black cherry, and iron-rich earth. The palate is full and ripe with good freshness, notes of black raspberry and fresh forest floor, and a good lift of acidity. This is a fantastic example of place. Drink 2023-2028. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2022 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 94 (6/2024): A youthful ruby with a magenta tone, the 2022 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley has lovely aromas of preserved cherries, fresh pine, black tea leaf, and incense. The palate retains lovely freshness and mouthwatering citrus, with fine tannins and a clean brightness on the finish. It's rather long on the palate, with ripe tannins, and has the structure to drink over the next 8-10 years.These are the spring releases from Williams-Selyem and were tasted with Vice President and Director of Winemaking Jeff Mangahas at the estate in the Russian River Valley. (Drink between 2024-2034). Audrey Frick.
WA 91 (10/2024): Matured for 11 months in 40% new oak, the 2022 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is scented of red and black cherries and berries with notes of Earl Grey tea leaves and forest floor. The medium-bodied palate boasts powerful fruit and youthful new oak spice. It has a silky texture, rounded acidity and a flavorful finish. |
|
|
2022 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir Tissue-Stained Label |
$85 |
6 |
|
| |
JD 94 (6/2024): A youthful ruby with a magenta tone, the 2022 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley has lovely aromas of preserved cherries, fresh pine, black tea leaf, and incense. The palate retains lovely freshness and mouthwatering citrus, with fine tannins and a clean brightness on the finish. It's rather long on the palate, with ripe tannins, and has the structure to drink over the next 8-10 years.These are the spring releases from Williams-Selyem and were tasted with Vice President and Director of Winemaking Jeff Mangahas at the estate in the Russian River Valley. (Drink between 2024-2034). Audrey Frick.
WA 91 (10/2024): Matured for 11 months in 40% new oak, the 2022 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley is scented of red and black cherries and berries with notes of Earl Grey tea leaves and forest floor. The medium-bodied palate boasts powerful fruit and youthful new oak spice. It has a silky texture, rounded acidity and a flavorful finish. |
|
|
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+. |
|
|
2018 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (4/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) captures all the delicacy of this, admittedly large appellation, nicely. Brisk, perfumed and finely cut, the 2018 has so much to offer. I very much like the sense of energy here. White flowers, chalk, mint and lavender infuse the Sonoma Coast Pinot with terrific character and nuance. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$79 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 94 (7/2021): Lots of ripe cherries and mulberries as well as an almost blue fruit quality all emerge from the 2019 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast. Medium-bodied and super elegant, this seamless Pinot Noir shines on all accounts. It has a kiss of background oak to integrate, yet the balance is spot on, its tannins are ripe and polished, and it's just a gorgeous appellation Pinot Noir that readers should snatch up.
WA 92 (2/2021): Medium ruby, the 2019 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast offers spicy black fruits on the nose with savory and earthy undertones. The palate is bright and spicy with a finely grained texture and long, uplifted finish. Drink between 2020-2026.
BH 89 (4/2021): Here the very fresh nose is also relatively restrained with fruit that derives more from the red side of the spectrum, along with more discreet spice and floral wisps that include a hint of herbal tea. The delicious and vibrant medium weight flavors are not quite as rich though there is excellent delineation on the mildly edgy and slightly warm if lengthy finish. The balance isn't quite as well dialed in though a few years of keeping may well help. Drink starting 2025.
VM 89 (1/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) marries fruit depth and energy so well, brilliantly capturing so much of what makes the coast such an intriguing appellation. Bright mineral accents perk up a core of dark fruit, with a whole range of floral and savory nuances that linger. Drink between 2021-2029. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2021 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (7/2023): The ruby 2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is lifted with fresh aromas of wet stone, pepper, and fresh cherry. Medium-bodied, it offers a more linear feel, with a spine of bright acidity, and is balanced with blue and black berries, dusty earth, an angular texture, and a fresh lift. I love this for its snappy, crunchy fruit and nice balance. Drink 2024-2030. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2021 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$85 |
5 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (7/2023): The ruby 2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is lifted with fresh aromas of wet stone, pepper, and fresh cherry. Medium-bodied, it offers a more linear feel, with a spine of bright acidity, and is balanced with blue and black berries, dusty earth, an angular texture, and a fresh lift. I love this for its snappy, crunchy fruit and nice balance. Drink 2024-2030. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2022 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$83 |
6 |
|
| |
JD 93 (6/2024): Ripe ruby red-colored, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is lifted and bright in the glass with cranberry, currants, blood orange zest, and dried herbs. Medium-bodied, it's approachable and elegant, with refined tannins and a clean, lasting finish. It's beautiful and long, with a lovely, ripe feel through the finish, and it has a bit more richness in the tannins' structure. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.These are the spring releases from Williams-Selyem and were tasted with Vice President and Director of Winemaking Jeff Mangahas at the estate in the Russian River Valley. (Drink between 2024-2032). Audrey Frick.
