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Inventory updated: Wed, Sep 09, 2026 04:02 PM cst
2009 Alban Vineyards Alban Estate Grenache
Vintage: 2009
Region: USA Red
Color/Type: Red
Size: 750 ML
Tasting Notes:
VM 94 (12/2012): Opaque purple. Heady aromas of candied blackberry, blueberry and licorice, complicated by pungent notes of vanilla, violet and allspice. Lush, intensely flavored and broad, offering deep dark berry and cherry compote flavors and an exotic floral nuance. Finishes smooth and very long, with resonating spiciness, a hint of licorice and sweet tannins.
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| 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. |
|
|
2008 |
Alban Estate Grenache |
$105 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2012): The 2008 Grenache presents an inward yet expressive core of dark red fruit, flowers and Provencal herbs. There is a gorgeous fleshiness in the glass, but the wine needs time to soften and open up. Today, the 2008 shows quite a bit of promise. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. |
|
|
2009 |
Alban Estate Grenache |
$120 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (12/2012): Opaque purple. Heady aromas of candied blackberry, blueberry and licorice, complicated by pungent notes of vanilla, violet and allspice. Lush, intensely flavored and broad, offering deep dark berry and cherry compote flavors and an exotic floral nuance. Finishes smooth and very long, with resonating spiciness, a hint of licorice and sweet tannins. |
|
|
2012 |
Alban Estate Grenache |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (9/2016): Glass-staining ruby. A complex, intensely perfumed bouquet displays aromas of black raspberry liqueur, blueberry, Asian spices and violet, and a smoky mineral nuance emerges with air. Coats the palate with vibrant red and blue flavors; juicy acidity and a jolt of white pepper provide vivacity and lift. Impressively balanced for its heft, finishing with powerful thrust and smooth tannins that fold quickly into the sappy dark fruit. I'd have guessed that there was more Syrah in here. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2013 |
Alban Estate Grenache |
$119 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 98 (8/2017): Incorporating 10% Syrah, the 2013 Grenache was bottled last September and there's a tiny 120 cases produced. It's another sensational wine from John that offers layers of black currants, scorched earth, graphite, lavender and licorice. Full-bodied, concentrated and structured, with a stacked mid-palate, give this crazy good Grenache 2-3 years of bottle aged and enjoy over the following 15-20 years.
VM 94 (11/2017): Brilliant ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet of ripe red berries, candied flowers and incense carries a smoky mineral overtone. Juicy, focused and alluringly sweet, offering sappy raspberry, spicecake and floral pastille flavors that deepen and spread out steadily on the back half. The extremely long, mineral-laced finish is shaped by velvety tannins and shows outstanding clarity, spicy lift and excellent tenacity. (Drink between 2020-2027). Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2006 |
Edna Valley Grenache |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (11/2008): Inky ruby. Brooding aromas of cherry, mulberry, plum jam and smoky minerals; smells almost like syrah. Brighter red berries on the palate, complicated by candied licorice, Asian spices and an exotic cured meat quality. A serious rendition of grenache, finishing with excellent chewy persistence and lingering dark berry and licorice notes. This will reward cellaring. |
|
|
2011 |
Edna Valley Grenache |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2015): From a tiny crop and a shockingly coolor year, the 2011 Grenache has incredible concentration and depth given the conditions. Inky colored with lots of black fruits, smoked beef, tapenade, road tar and licorice, it's full-bodied, thick and dense on the palate, with good acidity. More compact and focused than normal, it will be interesting to follow this beauty over the coming decade. |
|
|
2000 |
Lorraine Alban Estate Syrah |
$100 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (8/2003): The inky/black/purple 2000 Syrah Lorraine Vineyard is saturated in color. It boasts a knock-out nose of melted licorice, blackberry liqueur, and acacia flowers. Full-bodied, huge, tannic, but ripe, this is a stunningly rich wine that should hit its peak in 2-3 years, and last for 15+. |
|
|
2002 |
Lorraine Alban Estate Syrah Signs of Seepage; Slightly Raised Cork; Very Lightly Nicked Label |
$169.15 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (8/2004): There are only 400 six-packs of the 2002 Syrah Lorraine Vineyard. A flamboyant wine with a sensational nose of blackberry liqueur, melted licorice, acacia flowers, crushed stones, and a hint of blueberries, it is seamlessly assembled with fabulous concentration, an expansive, full-bodied palate, and an amazingly long finish that lasts well over a minute. Consume it during its first 10-12 years of life. |
|
|
2003 |
Lorraine Alban Estate Syrah Torn, Bin-Soiled Label |
$200 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (8/2006): The limited production, well-structured, black/purple-tinged 2003 Syrah Lorraine Vineyard reveals oak along with tremendous amounts of creme de cassis-like characteristics. Dense, full-bodied, and rich with superb acidity, high, but well-integrated tannin, and a seamless finish that lasts over 60 seconds, this stunning effort is the finest Lorraine Syrah I have tasted.
