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Inventory updated: Wed, Sep 09, 2026 04:02 PM cst
2007 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2007
Region: USA Red
Color/Type: Red
Size: 750 ML
Bin-Soiled Label; Lightly Scuffed Label
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| Caymus |
2012 |
40th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon (1.0 L)  Lightly Scuffed Label |
$249 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2014): They appear to be immune to some of winedom’s less than intelligent trends and fads that we see from time to time, and the result is a spectacular 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 40th Anniversary offering. Its dense purple/black color is followed by copious quantities of crème de cassis and blackberry fruit, silky tannins, a voluptuous texture and stunning purity as well as length. This full-bodied effort is a fabulous example of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a tribute to this amazing family. It is so good now, why wait? However, I’m sure that like most vintages of Caymus, it will last for 20-25 years. Amazing!
VM 85 (12/2014): The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon 40th Anniversary from Caymus hits the palate with a rush of dark cherry, plum, Coke, chocolate, brandy, spices and sweet new oak. There is good texture, viscosity and immediacy to the fruit at first, but the sickly sweet new oak and vanillin become overpowering soon after, totally covering the fruit and attenuating the mid-palate and finish. Thankfully, the finish is short. Even by today's standards in Napa Valley, this is a decidedly sweet style of Cabernet Sauvignon quite unlike pretty much anything else I tasted this year. Antonio Galloni. |
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|
2007 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label; Lightly Scuffed Label |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2010 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$115 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (10/2013): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa is a beauty. Dense ruby/purple-colored, it is filled with creme de cassis fruit, supple tannins and an opulent, full-bodied mouthfeel. The family believes in delivering exceptional pleasure and intensity to their wines, but they also have remarkable aging potential as the 1975 and 1976 Special Selections in my cellar bear witness. |
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|
2011 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label; Lightly Scuffed Label |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2014 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (1.0 L) |
$110 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (12/2016): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley has a dense opaque purple color, a kiss of blackberry and cassis fruit, a full-bodied mouthfeel with ripe tannin and a long finish. It is very Caymus in its immediate accessibility, but has plenty of staying power and depth. This is lush, full, intense and pure. Drink it over the next 15 or so years.
JS 88 (5/2017): Lots of raisin character with berry and vanilla flavors. Full-bodied, slightly fluid and a fruity and off-dry on the finish. Not my style but some may like it. Drink now. |
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|
2015 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 95 (1/2020): The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon from Caymus is a stunner that offers ample balance and class paired with serious hedonistic fireworks. Revealing a saturated purple color and blockbuster notes of blackcurrants, cassis, chocolate, cedary spice, and hints of espresso, it’s velvety textured, full-bodied, concentrated, and flawlessly balanced. It opens up with time in the glass and is straight-up loaded with fruit and texture, yet it has the balance, depth, and pedigree to evolve for two decades or more if you’re so inclined. (Drink between 2020-2040).
WA 94+ (10/2017): Deep purple-black in color, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon springs from the glass with lifted crème de cassis, violets and chocolate box notes plus hints of lilacs, raspberry leaves, anise and cardamom. The perfumed black fruit preserves and chocolate-laced notes completely pack the full-bodied palate, with soft, velvety tannins and just enough freshness, finishing very long and very spicy. Definitely one for hedonists seeking immediate gratification. |
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|
1992 |
Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon |
$219 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/1995): The 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection (a February, 1996 release) is superior to the 1991 and 1990. The 1992 displays an opaque ruby/purple color, followed by huge, full-throttle aromatics offering a blast of sweet, toasty new oak combined with exceptional red and black fruits. Full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, with not a hard edge to be found, this low acid, fat, delicious Cabernet will be drinkable upon its release; it will last for 12-15 years. |
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|
1995 |
Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (6X750ML) OWC |
$1,135 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (8/1999): While it is fashionable to criticize this wine because of its price, and the secrecy surrounding the amount produced (who really cares?), the wine is unquestionably Outstanding. The 1995 boasts a dark ruby/purple color as well as an attractive bouquet with lavish quantities of toasty new oak and black currants. There is moderate tannin, good purity, and an open-knit, sexy style. If the wine had not fallen a bit short on the mid-palate, it would have merited an even higher score. It should drink well for 10-15 years. |
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|
2001 |
Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (6/2011): Caymus has been around for so long there is a tendency to under-estimate their wines. However, they have a brilliant track record as evidenced by the decade old 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage Selection. Abundant chocolaty, black currant, licorice and coffee aromas soar from the glass of this perfumed wine. It exhibits an opaque ruby/purple color, wonderful opulence, a deep, full-bodied mouthfeel, fabulous depth and not a hard edge to be found. While seemingly fully mature, the supple tannins, expansive fruit and glycerin, depth and overall balance suggest it will keep for another 15+ years. |
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2002 |
Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (6/2012): This stunning, inky/plum/purple-tinged 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection boasts a glorious fragrance of creme de cassis, licorice, toasty oak, spice box, cassis and vanillin. Full-bodied, opulent, flashy and irresistible, this endearing, plush, exuberant, opulent Cabernet Sauvignon is 3-5 years away from full maturity, yet it is already complex and rewarding. It should last for another two decades. |
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|
2007 |
Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon |
$269 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2010): The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection (100% Cabernet Sauvignon, now bottled earlier than in the past) exhibits an inky/blue/purple color in addition to sweet aromas of cassis, graphite, licorice, tobacco leaf and toasty oak. Bold, flamboyant and opulent, it should drink well for 15+ years. |
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|
2009 |
Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon |
$235 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2010 |
Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon |
$315 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/2013): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection exhibits an opaque purple color, slightly more toasty oak in the aromatics, and explosive richness on the attack, mid-palate and length. The nose is slightly more restrained than in the regular bottling, but there is no doubting the Special Selection is a cut or two above the Napa bottling when it hits the palate. Extraordinary purity of fruit, creme de cassis, licorice and incense all emerge from this full-bodied, iconic classic. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 25+ years.
VM 93 (12/2012): The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection is, big, rich, voluptuous and totally sexy. Mocha, chocolate, plums, sweet spices and black cherries jump from the glass in this full-bodied, intense wine. This is one of the more immediate wines of the vintage, but all the elements are very nicely balanced. Once again Caymus has produced a gorgeous Special Selection that is delicious on its own, but that is also remarkable for a relatively large production of 9,600 cases that will make it easy to find. |
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| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| 21 Grams |
2007 |
Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (11/2010): Good full red. Redcurrant, mulberry, plum and caramel on the nose, complemented by sexy oak spices. Broad, lush and sweet, with an almost exotic high-toned quality to the perfumed flavors of red berries and spices. Sound acidity gives the wine shape and balance. Finishes impressively broad and horizontal, with very smooth, ripe tannins and lingering spicy perfume. Sophisticated, glossy wine. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Agharta |
2007 |
Black Label Syrah |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90-92 (7/2013): In the 2007 Agharta Black Label is 90% Syrah, 5% Grenache and 5% Viognier/Roussanne. Mocha, plums, espresso, blackberries, tar and licorice all burst from the glass. A huge, massively constituted wine, the 2007 is loaded with personality and character. A rich, voluptuous finish rounds things out. Mahle planned to give the 2007 a whopping 65 months in oak, but the wine appears to be handling the oak well. Stylistically, this is a wine that reflects the vintage and its long elevage more than varietal character. I can't wait to see how the 2007 shows once it is in bottle. Today, it is impressive. (Drink between 2013-2022). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Alban Vineyards |
2007 |
Alban Estate Grenache |
$115 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92 (8/2011): The 2007 Grenache opens with a sweet, beguiling nose that leads to exotic blackberry, coconut, plums, asphalt, tar and sweet spices. This is an especially deep, dense style of Grenache (there is 12% Syrah in the blend) yet all of the elements come together beautifully in the glass. Floral notes add lift and complexity on the finish, yet the Grenache remains big and quite powerful. Alban gave the Grenache 36 months in barrel. The Grenache is made from a variety of plots on the property, plus Syrah exclusively from the Reva parcel. (Drink between 2013-2022). Antonio Galloni.
WA 92 (8/2011): The 2007 Grenache opens with a sweet, beguiling nose that leads to exotic blackberry, coconut, plums, asphalt, tar and sweet spices. This is an especially deep, dense style of Grenache (there is 12% Syrah in the blend) yet all of the elements come together beautifully in the glass. Floral notes add lift and complexity on the finish, yet the Grenache remains big and quite powerful. Alban gave the Grenache 36 months in barrel. The Grenache is made from a variety of plots on the property, plus Syrah exclusively from the Reva parcel. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. |
|
|
2007 |
Pandora Proprietary Blend |
$150 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (8/2011): The 2007 Pandora is an enormous wine endowed with awesome richness and power. Layers of dark fruit flesh out beautifully in this muscular, large-scaled wine. Dark plums, tar, sweet herbs and anise are some of the notes that wrap around the super-intense finish. The 2007 Pandora is 95% Grenache and 5% Syrah, both from the chalky soils of Seymour-s. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. |
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| Alpha Omega |
2007 |
Era Proprietary Blend |
$200 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2009): The 2007 ERA Proprietary Wine exhibits a deep ruby/purple color as well as cedar, roasted herb, black currant, and camphor notes, Outstanding ripeness, purity, and depth, good richness, sweeter tannin than the 2006, and, like many 2007s, an underlying minerality and precision that make this vintage so special. Give it 2-3 years of bottle age, and enjoy it over the following 15 years. |
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|
2007 |
Proprietary Blend |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
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| Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards |
2007 |
Black Label Block 1 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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2007 |
Black Label Block 2 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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2007 |
Black Label Block 3 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Black Label Block 4 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Black Label Block 5 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Eloge Proprietary Blend |
$115 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 98 (12/2010): The 2007 Eloge is a profoundly complex, extraordinary wine that is showing better out of bottle than it ever did from barrel. The final blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot and Merlot reveals an inky/purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of graphite, creme de cassis, cedarwood, Christmas fruitcake, bay leaf and a damp forest floor-like character. It possesses sensational depth, a full-bodied opulence, admirable purity and a skyscraper-like texture and finish. This killer wine has not yet closed down, and it should drink well for 20-25 years. |
|
|
2007 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2010): As I indicated last year, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a brilliant effort. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it has begun to shut down slightly, but reveals an opaque purple color along with deep, sweet, cedary, black currant aromas intermixed with hints of tobacco leaf, licorice and graphite. Full-bodied, powerful and rich, this impressive 2007 needs 4-5 years of cellaring and should keep for 25+ years. |
|
|
2007 |
Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2010): As I indicated last year, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a brilliant effort. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it has begun to shut down slightly, but reveals an opaque purple color along with deep, sweet, cedary, black currant aromas intermixed with hints of tobacco leaf, licorice and graphite. Full-bodied, powerful and rich, this impressive 2007 needs 4-5 years of cellaring and should keep for 25+ years. |
|
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2007 |
Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Scuffed Label |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2010): As I indicated last year, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a brilliant effort. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it has begun to shut down slightly, but reveals an opaque purple color along with deep, sweet, cedary, black currant aromas intermixed with hints of tobacco leaf, licorice and graphite. Full-bodied, powerful and rich, this impressive 2007 needs 4-5 years of cellaring and should keep for 25+ years. |
|
|
2007 |
Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$189 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2010): As I indicated last year, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a brilliant effort. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it has begun to shut down slightly, but reveals an opaque purple color along with deep, sweet, cedary, black currant aromas intermixed with hints of tobacco leaf, licorice and graphite. Full-bodied, powerful and rich, this impressive 2007 needs 4-5 years of cellaring and should keep for 25+ years. |
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| Anthill |
2007 |
Demuth Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92 (5/2009): Vivid red. Captivating aromas of redcurrant, raspberry and blood orange are deepened by smoky herbs and dried flowers. Spicy and incisive on the palate, displaying fresh red berry and candied rose flavors, with gentle tannic grip on the back. The blood orange note echoes through the long, seductively spicy finish. Josh Raynolds.
BH 91 (10/2009): A ripe but restrained, cool and elegant nose of ripe cherry and red pinot fruit trimmed in delicate spice notes is followed by rich, delicious, round, supple and relatively supple middle weight flavors that possess a discreet mineral hint and excellent balance on the persistent, sappy and impressively complex finish. This isn't in the same league as the Abbey Harris but there is an understate grace to the mouth feel that is very appealing. (Drink starting 2012). |
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| Arietta |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 94 (5/2010): (from Meteor Vineyard fruit) Good full, deep ruby. Sexy, high-pitched aromas of black raspberry, black cherry, licorice, flowers and smoky oak. At once juicy and dense, with a fine-grained texture and superb intensity to the dark fruit and floral flavors. There's nothing overripe or ponderous about this beauty, but its substantial tannins call for at least a few years of patience.
WA 92+ (12/2009): The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is the real deal. Its opaque purple color is accompanied by notes of black currants, camphor, licorice, and spicy oak as well as Outstanding fruit purity, a medium to full-bodied texture, sweet but serious tannins, and a long finish. Accessible now, it should continue to provide plenty of pleasure over the next 15+ years. |
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| Arterberry Maresh |
2007 |
Dundee Hills Pinot Noir |
$65 |
2 |
|
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| L' Aventure |
2007 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 96 (7/2018): Made from 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon offers textbook notes of blackcurrants, plums, cedary spice, and violets. Full-bodied and concentrated, like the Côte à Côte , it's seamless on the palate, with perfectly integrated tannins. It's another gorgeous wine from Stephan.
WA 94+ (8/2009): Another long distance runner is the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, a wine worth following over the next 15-20 years. With classic aromas of graphite, creme de cassis, spring flowers, and earth, this is a big, broodingly backward, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that is probably too formidably endowed and intense to attack presently, but given 3-4 years of bottle age, this wine should evolve as well as some of the North Coast Cabernet Sauvignons from Napa. Everything is there – crushed rock, creme de cassis, graphite, full-bodied power, fabulous concentration, purity, and a saturated purple color, all suggesting a brilliant wine. By the way, it is a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5 % Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025+.
VM 93 (11/2009): Dark purple. Strongly perfumed bouquet of blackcurrant and cherry pit, with a mounting note of blueberry. Deeply concentrated dark fruit flavors are supported by a suave mineral spine and framed by silky tannins. Impressively pure and vibrant, with strong finishing cut and echoes of smoky minerals and spicecake. As attractive as it is now, this suave wine is built to reward patience. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2007 |
Estate Cuvee Proprietary Blend |
$115 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (11/2009): (49% syrah, 37% cabernet sauvignon and 14% petit verdot) Glass-staining purple. Wild, pungent aromas of dark berry preserves, apricot, violet and incense; reminds me of a high-end northern Rhone wine. Deeply concentrated but graceful, displaying sweet blackberry and boysenberry flavors and a slow-building spiciness. The floral note recurs on the finish, which is spicy, focused and extremely long. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Beau Vigne |
2007 |
Juliet Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2009): A very good value in top-flight Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is Beau Vigne’s 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Juliet. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it exhibits a dark ruby/purple color in addition to abundant amounts of creme de cassis and floral characteristics, full-bodied power, supple tannins, a layered mouthfeel, and a long, savory finish. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 15+ years. |
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|
2007 |
Juliet Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2009): A very good value in top-flight Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is Beau Vigne’s 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Juliet. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it exhibits a dark ruby/purple color in addition to abundant amounts of creme de cassis and floral characteristics, full-bodied power, supple tannins, a layered mouthfeel, and a long, savory finish. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 15+ years. |
|
|
2007 |
Juliet Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$165 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2009): A very good value in top-flight Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is Beau Vigne’s 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Juliet. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it exhibits a dark ruby/purple color in addition to abundant amounts of creme de cassis and floral characteristics, full-bodied power, supple tannins, a layered mouthfeel, and a long, savory finish. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 15+ years. |
|
|
2007 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (12/2009): More backward and structured, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve possesses copious black fruit, licorice, and forest floor notes as well as a boatload of tannin. While neither as charming nor accessible as the Juliet, it needs 3-4 years of cellaring, and should last for two decades thereafter. |
|
|
2007 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (12/2009): More backward and structured, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve possesses copious black fruit, licorice, and forest floor notes as well as a boatload of tannin. While neither as charming nor accessible as the Juliet, it needs 3-4 years of cellaring, and should last for two decades thereafter. |
|
| Behrens & Hitchcock |
2007 |
Ode To Picasso Proprietary Blend |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (6/2011): (50% cabernet sauvignon, 40% syrah and 10% petit verdot): Bright medium ruby. Wild berries and cherry on the nose, lifted by a floral topnote. At once sweet and juicy, with an intriguing saline quality adding interest to the flavors of dark berries, menthol and spices. Finishes with suave tannins and very good length. The syrah element here brings more flowers than meat. |
|
| Black Cordon Vineyard |
2007 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Blankiet |
2007 |
Paradise Hills Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$159 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (12/2010): The 2007 Paradise Hills Vineyard Proprietary Red (60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot) exhibits abundant notes of espresso, chocolate, creme de cassis, blackberry, forest floor and graphite. Full-bodied, dense and rich, it is just beginning to reveal some secondary nuances as well as complexity. There are 940 cases of this big, rich 2007 that should continue to drink well for two decades. |
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| J. Bookwalter |
2007 |
Chapter 3 Red Wine |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Boudreaux Cellars |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (10/2011): The opaque purple-colored 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (92%) is an 8 vineyard blend containing small amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. It was aged for 32 months in French oak. Enticing aromas of Asian spices, rose petal, incense, pencil lead, and assorted black fruits lead to a medium-bodied, densely packed, layered Cabernet with Outstanding volume and concentration. It mandates 5-6 years of cellaring and will be at its best from 2016 to 2027. |
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|
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Signs of Old Seepage |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (10/2011): The opaque purple-colored 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (92%) is an 8 vineyard blend containing small amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. It was aged for 32 months in French oak. Enticing aromas of Asian spices, rose petal, incense, pencil lead, and assorted black fruits lead to a medium-bodied, densely packed, layered Cabernet with Outstanding volume and concentration. It mandates 5-6 years of cellaring and will be at its best from 2016 to 2027. |
|
| Bovet (Round Pond) |
2007 |
Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Buccella |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (12/2009): The blockbuster 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is more primary, but it does display enormous fruit concentration, massive body, and wonderful purity, balance, and elegance. It is an extraordinarily promising 2007 with awesome fruit, depth and richness as well as a long finish. This offering will be even better with 5-7 years of bottle age, and should keep for 20+ years.
VM 93+ (6/2010): (includes bits of merlot and malbec) Good full, saturated ruby. An essence of Napa cabernet on the nose, with dominant notes of cassis, dark chocolate, minerals and violet. Juicy but youthfully brooding, with a slightly medicinal quality to the intense flavors of cassis, bitter chocolate, graphite and menthol. Not a particularly fleshy style but vibrant and penetrating. This wine's firm acids and tongue-dusting tannins call for at least five or six years of patience. This wine, a blend from 10 or 12 different vineyards all over Napa Valley, was vinified by Mark Herold. Rebecca Weinberg is currently the winemaker here, with Celia Welch consulting. |
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| Cadence |
2007 |
Bel Canto Red Mtn. Cara Mia Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$51 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (12/2009): (62% cabernet franc, 31% merlot and 7% petit verdot) Good full red with ruby highlights. Knockout nose combines sappy black cherry, redcurrant, black tea, mocha and rose petal. Wonderfully intense but light on its feet, with enticing floral lift and outstanding verve to the red berry and brown spice flavors. Quite horizontal on the back but without any impression of weight. Finishes with very refined tannins and lovely lavender lift and persistence. A great showing-and all the more remarkable considering that Ben Smith and Gaye McNutt's vineyard on Red Mountain was only planted in 2004. There are any number of powerhouse Bordeaux blends being made in Washington today, but very few wines with this degree of class. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2007 |
Camerata Cara Mia Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92+ (12/2009): (85% cabernet sauvignon with 5% each cab franc, merlot and petit verdot; aged in 50% new barriques, mostly Taransaud) Good deep red-ruby color. Cassis, black cherry, licorice and mint on the nose, with a lavender topnote. Plush, layered and sweet, with dense but vibrant flavors of brambly berries and graphite and attractive floral lift. Very cabernet, and in need of at least a couple of years to absorb its slightly dusty, serious tannins. The crop level here was below 2.2 tons per acre, according to winemaker/co-owner Ben Smith. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Caymus |
2007 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon |
$269 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2010): The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection (100% Cabernet Sauvignon, now bottled earlier than in the past) exhibits an inky/blue/purple color in addition to sweet aromas of cassis, graphite, licorice, tobacco leaf and toasty oak. Bold, flamboyant and opulent, it should drink well for 15+ years. |
|
| Chalk Hill |
2007 |
Estate Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
8 |
|
| |
WA 95 (2/2010): Perhaps the finest Estate Red to date is the 2007. Its dense ruby/purple hue is followed by blackberry, cassis, cedar, and licorice characteristics, supple tannins, a more accessible personality, full body, and admirable purity, texture, and length. Drink this beauty over the next 2-3 decades.