WA 91 (10/2024): Matured for 11 months in 40% new oak, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast has layered scents of red cherries, blackberries, Angostura bitters and bergamot. The medium-bodied palate is supple, silky and inviting with bright acidity and a long finish laced with earth and spice. |
|
|
2016 |
Sonoma County Pinot Noir |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (4/2018): Lifted and gracious, the 2016 Pinot Noir (Sonoma County) is super-expressive today. Bright red berry fruit, chalk and white flowers give the 2016 its airy, bright personality. All the elements are impeccably balanced in this very pretty, feminine Pinot. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2017 |
Sonoma County Pinot Noir |
$59 |
4 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (6/2019): The appellation 2017 Pinot Noir Sonoma County sports a medium ruby color as well as classic sweet red fruits, flowers, incense, and dried forest floor. Readers looking for a beautiful introduction into this estate can't go wrong with this and it’s medium-bodied, has a light, ethereal texture, integrated acidity and tannins, and a beautiful finish. It's classic, old-school, and damn good. |
|
|
2018 |
Sonoma County Pinot Noir |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (4/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir (Sonoma County) is laced with the essence of cherry candy, kirsch, flowers and a kick of sweet vanillin. Light to medium in body and racy, the Sonoma County Pinot is a stylish wine to drink now and over the next few years. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Sonoma County Pinot Noir |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 94 (7/2021): Lots of ripe cherries and mulberries as well as an almost blue fruit quality all emerge from the 2019 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast. Medium-bodied and super elegant, this seamless Pinot Noir shines on all accounts. It has a kiss of background oak to integrate, yet the balance is spot on, its tannins are ripe and polished, and it's just a gorgeous appellation Pinot Noir that readers should snatch up.
WA 92 (2/2021): Medium ruby, the 2019 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast offers spicy black fruits on the nose with savory and earthy undertones. The palate is bright and spicy with a finely grained texture and long, uplifted finish.
BH 89 (4/2021): Here the very fresh nose is also relatively restrained with fruit that derives more from the red side of the spectrum, along with more discreet spice and floral wisps that include a hint of herbal tea. The delicious and vibrant medium weight flavors are not quite as rich though there is excellent delineation on the mildly edgy and slightly warm if lengthy finish. The balance isn't quite as well dialed in though a few years of keeping may well help. (Drink starting 2025).
VM 89 (1/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) marries fruit depth and energy so well, brilliantly capturing so much of what makes the coast such an intriguing appellation. Bright mineral accents perk up a core of dark fruit, with a whole range of floral and savory nuances that linger. (Drink between 2021-2029). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2020 |
Sonoma County Pinot Noir |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 92+ (8/2022): The 2020 Pinot Noir Sonoma County is fresh with cherry cola, and crushed roses. The palate is approachable, with fresh raspberry, and snappy crunchy fruit on the finish. Drink now or over the next 10 years. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2021 |
Sonoma County Pinot Noir |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 93 (6/2023): The 2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast, matured for 11 months in 40% new oak, has a pale ruby-purple color and slowly unfolding scents of raspberry, pomegranate, bergamot, aniseed and citrus peel. The medium-bodied palate offers powerful, spicy fruit and fireworks of fresh acidity, and it finishes long and gently chalky.
JD 93 (7/2023): The ruby 2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast is lifted with fresh aromas of wet stone, pepper, and fresh cherry. Medium-bodied, it offers a more linear feel, with a spine of bright acidity, and is balanced with blue and black berries, dusty earth, an angular texture, and a fresh lift. I love this for its snappy, crunchy fruit and nice balance. Drink 2024-2030. (Drink between 2024-2030). Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2019 |
Terra De Promissio Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94 (2/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir Terra de Promissio Vineyard is broody on the nose with scents of graphite, woodsmoke, turned earth and licorice over a core of black berry fruit. The palate is soft, spicy, fresh and open with layered, spicy fruits and a long, earth-laced finish. 817 cases were made. Drink between 2020-2028.