VM 92-94 (7/2005): (16.5% alcohol) Saturated black ruby. Wonderfully sweet, nuanced nose combines red raspberry, gunflint, dark chocolate and iodine; a bit redder in character and more volcanic than the Reva. Thick and powerful in the mouth, with a penetrating sweetness of fruit and a superrich dark chocolateflavor. The pHs in 2003 were the highest ever registered at this estate, Alban notes, yet this wine is still a reasonable 3.7. "We have never added acid," Alban told me. "Our problem on these soils is getting the acids to go down." The yield here was just a ton and a half of fruit per acre. |
|
|
2010 |
Lorraine Alban Estate Syrah |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (8/2015): Sporting the same inky color as the Reva, the 2010 Syrah Lorraine Vineyard has terrific elegance and purity in its sweet black raspberry fruits, crushed flowers, creme de cassis and subtle smoked meat characteristics. Seriously concentrated and backward on the palate (this cuvee normally is the most approachable of the lineup), with a rich, full mouthfeel, a big mid-palate and a great finish, give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy through 2030. |
|
|
2012 |
Lorraine Alban Estate Syrah |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 98 (8/2016): Bottled in April of last year (as were all of the 2012 Syrahs), the 2012 Syrah Lorraine Vineyard has the classic sweetness and suppleness of this cuvee as well as tons of black raspberry, toasted bread, creamy licorice and floral notes. Full-bodied, ultra-pure, seamless and polished, it stays nicely focused and straight on the palate and has incredible elegance for wine of this size. Drink it anytime over the coming 15-20 years. |
|
|
2013 |
Lorraine Alban Estate Syrah |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 98 (12/2017): Very deep purple-black colored, the 2013 Syrah Lorraine Vineyard emerges from the glass with the most beguiling floral and lifted black fruit notes imaginable! Strutting an incredibly sexy fragrance of roses, chocolate-covered cherries, wild blueberries, sandalwood and eucalyptus with underlying Chinese five spice, hoisin and Sichuan pepper suggestions, it hits the palate with full-bodied, rich, sultry black fruit preserves and menthol laced flavors, supported by very fine, pixelated tannins and finishing with incredible length and depth. |
|
|
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. |
|
|
2008 |
Pandora Proprietary Blend |
$140 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (8/2012): Layers of silky, polished fruit flow across the palate in the 2008 Pandora (Grenache). As I noted last year, the 2008 is all about textural finesse and pure beauty. Hints of smoke, anise and crushed rocks frame the long finish. This is yet another marvelous wine from Alban. Pandora is 100% Grenache from the chalky, upper hillsides of Seymour’s. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020.
VM 94 (12/2012): (almost all grenache from "a very specific block," according to Alban; 15.9% alcohol): Opaque ruby. A heady, exotically perfumed bouquet evokes candied red fruits, incense and candied flowers, along with a smoky mineral overtone. Juicy and precise, offering intense raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that gain sweetness and weight with air. Closes with impressive energy and cut, leaving mineral and floral notes behind. This wine was aged in French oak casks, two-thirds of them new, for 38 months.