VM 91 (6/2010): (51% cabernet sauvignon, 24% malbec, 13% merlot, 11% petit verdot and 1% carmenere) Inky ruby. Highly aromatic nose combines cassis, cherry skin, cured tobacco and smoky oak. Supple on entry, offering sweet dark fruit flavors, then tightly wound in the middle, with a sappy quality to the dark berry liqueur and smoky herb flavors. Showing a lot of exotic character right now, much of which seems oak-derived, but there's a concentrated dark fruit as well. The smoky note gains power toward the back, which shows rather suave tannins and lingers with very good intensity. |
|
| Col Solare |
2007 |
Proprietary Red |
$69 |
7 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (6/2013): Starting the tasting and a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc that comes from a variety of vineyards (about 30% in Red Mountain and the balance from the Columbia Valley) and was aged 22 months in mostly new French oak, the 2007 Col Solare is a superb effort that offers up notions of cassis, cedar, lead pencil, tar and dried herb as well as a full-bodied, supple and polished texture. A classic Washington State Bordeaux blend, it stays classy and balanced, and shows the quality of the 2007 vintage. It’s also worth noting that there were 11,000 cases of this wine produced! Hats off to the Col Solare team – this is a beauty. Drink now-2022. |
|
| Corliss |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 94-97 (11/2010): Full red-ruby. Plum, tobacco and loam on the shy nose. Wonderfully rich and suave in the mouth, with ineffable floral lift to the deep, sweet flavors of cherry, plum and minerals. Outstanding cabernet in the making-by any standard. Most impressive today on the explosively long back end, where the wine's huge structure is currently hidden by sheer material. Incidentally, this is the first vintage to include some estate fruit (from Red Mountain). It will be a treat to taste this wine alongside a half dozen of Washington's other cabernet superstars a decade hence. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94-97 (11/2010): Full red-ruby. Plum, tobacco and loam on the shy nose. Wonderfully rich and suave in the mouth, with ineffable floral lift to the deep, sweet flavors of cherry, plum and minerals. Outstanding cabernet in the making-by any standard. Most impressive today on the explosively long back end, where the wine's huge structure is currently hidden by sheer material. Incidentally, this is the first vintage to include some estate fruit (from Red Mountain). It will be a treat to taste this wine alongside a half dozen of Washington's other cabernet superstars a decade hence. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2007 |
Red Wine |
$75 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2012): The Corliss 2007 Red Wine that bears no other name originates in Bordelais grapes largely from their Red Mountain vineyards, and spent 33 months in 75% new barriques, though winemaker Andrew Trio indicates that subsequent vintages have been or will be bottled slightly sooner, to reflect the team’s consensus that “we find we achieve what we need to after two and a half years.” Fresh dark cherry fruit is laced with rose hip and salted caramel on a silken palate with confectionary allusions to pistachio brittle, marzipan, and red licorice gaining prominence in a long finish. For those who like their Cabernet and Company very much on the sweet and polished side, this should prove a winner over at least the next half dozen years. And perhaps some counterpoint and intrigue will emerge over that period. |
|
|
2007 |
Red Wine (1.5 L) |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2012): The Corliss 2007 Red Wine that bears no other name originates in Bordelais grapes largely from their Red Mountain vineyards, and spent 33 months in 75% new barriques, though winemaker Andrew Trio indicates that subsequent vintages have been or will be bottled slightly sooner, to reflect the team’s consensus that “we find we achieve what we need to after two and a half years.” Fresh dark cherry fruit is laced with rose hip and salted caramel on a silken palate with confectionary allusions to pistachio brittle, marzipan, and red licorice gaining prominence in a long finish. For those who like their Cabernet and Company very much on the sweet and polished side, this should prove a winner over at least the next half dozen years. And perhaps some counterpoint and intrigue will emerge over that period. |
|
|
2007 |
Syrah |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 94 (6/2012): Coming all from the Stillwater Vineyard that’s located on the Royal Slope in the Columbia Valley, the 2007 Corliss Estates Syrah is a ripe, layered wine that was aged in 65% new French oak for a total of 30 months. It offers up aromas of vanilla-laced black fruits, baking spices, roasted meats, truffle, flowers, and creamy licorice that flow to a decidedly rich, borderline decadent Syrah that has a stacked mid-palate, layers of fruit and texture, and a beautifully fresh, clean finish. It’s certainly big and rich, but it’s oh so well done and stays remarkable light on the palate for a wine of this size. It’s superb now, and I see no reason to hold off; it should drink well through 2020.
VM 93 (11/2010): Bright, full ruby-red. Blackberry, black cherry, pepper and licorice on the nose, with a distinctly wild quality and a hint of white fruits; more Old World in style than the 2006 version, which included 17% grenache. Juicy, penetrating and precise, with lovely floral lift to the dark berry and pepper flavors. This boasts terrific cut and life, as well as a serious tannic spine for aging. Finishes long and perfumed. (This was clearly more varietally expressive-and darker in character-than the 2006, which I retasted alongside it. The almost creamy 2006 is in a more elegant, claret-like style.) Stephen Tanzer.
WA 90 (12/2012): Sourced from Stillwater Creek (for a bit more about which see the introduction to this report) and seven year old vines, the Corliss 2007 Syrah incorporated a couple of rows’ worth of co-fermented Viognier and spent 30 months in nearly two-thirds new barriques. Creme de cassis, blueberry preserves and maple syrup capture closely the combination of confectionary fruit ripeness and caramelization of resin on exhibit in this sweetly scented and plush rendition of its cepage. A hint of candied violet emerges as this takes on air. Fortunately, primary fruit juiciness as well at least a hint of salinity (if no particularly saliva-inducing savor) offer welcome counterpoint, while tar and smoke add notes of typicity to a soothingly and sweetly lingering finish. Like the other wines in its collection, this is definitely for those with a saccharine tooth. What will become of it when it sheds its baby fat and how long that will take I am for now at least in no position to assess. |
|
| Robert Craig |
2007 |
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2009): The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is prodigious. There is something here that reminds me of a top-notch La Mission Haut-Brion, whether it is the subtle charcoal/burning embers character, the blue and black fruits, the hint of espresso roast, the saturated purple color, or the full-bodied, powerful flavors. This is an extraordinary, massively endowed wine, but with great precision and purity. Forget it for 5 years and drink it over the following 25+. |
|
| Dalla Valle |
2007 |
Maya Proprietary Blend |
$525 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2010): The 2007 Maya borders on perfection. Its dense plum/ruby/purple color is followed by abundant aromas of graphite, blueberry liqueur, hoisin sauce, smoked meats and red and black fruits. The extraordinary aromatics give way to a full-bodied, stunningly concentrated wine with everything in balance, fabulous density and richness, and a finish that lasts nearly 60 seconds. This is unquestionably one of the all-time great Mayas. In keeping with the exuberance and flamboyance of this vintage, it is approachable now, but should age effortlessly for 30+ years.
VM 96 (6/2014): What a difference a year makes. The 2007 Maya is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. Sexy and racy to the core, the 2007 captures the sensuality of the year in spades. Raspberry jam, white flowers, mint and spices are nicely shaped by silky tannins. Production was tiny, at around 270 cases, partly because 2007 is the vintage in which Dalla Valle introduced their second wine, Collina Dalla Valle. It's great to see Maya back on track after the less than stellar 2006.
VM 94 (5/2010): (includes 30% cabernet franc) Good full ruby-red; brighter than the Napa Valley bottling. Darker, impressively vibrant aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, violet and licorice. A step up in density and verve; quite young today but this really saturates and perfumes the palate. Spreads out and echoes impressively on the very long, subtle back end, where the tannins are currently hidden by bright fruit. I never would have guessed this wine was carrying 15% alcohol. Incidentally, the 2002 Maya was the last vintage from the old plantings; Dalla Valle skipped 2003 and 2004 and then restarted with 2005. |
|
| Dancing Hares |
2007 |
Proprietary Blend |
$109 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2010): The 2007 Dancing Hares (39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot, aged 21 months in mostly new French oak) exhibits a sweet nose of white chocolate, forest floor, blueberry, bay leaf, and cassis. Terrific fruit intensity, an opulent, full-bodied mouthfeel, with the considerable exuberance that is so much a part of this vintage’s personality, and a long, lush finish make for a super wine to drink over the next 15 or more years. |
|
| Del Dotto |
2007 |
Caves Sangiovese |
$95 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| DeLille Cellars |
2007 |
Chaleur Estate |
$59 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 93 (8/2010): The 2007 Chaleur Estate is composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot sourced from 4 vineyards with 95% of the fruit coming from the Red Mountain AVA. Deep crimson-colored, it offers up an enticing aromatic array of cigar box, Asian spices, mineral, herbs, violets, black currant, and blackberry. Medium to full-bodied, on the palate it is dense, savory, and structured with enough ripe tannin to evolve for another 3-4 years. It has a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2027.
VM 93 (12/2010): Full ruby-red. Claret-like nose offers raspberry, tobacco and spices. Broad, sweet, pliant and thick, conveying full ripeness and compelling concentration to its red fruit and coffee flavors. For all its sweetness, this dense wine boasts solid underlying structure for a slow evolution in bottle. |
|
| Den Hoed |
2007 |
Andreas Wallula Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 93 (8/2011): The 2007 Andreas is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the then Wallula Vineyard made by Gilles Nicault, the resident winemaker at Shoup’s Long Shadows winery. The wine was aged for 30 months in new French oak. It is a dense, round, savory, well-balanced wine with enough underlying structure to achieve its 20th birthday in peak form.
VM 92 (11/2011): Good ruby-red. Claret-like aromas of plum, reducrrant, spices and herbs, with higher-pitched suggestions of red cherry and rose petal. Suave and light on its feet, with a youthfully medicinal aspect to the flavors of red fruits, flowers and licorice. Firmly structured but not a bit hard. Finishes with strong fruit and a hint of marzipan. This exciting new project involves brothers Andy and Bill den Hoed, Allen Shoup (CEO of Long Shadows) and winemaker Rob Newsome. (Gilles Nicault was responsible for 2006 vintage of Andreas.) Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| DeSante |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Dominus |
2007 |
Napanook Proprietary Blend |
$85 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2010): The other significant change is how the quality of Napanook has risen. Really a separate entity these days, the 2007 continues to show wonderful elegance, sweet finesse and ripe Napa Valley fruit. It is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot. |
|
| Donum |
2007 |
West Slope Pinot Noir |
$85 |
3 |
|
| |
| BH 88 (4/2010): Notably ripe aromas of red and blue pinot, violets and cassis notes give way to delicious, punchy and nicely detailed middle weight flavors that like the Estate, have noticeable oak influence though here it is a bit less noticeable. Still, those sensitive to the amount of wood will probably find this level to be too much though I stress that it is not enough to imbalance the finish. (Drink starting 2013) |
|
| Drinkward Peschon |
2007 |
Entre Deux Meres Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
| JS 91 (2/2011): This smells very Bordeaux with cassis bush, fresh herbs, and hints of oak with some earthiness too. Full bodied, with round and velvety tannins and a fruity finish. A little hollow in the mid-palate and jammy but I like it. Pull the cork after 2012. Find the wine |
|
| Duckhorn |
2007 |
Patzimaro Vyd. Cabernet Franc |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 87 (5/2011): Bright red-ruby. Blueberry, black cherry, menthol and licorice on the nose. Offers good energy in the mouth, but there's a slight greenness to the medicinal flavors of cassis and mint. Tails off a bit on the back end. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Ehlers Estate |
2007 |
Merlot |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
One Twenty Over Eighty Cabernet Sauvignon |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Epoch Estate Wines |
2007 |
Paderewski Vyd. Authenticity Proprietary Blend |
$39 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 94 (1/2009): The 2007 Authenticitee is a blend of 88% Syrah and 12% Mourvédre and shows knockout aromatics. Big, dark and ripe with loamy earth, minerals, blackberry, cassis and spice aromas that are supported by hot asphalt and beef juice nuances. The palate is medium to full bodied with a smooth, silky texture, sweet fruit, nice acidity and a long, clean finish. While this has big, sweet fruit, it also has restraint and the acidity keeps it clean and fresh. I’d drink these over the next 10 years. (Drink between 2009-2019).
WA 94 (8/2010): Perhaps the densest wine, with the most structure and potential for 10+ years of evolution, is the 2007 Authenticity, a blend of 88% Syrah and 12% Mourvedre. Extraordinarily rich, with notes of camphor, creme de cassis, blackberry, licorice, and graphite, the wine is dense, full-bodied, still somewhat tannic, but pure and beautifully layered, with admirable equilibrium. Give this wine another 1-2 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 10-12+ years.
VM 91 (11/2009): Glass-staining purple. Pure aromas of blackcurrant, blueberry and Indian spices. Penetrating black fruit flavors are complicated by notes of vanilla, violet and smoky spices; very reminiscent of a ripe northern Rhone wine. The wine's sweetness is leavened by gently bracing acidity. Gains weight with air and finishes with lush tannins and excellent lingering fruit. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2007 |
Paderewski Vyd. Veracity Proprietary Blend |
$39 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2010): The 2007 Veracity, a blend of 48% Grenache, 39% Mourvedre, and the rest Syrah, is a sexy style of wine with a beautiful nose of kirsch, black currant, lavender, and sweet earth. A healthy dark ruby color, the wine is succulent, fleshy, full-bodied, and totally charming. It is impossible to resist, yet it should drink well for another 5-6 years. |
|
| Etude |
2007 |
Deer Camp Pinot Noir |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92 (12/2009): The richest effort is the 2007 Pinot Noir Deer Camp. Lots of minerality buttresses the wine’s full-bodied, black cherry, cranberry, and strawberry flavors. It possesses excellent texture, power, depth, and richness as well as moderate tannin. One to two years of cellaring is warranted, and it should evolve for at least a decade.
VM 88 (5/2010): Good medium red. Slightly liqueur-like aromas of cherry, chocolate and cola. Comes across as rather extractive in the mouth, with bitter cherry, licorice, sassafras and fruit skin flavors dominating. A fairly big, broad, almost chocolatey style of pinot that could use more lift despite the impression of slightly tart acidity. Stepehn Tanzer. |
|
| Farella Estate |
2007 |
Road Block Syrah Writing on Label |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 90-93 (12/2009): The least expensive wine, the 2007 Syrah Roadblock could turn out to be a major sleeper of the vintage as well as a super buy. Sweet, jammy blackberry fruit, charcoal, camphor, melted asphalt, and a hint of truffle-like aromas jump from the glass of this dense purple-colored 2007. This layered, intense, richly fruity Syrah will be a hedonistic as well as intellectual turn-on for the next 5-6 years. |
|
|
2007 |
West Face Cabernet Sauvignon |
$35 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2010): The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon West Face boasts an opaque ruby/purple hue as well as an expressive bouquet of creme de cassis, sweet cherries, licorice, earth and spice. Full-bodied and opulent with exuberant purity and outstanding concentration and texture, this beauty should drink well for 10-15+ years. I wouldn’t be surprised if it is stilling performing beautifully in a quarter of a century. |
|
| Flora Springs |
2007 |
Trilogy Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
12 |
|
| |
WA 93 (12/2009): The 2007 Trilogy might be called a Napa version of St.-Emilion blended with a Margaux. A harmonious blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, it offers undeniable elegance as well as lovely black currant and black cherry notes intermixed with hints of cocoa, roasted herbs, cedar, and licorice. This textured, lush, medium to full-bodied, beautifully constructed 2007 can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years.
VM 91 (6/2010): Bright ruby-red. Complex nose melds cassis, blackberry, bitter chocolate, cedar, menthol and licorice, with tobacco, loam and leathery nuances emerging with air. Sweet, pliant and expressive, with a bit more stuffing to buffer its firm acidity than the basic Napa Valley cabernet. Finishes nicely broad, with a fine dusting of sweet tannins and subtle leather and game notes. Based on this wine and the 2006 Trilogy, as well as the winery's other very successful '07 cabernets, the 2007 vintage marks a breakthrough to higher quality here. |
|
| Robert Foley Vineyards |
2007 |
Claret |
$109 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2009): The extraordinary 2007 Claret, which is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine, displays inky notes of lead pencil shavings, pen ink, creme de cassis, blackberry, incense, and licorice. The wine is super-pure and super-rich, an extraordinarily full-bodied powerhouse of a Cabernet Sauvignon that should evolve for 15 or more years. Its sweetness of tannin and headiness already make it accessible.
VM 93 (5/2010): Saturated bright ruby. Subdued but pure nose offers brooding black fruit aromas joined by emerging notes of graphite, licorice and exotic oak. Dense, lush and superrich but not overly sweet. This mouthcoating wine is a bit youthfully aggressive but already quite sexy, even if it really merits at least a few years of cellaring. Finishes with powerful but sweet tannins and very good energy and grip. More vibrant than the 2006 version. Stephen Tanzer.
JS 93 (4/2011): A massive wine, but still very agile. Full bodied and chewy, with a wonderful spice and berry character. At the moment it is tight and is holding back, but you know it's going to be a big one. Let this chill out until 2012. 1,000 cases. |
|
| Force Majeure (Grand Reve) |
2007 |
Collaboration I Red Wine |
$65 |
9 |
|
| |
JD 94+ (6/2011): A Bordeaux blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 13% Petit Verdot, and 11% Merlot, the 2007 Grand Reve Vintners Collaboration Series I is made by Ben Smith of Cadence Winery and is aged for 23 months in 70% new French oak and the rest in 1-year-old barrels. The wine boasts full-scaled, complex aromatics of sweet crème de cassis, spice box, sage, tobacco, and hints of mint on the nose. This is followed by a full bodied, beautifully put together wine that has a rounded, soft texture, perfectly ripe fruit, good acidity, and a blockbuster finish that’s loaded with fine grained, polished tannin. Given the fruit and texture, this is superb now, however, it should continue to evolve positively for 3-5 years, and have a solid 15-20 year drink window.
VM 91 (11/2011): Good full red. Strawberry, raspberry, mocha and red licorice on the slightly medicinal nose. Juicy and vibrant, with harmonious acidity giving energy and definition to the cabernet-dominated flavors of red berries, spices, mocha and fresh herbs. Plenty of flavor depth here without any heaviness. Finishes with suave tannins and excellent length. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2007 |
Collaboration II Red Wine |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (8/2011): The 2007 Collaboration II was made by Ross Mickel. It is a blend of 40% Grenache, 38% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre, with the balance Viognier and Roussanne aged in 40% new French oak. Exotic spices, underbrush, brier, game, black cherry, and blueberry aromas compose the nose of this layered, plush, succulent southern Rhone impersonator. This lengthy effort can be approached now but will evolve gracefully for several years and drink well through 2019. |
|
|
2007 |
Collaboration III Red Wine |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 95 (6/2012): Showing a beautifully sweet bouquet of blackberry, blueberry, smoked meat, crushed rock like minerality, and hints of lavender and flowers, the 2007 Collaboration Series III Ciel du Cheval Vineyard is 100% Syrah that was aged in 33% new French oak. Upfront and fruit forward on the nose, it turns more savory on the palate, showing a full-bodied, concentrated mid-palate, brilliant purity of fruit, and a dry, structured finish that still has some tannin to integrate. Give bottles another 3-4 years in the cellar, and then drink over the following decade.
VM 92 (11/2010): Bright, full medium ruby. Pure but laid-back aromas of cherry, raspberry, licorice, menthol and flowers. Juicy, spicy and ripe, with lovely intensity to its red fruit and floral flavors. A note of soft citrus fruit adds complexity and an element of delicacy. The suave, building finish displays excellent energy and a hint of black pepper. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2007 |
Collaboration IV Red Wine |
$65 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2011): The 2007 Collaboration IV was made by Carolyn Lakewold. It is made up of 100% Merlot from free run juice from 1975 and 1994 plantings and was aged in French and American oak. Expressive aromas of dried herbs, spices, violets, cassis, and black currant inform the nose of a savory, ripe, voluminous wine with impeccable balance. It has the structure to evolve for 2-3 years and will be at its best from 2012 to 2022. |
|
|
2007 |
Collaboration Series Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Futo |
2007 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$295 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Gemstone |
2007 |
Facets Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Gramercy Cellars |
2007 |
John Lewis Reserve Syrah |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 92+ (12/2009): Bright medium ruby. Very sexy, balsamic, varietally expressive nose offers blackberry, smoked meat, fresh herbs, white pepper and woodsmoke, plus a whiff of eucalyptus oil. Dense and supple in the mouth, conveying volume without weight. Intriguing notes of crushed pepper, chocolate, garrigue and ripe tomato. The wine's tannins spread out nicely to coat the palate. Tactile, savory and peppery on the back end, very much in the style of a northern Rhone wine-and a serious one at that. This should be given a lot of air, or a few years in the cellar. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Grgich Hills |
2007 |
Miljenko’s Vyd. Petit Sirah |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Hanzell |
2007 |
Sonoma Valley Pinot Noir Scuffed Label |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Harris Estate Vineyards |
2007 |
Casey’s Lakeview Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (12/2009): The most fragrant of this trio is the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Lakeview Vineyard. Beautiful floral, blackberry, blueberry, wild mountain berry, and forest floor scents soar from the glass of this opaque purple-colored 2007. Velvety-textured and opulent with terrific fruit on the attack, mid-palate, and finish as well as admirable intensity and power, this seamless wine can be drunk now (because of its awesome purity of fruit), but should evolve beautifully for two decades or more. |
|
| Paul Hobbs |
2007 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$289 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 98+ (12/2009): From the amazing Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard, Hobbs’ 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is a slightly more opulent, broader, savory effort that comes close to the perfect 2002. The 2007 has more noticeable tannin than the 2002 did at the same stage as well as more obvious minerality, but notes of graphite, black currant liqueur, licorice, cedar, and spice box are found in this full-bodied, multidimensional, fabulously concentrated wine. It was aged in 100% new Taransaud French oak barrels. Give it 5-6 years of cellaring, and drink it over the following three decades.