VM 92 (1/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir Terra De Promissio is a very pretty wine. Holiday spice cake, blood orange, mint, star anise and sweet dried cherry lend striking aromatic nuance. Medium in body, silky and also wonderfully refined, with striking mineral-infused drive, the Terra de Promissio has so much to offer. I very much like the energy here. All the elements are so nicely balanced. What an attractive wine this is. Drink between 2024-2034. Antonio Galloni.
BH 91 (4/2021): An elegant, pure and very pretty nose blends notes of spiced plum with those of various dark berry fruit and discreet floral scents. There is very good volume to the solidly concentrated and plush medium-bodied flavors that conclude in a firm, mildly austere and dusty finale. I like the balance of this firm effort that makes clear that it's going to need at least 6 to 8 years to realize its full potential. Drink starting 2027. |
|
|
2014 |
Vista Verde Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| BH 91 (6/2017): This is also notably restrained with its aromas of spiced plum, violet and various dark berry scents. There is excellent volume to the velvety and attractively vibrant medium weight flavors that once again coat the palate with sappy dry extract, all wrapped in a complex, dusty and compact finale. This is fairly tightly wound at present and should definitely benefit from at least 6 to 8 years of cellaring and may even reward a decade or more. Very solid quality fashioned in a robust and muscular style. Drink 2022+. Outstanding! |
|
|
2018 |
Vista Verde Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (1/2021): The 2018 Pinot Noir Vista Verde Vineyard offers terrific depth right out of the gate. Blueberry, sage, mint, lavender and spice all open in the glass. This mid-weight Pinot has a real core of strength and understated power lying in reserve, with plenty of supporting. minerality adding vibrancy. I would cellar it for a few years and see what happens. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Vista Verde Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| BH 91 (6/2022): This airy and exuberantly fresh nose possesses one of the broadest range of spices in the range with its essence of cherry, red currant and Asian-style tea scents. The sleek, delicious and fleshy medium-bodied flavors also manage to retain good delineation on the dusty, sneaky long and youthfully austere finish. This solidly concentrated effort will need to add depth and is a wine that should repay a decade plus of bottle aging. (Drink starting 2029). |
|
|
2020 |
Vista Verde Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Vista Verde Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (10/2024): Matured for 16 months in 60% new oak, the 2021 Pinot Noir Vista Verde is bursting with aromas of kirsch, strawberry pie, violet, cast iron and earth. The medium-bodied palate has an elegant structure of chalky tannins and bright acidity, and it gains intensity and expression as it opens in the glass. It will benefit from 3-5 years in bottle to unwind. |
|
|
2018 |
Weir Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (1/2021): The 2018 Pinot Noir Weir Vineyard, from a site in the Yorkvillle Highlands, presents a whole range of floral and savory notes to play off its mid-weight structure. Crushed flowers, mint, sage, dried cherry and autumn leaves are all nicely balanced throughout. This is an especially ethereal style. |
|
|
2019 |
Weir Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (7/2022): Medium ruby-purple, the 2019 Pinot Noir Weir Vineyard offers deep, pure scents of raspberries, lavender, peppercorn, saline and autumn leaves. The medium-bodied palate is delicate yet concentrated, with a powdery, fresh frame, a rocky mineral streak and detailed floral flavors on the very long, spicy finish. This finessed expression comes from vines planted at about 1,200 feet in elevation in the Yorkville Highlands appellation of Mendocino County, where a lack of coastal influence results in extreme diurnal shifts.