JD 93-96 (12/2011): Tasted out of barrel and a beautifully structured and endowed wine, the 2008 Alban Vineyards Pandora, almost 100% Grenache that spent 36 months in a combination of new and used barrels, was dense and closed at the time of this tasting, yet begrudgingly yielded ripe dark fruits, charcoal, chalk, pepper, and edgy minerality on the nose. Full bodied, yet with notable freshness and acidity, this beauty should be left alone for 2-3 years after release. |
|
|
2011 |
Pandora Proprietary Blend Nicked Label |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (8/2015): Incorporating 10% Syrah, the Grenache-dominated 2011 Pandora comes from a single block of chalky soils in the Seymour's Vineyard. More floral and exotic than the straight Grenache release, it has beautiful currant, blackberry, violets, toasted spice and licorice aromas and flavors all emerging from the glass. Full-bodied, supple and sexy, with great acidity, it's slightly more expansive, sexy and textured than that more concentrated, yet streamlined Grenache release, and as such will drink better in its youth. |
|
|
2012 |
Pandora Proprietary Blend Lightly Scuffed Label |
$259 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 100 (8/2016): A perfect wine any way you look at it, the utterly profound 2012 Pandora is 100% Grenache that was brought up all in barrel. Massively concentrated and textured, yet ethereal and nuanced, it offers a huge bouquet of black currants, licorice, smoked herbs, chocolate and toasted spice. Bravo to the team at Alban for this incredible, full-bodied, seamless beauty that's easily one of the greatest wines I've tasted from California. |
|
|
2016 |
Pandora Proprietary Blend |
$299 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 99 (8/2020): All Grenache, the 2016 Pandora is another stunning wine that will probably merit a triple-digit rating in 3 to 5 years. Its deep purple/plum color is followed by a gorgeous perfume of black raspberries, licorice, ground pepper, spring flowers, and smoked earth. Showing more spice with time in the glass, it delivers full-bodied richness and the magical sense of elegance paired with power that only Grenache can do. Give bottles a few years in the cellar and enjoy over the following 15-20 years. |
|
|
2019 |
Patrina Alban Estate Vyd. Syrah |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (9/2022): Moving to the reds, the 2019 Patrina offers lots of smoky red and black fruits as well as violets, pepper, and graphite notes. It's forward, charming, textured, and balanced, with plenty of classic Alban character. I'd be happy to drink it. |
|
|
2000 |
Reva Alban Estate Syrah |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2003): The saturated blue/purple-colored 2000 Syrah Reva Vineyard exhibits a slightly reduced nose, but with aeration of 60-90 minutes, glorious notes of blackberries, asphalt, singed leather, and wood emerge. Medium to full-bodied and moderately tannic, this young, unevolved, but promising 2000 will be at its finest between 2004-2015. |
|
|
2003 |
Reva Alban Estate Syrah Heavily Torn Label |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (8/2006): The sensational 2003 Syrah Reva Vineyard may be the finest example of this cuvee Alban has yet produced. Nearly endless depth as well as an extraordinarily flamboyant bouquet of blackberries, truffles, acacia flowers, and sweet tar emerge from this broad, opulent, full-bodied, incredibly rich Syrah. It is a stunning wine to drink over the next 12-15 years.
JD 97 (12/2011): An absolutely stunning, massive wine, the 2003 Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva is completely opaque purple in color and delivers unbelievably intense, rich aromatics of blackberry liqueur, smoked meat, asphalt, and spice cake on the nose. Full-bodied and powerful on the palate, with glass coating fruit and texture, but also brilliant balance, plenty of freshness, and a very long, decadent finish, this phenomenal wine has yet to hit full maturity, and given the wealth of fruit and balance, it should continue to shine for at least another decade.
VM 92-93 (8/2005): Good deep ruby. Knockout syrah aromas of black raspberry, bacon fat, asphalt, gunflint and smoked meat. Extraordinarily sweet and silky, with flamboyantly ripeflavors of black raspberry and smoked meat. This too is quite high in alcohol at 15.8% but has the material to carry it off. Finishes with fully ripe tannins. |
|
|
2010 |
Reva Alban Estate Syrah |
$125 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 95+ (8/2015): Coming from the coolest vintage on record at the time (before 2011), the 2010 Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard still hit 15.2% natural alcohol, of which it doesn't show a trace. Possessing the telltale Iodine and seaweed character this cuvee always shows, it has lots of darker fruits, smoked herbs, black olive and a touch of floral aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, concentrated, firm and structured, it's a serious, age-worthy wine from John that should be forgotten for 4-5 years. |
|
|
2011 |
Reva Alban Estate Syrah |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94-96 (8/2015): All of the 2011 Syrahs will be in bottle by the time you read this. The 2011 Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard offers a cool-climate, pretty and perfumed style to go with lots of pepper, violets, iodine and dark fruits, with just a hint of vanilla and oak. Full-bodied, fresh and lively, with bright acidity and fine tannin, it's a Northern Rhone look-alike that will have 15-20 years of longevity.
VM 92-94 (9/2015): Bright purple. Energetic black and blue fruit scents, with notes of olive paste and candied violet adding complexity. Shows very good focus and lift to its sweet boysenberry and cherry-cola flavors, gaining weight and sweetness with aeration. Finishes with excellent power and persistence, leaving peppery spice and cola notes behind. Quite Old World in style and structure, showing no excess fat or undue warmth. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2012 |
Reva Alban Estate Syrah |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (8/2016): There are 750 cases (which means good yields for John, although any normal person would call 1.5-1.75 tons per acre financial suicide) of the 2012 Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard, and it's a terrific vintage for this cuvee. Elegant, pretty, even finesse driven, with its classic marine and salty bouquet of smoke, purple fruits, olives and violets, this full-bodied Syrah has no hard edges, integrated acidity and a great finish. It's reasonably approachable now, but deserves 2-4 years of cellaring.