VM 94 (6/2010): Opaque purple. Expansive, flamboyantly perfumed bouquet of black cherry, raspberry, cassis and whiffs of incense and licorice. Then sweet, creamy and suave on the palate, offering sappy dark berry preserve and floral flavors that are utterly seamless. Extremely long and gently tannic on the finish, leaving behind sweet berry and floral pastille notes. This wonderfully vibrant, deep, elegant wine will be even better with another five years or so of bottle age but I'd have no trouble knocking one off now, all by myself. |
|
|
2007 |
Hyde Vyd. Pinot Noir Nicked Label |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (2/2010): The dense, elegant, dark ruby/purple-hued 2007 Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard Carneros comes from primarily the Calera and Pommard clones. It offers up notes of rose petals, plum sauce, raspberries, kirsch, cola, and earth followed by a rich, full-bodied finish. Enjoy this beauty over the next 7-10 years.
VM 93 (5/2009): Vivid ruby. Exotically perfumed bouquet of red and dark berries, lily of the valley, soy sauce and smoky minerals. Palate-staining black raspberry and candied cherry flavors are deepened by a note of black cardamom and pick up a sexy rose pastille quality on the back end. The finish repeats the red berry note and lingers with excellent clarity and spicy persistence. This is complex enough to drink right now. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2007 |
Ulises Valdez Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94 (2/2010): Another brilliant effort is the 2007 Pinot Noir Ulises Valdez. Notes of flowers, raspberries, sassafras, fresh herbs, forest floor, beef juices, red currants, and black cherries emerge from this complex wine. Made primarily from the Calera clone, this fresh tasting 2007 should drink nicely for a decade.
VM 92 (5/2009): Bright purple. Intensely perfumed aromas of black raspberry, cherry preserves, brown spices and minerals. Lively, finely etched red and dark berry flavors show very good depth and betray no rough edges. Becomes juicier on the finish, where the red fruit notes echo strongly. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Januik |
2007 |
Champoux Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 94 (8/2010): Even better is the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Champoux Vineyard, perhaps eastern Washington’s finest site for this varietal. Purple/black in color, it sends up a soaring nose of pain grille, pencil lead, espresso, licorice, violets, black currant, and blackberry. Full-bodied, dense, smooth-textured, layered, and plush, the tannins and oak are totally integrated, and there is at least 7-8 years of aging potential. Give this large-scaled offering 5-7 years of cellaring, and drink it through 2032.
VM 93 (11/2010): Bright medium ruby. Very dark aromas of black fruits, violet, licorice and minerals. Dense, layered and sweet, with an urgent cassis flavor dominating today. Conveys superb intensity and verve, with some sexy Taransaud cocoa powder adding appeal. The very long finish features a subtle minty lift. This wine gives a very sweet impression every year, notes Januik. A beauty. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2007 |
Champoux Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (8/2010): Even better is the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Champoux Vineyard, perhaps eastern Washington’s finest site for this varietal. Purple/black in color, it sends up a soaring nose of pain grille, pencil lead, espresso, licorice, violets, black currant, and blackberry. Full-bodied, dense, smooth-textured, layered, and plush, the tannins and oak are totally integrated, and there is at least 7-8 years of aging potential. Give this large-scaled offering 5-7 years of cellaring, and drink it through 2032.
VM 93 (11/2010): Bright medium ruby. Very dark aromas of black fruits, violet, licorice and minerals. Dense, layered and sweet, with an urgent cassis flavor dominating today. Conveys superb intensity and verve, with some sexy Taransaud cocoa powder adding appeal. The very long finish features a subtle minty lift. This wine gives a very sweet impression every year, notes Januik. A beauty. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| James Johnson Vineyard |
2007 |
Bisou Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2011): The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Bisou is a gorgeous wine laced with dark red fruit, flowers, spices and licorice, all of which come together in an open, radiant style that is very appealing. This is a decidedly mid-weight, gracious 2007 that stands out for its classiness and understated personality. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. |
|
| Jones Family Vineyard |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (12/2009): A gorgeous offering, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate comes from a hillside vineyard located between St. Helena and Calistoga. Its dense blue/purple color is accompanied by complex aromatics of white flowers, creme de cassis, blueberry pie, charcoal, and a hint of subtle oak. With full-bodied power, stunning purity, concentration, and texture, an undeniable minerality, and a 45-second finish filled with fruit and tannin, this may be the finest wine yet produced by Jones Family Vineyards. It should evolve for 20-25 years. |
|
| Juslyn |
2007 |
Perry’s Blend Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$110 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2010): The 2007 Perry’s Blend (42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all from the estate vineyards on Spring Mountain) exhibits tremendous aromas of flowers, blue, red and black fruits, graphite and forest floor. Elegant yet powerful, rich, concentrated, pure and impeccably well-balanced, it reminds me of a hypothetical blend of a Bordeaux and a cool climate, Cabernet-based red from Napa. Drink it over the next 15+ years. |
|
| Justin |
2007 |
Isosceles Proprietary Blend |
$79 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 90+ (11/2010): (88% cabernet sauvignon, 8% cabernet franc and 4% merlot) Inky ruby. Lively aromas of red and dark berry preserves, with subtle floral and oak spice notes adding complexity. Juicy, gently sweet cherry and blackberry flavors show very good depth, picking up mocha and anise qualities with air. Late-arriving tannins are quickly absorbed by the densely packed, sweet fruit. This is a youngster. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Kamen Estate |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93+ (2/2010): The 1,800-case cuvee of 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma is virtually identical, with perhaps less oak and structure. Both of these Cabernets beg for 4-5 years of cellaring, and should keep for two decades. |
|
| Kapcsandy Family |
2007 |
State Lane Vyd. Estate Cuvee |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (12/2009): The 2007 Estate Cuvee State Lane Vineyard (a 750-case blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) boasts an inky/plum/purple color as well as a complex bouquet of melted licorice, chocolate, creme de cassis, mocha, and sweet forest floor aromas. Full-bodied and layered with exquisite purity, texture, and length, this large-scaled offering reveals a supple texture along with 20-25 years of drinkability. It is a seductive yet extraordinarily complex wine that should prove to be a future super-star.
VM 92 (6/2010): (46% each cabernet sauvignon and merlot, 6% cab franc and 2% petit verdot) Bright deep ruby. Deep aromas of blackberry, graphite and violet. Sweet, rich and concentrated, with a layered, chocolatey ripeness to the black fruit, mineral and licorice flavors. Finishes with broad, dusty tannins and terrific length. Stephen Tanzer.
JS 91 (4/2011): Notes of iodine and dark fruits on the nose. The palate is full and velvety, with a long finish. A serious wine that needs some time. Pull the cork after 2012. 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, the rest Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot. 650 cases. |
|
| Robert Keenan |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92 (12/2009): The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa, a sleeper of the vintage, exhibits a dense ruby/purple hue along with plenty of crushed rock, black currant, black raspberry, white chocolate, and earth characteristics. A supple texture, beautiful concentration, and a long finish suggest it will continue to drink well for 15-16 years.
VM 90 (5/2017): Bright ruby. Lively aromas of cassis, blueberry, spicecake and dusty cocoa. Juicy purple fruit and violet pastille notes come across as quite primary, even a bit medicinal, and could use a bit more give. A rather powerful, focused style, finishing with a firm spine of slightly gritty tannins and hints of blueberry and herbs. Will this wine continue to open and expand with more time in the cellar? (Drink between 2019-2027). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Keever |
2007 |
Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Keplinger |
2007 |
N=1 Grenache |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94 (12/2011): The 2007 N=1 is 100% Grenache from Pelkan Ranch in Knights Valley. It is a huge, rich wine bursting with dark red fruit, white flowers, spices, mint and licorice. Today the wine is remarkably primary, but it should start drinking well in another few years. Mint, flowers and citrus wrap around the finish. This is a fabulous showing. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022.
VM 94 (6/2011): Good deep red. Reticent but surprisingly high-pitched nose for a wine that underwent extended barrel aging, with aromas of sour cherry, Earl Grey tea and blood orange carrying through on the vibrant palate. Rich and deep but not especially sweet, with a powerful structure and underlying rocky character contributing to the wine's superb definition. The longest and the most explosive of these wines today, finishing with fine, building tannins and terrific verve. This has the same 3.75 pH as the 2007 Red Slope but a bit less acidity, with no loss of energy. |
|
| Kosta Browne |
2007 |
Keefer Ranch Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (6/2009): Vivid red. Spicy black raspberry and cherry skin aromas are complicated by smoky minerals, anise and a suave blood orange quality. Fleshy, sweet red and dark berry flavors display liqueur-like depth and power, picking up candied rose on the back end. The refreshingly bitter finish leaves tangy berry skin notes behind. Along with the Kanzler, this is the most energetic of this year's line-up.
BH 90 (10/2009): (Russian River Valley; 14.7%, 698 cases) An expressive and highly perfumed aromatic profile speaks of mostly upper register red berry fruit before sliding away into fresh, vibrant and supple medium-bodied flavors that display very little warmth provided that the serving temperature is properly maintained as well as none of the edginess that many in this range evidence. Very solid quality here. Drink 2012+. |
|
|
2007 |
Koplen Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93 (6/2009): Saturated red. Deeply scented aromas of blackberry, boysenberry and violet, with a subtle smoky undertone. Deep, gently chewy dark berry preserve flavors are firmed by fine-grained tannins and pick up an exotic note of rose pastille with air. Open-knit, round and seductively sweet, with excellent finishing clarity and sappy persistence. This gained power in the glass while maintaining striking freshness and energy.
BH 90 (10/2009): (Russian River Valley, 14.4%, 867 cases) An easy to appreciate nose jumps from the glass to reveal an appealing mix of both upper and lower register fruit elements along with spice, underbrush and wood hints that dissolve into rich, round and sappy middle weight plus flavors that possess an attractive mouth feel as there is good dry extract that buffers the moderately firm tannins that confer a dusty texture to the serious, reasonably well-balanced and lingering finish where about the only nit is a mild edginess. Drink 2011+. |
|
|
2007 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 90 (6/2009): Vivid red. Intensely spicy aromas of black raspberry, cherry skin, anise and white pepper. Lush and sweet, with deep, focused red and dark berry flavors, silky texture and a late kick of brown spices. I really like this wine's energy and finishing clarity.
BH 87 (10/2009): A red cherry and pinot-liqueur nose trimmed in light spice and menthol notes is followed by supple and fruit-forward flavors that possess good mid-palate focus and fat that buffers the moderately firm structural elements on the sappy and discreetly warm finish. There is also a curious taste of something that vaguely resembles creosote, which is not so much unpleasant as it's simply odd. Drink 2011+. |
|
|
2007 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 91 (6/2009): Bright red. Potent aromas of cherry and dark berry skin, smoky herbs, potpourri and black cardamom. Surprisingly fresh on the palate, with brighter red fruit and candied floral character supported by velvety tannins. The mineral note repeats on the long, seductively juicy finish.
BH 85 (10/2009): A menthol, cherry and cranberry-liqueur nose of reasonable complexity leads to rich and generous medium-bodied flavors that culminate in a tangy and moderately bitter finish that is quite persistent. This may round out but at present, it's borderline unpleasant. Benefit of the doubt extended. Drink 2011? |
|
| Lamborn Family |
2007 |
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Larkmead Vineyards |
2007 |
Firebelle Red Wine |
$79 |
12 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2009): The dense purple-colored 2007 Firebelle (a 1,500-case blend of 62% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Malbec) offers abundant aromas of mocha, black cherries, black currants, mocha, coffee, and a subtle hint of herbs. This superbly textured, full-bodied, opulent red is already delicious, and promises to evolve for 15+ years. |
|
|
2007 |
The Lark Proprietary Blend |
$199 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (12/2011): The 2007 The Lark has developed lovely smokiness. It shows gorgeous textural finesse and the silkiest of tannins in an understated, classy style. This is one of the more refined 2007s readers will come across. But is also quite shut down and not fully expressive. The 2007 is 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot, aged in 100% new barrels. (Drink between 2017-2037). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Paul Lato |
2007 |
Duende Gold Coast Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92 (8/2009): The most limited production Pinot Noir (just under 100 cases) is the 2007 Pinot Noir Duende from the Gold Coast Vineyard. Delicate cherry and berry fruit with hints of underbrush, forest floor, and spring flowers are followed by a medium to full-bodied, layered wine that displays pure blue and red berries, a textured mouthfeel, and a long finish. The color is medium to dark ruby with a hint of purple. This wine should drink well for 5-7 years.
VM 91+ (11/2009): Bright red. Highly expressive aromas of red berries, incense, rose and underbrush; reminds me of a topnotch Morey-Saint-Denis. Pliant and gently sweet, offering incisive cherry and raspberry flavors and slow-building tannins. Very young but awfully promising, finishing with strong thrust and lingering spiciness. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2007 |
Suerte Solomon Hills Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (8/2009): Readers looking for more immediate gratification should check out the absolutely sensational 2007 Pinot Noir Suerte Solomon Hills Vineyard. From Dijon clones 115 and 777, this wine exhibits sweet blueberry, black raspberry, and kirsch notes intermixed with a perfumed floral note. This full-bodied, opulent wine has extraordinary elegance, precision, and finesse, but is layered, beautifully textured, and lush. This is a completely different expression of Pinot Noir than the Cine Sera. It should drink well for up to a decade.
VM 93 (11/2009): Deep, vivid red. Sexy aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, incense and potpourri expand with air and pick up a note of black cardamom. Deeply concentrated but fresh, offering lively red berry flavors and a powerful note of cherry skin. Gains flesh in the glass and finishes with excellent clarity and a persistent cherry note. This is delicious now but will reward patience. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Lewelling Vineyards |
2007 |
St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
7 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (12/2009): The classic 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon tastes like proprietor Alfred Tesseron’s over-achieving 5th growth Pauillac, Chateau Pontet Canet moved to Napa. Bursting with creme de cassis, flower, lead pencil, and spice characteristics, it is a dense, pure, full-bodied wine with a terrific texture. This is a gorgeously harmonious, seamless Cabernet Sauvignon with awesome concentration as well as aging potential. Drink it now and over the next 25 years. |
|
|
2007 |
Wight Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
7 |
|
| |
| WA 98 (12/2009): Even more profound is the nearly perfect 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Wight Vineyard. The finest Cabernet I have ever tasted from this estate, it has everything the Napa Cabernet possesses, along with a few more layers, slightly more aromatic and flavor intensity, and a finish that goes on for close to a minute. The tannins are just as sweet, but there are more of them. This is a prodigious Napa Cabernet Sauvignon with all the creme de cassis one could ever want intermixed with charcoal, acacia flowers, licorice, and a hint of background oak. Give it 2-3 years of bottle age, and drink it over the following 2-3 decades. Kudos! |
|
| Linne Calodo |
2007 |
Outsider |
$55 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2010): The last 2007 to be released is the 2007 Outsider, a blend of 70% Zinfandel, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre. Trevisan’s great strength in blending Zinfandel with Rhone varietals continues to make him the leading practitioner of these types of blends. Taking advantage of some of the old Zinfandel planted in limestone in the Paso Robles area, he does a marvelous job turning out a wine that tastes more like a Rhone Ranger than a Zinfandel. The lovely, briary fruit of this wine intermixed with some new saddle leather, earth, spice, pepper, and herbs is just beautiful. It has loads of fruit, a lush texture, medium to full body, and a heady finish. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. |
|
|
2007 |
Outsider Scuffed Label |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2010): The last 2007 to be released is the 2007 Outsider, a blend of 70% Zinfandel, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre. Trevisan’s great strength in blending Zinfandel with Rhone varietals continues to make him the leading practitioner of these types of blends. Taking advantage of some of the old Zinfandel planted in limestone in the Paso Robles area, he does a marvelous job turning out a wine that tastes more like a Rhone Ranger than a Zinfandel. The lovely, briary fruit of this wine intermixed with some new saddle leather, earth, spice, pepper, and herbs is just beautiful. It has loads of fruit, a lush texture, medium to full body, and a heady finish. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. |
|
|
2007 |
Sticks and Stones |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 94 (11/2009): A blend of 63% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre and 12% Syrah, the 2007 Linne Calodo Sticks and Stones boast stunning aromatics of perfumed red fruits, bramble, meat, clove and spice. Complex and nuanced on the nose, the palate is medium to full bodied with sweet fruit, awesome fruit and a long finish.
WA 94 (8/2009): The 2007 Sticks and Stones is a blend of 63% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, and 12% Syrah. This cuvee always comes across like a Paso Robles version of a Chateauneuf du Pape. Elegant as well as substantial, the 2007 exhibits sweet kirsch liqueur, raspberry, lavender, and dusty, loamy soil characteristics, medium to full body, and ripe tannin. Enjoy this beauty over the next 7-8 years.
VM 91 (12/2009): (63% grenache, 25% mourvedre and 12% syrah) Deep, bright red. Spicy red berries, flowers and minerals on the pungent nose. Juicy and bright, with harmonious acidity giving vivacity to the sweet red berry fruit. Becomes creamier as it sits in the glass, picking up a note of spicecake. This lively wine should put on weight with a couple more years of bottle aging. Finishes with fine-grained tannins and very good energy. |
|
| Long Shadows Wineries |
2007 |
Feather Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (8/2010): The 2007 Feather Cabernet Sauvignon (100%) is produced by Randy Dunn. It is a multi-regional blend of Cabernet with the Dionysus and Weinbau Vineyards as the principal sources. It was aged for 22 months in 90% new French oak. Deep purple-colored, it exhibits a classy bouquet of pain grille, pencil lead, earth notes, violets, and black currant. Supple and layered on the palate, it displays enough underlying structure to evolve for 5-6 years. With outstanding volume and grip, it will offer a drinking window extending from 2015 to 2027. |
|
|
2007 |
Pedestal Merlot |
$70 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 94 (8/2010): The 2007 Pedestal Merlot is the project of Michel Rolland. This latest release is composed of 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot aged for 20 months in 80% new French oak. It reveals a fragrant nose of sandalwood, incense, sage, cinnamon, black cherry, and black currant. Elegant on the palate despite its ample size, it is loaded with succulent fruit set off by enough ripe tannin to support an additional 3-4 years of cellaring. It will deliver prime drinking from 2013 to 2027.
VM 92 (12/2010): (Michel Rolland's wine) Sweet aromas of raspberry, redcurrant and flowers. Plump, ripe and dry, with a pliant, layered texture to the flavors of raspberry, chocolate, tobacco and loam. Very merlot. I like the combination of sweet mid-palate fruit and the classically dry, broad finish. |
|
|
2007 |
Pirouette Red Wine |
$59 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 93+ (8/2010): The 2007 Pirouette is produced by Agustin Huneeus, Sr. and Philippe Melka. It is a Bordeaux-style blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc with the balance Petit Verdot and Malbec. It was aged in 70% new French oak for 22 months. Medium purple in color, it sports an incipiently complex nose of Asian spices, incense, violets, mineral, black currant, and blackberry. This leads to a medium to full-bodied, mouth-filling wine with ample ripe tannin, excellent balance, and 4-6 years of aging potential. Drink this pleasure-bent offering from 2014 to 2027. |
|
| Maybach |
2007 |
Materium Cabernet Sauvignon |
$350 |
7 |
|
| |
WA 99 (12/2009): The prodigious 2007 Materium exhibits an even more opaque purple color, and ratchets up the level of intensity and aromatic complexity. Blackberry, black raspberry, blueberry, and cassis aromas intermixed with notes of crushed rocks, spring flowers, and toasty new oak are found in this beauty. Outstanding intensity along with full-bodied power and beautifully integrated acids, tannins, alcohol, and wood suggest this 2007 should hit its peak in 5-7 years, and evolve for three decades or more.
VM 94 (6/2010): Good full ruby. Sweet, ripe aromas of dark berries, graphite and flowers. Creamy and lush, with an almost confectionery sweetness leavened by exotic floral lift and perfectly integrated acidity. This wine, which comes from a vineyard above Dalla Valle and Showket in the eastern hills of Oakville, has a relatively low 3.5 pH and was harvested in mid-October. Sexy soil tones add complexity. Finishes with broad tannins, excellent grip and length, and lingering sweetness. This is seamless in the way of many 2007s but not at all heavy. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Meander Cellars |
2007 |
Morisoli Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (12/2010): The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli Vineyard exhibits a more opaque ruby/purple color as well as a spicy, fruity nose, medium body and a short finish that does not live up to the aromatics. Smart consumers will put their money on the Napa Cabernets rather than the Morisoli Vineyard offerings. |
|
| Meteor Vineyard |
2007 |
Perseid Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (12/2010): The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Perseid (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) exhibits abundant aromas of crushed rock, charcoal, creme de cassis and subtle smoke in a ripe, full-bodied, exuberant style with terrific intensity, texture and concentration. There is not a hard edge to be found in this pure, dramatic Cabernet. It should drink well for 15 or more years.