BH 91 (6/2022): A much more restrained nose timidly reveals its aromas of high-toned red berries, anise, violet and a suggestion of lilac. There is excellent intensity to the succulent and caressing yet decidedly powerful flavors that coat the palate with dry extract while exhibiting fine length on the austere, dusty and borderline rustic finale. This very serious effort is already solidly complex, but it does need to flesh out. (Drink starting 2029). |
|
|
2020 |
Weir Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (6/2023): The 2020 Pinot Noir Weir Vineyard, matured for 16 months in 61% new oak, has a medium ruby-purple color and gregarious aromas of cranberry sauce, autumn leaves, cinnamon and mushrooms. The light-bodied palate is soft and juicy with understated yet layered, earthy flavors, and it has a long, spicy finish. |
|
|
2021 |
Weir Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (10/2024): Matured for 16 months in 57% new oak, the 2021 Pinot Noir Weir Vineyard opens with aromas of blueberry, blackberry and wildflowers and reveals undertones of porcini mushrooms, tea leaves and iron as it spends time in the glass. The medium-bodied palate features generous, layered flavors structured by powdery tannins and seamless acidity, and it has a long, iron-laced finish. |
|
|
2017 |
Westside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir |
$79 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (5/2019): The 2017 Pinot Noir Westside Road Neighbors is another wine in this range that is all about understatement and nuance. Medium in body yet also quite deep and resonant, the Westside Road Neighbors is succulent and inviting from the very first taste. Black cherry, plum, violet and cloves all add to the wine's dark-ish leaning flavor profile. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2018 |
Westside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (4/2020): The 2018 Pinot Noir Westside Road Neighbors is racy and overt from the very first taste. Succulent dark cherry, plum, cola, spice, vanillin, mint and lavender infuse the 2018 with striking depth and resonance. I would prefer to drink this juicy, flamboyant Pinot over the next decade, give or take. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2019 |
Westside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (2/2021): Medium ruby-purple, the 2019 Pinot Noir Westside Road Neighbors offers plush black fruits laced with youthful, classy new oak that gives way to earth and amaro nuances with time in glass. The medium-bodied palate is polished, finely supported and fresh, and it finishes very long and spice-laced. All elegance and class, I can't wait to taste this with a few years of bottle age. Drink between 2020-2030.
VM 93 (1/2021): The 2019 Pinot Noir Westside Road Neighbors is dense, fleshy and wonderfully inviting. Sweet red cherry, red plum, cedar, tobacco and spice all flesh out in a Pinot that balances suppleness with energy. It is another wine in this range that sizzles with vibrancy. Give it a few years in bottle first. Drink between 2026-2036. Antonio Galloni.
JD 92+ (7/2021): Coming from a site in the Russian River, the 2019 Pinot Noir Westside Road Neighbors is more closed aromatically yet certainly has potential in its ripe red and black fruits and spice-driven aromatics. It shows more floral and violet nuances on the palate and is medium-bodied, with a seamless texture and solid length on the finish. Hide bottles for a year or two and it should evolve nicely for 7-8 years. Drink between 2022-2030.
BH 92 (4/2021): An interesting hint of menthol sits atop the cool aromas of dark raspberry, cranberry and anise. There is a more sophisticated texture to the utterly delicious and vibrant medium weight flavors that are at once rich but well-delineated, all wrapped in a relatively powerful, palate coating and lingering finish. This impressively intense effort does need to develop better depth but that should be easily possible given the density of material and firm tannic spine. Drink starting 2029. |
|
|
2020 |
Westside Road Neighbors Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 94 (8/2022): The 2020 Pinot Noir Westside Road Neighbors has ripe aromatics of sun-ripened cherry fruit, cola spice, and sweet cedar. The palate floods with primary fruit, candied flowers, and forest floor. This is approachable and generous now or drink it over the next 10 years. (Drink between 2022-2032). Audrey Frick.
BH 91 (6/2022): This too features a mixed nose with some high-toned aromas of red pinot fruit that contrast with the more deeply pitched notes of plum, dark currant, anise and exotic tea. The succulent and fleshy middle weight flavors possess a highly seductive texture that is rich to the point of being plush before also immediately tightening up considering on the compact, serious and youthfully austere finale. This promising effort is clearly built-to-age and a wine that's going to need at least 5 or so years of forbearance while possessing the potential to improve over the course of a decade. (Drink starting 2030). |
|
|
2020 |
Williams Selyem Estate Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (6/2023): The 2020 Pinot Noir Estate Vineyard was matured in 76% new oak for 16 months. It has a medium ruby color and a core of red cherry fruit with accents of mushroom, tobacco and Angostura bitters. The light-bodied palate is soft and refreshing with understated, spicy fruit and a satisfying, juicy finish. 808 cases were made. |
|
| 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. |
|
|
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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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 |
| | Burgundy White |
| Dom. Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey |
2015 |
Batard Montrachet Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,493.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Batard Montrachet Grand Cru
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,564.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Batard Montrachet Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,912.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Batard Montrachet Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,558.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Batard Montrachet Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,750.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Batard Montrachet Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,315.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Bienvenues Batard Montrachet Grand Cru
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,722.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Bienvenues Batard Montrachet Grand Cru (2x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,614.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Bourgogne Chardonnay (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$584.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Bourgogne Chardonnay (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$680.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Bourgogne Chardonnay (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$553.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Abbaye de Morgeot (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,843.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Abbaye de Morgeot (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,758.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Chenevottes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,155.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Chenevottes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,894.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Chenevottes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,852.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Baudines (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,789.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Chassagne Montrachet Vieilles Vignes (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$757.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Chassagne Montrachet Vieilles Vignes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,439.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Chevalier Montrachet Grand Cru
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,287.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,521.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2015 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$4,740.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,218.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$834.97 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$834.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (1/2021): A tensile, racy wine—two-thirds from Pernand-Vergelesses, one-third from Aloxe-Corton—the 2018 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru unwinds in the glass with scents of white flowers, orange oil, buttery pastry and nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy, it's chiseled and saline, with impressive cut and grip.