VM 93 (9/2016): (raised in French oak for 44 months) Bright violet. Ripe cherry, dark berries and a hint of fruitcake on the intensely perfumed nose, and a smoky mineral quality in the background. Sappy blackberry and cherry liqueur flavors gain depth and sweetness with air. Opens up and becomes spicier on the impressively persistent, dark-fruit-dominated finish, which features supple tannins and lingering smokiness. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2017 |
Reva Alban Estate Syrah Corroded Capsule |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (9/2021): The beautiful 2017 Syrah Reva has a more elegant, streamlined, layered style that's already drinking nicely. Ample red and black fruits, bacon fat, olive, violets, and briny mineral nuances all define this classic Alban Syrah, and it's full-bodied, with a seamless mouthfeel, impeccable balance, and ripe tannins. It's certainly the more discrete, understated red in the lineup, yet this is a wine that builds with time in the glass and has perfect tannins, a terrific sense of freshness, and a great finish. It will keep for 15+ years in cold cellars. |
|
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| 21 Grams |
2009 |
Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91+ (11/2012): Full ruby-red. Brooding, dark aromas of black cherry, raspberry, cola, licorice and brown spices. Lush on entry, then vinous and firm in the middle, with a strong acid spine currently keeping the wine's dark fruit flavors under wraps. The dusty, lightly saline, energetic finish features serious oak-driven tannins that will need bottle aging to harmonize. Lay this one down. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Alpha Omega |
2009 |
Krupp Brothers Vyd. Syrah |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Anakota |
2009 |
Helena Dakota Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 95 (1/2020): Deep garnet colored, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Dakota Vineyard explodes from the glass with wonderfully profound, expressive notions of baked plums, Black Forest cake, chargrill, molten rocks, tapenade and woodsmoke with nuances of dried flowers, bay leaves, truffles and unsmoked cigars. Full-bodied and firm, with fantastic freshness, the palate is laden with black fruit preserves and savory layers, finishing on a lingering savory note.
VM 93 (7/2019): Bright medium ruby. Musky aromas of blue and black fruits, violet, licorice and minerals, complicated by a liqueur-like suggestion and some sexy oak tones. Densely packed and fine-grained, conveying lovely inner-mouth mineral lift as well as a distinct thickness of texture to its flavors of dark fruits, spices and crushed rock. This wonderfully suave yet penetrating Cabernet offers a terrific combination of sweetness, vibrancy and definition. Finishes tactile and very long. Delicious! (14.5% alcohol) (Drink between 2019-2033). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2009 |
Helena Montana Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (10/2013): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana Vineyard comes across as one of the most tannic, backward wines I tasted from any of the four vintages I was looking at during my extensive trip to Napa Valley in late August and early September. Very extracted with high tannins (almost excessive), this 2009 is built like an old style Bordeaux with lots of red and black fruits, graphite and noticeable oak. Forget it for a long, long time. |
|
| Aratas |
2009 |
Napa Valley Petite Sirah |
$50 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Beringer |
2009 |
Lampyridae Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (5/2012): (from a 2001 planting; 85% new oak): Good deep ruby. Slightly medicinal aromas of cherry, licorice, minerals, fresh herbs and bitter chocolate. Very good stuffing and sweetness to the medicinal cassis, blackberry and dark chocolate flavors. Finishes with big, broad, dusty tannins. |
|
| Betz Family Winery |
2009 |
Chapitre 3 Syrah Signed Bottle |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2012): A bottling from selected barrels of Ciel du Cheval, Ranch at the End of the Road, and Boushey vineyards (such as was also rendered in 2005), Betz’s 2009 Syrah Chapitre 3 displays formidable tannins and a tight, almost tense character – flatteringly high glycerol notwithstanding – that easily explains why he didn’t release it until a year later than his other wines of this vintage. If the Cote Patriarche from this year merits my adjective “sinister,” this Chapitre 3 is playing bass notes way below the bar line. Blackberry and cassis mingle with soy, bitter chocolate, and charred roasted red meat. The berry juiciness here is strongly marked by bitterness of pit and invigorating crunch of seeds, contributing to a profound, reverberative finish at once brooding and energetically charged. This is going to be quite something to follow over the next ten or a dozen years. |
|
|
2009 |