VM 90+ (5/2011): (a blend of Clone 7, Clone 4 and Clone 337, the last of which which general manager Jason Alexander says gives the "cabernet franc high notes"): Medium red-ruby. Sexy aromas of redcurrant and violet, with an ephemeral minerality that carries through onto the palate. Juicy and spicy in the mouth, with lively acidity framing the dark berry and bitter chocolate flavors. Not a particularly fleshy style but quite penetrating. |
|
| Mirror |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2010): A blend of St. Helena and Oakville fruit aged 20 months in 50% new French oak casks, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon displays sweet black cherry and black currant fruit intermixed with hints of herbs, underbrush and vanilla. Its opulence, full-bodied richness, endearing, layered texture and impressive purity as well as finish suggest this showy 2007 should keep for 10-15+ years. |
|
| Mount Eden Vineyards |
2007 |
Domaine Eden Cabernet Sauvignon Wrinkled Label |
$55 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 91 (8/2011): The Mount Eden 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate possesses a solid core of dark red fruit supported by firm yet well-integrated tannins. It is a typical mountain vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon that needs time in the bottle to come together. The finish is sweet and inviting. The blend is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14 % Merlot and 1.5% each Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022.
VM 89 (8/2011): The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is an attractive, pretty wine layered with bright red fruit, flowers and spices. It is best suited to near-term enjoyment. Small amounts of Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec round out the blend. The Cabernet Sauvignon was made from six different vineyards across the estate. Anticipated maturityTel (888) 865-9463, info@mounteden.com (Drink between 2013-2015). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Myriad |
2007 |
Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$110 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (8/2018): Coming from Spring Mountain, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon has a very deep purple-black color and offers up profound crème de cassis, blueberry pie and preserved plums notes with hints of spice cake, Christmas pudding, chocolate mints and espresso plus a waft of Indian spices. The rich, bold, full-bodied palate gives a rock-solid frame of grainy tannins and plenty of freshness to support the generous fruit, finishing with epic persistence. |
|
| Nickel and Nickel |
2007 |
State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 90+ (12/2010): The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon State Ranch is from Yountville, a sector that is becoming populated with such high quality wineries as Cliff Lede and Kapcsandy. This deep ruby/purple effort is not so much austere as it is more narrowly constructed than its siblings. There is a lot going on in this outstanding Cabernet, but it is the least expressive of all these Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignons. It reveals some minerality along with white chocolate and black currant characteristics, but the structure dominates at present. Forget this wine for 3-4 years and drink it over the following 20 years. |
|
| O'Shaughnessy |
2007 |
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (12/2009): The stunning 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain (83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and the rest Malbec and Petit Verdot) is the finest Cabernet this estate has yet produced from their Howell Mountain holdings. A dense purple color to the rim as well as an exquisite bouquet of black raspberries, blueberries, camphor, creme de cassis, smoke, and crushed rocks are followed by sweet fruit, gorgeous density, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a layered, multidimensional mid-palate and length. With no hard edges, this flawless wine should drink well for 20-25 years. |
|
| Outpost |
2007 |
True Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$239 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2009): From a single 9-acre parcel, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard exhibits extraordinary aromas of acacia flowers and violets along with an irrefutable minerality, an abundance of blueberry and blackberry fruit, Outstanding texture, full-bodied richness, great depth, and ripe tannin. This Cabernet will benefit from 4-6 years of cellaring, and should evolve for 40 years.
VM 93+ (6/2010): Full ruby. Precise aromas of dark berries, crushed rock, licorice and violet, plus a whiff of white flowers. Sweet, intensely flavored and deep, with a slightly exotic cast to its ripe fruit flavors. A serious wine from a relative cool site, unusually voluptuous in 2007 but with a strong underlying tannic spine calling for considerable patience. From vines planted on bedrock. |
|
| Paloma |
2007 |
Merlot |
$50 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2009): The 2007 Merlot is a sumptuous, round, silky, generous, delicious effort offering plenty of berry fruit, mocha, and chocolatey undertones. Like so many wines that have emerged from this Spring Mountain vineyard, it offers delicious drinking. Enjoy it over the next 7-8 years. |
|
| Paul Lato |
2007 |
Fiddlestix Vyd. 5 Barrel Lot Pinot Noir |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (11/2009): Bright ruby. Exotically perfumed scents of candied red berries, cherry pie, Asian spices, rose and sandalwood. Sweet, penetrating red fruit flavors are complemented by notes of candied flowers and cinnamon, with silky tannins adding support. Richer cherry and dark berry qualities arrive on the finish, which is broad, spicy and extremely long. This wine's intensity is quite impressive. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Pott |
2007 |
Kaliholmanok Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Neruda Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
St. Ralph The Liar White Cottage Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
The Arsenal Greer Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Quilceda Creek |
2007 |
Columbia Valley Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
12 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (8/2010): The 2007 Red Wine is composed of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, with the balance Cabernet Franc and Malbec. As always, it is a great value offering a fragrant, already complex nose of confiture of black fruits, incense, and Asian spices. On the palate it is savory and elegant with a plush texture. It is likely to evolve for several years but there is no compelling reason to defer gratification. |
|
| Ramey |
2007 |
Annum Cabernet Sauvignon (6.0 L) |
$1,000 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (12/2009): From Diamond Mountain, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Annum possesses a dense purple color, full-bodied power, and lots of scorched earth and loamy soil notes intermixed with smoked herbs, creme de cassis, and blackberries. This rich, but backward Cabernet Sauvignon needs 4-5 years of cellaring, and should keep for 25+.
VM 92 (4/2018): A rush of black cherry, smoke, torrefaction, new leather and licorice make a strong opening statement in the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Annum. Rich, powerful and heavily extracted, the 2007 shows the style that was in vogue a decade ago, and yet also retains tremendous depth. It will drink well for another decade or more. The Annum is the most overtly ripe wine in this range. At times, the alcohol peeks through. Otherwise, the 2007 is nicely rendered. Fruit sources are J. Davies and Larkmead. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2007 |
Claret |
$55 |
18 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2010): The 2007 Claret, which is Ramey’s easiest to drink and appreciate wine, is a seductive blend of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec included. Its dense ruby/purple hue is followed by a velvety textured, plush, round, generous wine with lots of texture and fruit. This high quality effort should be drunk over the next decade. |
|
|
2007 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$135 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2010): A stunning yet reasonably priced, high end Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa. The final bottling from the extraordinary Larkmead Vineyard, it boasts a dense purple color as well as a big, sweet bouquet of blueberry and black currant fruit intertwined with licorice, bay leaf, cedar and fruitcake notes. Full-bodied and opulent, this precocious 2007 is drinkable now and should evolve for another 15+ years. |
|
|
2007 |
Pedregal Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (12/2009): Ramey’s sensational 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Petit Verdot. Notions of blueberry pie, charcoal, camphor, blackberry, cassis, and smoky oak are followed by a wine with sizeable tannins as well as structure. The extravagant fruit, richness, and intensity result in a remarkable, young Cabernet Sauvignon from one of Napa-s finest areas, the Oakville Corridor.
VM 93-95 (6/2009): Deep ruby-red. Hypnotic bouquet of cherry-cola, cassis, incense, dried rose and smoky minerals. Structured red and dark fruit flavors are improbably graceful and finely etched, picking up brown spice and floral pastille qualities with air. The floral and mineral notes carry through the strikingly pure, very long finish. |
|
|
2007 |
Pedregal Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (12/2009): Ramey’s sensational 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Petit Verdot. Notions of blueberry pie, charcoal, camphor, blackberry, cassis, and smoky oak are followed by a wine with sizeable tannins as well as structure. The extravagant fruit, richness, and intensity result in a remarkable, young Cabernet Sauvignon from one of Napa-s finest areas, the Oakville Corridor.
VM 93-95 (6/2009): Deep ruby-red. Hypnotic bouquet of cherry-cola, cassis, incense, dried rose and smoky minerals. Structured red and dark fruit flavors are improbably graceful and finely etched, picking up brown spice and floral pastille qualities with air. The floral and mineral notes carry through the strikingly pure, very long finish. |
|
| Rasa Vineyards |
2007 |
Principia Reserve Syrah |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (5/2010): A reserve release and 100% Syrah from 5 vineyards (the bulk of the blend is from Les Collines), the 2007 Rasa Vineyards PRINCIPIA is named after Sir Isaac Newton’s Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica (known as Principia). The wine is aged for 23 months in 30% new French oak and offers up a spectacular bouquet of blackberry and cassis fruit, spice, graphite, crème brûlée, and smoke. This puppy is decadent but also fresh and edgy. On the palate, it’s beautifully balanced with medium to full body, a light, seamless texture and a exceptionally long finish. One of the top wines from Washington, this is beautiful now and should continue to drink well over the next 12 to 15 years. (Drink between 2010-2025) |
|
| Rivers Marie |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Rudius |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (5/2010): Bright red-ruby. Redcurrant, blueberry, tobacco, tar, licorice and menthol on the nose. Sweet and aromatic in the mouth, with good intensity and lift to the flavors of black cherry, currant and mint. Builds nicely on the back end, finishing with substantial but suave tannins and a lightly candied character. Sweeter and deeper than the 2006 version. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2007 |
Emerald Pool Alder Springs Vyd. Syrah |
$38 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 90+ (5/2010): Bright ruby-red. Musky black raspberry, chocolate, mocha and truffle on the nose. Sweet on entry, then a bit youthfully clenched in the middle, with a slightly edgy quality to the flavors of black raspberry, pepper, herbs and spices. Not as pliant or creamy at this early stage as the 2006 was a year ago. This structured, firmly tannic wine finishes with a light saline nuance. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Mark Ryan |
2007 |
Dead Horse Cabernet Sauvignon |
$51 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2012): Bitter-edged black currant and seedy blackberry invigoratingly if granularly inform the Mark Ryan 2007 Dead Horse, with accents of smoky black tea, crushed stone, and pencil lead adding intrigue to an admirably gripping finish. What would significantly benefit this palpably dense Cabernet are primary juiciness, brightness, and dynamic interplay such as were achieved in its 2009 counterpart. I would recommend planning on enjoying it over the next 6-8 years. Given the generally high quality of vintage 2007, it’s tempting – and, I suspect, fair – to see the strength of the 2009 Dead Horse when compared with this recent predecessor as proof of a new quality standard being set at Mark Ryan since the arrival of Mike MacMorran. |
|
|
2007 |
Water Witch Klipsun Vyd. Red Wine |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (8/2010): The 2007 Water Witch Red Blend is composed of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon and 43% Merlot sourced from the Klipsun Vineyard and aged in 92% new oak. Medium purple-colored, it presents an expressive nose of pain grille, pencil lead, espresso, violets, black currant, and blackberry. On the palate it displays some elegance despite its size. It has excellent volume, intense fruit, enough tannin to evolve for 2-3 years, and a lengthy finish. Drink this stellar effort from 2013 to 2027. |
|
| Saxum |
2007 |
Heart Stone Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$129 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (8/2010): The late-released 2007 Heart Stone, which spent 28 months in a combination of barrels, demi-muids, and pungeons, turned out to be a final blend of 65% Syrah, 21% Grenache, and 14% Mourvedre. Like all of Justin Smith’s 2007s, it is a riveting, sensational wine that carries its heavy weight, profound richness, and intensity very gracefully. That is no doubt an effect of the limestone soils of this region. Blackberry and smoked meats as well as some garrigue and floral notes are followed by a dense, rich, pure, multi-layered wine that just screams for grilled poultry or meats! Bottled unfined and unfiltered (and as I recall, 25-35% stems/whole clusters were used during fermentation), this is a fabulous wine that combines power and elegance. It should drink well for at least a decade or more.
JD 98 (11/2010): The lightest and most vibrant of the ‘07s, the 2007 Saxum Heart Stone Vineyard is a blend of 65% Syrah, 21% Grenache, and 14% Mourvedre, from limestone soils, which saw close to 30% whole cluster and spent 26 months in oak. The Grenache really shows and the wine exhibits exceptional aromatics of spiced red fruits, underbrush, flowers, and graphite on the nose. This develops beautifully in the glass and shows awesome purity and precision. Silky and elegant on the palate, the wine is medium to full bodied and perfectly balanced, possessing a layered, rich, yet light texture, vibrant acidity, and a very long, focused finish that highlights fine-grained, ripe tannin. I love the delineation this shows, and while superb right now, I think this will benefit from 2 to 3 years in the cellar and then drink beautifully for 12 to 15 years.
VM 93+ (11/2010): (65% syrah, 21% grenache and 14% mourvedre) Opaque purple. Explosive aromas of black raspberry, cherry pit, pomegranate molasses and Asian spices. Densely packed red and dark fruit flavors show intense spiciness and unfurl slowly to offer sexy floral character. Dense but with unlikely energy and finesse; this is just hinting at its potential. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Sheridan Vineyard |
2007 |
Block 1 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
5 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
L’Orage Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
9 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (8/2010): The 2007 L’Orage is made up of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Cabernet Franc aged in 75% new French oak for 28 months before bottling without fining or filtration. Purple/black in color with a superb, brooding nose of herbs, lavender, Asian spices, tobacco, black currant, and blackberry On the palate it is full-bodied, opulent, dense, rich, and intensely flavored. The oak, tannin, and alcohol are totally harmonious, and all that is missing is another decade of cellaring. It will offer a drinking window extending from 2017 to 2037. |
|
|
2007 |
Reserve Syrah |
$55 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 98 (8/2010): The 2007 Syrah Reserve was aged in 100% new French oak for 30 months. Purple/black and brooding, it offers up an exotic amalgam of smoked meat, game, bacon, blueberry, and plum. Velvety smooth, layered, and opulent, this chewy, powerful Syrah has remarkable power and length. It is hard to resist now but it should easily evolve for a decade and drink well through its 30th birthday. |
|
| Sinatra Family Estates |
2007 |
Come Fly with Me Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (5/2010): Includes bits of cabernet franc and petit verdot) Good medium ruby-red. Varietally expressive aromas of currant, musky espresso, tobacco leaf and smoky oak. Sweet, lush and deep, with a silky texture to the flavors of blueberry liqueur, redcurrant, mocha and spicecake. Finishes with ripe, fine-grained tannins and very good length. This rich, serious wine has plenty of structure for mid-term aging. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Sine Qua Non |
2007 |
Dangerous Birds (Bomber Label) Syrah |
$675 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (8/2011): The 2007 Syrah Dangerous Birds, from Eleven Confessions, includes 4.5% Grenache and 2.5% Viognier, all fully destemmed. It is a seamless, show stopper of the highest level. The fruit is decidedly opulent in the 2007, while the high percentage of new oak barrels (84%) contributes to the wine’s shape and volume. An impeccable, eternal finish rounds things out in style. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022.
VM 95 (12/2010): (includes 4.5% grenache and 2.5% viognier; 15.8% alcohol) Dark purple. Powerful blackberry and cassis fruit aromas are complicated by licorice, woodsmoke and exotic Asian spices. Juicy, concentrated and sharply focused, with impressive intensity to its pure dark berry and spice flavors. This very youthful, densely packed wine manages to be both broad and light on its feet, with Outstanding clarity and appealing spiciness. Finishes with lovely lingering florality and mineral-driven persistence. |
|
| Sterling Vineyards |
2007 |
Napa Valley Zinfandel Heavily Bin-Soiled Label |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Switchback Ridge |
2007 |
Peterson Family Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 92+ (12/2009): No such issues emerge with the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Peterson Family Vineyard. Opaque purple with lots of creme de cassis, creosote, charcoal, blackberry, and espresso roast, this wine again has a chocolatey edge, full-bodied flavors, and loads of fruit, depth, and power. Drink it over the next 15+ years.
VM 91 (6/2010): Saturated bright ruby. Livelier on the nose than the merlot, with showy aromas of crushed cassis, black cherry, licorice and violet. Then juicy and energetic in the mouth, offering captivating sweetness and good grip to the dark berry and dark chocolate flavors. I find much more definition and structure here than in the 2007 merlot. Finishes with substantial tongue-dusting, building tannins. Serious wine for aging. |
|
|
2007 |
Peterson Family Vyd. Petite Sirah |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (12/2009): The monster 2007 Petite Sirah Peterson Family Vineyard is a massively concentrated, huge, tannic wine that needs a good 7-8 years of cellaring and should keep 20 years. It will be another legend for Petite Sirah, but unless you are a patient connoisseur, few people will ever get to see it at its best.
VM 91 (6/2010): Opaque ruby-blue color. Brooding aromas of black fruits and licorice. Dense, powerful and sweet; a black hole of a wine, with powerful tannins spreading out to saturate the entire palate. This serious, broad, highly concentrated petite sirah is a bit chunkier than the cabernet and will require a lot of patience. Has the sheer fruit to outlast its tannins, but will it become more interesting? |
|
| Tenor Wines |
2007 |
1:1 Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 89 (12/2012): The Tenor 2007 1:1 – its equal shares of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blended with 10% Malbec and aged “just” 18 months in new barrels – is faintly volatile but intense and complex on the nose, featuring arbor vita, cedar, rosemary accents to subtly sweet cocoa powder and ripe dark cherry. There is a certain sweet-sour bifurcation but the sense of piquancy and pungency – with nips of black pepper and juniper berry – make for an impressively persistent and invigorating finish, the wine’s abundant, firm tannins having themselves a rather bracing as opposed to (in its 2008 and 2009 successors) roughly aggressive effect. This encourages me to believe it will be worth following for at least another 3-5 years.
VM 88 (11/2011): Saturated ruby. Black raspberry, minerals and roasted oak on the slightly high-toned nose. Fleshy and full, with attractive sweetness to the black raspberry fruit. Compared to the tougher 2008 version, here the tannins are suaver and riper and arrive later, giving the wine much more immediate appeal. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Thomas |
2007 |
Dundee Hills Pinot Noir Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$175 |
8 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (7/2010): Bright medium red. High-toned, spice-accented aromas of wild strawberry, pomegranate, cherry and rhubarb, with subtle nuances of dried rose and smoked meat adding complexity. Silky in texture yet refreshingly brisk, with sweet red berry flavors and hints of Asian spices and herbs in the background. Gains some richness with air and finishes with excellent spicy length. This wine is already complex but its lively acidity suggests that a few more years of patience will be rewarded. Incidentally, Thomas's 2002 and 2004 bottlings are still surprisingly primary based on bottles I've drunk in the last few months. These wines rarely bowl you over with power but they are very reliable agers. |
|
| Torii Mor |
2007 |
Olson Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 87 (6/2016): The 2007 Pinot Noir Olson Estate Vineyard was a huge crop that was apparently not quite as ripe as they wanted it to be. It has a more rustic bouquet than the 2008, lighter and earthier than subsequent vintages, but still with freshness. The palate is medium-bodied with tart red cherry fruit, not as much depth as the 2008 with a piquant finish. Not bad, though I would drink this over the next 2-3 years. |
|
| Venge |
2007 |
Scout’s Honor Napa Valley Proprietary Blend |
$45 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (5/2010): Bright full ruby. Strong coconutty oak dominates the nose. Full, glyceral and sweet, but with sneaky energy and firm structural underpinning to the dark raspberry flavor. More complex and serious than the 2008 version, and a bit less sweet and obvious. Finishes with building tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Vine Cliff |
2007 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (8/2018): Medium garnet in color, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Estate displays notes of warm Bing cherries, red and black currant jelly, crushed plums and bouquet garni with touches of eucalyptus and unsmoked cigars. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a generous amount of juicy black and red berry flavors, framed with soft tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing on an earthy note. |
|
| Vineyard 29 |
2007 |
Cru Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2009): One of Napa’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines in the $50 range is Vineyard 29's 2007 Cru. Produced by owners Chuck and Ann McMinn and their consulting winemaker, Philippe Melka, there are 5,000 cases of this blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The grapes are all purchased, and the wine is made at their state-of-the-art facility just off Highway 29 north of St. Helena. This beautiful wine exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as pure black currant fruit aromas intermixed with notions of licorice, charcoal, subtle smoke, and high class unsmoked cigar tobacco. It is an elegant, stunningly concentrated, seductive, lush wine that should age nicely for a decade or more. |
|
| Andrew Will |
2007 |
Champoux Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (9/2016): Shockingly good and rivaling the Sorella in terms of quality, the 2007 Champoux Vineyard (52% Cabernet Franc, 21% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot) offers layered, floral characteristics intermixed with ample wild herbs, olive, dark fruits and earth. Medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated, with seriously impressive purity and length on the finish, its impeccable balance will keep this drinking nicely through 2031.