BH 91-93 (6/2020): (the proportions have changed again and in 2018 are in a 35/65% proportion from Les Languettes in Aloxe and En Charlemagne in Pernand.) A restrained, ultra-fresh and distinctly floral nose reflects notes of various white orchard fruit aromas, lemon zest and discreet wood toast. There is outstanding volume to the rich and succulent broad-shouldered flavors that possess focused power on the beautifully long and sappy mineral-infused finish that is shaped by citrus-tinged acidity. This isn't quite as structured as the Chevalier, but it too is promising. Drink 2028+. |
|
|
2018 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,840.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (1/2021): A tensile, racy wine—two-thirds from Pernand-Vergelesses, one-third from Aloxe-Corton—the 2018 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru unwinds in the glass with scents of white flowers, orange oil, buttery pastry and nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy, it's chiseled and saline, with impressive cut and grip.
BH 91-93 (6/2020): (the proportions have changed again and in 2018 are in a 35/65% proportion from Les Languettes in Aloxe and En Charlemagne in Pernand.) A restrained, ultra-fresh and distinctly floral nose reflects notes of various white orchard fruit aromas, lemon zest and discreet wood toast. There is outstanding volume to the rich and succulent broad-shouldered flavors that possess focused power on the beautifully long and sappy mineral-infused finish that is shaped by citrus-tinged acidity. This isn't quite as structured as the Chevalier, but it too is promising. Drink 2028+. |
|
|
2018 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,771.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (1/2021): A tensile, racy wine—two-thirds from Pernand-Vergelesses, one-third from Aloxe-Corton—the 2018 Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru unwinds in the glass with scents of white flowers, orange oil, buttery pastry and nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy, it's chiseled and saline, with impressive cut and grip.
BH 91-93 (6/2020): (the proportions have changed again and in 2018 are in a 35/65% proportion from Les Languettes in Aloxe and En Charlemagne in Pernand.) A restrained, ultra-fresh and distinctly floral nose reflects notes of various white orchard fruit aromas, lemon zest and discreet wood toast. There is outstanding volume to the rich and succulent broad-shouldered flavors that possess focused power on the beautifully long and sappy mineral-infused finish that is shaped by citrus-tinged acidity. This isn't quite as structured as the Chevalier, but it too is promising. Drink 2028+. |
|
|
2019 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,302.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,965.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Le Montrachet Grand Cru (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$12,797.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,542.99 |
3 |
|
| |
| BH 92-94 (6/2021): Drink 2029+. |
|
|
2020 |
Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,647.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,575.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,703.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrieres
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$970.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Meursault 1er Cru Les Perrieres (2x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,597.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Meursault 1er Cru Les Poruzots (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,380.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Meursault 1er Cru Les Poruzots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,873.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Meursault 1er Cru Les Poruzots (3x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,026.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Meursault Les Narvaux (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,071.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Champs Gains (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$2,607.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
St. Aubin 1er Cru en Remilly (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,381.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
St. Aubin 1er Cru Les Champlots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,015.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
St. Aubin 1er Cru Les Champlots (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,124.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey |
2022 |
St. Aubin 1er Cru Hommage a Marguerite (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,124.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey St. Aubin 1er Cru Hommage a Marguerite (6x750ML) |
$1,110.99 |
|
Sold Out
|
| |
|
|
|