VM 91+ (11/2009): Bright ruby-red. Medicinal blackberry and violet aromas are accompanied by a slightly decadent quality. Deep, broad and rich, conveying an extremely ripe dried-fruit impression. This is most impressive today on the back half, where it spreads out impressively to coat the palate, and where the big, broad tannins serve to accentuate rather than cut off the wine's fruit. Stphen Tanzer. |
|
|
2007 |
Ciel du Cheval Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 94 (8/2010): The 2007 Ciel du Cheval is a blend of 45% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot, and 15 % Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 40% new French oak for 20 months. Medium purple in color, it offers up an enticing nose of pain grille, pencil lead, herbs, olives, violets, cassis, and black currant. Ripe, smooth-textured, and mouth-filling, it has enough structure to evolve for several years. This lengthy effort will offer prime drinking from 2013 to 2027.
VM 92 (11/2009): Deep red. Reticent but pure aromas of blueberry, spices and dark chocolate. Juicy, spicy and intensely flavored if a bit imploded today; more vibrant than the Two Blondes. The fresh dark berry flavors and this young and serious wine's broad, fine, tooth-dusting tannins suggest that it will be superb with four or five years of cellaring. One of many terrific Bordeaux blends I tasted this year that downplays cabernet sauvignon in favor of cabernet franc and merlot. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2007 |
Two Blondes Vyd. Red Wine Bin-Soiled Label |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 94 (9/2016): A big, sexy wine that's up with the top vintage from this site to date, the 2007 Two Blondes Vineyard is locked and loaded with notions of creme de cassis, plums, leafy herbs, truffle and earth. Full-bodied, rounded, seamless and unctuous, with a great finish, drink this forward, superbly textured and pleasure-bent beauty anytime over the coming decade.
VM 91 (11/2009): Good dark red. Captivating nose melds very ripe raspberry, smoked meat and mocha; just this side of roasted and yet there's also attractive floral lift. Then supple, smoky and very dry in the mouth, savory more than sweet. This wine's clinging, glyceral texture reminded me a bit of a Chateauneuf du Pape, of all things. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Woodward Canyon |
2007 |
Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (8/2010): The purple-colored 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Artist Series contains 1% Petit Verdot. The fruit was sourced primarily from the famous Champoux Vineyard in which the winery is a partner and the Sagemoor Vineyard, one of the oldest in the state. The Sagemoor fruit for this wine was taken from vines planted in 1972. The wine delivers a splendid nose of smoke, mineral, Asian spices, violets, black currant, and blackberry. This is followed by a medium to full-bodied wine with a velvety texture, excellent depth, savory flavors, plenty of volume, and a lengthy finish. It will continue blossoming for another 3-4 years and should provide pleasure through its 20th birthday. |
|
|
2007 |
Columbia Valley Merlot |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 89+ (12/2010): Good medium red. Plum, spices, mocha and nutty oak on the lively nose. Juicy, tight and penetrating, with good purity and lift and an attractive subtle sweetness. The oak element is in harmony with the wine's plummy fruit. Will this very firm merlot blossom and gain in pliancy with some bottle aging? Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2007 |
Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2010): The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Vines is 100% varietal with the fruit sourced from the Champoux (74%) and Sagemoor (26%) vineyards. It was aged in 100% new French oak. Deep purple-colored, it gives up a brooding bouquet of pain grille, pencil lead, truffle, Asian spices, incense, violets, black currant, and blackberry. On the palate it is full-bodied, incipiently complex, silky textured, and impeccably balanced. Give it an additional 5-7 years of bottle age and drink it from 2016 to 2032. |
|
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Baron de Brane |
2019 |
Margaux Ex-Negociant |
$32.99 |
29 |
|
| |
VM 92 (2/2022): The 2019 Baron de Brane is a gorgeous second wine. Succulent black cherry, plum, spice and leather are front and center. This racy Margaux offers a compelling interplay of bright red-toned fruit and silky contours. Drink it over the next handful of years. Tasted two times.
JA 89 (10/2026): Inky plum colour, deep and rich damson and raspberry fruits, with touches of peony aromatics. This is good quality, confident stuff. An upscore from En Primeur.
JD 88 (4/2022): The second wine of Brane-Cantenac, the 2019 Baron De Brane is more Merlot-dominated and has a fleshy, medium-bodied, supple style as well as rock-solid aromatics of black cherries, cedar pencil, and chocolaty herbs. It's already drinking nicely yet should keep for a decade. |
|
|
2023 |
Margaux ex-Negociant |
$35.99 |
55 |
|
| |
JA 92 (4/2024): Baron de Brane once again sets the bar high once again in terms of 2nd wines, with fragrant floral aromatics, nuance and depth from the attack and continuing through the mid palate, firm tannins and concentrated black fruits. 20% new oak.
Decanter 92 (4/2024): Ripe and floral notes on the nose, really quite expressive and open aromatically. There’s a richness to the scents with ripe blackcurrants, cherries and touches of rose and violets too with some milk chocolate. Supple and tart, high acidity, juicy and ripe fruit, with crunchiness, quite lean but there’s great length with freshly picked mint and some cedar and herbal aspects. Crisp and clean, lovely purity and precision. Not so layered or plush but it’s fresh and inviting with lift and a lovely mineral undertone. Accessible. Ageing 12 months, 20% new oak. 14.5 press wine. Almost 100 IPT. 40% of production. (Drink between 2027-2038) |
|
| Ch. Boyd-Cantenac |
2020 |
Margaux |
$49 |
58 |
|
| |
| JA 95 (11/2025): Inky purple in colour with a fist of toasted oak on the aromatics, but here it is skilfully coupled with a punch of cassis and blueberry fruits, and a lift of violet flowers, and creamy smoked caramel. It's exceptionally good, for me the best of the lineup, with clear precision on show. One to look out for, easy to recommend. 80% new oak. Lucien Guillemet owner and winemaker. No external consultant. |
|
| Ch. Capbern |
2019 |
St. Estephe Ex-Negociant |
$32 |
32 |
|
| |
JD 94 (4/2022): I love the nose on the 2019 Château Capbern, a medium to full-bodied, spicy, rich, tobacco and cedar pencil-filled beauty with ripe yet building tannins, a great mix of richness and freshness, and a blockbuster of a finish. It's incredibly impressive, and while it offers pleasure even today, it deserves 5-6 years of bottle age, and I can't imagine it not evolving for two decades. (Drink between 2027-2042).
VM 89 (2/2023): The 2019 Capbern has improved since I tasted it just after bottling. Finally, it has developed a more elegant bouquet, mainly black fruit fused with cedar and undergrowth scents. It has mustered more classicism. The palate is medium-bodied with a strong graphite element on the entry, fine depth, quite fresh with a structured, gritty finish. Fine. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. (Drink between 2025-2045). Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. Cos Labory |
2018 |
St. Estephe ex-Negociant |
$49 |
16 |
|
| |
VM 93 (3/2021): The 2018 Cos Labory is fabulous. An extra kick of richness from the warm year and a bit more Petit Verdot than usual result in a Cos Labory that is wonderfully savory, powerful and layered. Black cherry, plum, cloves, chocolate and dried herbs build as this potent, exotically ripe Saint-Estèphe opens in the glass. Today, the 2018 is dark, brooding and in need of cellaring. Cos Labory is a bit wild, but that just adds to its considerable allure. (Drink between 2025-2043). Antonio Galloni.
WA 93 (3/2021): The 2018 Cos Labory has a deep garnet-purple color, bursting from the glass with bold notes of warm cassis, blackberry compote and Morello cherries, plus suggestions of roses, unsmoked cigars and tree bark. The medium-bodied palate has a very sturdy frame of firm, grainy tannins and tons of freshness supporting the rather delicately played fruit, finishing long and earthy/minerally. The structure stands out a little now, which I enjoy, but for those preferring softer, rounder expressions, give this a good 3-5 years in the cellar and drink it over the next 15-20 years.
JD 90 (3/2021): Lots of rich red and black currants, tobacco, savory spice, and new leather notes emerge from the 2018 Château Cos Labory, a medium-bodied Saint-Estèphe with terrific overall balance, ripe, velvety tannins, lots of character, and outstanding length. It's well worth cellaring and drinking any time over the coming 15+ years. |
|
| Ch. de Francs |
2018 |
Francs Cotes de Bordeaux |
$20 |
12 |
|
| |
| JD 88 (3/2021): Bright cherry and mulberry fruits, a touch of cedary oak, and tobacco all emerge from the 2018 Château De Francs. Medium-bodied, with good overall balance and a clean finish, this is a solid, bistro-style drinker to enjoy over the coming 4-6 years. (Drink between 2021-2027) |
|
| Ch. de Pez |
2019 |
St. Estephe |
$44.99 |
18 |
|
| |
JD 93 (4/2022): Currants, plums, new leather, and cedar pencil notes all emerge from the 2019 Château De Pez, a nicely balanced, medium to full-bodied Saint-Estèphe that has plenty of classic character as well as class. With ripe, polished tannins and terrific purity, it can be drunk any time over the coming 20-25 years. (Drink between 2022-2047)
VM 92 (2/2022): The 2019 de Pez has gained tremendously in weight, power and substance. A wine of breadth and pure power, Pez possesses tremendous resonance and intensity, right out of the gate. Scorched earth, incense, plum, menthol and tar hit the palate. This rich, heady Saint-Estèphe has a ton to offer. Antonio Galloni.
WA 92-94 (6/2020): This year's blend is 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 de Pez comes tumbling out of the glass with an astonishingly beautiful perfume of lilacs, black cherries and black raspberries over a core of stewed plums, clove oil, dark chocolate and Sichuan pepper. The medium-bodied palate is jam-packed with energetic black fruits, supported by a firm foundation of ripe, grainy tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and perfumed. I love where this once-malingering château is headed—bravo to winemaker Nicolas Glumineau from Pichon Lalande! |
|
| Ch. Fonbadet |
2019 |
Pauillac (375 ML) Ex-Negociant |
$22.99 |
22 |
|
| |
JD 93 (4/2022): Blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, chocolate, and some cedary, spicy, lead pencil notes all emerge from the 2019 Château Fonbadet, a medium to full-bodied, rich, mouth-filling Pauillac with plenty of tannins, a balanced, layered mouthfeel, good concentration, and outstanding length. It will evolve for 20+ years if stored properly. (Drink between 2022-2044).
VM 93 (2/2022): The 2019 Fonbadet, impressive from barrel, has a delineated bouquet of blackberry, bilberry and touch of licorice that gains intensity with aeration; this is a Pauillac with ambition. The palate is medium-bodied with grip and density, broad shoulders and a very saline finish. This should age supremely well. (Drink between 2025-2050). Neal Martin.
WA 90 (4/2022): From a 12-hectare estate sandwiched in between Pontet Canet, Pédesclaux and Lafite, the 2019 Fonbadet offers up aromas of cassis, plums, cocoa nib and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, lively and creditably concentrated, it's built around powdery tannins that assert themselves on the youthfully chewy finish. |
|
| Ch. Haut Simard |
2012 |
St. Emilion ex-Negociant |
$39.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (1/2016): The 2012 Haut-Simard offers good mid-palate depth for the vintage, with a distinctly gamy, pleasantly rustic personality that distinguishes it in the Vauthier family's range of wines. Tobacco, savory herbs, leather and dark-fleshed fruits open into the finish. The tannins are a bit rough around the edges, but otherwise this is a fine effort. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ch. Joanin Becot |
2018 |
Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux ex-Negociant |
$29.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JD 93 (3/2021): Emerging from the team of Beau-Séjour Bécot, the 2018 Château Joanin Bécot is based on 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc coming from the limestone soils of the Côtes de Castillon region. Lots of black cherry and redcurrant fruit as well as leafy herbs, dried flowers, chalky minerality, and camphor emerge on the nose. This carries to a medium-bodied, seamless 2018 with terrific overall balance, ripe yet present tannins, and outstanding length on the finish. Tasting like a topflight Saint-Emilion, it will benefit from a year or so in the cellar and impress for at least a decade. Readers looking for a brilliant Right Bank wine to put in the cellar should jump on this beauty. (Drink between 2021-2033).
WA 92 (4/2023): A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Joanin Bécot exhibits delicate aromas of blueberries, flowers and violets with touches of tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, it’s a lively, rather delicate wine with a fleshy core of fruit and a crystalline texture overlaid with a fresh, penetrating finish that has racy acidity. The wine will offer a broad tasting window.
VM 89 (3/2021): The 2018 Joanin Bécot has retained the earthy, cedar-tinged bouquet that takes a few swirls of the glass to emerge. There is crisp black fruit here, pine fresh. The medium-bodied palate delivers fine grip on the entry and dusky black fruit mixed with tobacco and sage. Almost Left Bank in style toward the graphite-tinged finish. This is fine Joanin that should drink well for 8–10 years. (Drink between 2021-2030). Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. La Gurgue |
2016 |
Margaux |
$39 |
26 |
|
| |
| JS 93-94 (4/2017): Tight and chewy with currant and blueberry character. Medium body, a lovely center palate and a subtle finish. Pretty continuation to the 2015. |
|
| Ch. Labegorce |
2016 |
Margaux ex-Negociant |
$42.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JA 94 (3/2023): Concentrated but restrained with old school charm and an abundance of muscular tannins, it's easy to feel the heart of this wine, packed with liqourice, slate, black chocolate, cassis, brambled hedgerow, aniseed and fennel, with plenty of grip. Years ahead of it, an impressive wine in this exceptional vintage, offering good value. Harvest September 4 to October 21. 50% new oak, technical director Marjolaine de Coninck.
JD 94 (2/2019): From an estate on the uptick and showing beautifully on two separate occasions, the 2016 Château Labégorce is a head-turner of a Margaux that’s based on 52% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that was brought up in 45% new oak, with the balance in once-used barrels. Sexy notes of blackcurrants, black raspberries, crushed flowers, sandalwood, and incense all flow to a medium to full-bodied, fabulously textured Margaux that carries ripe tannins, loads of fruit and richness, and a great finish. Since arriving in 2009, Marjolaine de Coninck has resurrected this estate and the wines now play with the top in the appellation. Give bottles 3-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades or more. (Drink between 2022-2042)
WA 93+ (11/2018): The 2016 Labégorce is composed of 52% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, aged in 45% new and 55% one-year-old French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps out of the glass with gregarious cassis, kirsch and black raspberries, candied violets, dark chocolate and spearmint. Medium-bodied, elegant, fresh and with exciting intensity, it delivers a fantastically long, fragrant finish. 12,000 cases produced.
VM 93 (4/2026): The 2016 Labégorce has a very pretty nose with blackberry, briar, cedar and well-integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannins, a little more acidity than its peers, segueing into a savoury, black pepper-tinged finish that shows admirable persistence and sapidity. This is a classy Margaux that is ageing with style. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting. (Drink between 2027-2042). Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. Lilian Ladouys |
2018 |
St. Estephe ex-Negociant |
$27.50 |
60 |
|
| |
JA 93 (7/2021): Owed by Jacky Lorenzetti (new owner also of Ch Lafon Rochet in the same appellation), this is one of those surefire estates that delivers St Estèphe power with a touch of luxury. There are layers of ripe black fruits and chewy tannins here, so it will benefit from a few more years in bottle or a serious carafing before drinking. 48hl/h yield, 35% new oak with both 225l and 400l barrels. Converting to organic farming as of 2020.
VM 92 (3/2021): The 2018 Lilian Ladouys is showing nicely now that the wine is in bottle. It has a riper bouquet compared to, say, the Calon-Ségur, more lush – a 2018 with wider appeal, featuring blueberry and cassis scents that soar from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins that disguise the backbone of this Saint-Estèphe. It is not the most powerful Lilian Ladouys in recent years, safeguarding its linearity and strictness all the way through to the finish. But it conveys a sense of classicism and has abundant freshness that should see it age well over the next two decades. (Drink between 2023-2040). Neal Martin.
JD 92 (3/2021): A year-in, year-out value, the 2018 Château Lilian Ladouys checks in as 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that was brought up in 35% new oak. Jammy blueberries, ripe cherries, damp earth, tobacco, and spicy wood notes define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a plump, rounded texture, opulent aromas and flavors, and a great finish. (Drink between 2021-2036) |
|
| Ch. Marsau |
2019 |
Francs Cotes de Bordeaux |
$29.95 |
60 |
|
| |
| Decanter 93 (1/2022): A svelte, seductive and seriously appealing 100% Merlot grown atypically on clay-dominant soils on one of the highest points of the Francs Côtes de Bordeaux. Wild strawberries, Morello cherries and subtle spices on the nose and palate, softly sweet, generous, round, plump, juicy and mouth filling, all harmoniously packaged and carefully balanced with freshness from start to finish. Complete and evocative with purity of expression. Seek it out. (Drink between 2023-2031) |
|
|
2022 |
Francs Cotes de Bordeaux 2023 en Primeur Release |
$29.95 |
12 |
|
| |
WA 92-94 (5/2023): This medium to full-bodied 2022 Marsau is an attractive wine produced from 100% Merlot. It has a delightfully pure bouquet of peony, violet, iris, menthol and cassis, followed by a crunchy and juicy yet fresh texture and then by a mineral-driven finish of remarkable purity, expressing elegant notes of licorice and pencil lead. Anne-Laurence and Mathieu Chadronnier have produced a red wine that punches above its weight. Bravo!
JA 92 (5/2023): Floral notes on the aromatics, shows the heavy spice of the vintage with black pepper, rosemary and turmeric notes, begins to lift through the palate as it opens. An unusual spot in Franc Côtes de Bordeaux with a lot of clay in the soils, and this is powerful and concentrated, with a flash of heat on the finish. 12ha vineyard, entirely clay, entirely Merlot, organic since 2018, no till farming, 25hl/h yield. Harvest September 7 to 12, to be aged 80% large oak casks (no new oak), 10% one year old, 10% neutral oak and amphora. |
|
| Ch. Pibran |
2020 |
Pauillac Ex-Negociant |
$39 |
18 |
|
| |
JD 93 (3/2023): Based on 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon that saw 50% new oak, the 2020 Château Pibran is a classic wine in the vintage that has a pure, layered, medium to full-bodied style as well as textbook notes of darker berries, cassis, irone, and tobacco. With ripe tannins, a good spine of acidity, and plenty of texture, it's going to evolve for 15-20 years in cold cellars. (Drink between 2023-2043).
VM 93 (2/2023): The 2020 Pibran is a potent wine. Black cherry, plum, mocha, licorice and chocolate are nicely dialed up in this rich, heady Pauillac. Soft, plush and exuberant, Pibran is a total charmer. Best of all, it will be ready to drink with minimal cellaring. Bright acids and floral notes lift the finish. (Drink between 2025-2035). Antonio Galloni.
WA 90+ (4/2023): Aromas of cassis, raw cocoa, licorice and loamy soil introduce the 2020 Pibran, a medium to full-bodied, layered and velvety wine framed by powdery tannins that assert themselves on the finish. |
|
| Ch. Sociando Mallet |
2020 |
Haut Medoc |
$38 |
48 |
|
| |
JS 94 (12/2022): This has a pretty nose with dark spices, nut shell and cedar notes with a dark fruit backbone, following through to a medium body with firm and finely polished tannins that go on and on. Refined and nicely balanced with velvety texture. Lingering and chalky finish. Try after 2026.
VM 93 (2/2023): The 2020 Sociando Mallet has retained its impressive aromatics from its showing in barrel with beautifully defined blackberry and raspberry fruit, pressed violet and light cedar aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with firm backbone, a little powdery in texture, fine backbone with ample freshness and tension towards its graphite-infused finish. Bravo! Neal Martin. |
|
| Clos Sainte Anne |
2018 |
Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux ex-Negociant |
$16.99 |
40 |
|
| |
|
| Esprit de Chevalier |
2020 |
Pessac Leognan ex-Negociant |
$28.99 |
26 |
|
| |
VM 92 (11/2024): The 2020 L'Esprit de Chevalier has a tad too much wood influence on the nose, but there is sufficient fruit to absorb it. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, fleshy, lively and detailed, with a dash of white pepper toward the finish. This is another delicious, classically styled Pessac-Léognan. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. (Drink between 2026-2042). Neal Martin.
JD 91 (3/2023): The 2020 L'Esprit De Chevalier is more restrained aromatically, yet has outstanding purity in its red and black fruits as well as notes of dried herbs, tobacco, chocolate, and damp earth. It's a medium-bodied, elegant, balanced, and certainly delicious second wine that will benefit from just a year or two of bottle age and shine for a decade. (Drink between 2023-2033)
WA 90 (4/2023): Fleshy and demonstrative, the 2020 L'Esprit de Chevalier bursts with aromas of sweet berries, plums and petals. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, with polished tannins and an expansive finish, it will drink well young. |
|
| Fleur de Pedesclaux |
2019 |
Pauillac ex-Negociant |
$32.95 |
25 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (2/2022): The 2019 Fleur de Pédesclaux, matured in 30% new oak, has been increasing its Cabernet Sauvignon since 2009, when it was pure Merlot (and also undergoing organic conversion since 2013). Raspberry, blackberry, cedar and light tobacco scents unfurl in the glass. The palate is still quite fleshy and rounded, and lightly spiced, retaining that hint of Chinese five-spice toward the tender finish. A lovely second wine. (Drink between 2023-2033). Neal Martin. |
|
| G. d' Estournel |
2020 |
Medoc ex-Negociant |
$32.99 |
39 |
|
| |
JA 92 (1/2023): So interesting tasting this against a wide range of AOC Médoc wines. It's a more expensive bottle than many of them, but it is confident, crafted and full of personality. Cocoa bean, espresso, plentiful berry fruit, touches of mandarin peel and lemongrass to lift things on the finish, slate texture tannins, good stuff.
JD 89 (2/2023): A terrific wine, the 2020 Goulee By Cos D'Estournel sports a healthy ruby/purple hue as well as ripe aromatics of currants, sandalwood, damp earth, and leafy tobacco. This medium-bodied, silky, juicy, ready-to-go Médoc is perfect for enjoying over the coming 7-8 years. (Drink between 2023-2031)
VM 89 (2/2023): The 2020 Goulée by Cos d'Estournel is very pretty and aromatic. Élevage has filled out the layers nicely, but this remains a decidedly aromatic, mid-weight vintage for the château's Médoc. Sweet pipe tobacco, leather, mint, cinnamon and dried cherry build nicely in the glass. The 2020 has come together nicely. (Drink between 2024-2035). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Le C des Carmes Haut Brion |
2022 |
Pessac Leognan ex-Negociant |
$44.95 |
60 |
|
| |
WA 94 (3/2025): The 2022 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion is punching above its weight this year. Unfurling in the glass with a gourmand, lively and vibrant bouquet of raspberry, mulberries, rose, violet and cassis, it's medium to full-bodied, seamless and layered with refined, velvety tannins and a deep core of fruit, concluding with a harmonious, elegant profile that avoids any excess, enhancing its distinctive personality. Guillaume Pouthier, Guillaume Deschepper and their team have done a fantastic job at this address, delivering an exceptional wine.
JD 94 (2/2025): The 2022 C Des Carmes Haut-Brion is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, and the rest 1% Petit Verdot that was fermented with 30% whole clusters and aged 12 months in a new foudre (there's a small part in used barrels) followed by four months all in concrete tanks. There are fewer stems in this cuvée as the vines are younger, and it has a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. Its deep ruby/purple hue is followed by a spicy, peppery, complex perfume of darker berry and plum fruits, spring flowers, tobacco leaf, and a beautiful sense of minerality. Medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, elegant, and loaded with character, it's a singular Pessac-Léognan that will have two decades of longevity. (Drink between 2025-2045).
VM 92 (2/2025): The 2022 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) from gravelly soils, will be kept for one year in bottle before release. It has 13.3% alcohol, reduced by the 30% whole cluster contribution with infusion rather than maceration, using a coffee plunger concept to push down the cap in the vat. It aged for one year in barrel and one year on foudres. The nose presents blackberry, clove and curry leaf aromas, with a touch more mint than before. The medium-bodied palate has slightly chalky tannins and is fresh thanks to the whole bunch contribution. Quite linear and a little Syrah-like towards the finish, this lovely wine will age well over the next 12 to 20 years. (Drink between 2028-2048). Neal Martin. |
|
| Les Fiefs de Lagrange |
2010 |
St. Julien (375 ML) |
$32 |
58 |
|
| |
| WA 89-91 (5/2011): A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 9% Petit Verdot, this has a very fine nose of blackberry, briary and a touch of black tea. Good definition and purity. The Petit Verdot add a little edginess to this wine that has fine tension if lacking a little length on the saturated, slightly chewy finish. Very good purity and precision though. |
|
| Les Griffons de Pichon Baron |
2019 |
Pauillac Ex-Negociant |
$49 |
20 |
|
| |
JD 94 (4/2022): The second wine of this great estate, the 2019 Les Griffons De Pichon Baron is a more Merlot-dominated release and is 59% Merlot and 41% Cabernet Sauvignon that saw 40% new oak. It has a gorgeous nose of ripe blackcurrant and darker cherry fruits as well as tobacco, smoked herbs, violets, and freshly sharpened pencils. Vibrant, pure, and complex aromatically, it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, has the vintage's pure, elegant character, terrific depth on the mid-palate, and outstanding length. It's a wonderful, already approachable Pauillac that will deliver the goods over the coming 20+ years. (Drink between 2022-2044).
VM 90 (2/2023): The 2019 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron has a slightly evolved nose, red fruit mixed with melted tar and mixed herbs. The palate is better with firm tannins, fine acidity, quite a solid wine with admirable grip on the finish. Enjoy this over the next 10 to 12 years. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. (Drink between 2025-2035). Neal Martin. |
|
| | Bordeaux White |
| Baron de Brane |
2023 |
Bordeaux Blanc ex-Negociant |
$25.95 |
32 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. de Rayne-Vigneau |
2014 |
Sauternes (375 ML) ex-Negociant |
$34.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 95 (2/2017): A rich, exotic Sauternes, the 2014 de Rayne Vigneau exudes class. A mélange of apricot jam, wild flowers, mint and lemon confit fills out the wine's frame effortlessly. Ample, powerful and super-inviting, the 2014 shows beautifully today. This is one of the more over, extroverted Sauternes of the vintage. (Drink between 2017-2029). Antonio Galloni.
WA 94-96 (4/2015): The Château Rayne-Vigneau 2014 could be one of the standouts of the vintage. It was showing a little new oak on the nose, though readers should note that this sample was taken from a new Burgundy barrel. There are touches of vanilla infusing the honeyed fruit. The palate is fresh and vibrant on the entry. This is very balanced and poised with superb tension, energetic but classy, a sophisticated Sauternes that feels persistent and long in the mouth. Talented winemaker Anne Le Naour has crafted another beauty from this estate that deserves more respect. |
|
| Ch. Rieussec |
2024 |
"R" de Rieussec Bordeaux Blanc Sec ex-Negociant |
$39.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JA 94 (4/2025): This is succulent and precise, definitely one to look out, plenty of energy and lift through the palate, elderflower, citrus, white pepper, sage, lime zest, apricot, nectarine, saffron, steel and slate. Great stuff from Rieussec in this vintage. 3.15ph. |
|
| | Burgundy Red |
| Dom. Michele and Patrice Rion |
2023 |
Bourgogne Bons Batons ex-Domaine |
$39.95 |
22 |
|
| |
VM 88-90 (1/2025): The 2023 Bourgogne Rouge Bon Baton comes from a parcel adjacent to Ghislaine Barthod's on stonier soils, aged mostly in one-year-old barrels. Lightly perfumed on the nose, this conjures raspberry, strawberry and wild hedgerow scents, more complex than your common or garden Bourgogne Rouge. The palate is medium-bodied with satisfying concentration, not weighty or dense but light on its feet with commendable purity and grip on the finish. Traces of tobacco emerge on the aftertaste. Village Cru in quality. (Drink between 2026-2031). Neal Martin.
JM 87-89 (10/2024): An even purple colour. A very attractive stylish perfumed floral nose, with a little more body than the regular. Not massively concentrated but distinguished in its length. Sound acidity. The flavours stay with you. Drink from 2026-2030.
BH 86-89 (1/2025): A slightly riper and more deeply pitched nose features aromas of dark cherry, poached plum and freshly turned earth. The delicious if not especially dense flavors do possess a lovely sense of underlying tension before culminating in a youthfully austere, lingering and mildly austere finale. This is also very good for its level and worth checking out. Drink 2027+. Outstanding! |
|
| Dom. Patrick Javillier |
2023 |
Pernand Vergelesses Rouge ex-Domaine |
$39.99 |
50 |
|
| |
BH 89 (4/2025): Here too there is a mentholated top note to the fresh and more deeply pitched nose of poached plum, dark berries and more subtle earth nuances. There is better volume to the solidly concentrated middle weight flavors that possess both a finer texture and a discreet bead of minerality on the balanced, youthfully austere and slightly firmer finale. This is a quality Pernand villages. (Drink starting 2028).
JM 87-89 (12/2024): An even light crimson colour. While there is less fruit evident on the nose, there is more concentration than expected on the palate, with a certain density towards the back, in a crunchy strawberry raspberry style. Once the bouquet develops this will, become an interesting wine. |
|
| Patrice Rion |
2023 |
Bourgogne Pinot Noir ex-Domaine |
$32.99 |
44 |
|
| |
JM 86-87 (10/2024): A fine red to crimson colour, with an agreeable immediate red fruit nose, no great concentration but nicely made. Perfumed with some cherries, a slight hardness at the finish still needing time to soften – recently racked – and good acidity. Some young vines in this. Drink from 2026-2028.
BH 86-89 (1/2025): (from Chambolle vines.) An expressive and fresh nose offers up notes of red and blue pinot fruit laced with earth and discreet spice nuances. The supple, delicious and fleshy middle weight flavors conclude in a refreshing and long finish where a touch of rusticity eventually surfaces. Solid quality here. Outstanding! |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes de Nuits Villages Vieilles Vignes ex-Domaine |
$39.95 |
32 |
|
| |
VM 89-91 (1/2025): The 2023 Côte de Nuits-Villages comprises two-thirds fruit purchased from Clombanchien, and the rest Domaine fruit from En Luret lieu-dit. Blackcurrant and raspberry combine nicely on the nose, not concentrated per se, yet showing decent clarity and purity. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly granular texture on the entry, lightly peppered though there are no stems in the blend. Focused and harmonious toward the finish, this is a worthy follow-up to the 2022. (Drink between 2027-2037). Neal Martin.
JM 89-90 (10/2024): A mix of their own vines, one third from Au Leurey, and the rest purchases in Comblanchien. There is more depth to the purple colour here. A perfumed nose with a more sensual and floral bouquet redolent of the sunshine. Good acidity behind, medium density, some length. Drink from 2027-2030.
BH 88-91 (1/2025): (mostly from Belle-Vue in Comblanchien with small amounts of Les Loges, Les Leurey and Vaucrains.) This is aromatically similar to the Bon Bâtons but with notably more spice influence. The supple, delicious and energetic medium weight flavors possess a highly seductive, even velvety, texture while displaying very good length and depth on the balanced bitter pit fruit-inflected finish. Drink 2028+. |
|
| Pierre Boisson |
2023 |
Hautes Cotes de Beaune Rouge |
$39.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| | Burgundy White |
| Anne Boisson |
2023 |
Bourgogne Aligote |
$33.95 |
24 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Bourgogne Blanc Les Clous Perrons |
$47.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Bessin-Tremblay |
2023 |
Chablis ex-Domaine |
$37.99 |
47 |
|
| |
BH 89-91 (10/2024): Cool and airy aromas include those of Granny Smith apple, citrus rind and ample Chablis character, especially seaweed. The delicious middle weight flavors possess a lovely texture, especially for a villages Chablis, while displaying a subtle materiality on the youthfully austere and lingering finale. Lovely. (Drink starting 2027).
JM 88 (6/2025): Bottled in March 2025. Pale lime green. Fresh and chiselled nose, some lime blossom all as minerals, Plenty of energy, not at all too fleshy, backward. Drink from 2025-2027. |
|
| Dom. des Malandes |
2023 |
Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu Ex-Domaine |
$49.95 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 91 (7/2025): The 2023 Chablis Mont de Milieu 1er Cru has a well-focused, quite animated bouquet that unfolds in the glass with touches of orchard fruit and grassy meadow. The palate is balanced with a fine bead of acidity. This is lightly spiced but just needs a little more tension on the finish. Overall, it's a very well-made Mont de Milieu that should age nicely in bottle. Tasted blind at the BIVB offices in Chablis. Neal Martin.
BH 88-90 (10/2024): (from a parcel of .26 ha). A funky nose of leesy reduction and lactic character. By contrast there is good freshness to the rich, generously proportioned and succulent medium-bodied flavors that culminate in a delicious if somewhat short finish. This should improve once it’s racked but it’s awkward today. Drink 2027+ |
|
|
2023 |
Chablis 1er Cru Vau de Vey Ex-Domaine |
$46.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 90 (7/2025): The 2023 Chablis Vau de Vey 1er Cru, aged 50% in used oak, has a light, fresh apple blossom- and pear-scented nose with hints of pressed white flowers. The palate is well balanced with slightly honeyed citrus fruit and modest weight, though it needs more Neal Martin.
BH 89-91 (10/2024): (from a 3.52 ha parcel aged in 30% wood). A fresh, ripe and expressive nose reflects good Chablis typicity that includes quinine, sea breeze, lemon rind and cool white fleshed fruit. There is fine density to the delicious, intense and solidly voluminous flavors that offer better depth and persistence on the youthfully austere finale. Drink 2028+ |
|
| Dom. Patrick Javillier |
2022 |
Bourgogne Cuvee des Forgets ex-Domaine |
$43.99 |
60 |
|
| |
BH 87 (6/2024): Bright aromas of just sliced citrus, white peach and pretty floral nuances are complemented by delicious middleweight flavors that are supported by lemon-tinged acidity on the vibrant, lingering and refreshing finale. Moreover, this is not your usual 'pop and pour' Bourgogne as it has the legs to repay 4 to 7 years of keeping. Worth checking out. Drink 2027+. Outstanding Top Value!
JM 87-89 (10/2023): A similar colour, pale primrose perhaps. A little bit crisper and more classic in bouquet. Delicious white fruit, very balanced, feel the limestone, enough flesh yet with precision as well. A longer and more mineral finish than Forgets. |
|
|
2023 |
Bourgogne Cuvee des Forgets ex-Domaine |
$41.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JM 89-91 (12/2024): To bottle in the New Year. A fine mid lemon yellow with an engaging generosity of fruit already apparent on the nose. The Javilliers have manged to harness freshness with ripeness in a most engaging fashion. Apple and plum fruit throughout, with a fine long finish. Drink from 2026-2029.
BH 87 (6/2025): Smoky aromas include those of apple, pear and a pretty floral top note. There is fine density, particularly in the context of the 2023 vintage, to the attractively textured and punchy flavors that conclude in a supple and lingering finish that is perhaps a bit less dry than usual. Even so, this is lovely and worth considering. (Drink starting 2026).
VM 87 (3/2025): The 2023 Bourgogne Côte d'Or Cuvée des Forgets has a light grass clipping- and apple blossom-scented nose. The palate is fresh with admirable weight, more expressive than the aromatics at the moment, with citrus peel and a hint of apricot on the finish. Drink over the next five years. (Drink between 2025-2030). Neal Martin. |
|
|
2023 |
Bourgogne Cuvee Oligocene ex-Domaine |
$39.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 89 (3/2025): The 2023 Bourgogne Côte d'Or Cuvée Oligocène has a little more evidence of oak on the nose and a touch more yellow fruit than the Cuvée des Forgets. The palate is fresh and lively, mixing citrus lemon with orange rind and a dash of lemongrass towards the finish. Great value as always, this comes recommended. (Drink between 2025-2032). Neal Martin.
JM 89 (12/2024): Bottled end November. A slightly paler lemon yellow. Oligocene proposes a more cerebral aspect after the joyous Forgets. Ther is still an excellent concentration of ripe fruit, with a clear limestone backbone. Very good tension here with some lime notes as well as ripe lemon. Balanced and classy. Drink from 2026-2029.
BH 87 (6/2025): A more layered nose is comprised by notes of petrol, various white orchard fruit, acacia and a whiff of citrus confit. There is a bit more volume to the vibrant and utterly delicious middle weight flavors that retain a fine sense of detail on the drier, longer and more complex finale. This is an excellent Bourgogne and warmly recommended. (Drink starting 2027). |
|
| Dom. Potinet-Ampeau |
2018 |
Bourgogne Aligote ex-Domaine |
$29.99 |
59 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Bourgogne Blanc Ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
28 |
|
| |
|
| Patrice Rion |
2023 |
Bourgogne Chardonnay ex-Domaine |
$32.99 |
60 |
|
| |
BH 86-88 (6/2025): Fresh and bright aromas include those of pear and apple compote, citrus rind and a hint of spice. There is equally good verve to the delicious and acceptably dense flavors that possess a succulent mid-palate that contrasts mildly with the youthfully austere and balanced finale. This could use better depth so a year, or perhaps two, of cellaring should help. (Drink starting 2026).
JM 86-87 (10/2024): A fine red to crimson colour, with an agreeable immediate red fruit nose, no great concentration but nicely made. Perfumed with some cherries, a slight hardness at the finish still needing time to soften – recently racked – and good ac |
|
| Pierre Boisson |
2022 |
Macon-Villages au Poirier Chanin |
$46.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Macon-Villages Blanc |
$31.99 |
24 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Rully Blanc Les Cailloux |
$42.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Pierre Morey |
2023 |
Bourgogne Aligote |
$31.99 |
20 |
|
| |
VM 88 (3/2025): The 2023 Bourgogne Aligoté, which had been bottled, offers lilting citrus peel and clementine scents on the nose that just need a little coaxing from the glass. The palate is well balanced with an underlying sapidity, slightly viscous in texture with veins of lemongrass towards the persistent finish. This is a fine upstanding Aligoté from Anne Morey. (Drink between 2025-2030).
BH 87 (6/2025): A textbook aligoté nose is comprised by notes of various citrus elements, spice and ripe green apple. The seductive, even suave, middle weight flavors possess excellent punch as well as an almost pungent minerality that seems to build on the bone-dry, youthfully austere and borderline rustic and tannic finale. This is an old school effort that will need a year or two of keeping first. A quality aligoté. (Drink starting 2027). |
|
| | Rhone Red |
| Dom. Coursodon |
2021 |
St. Joseph Rouge l’Olivaie ex-Domaine |
$39.99 |
60 |
|
| |
Decanter 92 (9/2022): Sparky herbal notes on the nose, with thyme and rosemary. There’s some roundness on the palate thanks in part down to the oak, which isn't overly dominating. Good presence on the palate thanks to the firm tannins, and a fairly long finish. A good option in 2021. 60-year-old vines, all destemmed, 15% new oak.
JD 90-92 (12/2022): The 2021 Saint Joseph L'Olivaie is rock-solid, offering pretty darker cherry and fresh fig-like notes as well as spice, game, and flowery incense nuances. This medium-bodied, supple, nicely balanced, and textured effort has outstanding potential and will certainly drink nicely right out of the gate. |
|
|
2022 |
St. Joseph Rouge l’Olivaie ex-Domaine |
$41.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JD 93 (5/2025): All Syrah aged 15 months in barrel (15% new), the 2022 Saint Joseph Olivaie offers red and black fruits, leafy herbs, sappy flowers, and spicy wood. Medium to full-bodied and beautifully balanced, with ripe tannins, it's a layered, elegant, and impressively made wine in a classic style. Drink bottles over the coming 8-10 years. Drink 2025-2035.
VM 91 (1/2025): The 2022 Saint-Joseph L'Olivaie mixes leafy accents with graphite, black cherry and a touch of cedar on the elegant aromatic profile. Medium-bodied, round and refreshing, the 2022 is a delicious Saint-Joseph that’s already starting to drink well. Drink between 2025-2030. Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2023 |
St. Joseph Rouge l’Olivaie Ex-Domaine |
$49.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JD 93-95 (5/2025): All Syrah, the 2023 Saint Joseph L'Olivaie brings another level of concentration, offering cassis, graphite, crushed stone, and classy oak on the nose. It has terrific purity, medium to full-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and a great finish. The overall balance and purity here are exceptional.
VM 90-92 (1/2025): Cedar, black cherry, wood smoke and pencil shaving introduce the 2023 Saint-Joseph L'Olivaie, a medium-bodied, deeply hued Northern Rhône Syrah. Touching the palate with elevated flavor concentration, the 2023 handles the oak well. I look forward to tasting the bottled version. Nicolas Greinacher. |
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|
2020 |
St. Joseph Rouge Silice ex-Domaine |
$31.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 93 (12/2022): Saturated violet color. Displays fresh-mineral-accented aromas of fresh red and blue fruits and candied flowers, with hints of savory herbs and black pepper in the background. Juicy and lithe on the palate, offering appealingly sweet cherry and boysenberry flavors and a touch of licorice. Finishes long and smooth, with resonating red fruit character and round, even tannins that come on late. Josh Raynolds.
JD 91 (12/2022): A great introduction to the wines of this terrific vigneron, the 2020 Saint Joseph Silice has classic darker berry fruits as well as peppery herbs, violets, and some obvious minerality on both the nose and palate. These carry to a medium-bodied effort with good acidity, firm yet ripe tannins, and outstanding length.
JS 91 (2/2022): An interesting nose of blackberries and blueberries with some graphite and leather adding interest. Robust structure for a St.-Joseph with plenty of pepper and spice, but the fruit is more than adequate to carry all this. Good length, if not tremendously complex. Sustainable. Drinkable now, but best from 2023. |
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|
2021 |
St. Joseph Rouge Silice ex-Domaine |
$28.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JD 91-93 (12/2022): The 2021 Saint Joseph Silice is also beautiful, with a round, supple, layered style that shines in the vintage. Black raspberries, spice box, dried flowers, and hints of violets give way to a medium-bodied, up-front, charming, layered 2021 that certainly stands out in the vintage.
Decanter 91 (9/2022): Neat, well-balanced and fresh, with sappy acidity. It's a relatively light St-Joseph, as is common for the vintage, but they've found a good balance and reflected the vintage as well as it could be. Gently herbal streak and a touch of juniper. |
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|
2022 |
St. Joseph Rouge Silice ex-Domaine |
$29.99 |
28 |
|
| |
JD 94 (5/2025): Showing the least amount of oak in Coursodon's lineup, the 2022 Saint Joseph Silice offers blackberries, peppery herbs, damp earth, and sappy flowers, all with remarkable purity and complexity. All Syrah, destemmed and aged 12 months in barrel, this cooler-fruited effort is terrific. Drink bottles over the coming 8-10 years. Drink 2025-2035.
VM 92 (1/2025): The 2022 Saint-Joseph Silice unfolds with ripe black cherry, pencil shaving, black tea, crushed violet and gently leafy subtleties. Medium-bodied at most, the 2022 is a classic, age-worthy Silice that’s gently structured by ripe tannins. Drink between 2025-2035. Nicolas Greinacher. |
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|
2023 |
St. Joseph Rouge Silice Ex-Domaine |
$31.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JD 92-94 (5/2025): The 2023 Saint Joseph Silice shows beautifully, with a pure, balanced, medium to full-bodied style as well as classic Saint Joseph minerality, the vintage's ripe red and darker, almost blue fruits, lots of spice and floral nuances, integrated oak, and outstanding length. All Syrah, destemmed and aged 12 months in barrel, it should shine right out of the gate
VM 90-92 (1/2025): The 2023 Saint-Joseph Silice evokes a classic aromatic profile so typical of the appellation. This accentuates its Syrah elegance through delicate graphite, red and black plum notes as well as spicy subtleties. The medium-bodied 2023 is shaping up to be a refreshing Saint-Joseph, closing with a resonant echo on the bright finish. It is very complete, even at this early stage. Drink between 2025-2033. Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
| Dom. de Mourchon |
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Family Reserve Grenache ex-Domaine |
$36.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (2/2025): Almost all Grenache the 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Séguret Family Grenache was totally destemmed and spent 18 months in wooden conical trunk vats and barrels. It's a ripe, sexy, concentrated Grenache that has a rocking bouquet of black raspberries, black cherries, sandalwood, and peppery herbs. Reminding me of a great Gigondas, it offers medium to full-bodied richness, ripe, building tannins, and a great finish. It will shine over the coming 10-12 years. |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Family Reserve Grenache ex-Domaine |
$36.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (11/2025): This is gorgeous stuff offering black raspberries, violets, blood orange, and tons of peppery garrigue, as well as a beautiful sense of minerality. Based on 98% Grenache and aged 18 months in 600-liter oak containers, the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Grenache Family Reserve is medium to full-bodied and has a pure, layered mouthfeel with remarkable purity and fine tannins. It will stand up to just about anything in the region, and there are 375 cases produced. Drink 2025-2040. |
|
|
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Family Reserve Syrah Ex-Domaine |
$36.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (11/2025): A bigger, richer wine, the 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Syrah Family Reserve offers blackberries, chalky minerality, pepper, and gamey, meaty nuances. Based on 98% Syrah from vines planted in the 1950s and aged 18 months in oak barrels, it's medium to full-bodied and has a concentrated, layered mouthfeel with ripe tannins. It will continue to drink nicely over the coming decade, and there are 333 cases produced. Drink 2025-2035. |
|
|
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Grande Reserve Ex-Domaine |
$27.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (2/2025): The 2022 Cotes du Rhone Villages Segurey Grande Reserve is based on 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. Black raspberries, peppery herbs, spicy wood, and some meaty nuances all shine here, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a broad, layered mouthfeel, plenty of tannins, and a great finish. I love it today yet it's going to have a solid 10-12 years of prime drinking. |
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|
2025 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Loubie Rose ex-Domaine |
$16.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2024 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Nana ex-Domaine |
$17.50 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2025 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Soubois Rose ex-Domaine |
$22.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Tradition Ex-Domaine |
$18.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 89 (2/2025): Blackberries, darker cherries, peppery garrigue, and plenty of curshed stone-like notes define the 2022 Cotes Du Rhone Seguret Tradition, a medium-bodied, structured, yet elegant Seguret that has tons of character. |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Tradition ex-Domaine |
$18.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 88 (11/2025): The classic cuvée of this terrific estate, the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Tradition offers red and black fruits, crushed stone, garrigue, and pretty floral nuances. Based on 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah and aged 20% in trunconic oak vats with 80% in concrete vats, it's medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, with fine tannins and a good finish. This charming, balanced, elegant Seguret will keep for 5-7 years, and there are roughly 3,250 cases produced. Drink 2025-2032. |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Tradition (1.5 L) ex-Domaine |
$41.99 |
24 |
|
| |
| JD 88 (11/2025): The classic cuvée of this terrific estate, the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Tradition offers red and black fruits, crushed stone, garrigue, and pretty floral nuances. Based on 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah and aged 20% in trunconic oak vats with 80% in concrete vats, it's medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, with fine tannins and a good finish. This charming, balanced, elegant Seguret will keep for 5-7 years, and there are roughly 3,250 cases produced. Drink 2025-2032. |
|
| Dom. Duclaux |
2020 |
Cote Rotie La Chana ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
29 |
|
| |
JD 89-91 (2/2022): Starting with the 2020 Côte Rôtie La Chana, which includes 7% Viognier, this has a ripe, up-front, charming style as well as classic Côte Rôtie black raspberry fruits mixed with spice and bacon fat nuances. It's going to drink nicely right out of the gate.
WA 89-91 (1/2022): Blended from several parcels and barrels for my evaluation, the 2020 Cote Rotie La Chana usually contains approximately 7% Viognier and sees no new wood. It shows attractive aromas of raspberries and apricot on the nose, a medium to full-bodied feel on the palate and a savory finish that nicely balances mouthwatering acids and softly dusty tannins. It should drink well for the rest of this decade. |
|
|
2022 |
Cote Rotie La Chana Ex-Domaine |
$49.99 |
53 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Cote Rotie La Germine ex-Domaine |
$46.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| Decanter 92 (10/2022): Spiced raspberry fruits on the nose, with a touch of blood orange. A dry, neat, compact style that will drink well young. Fine tannins reveal a gentle, light-bodied style with a good sense of freshness, if not concentration. Vines on gneiss, blonde soils. 20% whole bunch. Vinified in open concrete tanks. |
|
|
2022 |
Cote Rotie La Germine Ex-Domaine |
$48.99 |
44 |
|
| |
JD 93 (5/2025): Incorporating 3% Viognier, the 2022 Côte Rôtie La Germine reveals a concentrated, rich, nicely structured profile of ripe black and blue fruits, crushed stone, and floral, sappy, gamey nuances. Medium to full-bodied, with plenty of mid-palate depth and a great finish, it was vinified with 20% whole clusters and aged 20 months in barrels and demi-muids (15% new). It, too, should have 10-15 years of longevity. Drink 2025-2035.
VM 89 (1/2025): The 2022 Côte-Rôtie La Germine evokes a fairly simple aromatic profile, opening with red and black cherry notes alongside touches of violet and spice box. Medium-bodied and refreshing, the 2022 is an elegant, early approachable Côte-Rôtie culminating with brightness on the moderately long finish. (Drink between 2025-2030). NIcholas Greinacher. |
|
| Dom. Vincent Paris |
2020 |
Cornas Granit 30 |
$44.99 |
20 |
|
| |
JD 93-95 (2/2022): Starting with what could be considered the entry level cuvée, the 2020 Cornas Granit 30 comes from further down the slope, from vines closer to the village. That's obviously not a bad thing, since this plump, full-bodied, beautifully textured Cornas has remarkable purity and elegance as well as richness. Blackberries, blueberries, subtle smoke, graphite, and violets all emerge from the glass, and it has a seamless, incredibly elegant texture.
VM 93 (12/2022): Dark violet color. Dark berry preserve, licorice, olive and exotic spice aromas, with a hint of espresso in the background. Sappy and broad on the palate, offering spice-tinged cherry-cola, blueberry and candied violet flavors with a spicy snap of black pepper. The floral note carries through a very long, dark fruit-driven finish, where gently chewy tannins add shape and closing grip. Josh Raynolds.
Decanter 93 (10/2021): Very herbal, with leafy herbs like tarragon alongside woody herbs such as rosemary. Blueberry and liquorice too. Middleweight style, good concentration of fresh, juicy berry fruit and good persistence. Fresh, intense, gently saline and well-balanced. A good value pick this year. From 10-year-old vines, all destemmed. (Drink between 2022-2028) |
|
| Domaine les Goubert |
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Sablet ex-Domaine |
$16.99 |
30 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Gigondas Cuvee Florence ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
37 |
|
| |
| JD 91-93+ (10/2023): Slightly deeper hued, the 2021 Gigondas Cuvée Florence has a terrific nose of darker berries, sandalwood, white chocolate, and pepper. It's a concentrated, medium-bodied, balanced 2021 offering solid mid-palate depth, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. Based on Grenache and Syrah that sees an extended élevage in barrels, it should benefit from just a year or two of bottle age and have a solid decade of prime drinking. |
|
|
2024 |
IGP Vaucluse Principaute d’Orange Miss Grenouille ex-Domaine |
$19.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Jean-Luc Jamet |
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Rouge l’Enclave Ex-Domaine |
$34.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Rouge l’Enclave ex-Domaine |
$35.99 |
33 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
IGP Collines Rhodaniennes Rouge Syrah Valine Ex-Domaine |
$29.99 |
28 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Vin de France Syrah Valine ex-Domaine |
$31.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Mourchon |
2022 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Ex-Domaine |
$45.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (11/2025): A cuvée whose quality has soared over the past four to five years, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape is a brilliant effort in an arguably more challenging, heatwave-driven vintage. Sporting a ruby translucent hue, it boasts a brilliant perfume of ripe black cherries, redcurrants, peppery garrigue, and loamy earth with beautiful aromatic complexity. On the palate it's medium to full-bodied, has a ripe, layered mouthfeel, soft tannins, and a great finish. It's very much in the ripe, forward, sexy style of the vintage yet stays pure, graceful, and is just impossible to resist. It's not a long-term ager, so drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years. Drink 2025-2032. |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Ex-Domaine |
$14.99 |
54 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (11/2025): Lots of peppery red and black berry fruits, garrigue, and spice-driven aromatics emerge from the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône, with a hint of flowers. It's medium to full-bodied, has a round, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a juicy finish. It's one seriously good Côtes du Rhône that you could pretty much put up against anything in the appellation – count me impressed. This should have 10-12 years of prime drinking as well, and I'd be happy with a case in the cellar. Drink 2025-2037. |
|
|
2024 |
Cotes du Rhone ex-Domaine |
$14.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| | Rhone White |
| Dom. Coursodon |
2021 |
St. Joseph Blanc Silice ex-Domaine |
$29.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (12/2022): The 2021 Saint Joseph Silice Blanc has a Burgundian-like sense of reduction as well as beautiful quince, white flowers, honeyed minerality, and a kiss of background spice and toastiness. It's medium-bodied and has a clean, classy style that's going to evolve for 7-8 years in cold cellars. |
|
|
2023 |
St. Joseph Blanc Silice ex-Domaine |
$43.99 |
44 |
|
| |
JD 92 (5/2025): Based on 100% Marsanne, the 2023 Saint Joseph Silice Blanc reveals melon, honeyed flowers, spice, and toasted notes, showing impressive purity and cleanliness. It's fleshy on the palate, with beautiful balance and good purity, and while it has a slightly hazy color, it remains an impressive white. Drink bottles over the coming 4-6 years. Drink 2025-2031.
WA 91 (3/2025): Fresher and livelier than its Paradis Saint-Pierre counterpart, the 2023 Saint-Joseph Silice Blanc reveals aromas of confit citrus, spring blossoms and pear. Moderately weighted and delicately enveloping, it's juicy and layered with bright acids, concluding with a mouthwatering, floral finish.
VM 90 (1/2025): Flinty elements introduce the 2023 Saint-Joseph Blanc Silice, accompanied by notes of cedar, ripe pear, white peach and lemon flesh. Full-bodied, round and generous, the 2023 bundles vibrant energy and checks out with persistence on the sapid finish. This is an exquisite white Saint-Joseph. Drink between 2025-2027. Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2024 |
St. Joseph Blanc Silice Ex-Domaine |
$38.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. de Mourchon |
2024 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Soubois Blanc Ex-Domaine |
$22.99 |
20 |
|
| |
| JD 90 (11/2025): Based on 90% Viognier and 10% Roussanne and aged in demi-muids with weekly bâtonnage for six months, the 2024 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Soubois Blanc shows a light gold hue and offers crisp stone fruit, honeyed flowers, and a hint of orange blossom. It's medium-bodied, fresh, focused, and crisp, with terrific purity and balance. There are 191 cases produced. Drink 2025-2029. |
|
|
2025 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Soubois Blanc ex-Domaine |
$22.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. du Tunnel |
2024 |
Saint Peray Cuvee Prestige Ex-Domaine |
$48.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (2/2026): Honeyed melon, crushed stone, mint, and hints of orange blossom all define the 2024 Prestige, an incredibly pure Saint-Péray that has so much to love. It's medium-bodied, has undeniable minerality, and outstanding length. You could put this up with the crème de la crème of the vintage, and while it plays in the fresher style of the vintage, it brings tons of character. Drink bottles over the coming 10-15 years. Drink 2026-2041. |
|
|
2024 |
Saint Peray Marsanne Ex-Domaine |
$37.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (2/2026): All Marsanne, the 2024 Saint-Péray Marsanne offers a gorgeous nose of honeyed quince, sappy white flowers, spice, and crushed stone. It's medium-bodied and has a focused, juicy, yet still nicely concentrated mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and outstanding length. It plays in the fresh, juicy, focused style of the vintage and will evolve gracefully over the coming decade. Drink 2026-2036. |
|
|
2024 |
Saint Peray Roussanne Ex-Domaine |
$45.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (2/2026): Orchard fruits, honeyed mint, and sappy herb/floral nuances emerge from the 2024 Saint-Péray Roussanne, which is medium-bodied, juicy, fresh, and focused on the palate. I love its overall purity, and it picks up a beautiful sense of salinity with time in the glass. It has another decade or more of longevity ahead of it. Drink 2026-2036. |
|
| Dom. Duclaux |
2021 |
Condrieu Les Caillets ex-Domaine |
$46.99 |
26 |
|
| |
|
| Jean-Luc Jamet |
2021 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc Couzou ex-Domaine |
$25.99 |
12 |
|
| |
| JD 89 (5/2024): The 2021 Côtes du Rhône Couzou Blanc is based on Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier, all from more granitic soils. It has a light gold hue as well as a subtle nose of ripe stone fruits, honeyed orange, and spice, and it's medium-bodied, nicely textured, and nicely balanced on the palate. It has a good sense of freshness, but it's certainly a rich white that's going to shine on the dinner table. |
|
|
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc Couzou Ex-Domaine |
$26.99 |
43 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc Couzou ex-Domaine |
$34.99 |
36 |
|
| |
|
| Mourchon |
2024 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc La Source Ex-Domaine |
$16.99 |
25 |
|
| |
|
|
2025 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc La Source ex-Domaine |
$16.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| | Southern France |
| Ch. de Pibarnon |
2020 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$44.99 |
15 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (7/2026): Under seven years of age, this 2020 Bandol Pibarnon keeps all its promises. It has taken time to develop and grow more complex, with delicate oak notes and others more smoky and typical of the terroir: sour cherry jam, leather, and precious wood. The texture is frank, coating, broad, and round, and the balance will confirm itself over the next 10-15 years. Best from 2027-2035. Antoine Petrus |
|
|
2021 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$46.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (5/2026): The 2021 Bandol leans fully into a classical style, opening with licorice, dried herbs, blackberry and peppery undertones as a beautiful spiciness grows steadily in the glass. Medium- to full-bodied, it is shaped by gently chalky tannins that lend real composure. The savoury finish is marked by pepper, subtle fleshiness and understated authority. (Drink between 2028-2046). Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2021 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$46.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (5/2026): The 2021 Bandol leans fully into a classical style, opening with licorice, dried herbs, blackberry and peppery undertones as a beautiful spiciness grows steadily in the glass. Medium- to full-bodied, it is shaped by gently chalky tannins that lend real composure. The savoury finish is marked by pepper, subtle fleshiness and understated authority. (Drink between 2028-2046). Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2023 |
Bandol Blanc ex-Chateau |
$49.99 |
27 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (7/2024): The elegant and perfumed 2023 Bandol Blanc from Château de Pibarnon is a real success this year, despite a challenging vintage in the region. It evokes aromas of citrus, spring flowers, curry leaves and white fruits mingled with spicy notes. Medium-bodied, perfectly balanced and fleshy, it has a fleshy core of fruit, bright acids and a long, mineral and saline finish. This blend of 55% Clairette, 30% Bourboulenc and the rest of a mix of other white grapes is an outstanding wine. |
|
|
2022 |
Bandol Rose ex-Chateau |
$36.99 |
60 |
|
| |
WA 93 (6/2023): The citrusy, mentholated 2022 Bandol Rosé was crafted with a blend of 65% Mourvèdre and 35% Cinsault and matured six months in barrels. It displays aromas of pomegranate, citrus, spring flowers, iodine, jasmine and crushed stones, followed by a beautifully defined texture, a fleshy core of fruit and racy acids that underpin a delicate, well-delineated and calcareous finish. It's going to drink nicely in its youth, but I suspect it will also age gracefully over the next 2-5 years.
VM 91 (5/2023): The 2022 Rosé is savory and sweet with a rich blend of rosemary, sage and tomato leaf, giving way to dried cherries. It's silky-smooth and round with a buzz of minerality and brisk acidity up front as ginger-spiked nectarine forms toward the close. This tapers off with a salty flourish. Spice and citrus notes keep the mouth watering. Eric Guido. |
|
|
2023 |
Bandol Rose ex-Chateau |
$34.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 93 (5/2025): The 2023 Bandol Rosé is a powerful, classy Rosé that delivers the proverbial “iron fist in a velvet glove.” Deep and rich, the 2023 takes its time in the glass, gradually unfurling layers of waxy cherry fruit, Mediterranean herbs, raspberry liqueur, , crushed oyster shell and dried apricot. There’s an impressive phenolic core and a wealth of complexity here, not to mention a long, long finish. This is a very serious wine with the stuffing to improve in the cellar. Billy Norris.
WA 92+ (7/2024): A blend of 65% Mourvèdre and 35% Cinsault, the 2023 Bandol Rosé from Château de Pibarnon offers up a delicate, complex bouquet of spices, licorice, red berries, lemon, spring flowers and herbs. Medium-bodied, enveloping and beautifully structured, it’s round and juicy with a delicate, lively core of fruit and a mineral, calcareous finish. This is a classical rosé wine from Bandol. |
|
|
2024 |
Bandol Rose ex-Chateau |
$37.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (6/2025): The 2024 Bandol Rosé is another stunning wine from Provence. Revealing a complex, fresh bouquet of red berries, pomegranate, grapefruit and spices, it's medium- to full-bodied, fleshy and round, with a supple, elegant core of fruit supported by moderate tannins, finishing long and delicately saline. |
|
|
2021 |
Bandol Rose Nuances ex-Chateau |
$47.99 |
14 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (7/2026): With the 2021 Bandol Nuances, Pibarnon produces a near-perfect rosé. The pale ruby color leads into spiced, smoky aromas of white pepper, redcurrant jam, and peppery touches, while numerous fine tannins coat the palate to provide power, character, and length. Drink now. Antoine Petrus. |
|
|
2022 |
Bandol Rose Nuances ex-Chateau |
$46.99 |
40 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Le Roc des Anges |
2016 |
Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes Asterolide |
$31 |
15 |
|
| |
|
| Les Restanques de Pibarnon |
2021 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$38.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$38.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| | Alsace |
| Klipfel |
2012 |
Riesling Cuvee Louis Klipfel |
$18 |
18 |
|
| |
|
| | Champagne |
| Charpentier |
NV |
Tradition Brut Champagne |
$38.99 |
57 |
|
| |
|
| | Other France |
| Dom. Richard Rottiers |
2023 |
Moulin a Vent Ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
54 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (4/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent was bottled a month before my visit. This has fine purity on the nose. The 20% used oak knits everything together nicely, though not as powerfully as the 2022. The palate is medium-bodied and silky, with fine tannins and red cherry and crushed strawberry notes leading to a smooth, easy-drinking finish. The 2023 is very fine. Neal Martin. |
|
|
2023 |
Moulin a Vent Champ de Cour Ex-Domaine |
$26.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 92 (4/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Champ de Cour was bottled one month before my visit. It has a lifted and more intense bouquet than the Mortperay, with floral scents of rose and violet emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied and well balanced, with supple tannins and a precise, graceful finish that lingers in the mouth. The 2023 is superb. Neal Martin.
WA 90+ (3/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Champ de Cour, aged in oak barrels, stands out as the most lavish offering of the lineup, showcasing deep sappy notes of prunes, cherries, licorice and cacao powder. However, it maintains a poised balance thanks to a refreshing edge of ginger spice and graphite. Full-bodied and with ripe acidity, the wine exhibits a firm structure that signals its aging potential with tightly woven, youthful tannins. |
|
|
2023 |
Moulin a Vent Dernier Souffle Ex-Domaine |
$27.99 |
59 |
|
| |
VM 93 (4/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Dernière Souffle is bottled a couple of months later than other cuvées. It has redcurrant and cranberry aromas on the nose, with light earthy scents in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy red berry fruit, more grip than the Champ de Cour and more substance on the finish. This positively brims with potential. Neal Martin.
WA 91 (3/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Dernier Souffle is a luscious fruit-forward wine, yet one of refinement, with notes of rose petals, juicy cherries, vine smoke and sweet spices. It's full-bodied, with ripe acidity and a concentrated, sappy-fruited core. This richness is framed by smoothly integrated tannins that impart a velvety texture, with a dimensional finish toned with graphite. This is a generously proportioned wine that will undoubtedly benefit from time in the bottle or, at the very least, a spell in the decanter to unwind. |
|
|
2022 |
Moulin a Vent Mortperay ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (4/2024): The 2022 Moulin-à-Vent Mortperay comes from clayey soils just below Fleurie; the vines here are 70 years old. It aged in old barrels sourced from Chablis. It has another mineral-driven nose but with more roundness and depth than the classic bottling. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, very well-balanced and poised, touches of freshly rolled tobacco on the finish. Excellent. Neal Martin. |
|
|
2023 |
Moulin a Vent Mortperay Ex-Domaine |
$26.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 90 (4/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Mortperay comes from a parcel next to Fleurie on clay soils. It was bottled in January and offers Morello cherry, rose petal and cassis scents on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with finely knit tannins. This is pure and elegant in style, with touches of sour cherry and raspberry . Neal Martin.
WA 90 (3/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Montperay, slated for release in 2025, comes from 80-year-old vines located at the periphery of the Clos de la Roilette in Fleurie. The wine unfurls with a lush bouquet of stewed blueberries and cherries, accented by mocha spice and sweet soil. On the palate, the layered wine unfolds along a horizontal trajectory with subdued acidity that imparts a certain softness and density to its texture. |
|
| Pascal Aufranc |
2018 |
Julienas Les Cerisiers ex-Domaine |
$15.99 |
15 |
|
| |
|
| Richard Rottiers |
2023 |
Brouilly Ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
20 |
|
| |
VM 89 (4/2025): The 2023 Brouilly comes from purchased fruit grown on granite soils. Pretty red cherry and crushed strawberry aromas blossom in the glass. The palate is well balanced and transparent, with light tannins. It's a little fleshier than expected, featuring brambly red berry and bergamot notes on the finish. It's lovely, though not long-term. Neal Martin.
WA 89 (3/2025): The 2023 Brouilly, from purchased grapes near Odenas, is a classic bistro wine. It's juicy, with notes of lilacs, raspberries and plums and tones of crushed stones that give the wine some dimension. It's medium to full-bodied, with a balanced density of fruit and bright acidity that keep it fresh. |
|
| | Germany |
| Weingut Georg Gustav Huff |
2020 |
Niersteiner Hipping Riesling Trocken |
$39.99 |
20 |
|
| |
|
| | Italy |
| Antonio Vallana & Figlio |
2020 |
Gattinara |
$43.99 |
22 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (2/2025): Vallana's 2020 Gattinara is powerful, rustic and a bit rough around the edges, and yet it conveys so much genuine, uncomplicated character. Dark fruit, new leather, licorice, dried herbs and mint are some of the notes that take shape as this rambunctious Gattinara gradually opens in the glass. Don't look for finesse here. (Drink between 2025-2035). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Cantina Tibaldi |
2023 |
Langhe Favorita ex-Domaine |
$23.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2024 |
Langhe Favorita ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Langhe Nebbiolo ex-Domaine |
$25.99 |
19 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Roero Arneis Bricco delle Passere Riserva ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
29 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Roero Arneis Bricco delle Passere Riserva ex-Domaine |
$26.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Roero Roccapalea ex-Domaine |
$29 |
34 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Roero Roccapalea ex-Domaine |
$33.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Caprili |
2023 |
Rosso di Montalcino |
$21.99 |
21 |
|
| |
| JD 90 (1/2025): The bright ruby 2023 Rosso Di Montalcino jumps from the glass with bright mixed berry fruit, peaches, crushed flowers, and sweet tea. The palate is juicy, with a snap of fresh acidity, fine tannins, and a clean finish. This is a total charmer of a Rosso to drink now or over the next 5-6 years. (Drink between 2025-2031). Audrey Frick. |
|
| Cavallotto |
2022 |
Barbera d’Alba Superiore Vigna Cuculo ex-Domaine |
$36.95 |
33 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Barbera d’Alba Superiore Vigna Cuculo ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (4/2026): The 2023 Barbera D'Alba Superiore Vigna Cuculo pours a youthful red/purple hue and was fermented in stainless steel before aging 18 months in large Slavonian oak casks. It opens with wild black cherries, delicate rustic earth, incense, and violets. Medium-bodied, it’s vibrant and well-balanced, with fine tannins and a savory citrus lift that carries through the finish. A traditionally raised Barbera with both energy and structure, about 8,000 bottles were produced. Drink 2026-2036. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2022 |
Langhe Nebbiolo ex-Domaine |
$37.99 |
55 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Langhe Nebbiolo ex-Domaine |
$42.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 91 (4/2026): The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo is aged for 18 months in large Slavonian oak casks and pours a youthful ruby red color. It offers a ripe perfume that’s a bit shy, but the palate really shines, offering ripe red berries, a bit of rustic earth, fresh tobacco, and incense. Medium-bodied, zesty, and refreshing, with a good balance of sunny pure fruit, fine tannins, and refreshing acidity, it’s a very appealing Nebbiolo to drink now or over the next 8-10 years. A star in this category, no doubt, it’s delicious and I would snap it up. Drink 2026-2036. Audrey Frick. |
|
| Luigi Maffini |
2021 |
Cenito Cilento Aglianico |
$43.99 |
14 |
|
| |
| VM 93+ (5/2024): Wilted violets and ground cloves complicate a burst of dried wild blueberries and exotic spice as the 2021 Cenito smolders up from the glass. This is pure elegance—silky and polished, yet lifted and energetic, with a textural wave of ripe red and black fruits that flow across a stream of vibrant acidity. A caking of salty minerals mingles with fine tannins as the 2021 tapers off with staining length and youthful structure, leaving a tart blackberry concentration that puckers the cheeks. (Drink between 2026-2034). Eric Guido. |
|
|
2024 |
Kratos Fiano |
$24.99 |
45 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (8/2026): Quite mineral-driven in style, the 2024 Fiano Kratos wafts up with salty sea air, crushed rocks and lemon-spiked green apples. The palate is zesty, with a bump of riveting acidity on the entry to energize its tart orchard fruits. It tapers off with sour lime and a saline saturation. Eric Guido. |
|
| Sottimano |
2023 |
Langhe Nebbiolo ex-Domaine |
$23.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (10/2025): The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo, all young vines from Basarin, is terrific. Pliant and expressive, the 2023 is a superb choice for readers looking for a wine that overdelivers. Macerated cherry, plum, lavender and blood orange open first. Exotic floral and spice overtones develop with a bit of time in the glass. More than anything else, I am so impressed with the wine's textural depth and balance. The 2023 was done a modified, light style of submerged cap maceration for about a week that worked wonders. Élevage was nine months in cask. And the young vines are now nearly 30 years old! Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2023 |
Langhe Nebbiolo (1.5 L) ex-Domaine |
$49.99 |
20 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (10/2025): The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo, all young vines from Basarin, is terrific. Pliant and expressive, the 2023 is a superb choice for readers looking for a wine that overdelivers. Macerated cherry, plum, lavender and blood orange open first. Exotic floral and spice overtones develop with a bit of time in the glass. More than anything else, I am so impressed with the wine's textural depth and balance. The 2023 was done a modified, light style of submerged cap maceration for about a week that worked wonders. Élevage was nine months in cask. And the young vines are now nearly 30 years old! Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Tenuta Cocci Grifoni |
2024 |
Tara Pecorino |
$15.99 |
37 |
|
| |
|
| Tenuta di Carleone |
2022 |
Chianti Classico |
$34.99 |
20 |
|
| |
WA 94 (10/2025): This is one of the most original wines from the appellation. The Tenuta di Carleone 2022 Chianti Classico sees partial whole-cluster fruit and up to three months of extended fermentation. The wine opens to a medium-garnet color with a shiny element to its appearance. The bouquet is similarly bright and punchy with lots of tart red and blue fruits. Fruit for this 55,000-bottle release is sourced from across this 32-hectare estate in Radda in Chianti. This wine is extremely giving and bright at the moment.
VM 92 (7/2025): The 2022 Chianti Classico is gracious, elegant and polished, as these wines so often are. Crushed flowers, herbs, mint, pine and light citrus overtones exalt the natural brightness of Sangiovese. This translucent, weightless Chianti Classico is a real beauty. (Drink between 2025-2037). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Tenuta Santome |
NV |
Prosecco Brut |
$13.50 |
28 |
|
| |
|
| Ultima Pietra |
2025 |
Gemina Rose |
$40 |
23 |
|
| |
|
| | Port |
| Quevedo |
2006 |
Late Bottled Vintage Port |
$29.99 |
52 |
|
| |
|
|
2010 |
Quinta Vale d’Agodinho Port |
$49.99 |
15 |
|
| |
|
| | USA Red |
| Behrens Family (Erna Schein) |
2005 |
Herrick-Moulds Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
14 |
|
| |
| VM 91-94 (6/2007): Medium ruby. Aromatic nose combines currant, iron, mocha and pepper. Sweet, silky and pliant, with a captivating sugar/acid balance. This really vibrates on the palate. Finishes with suave tannins and terrific sappy, peppery length. This has the suavity and balance to age gracefully for a decade or more. |
|
| de Negoce |
2017 |
OG N. 123 Napa Valley Merlot |
$15 |
12 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
OG N. 480 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel |
$15 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| DeLille Cellars |
2011 |
Doyenne Grand Ciel Vyd. Syrah |
$25 |
12 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (6/2014): Slightly richer and more concentrated than the Signature Syrah, yet still playing in the elegant, seamless style of the vintage, the 2011 Doyenne Syrah Grand Ciel Vineyard is 100% Syrah that was aged in 35% new French oak. Possessing beautiful black raspberry, currants, licorice, crushed rock-like minerality and hints of graphite, this beauty flows onto the palate with full-bodied richness, fabulous purity of fruit and a seamless, silky texture that carries through the finish. Give it a year or two and drink bottles through 2024. |
|
|
2012 |
Doyenne Grand Ciel Vyd. Syrah |
$25 |
13 |
|
| |
WA 93 (6/2015): A similar purple/ruby, semi-opaque color to the Signature Syrah, the 2012 Doyenne Syrah Grand Ciel Vineyard has more minerality (no doubt due to coming from Red Mountain) to go with lots of blackberry, graphite, pepper and crushed violet notes. Like the Signature Syrah, it shows the vintage nicely with lots of concentration, integrated acidity and a big finish, where the wine's structure becomes more apparent. It will benefit from short-term cellaring and have 10-15 years of overall longevity.
VM 92+ (11/2015): Good dark red. Lovely perfume of cherry, cranberry, white pepper, spices and dusty flowers. Lovely fine-grained Syrah with a savory restraint to its highly aromatic red berry and spice flavors complicated by a hint of game. Made from a slow-to-ripen Entav clone. Finishing quite firm, even a bit youthfully sullen, this already complex Syrah needs time to evolve. (Drink between 2019-2028). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Donelan |
2013 |
Cuvee Moriah Proprietary Blend |
$50 |
12 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (7/2017): The 2013 Cuvee Moriah is 87% Grenache and 13% Syrah that’s all from the Dry Stack Vineyard in the Bennett Valley. It has a gorgeous (as well as complex) bouquet of ripe cherries, cranberry, dried flowers and incense. This carries to an ethereally textured, elegant Grenache that that has sweet fruit, medium-bodied richness and a great finish. It’s not going to make old bones, but it’s going to be impossible to resist over the coming 4-5 years. This may be my favorite vintage of this cuvee to date. |
|
| Failla |
2012 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$45 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Girasole |
2019 |
Mendocino Pinot Noir |
$16.99 |
16 |
|
| |
|
| Kutch |
2013 |
Falstaff Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$45 |
12 |
|
| |
VM 91 (1/2015): Rose petals, mint, spices and sweet red berries are all laced together in the 2013 Pinot Noir Falstaff Vineyard. This is the most lifted and aromatic of the wines in this range. The 2013 is intensely saline, lifted and perfumed. It will appeal most to readers who enjoy aromatic, mid-weight Pinots. The 2013 is all about precision and nuance. It is also a bit light, even within the context of this style. (Drink between 2015-2025). Antonio Galloni.
BH 91 (10/2015): Notes of dried rose petal, anise, herbal tea, red currant and a hint of cinnamon introduce silky-textured medium-bodied flavors that deliver fine length on the dusty, balanced and lingering finale. This too will need a few years but less than either the Sonoma Coast or Bohan, as the overall palate impression is notably finer. Note however that the balance should allow this to age, and improve, gracefully for up to a decade. (Drink starting 2019). |
|
| Matthews |
2010 |
Blackboard Colombia Valley Red Wine |
$15 |
12 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Colombia Valley Claret |
$25 |
12 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (12/2009): Dark red. Expressive aromas and flavors of currant, plum, tobacco, graphite and chocolatey oak. Supple and juicy, with moderate sweetness and flesh. Slightly tart acidity gives shape and lift to this blend, which finishes with dusty, building, oak-driven tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2010 |
Colombia Valley Syrah |
$20 |
20 |
|
| |
| VM 91+ (12/2013): (15.4% alcohol; aged in once-used puncheons and once-used barriques ): Saturated bright ruby. Very primary, dark aromas of blackberry, licorice and illegal resiny herbs, lifted by a high-pitched violet perfume. Dense, juicy and suave but quite tightly wound in the style of the vintage. Dark berry and bitter chocolate flavors work more savory than sweet. This very young, long wine finishes with very fine-grained, suave tannins and a hint of bitter chocolate. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Newton |
2019 |
The Puzzle Red Wine |
$49 |
55 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (2/2023): The 2019 Red Blend The Puzzle checks in as mostly Cabernet Sauvignon but includes 8% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, and 1.5% each of Malbec and Petit Verdot. This vivid blue-hued 2019 has a great nose of both black and blue fruits as well as sappy green herbs and crushed stone. Almost austere on the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, has firm tannins, good mid-palate depth, and outstanding length. I’d give bottles at least 3-4 years in the cellar. (Drink starting 2026). |
|
| Sojourn Cellars |
2022 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (6/2024): The 2022 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast was raised in 50% new French oak and was entirely destemmed. Pouring a youthful, ripe ruby color, it’s highly aromatic with floral and fruity aromas of sweet cola spice, mixed berries, and preserved flowers. Medium-bodied, it retains good energy and freshness as well as wonderful purity on the palate, with fine tannins and a clean, chalky textured finish. It is a beautiful entry to the range and is going to have a wide window for enjoyment over the next 6-8 years. Audrey Frick. |
|
| Sullivan |
2003 |
Estate Reserve Merlot |
$50 |
16 |
|
| |
|
| Varner |
2014 |
Spring Ridge Vyd. Upper Picnic Bloc Pinot Noir |
$45 |
53 |
|
| |
VM 95 (8/2018): The 2014 Pinot Noir Upper Picnic is all class. Silky tannins and expressive, perfumed aromatics give the wine unreal finesse. Just as compelling on the palate, the 2014 is absolutely exquisite in its understated, nuanced expression of the Santa Cruz Mountains. What a gorgeous wine it is. The Upper Picnic is the most elegant of these four Pinots. (Drink between 2018-2026). Antonio Galloni.
JD 94 (2/2019): I loved the 2014 Pinot Noir Upper Picnic Block Spring Ridge Vineyard. This beauty boasts fabulous red fruits, spice, dried flowers, and rose petal notes, with a hint of California bay leaf developing with time in the glass. Possessing a silky, rounded, elegant texture, medium body, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish, it’s a truly thrilling Pinot Noir that can be drunk today or cellared for 7-8 years. (Drink between 2018-2026). |
|
| Vincent Wine Co. |
2017 |
Bjornson Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$35.99 |
18 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (8/2020): Brilliant red. Highly expressive aromas of fresh red fruits, potpourri, exotic spices and candied rose, along with a hint of smoky minerality. Juicy and seamless in texture, offering penetrating raspberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors that show fine definition and back-end lift. Intensely flavored and finely delineated, with an impressively long, perfumed finish that delivers firm mineral cut and resonating florality. (Drink between 2022-2029). Josh Raynolds. |
|
| | USA White |
| Bevan Cellars |
2021 |
Dry Stack Vyd. Sauvignon Blanc |
$35 |
13 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (8/2022): A blockbuster of a Sauvignon Blanc, Bevan's 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Dry Stack Vineyard comes from an Italian clone planted in gravelly soil in the Bennett Valley and is raised, I believe, in barrel. Bottled unfiltered so it has touch of haziness in its gold hue, it offers a heavenly bouquet of caramelized lemon zest, mint, orange blossom, honeyed flowers, and brioche. Rich, full-bodied, and opulent, it has incredible concentration, a layered, pure mouthfeel, good freshness, and a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It's not for those craving lightweight aromas and flavors and has the weight and richness of a great Chardonnay. Drink this beauty over the coming 2-3 years. |
|
| Bunnell Family Cellar |
2012 |
Helene Yakima Valley White Wine |
$20 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Convene (Dan Kosta) |
2021 |
Russian River Valley Chardonnay |
$48.99 |
50 |
|
| |
| Decanter 98 (2/2024): Dan Kosta and Shane Finely have worked together since 2006, when Finley, at age 26, began working in the cellar at Kosta Browne. These guys are having a lot of fun with Convene, the label Kosta launched in 2019. After their entry-level bottlings, the Convene label represents the 'Premier Cru' level wines, while DK Grail is the 'Grand Cru' tier. They are unquestionably 'Holy Grail' worthy. Finley and Kosta are big fans of longer ageing and extended lees contact with their Chardonnays. We tasted in February 2024, and they'd just bottled their 2022s. Super expressive nose with wonderful ripe fruit flavours alongside butterscotch and toasty brioche. Wonderfully rich and full-bodied with plenty of salty mineral tension. Partial malolactic fermentation means the wine retains great tension, vibrancy, and freshness. Flavours run the spectrum from Meyer Lemon to apricots and white peaches. Crushed Marcona almonds are entangled in the finish, and I find this a balanced expression of California Chardonnay with the right amount of toasty richness and acidity. |
|
| DeLille Cellars |
2016 |
Chaleur Estate Blanc |
$30 |
16 |
|
| |
|
| Gambal Work |
2017 |
Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay ex-Domaine |
$43.99 |
45 |
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| Girasole |
2019 |
Mendocino Chardonnay |
$10 |
60 |
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| Hourglass |
2024 |
Estate Sauvignon Blanc |
$33.99 |
24 |
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JD 94 (12/2025): Based on 86% Sauvignon Blanc/Musque and 14% Semillon from Napa and Sonoma County fruit and aged six months with 30% in oak barrels, the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc offers classic, fresh lime, ripe citrus, mint, and stony minerality aromatics. It's medium-bodied, has a bright, fresh, focused, pure mouthfeel, beautiful balance, and outstanding length. There are roughly 2,600 cases produced. Drink 2025-2035. (Drink between 2025-2035).
VM 90 (11/2025): The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc is an airy, gracious, aperitif-style white drink now and over the next few years. Citrus peel, sage, tomato leaf and mint are all finely sculpted. (Drink between 2025-2029). Antonio Galloni. |
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| Lewis Cellars |
2016 |
Sonoma County Chardonnay |
$36 |
19 |
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| Scherrer Winery |
2019 |
Scherrer Vyd. Chardonnay |
$43.99 |
14 |
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| VM 94 (1/2022): The 2019 Chardonnay Scherrer Vineyard is a powerful, wild wine. Soaring aromatics and a deep structure give this Alexander Valley Chardonnay tons of character. Orchard fruit, mint, tangerine oil and dried flowers all open in the glass. There's something exotic about the 2019 that is undeniably appealing. The creamy, substantial finish is a thing of beauty. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Sojourn Cellars |
2023 |
Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ex-Domaine |
$41.99 |
60 |
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| Stony Hill |
2024 |
Chardonnay |
$43.99 |
36 |
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| Decanter 94 (2/2026): Fruit from 1967-planted vines, the oldest Chardonnay vines in the Napa Valley, is at Haynes and Quartz Creek on alluvial soils. This wine balances plush fruit, fleshy pears, 30% new oak for 10 months, and only partial malolactic fermentation. This is a wine of elegance that balances white peach flesh, mineral-driven, mountain Chardonnay, and is oh so fresh. (Drink between 2026-2034). |
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| | Other White |
| Quevedo |
2011 |
Oscar’s White Douro |
$9.99 |
31 |
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