La Cote Patriarche Syrah (1.5 L) Signed Bottle |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (10/2011): (from Red Willow Vineyard vines planted in 1986): Bright red-ruby. Wild, musky aromas of strawberry, flint, roasted meat, bacon fat, iodine and fresh blood. Lush and sweet in the mouth, with a wonderfully fine-grained texture that almost hides the wine's intensity and complexity today. The long, youthfully imploded finish features sweet tannins and a piquant note of white pepper. |
|
|
2009 |
La Cote Rousse Syrah |
$50 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (10/2011): (Aged in 50% new and 50% once-used barrels): Good bright medium ruby. Tight, pure aromas of black raspberry, strawberry, white pepper and flowers, complicated by a sexy apricot quality. Suave on entry, then spicy and aromatic in the middle, with firm acidity and a repeating note of white pepper contributing to the impression of sharp definition. This dense, supple wine is very long on the aftertaste. |
|
|
2009 |
La Cote Rousse Syrah (1.5 L) Signed Bottle |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (10/2011): (Aged in 50% new and 50% once-used barrels): Good bright medium ruby. Tight, pure aromas of black raspberry, strawberry, white pepper and flowers, complicated by a sexy apricot quality. Suave on entry, then spicy and aromatic in the middle, with firm acidity and a repeating note of white pepper contributing to the impression of sharp definition. This dense, supple wine is very long on the aftertaste. |
|
|
2009 |
La Serenne Syrah (1.5 L) Signed Bottle |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (10/2011): (100% Phelps clone, from Boushey Vineyard; the crop load was low in 2009 due to a poor set): Bright ruby-red. Pungent, musky aromas of blueberry, cocoa powder and flowers. Juicy and light on its feet, with lovely definition and grip to its berry and floral flavors. An intriguing wild streak runs through this wine from start to very long, firmly tannic finish. Not at all a thick style of syrah, but has the backbone to develop more nuance with bottle age. |
|
|
2009 |
Pere de Famille Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) Signed Bottle |
$135 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (8/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Pere de Famille is made up of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, and 8% Merlot aged for 16 months in 65% new French oak. Doing a fine impersonation of a classified growth Pauillac, it offers up a nose of sandalwood, Asian spices, incense, herbal notes, violets, black currants, and blackberry. This sets the stage for an already complex, elegant, smooth-textured, structured wine that will evolve for another 5-7 years. This lengthy, impressive effort will offer prime time drinking from 2016 to 2029. |
|
| Blankiet |
2009 |
Paradise Hills Vyd. Proprietary Blend Signed Bottle |
$165 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 96 (5/2015): (82% Cabernet Sauvignon): Good deep red-ruby. Captivating aromas of cassis, plum, mocha, smoke and wild herbs. Plush and seamless on the palate, with an element of soil-driven salinity complicating the rich fruit flavors of red and blackcurrant, mulberry and plum. In a warmer style at 14.9% alcohol but with so much mid-palate stuffing that it does not come off as alcoholic. The building tannins are sweet and even, allowing the wine's fruit to linger. A spectacular result for 2009: wonderfully harmonious, ripe and long. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 95 (10/2013): The 2009 Proprietary Red Paradise Hills Vineyard (81.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16.7% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that achieved 14.9% alcohol) exhibits a beautiful perfume of scorched earth, chocolate, espresso beans, creme de cassis, plums and Asian spices. Full-bodied, deep and just beginning to strut its stuff, with formidable tannins in the finish, it has 20-25 years of upside potential. |
|
| Bonny Doon |
2009 |
Le Cigare Volant Reserve en Bonbonne Red |
$50 |
5 |
|
| |
JD 92 (8/2017): More youthful than the classic cuvée (the only difference between the two however is the élevage), the 2009 Le Cigare Volant Reserve was aged 18 months in airtight glass jars before being bottled unfiltered. Notes of black pepper, violets, earth and some meatiness flow to a medium-bodied, elegant, nicely concentrated wine that shows lots of Syrah character and complexity. Drink it over the coming 6-7 years.
VM 91 (8/2015): Deep red. Smoke- and spice-accented aromas of dried cherry, redcurrant and lavender, with a hint of anise in the background. Smooth and broad on entry, then tighter in the middle, offering bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors that put on weight with aeration. The spicy quality comes back on a very long, sappy, penetrating finish that features fully resolved tannins and a whisper of spicecake. (Drink between 2018-2025). Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Booker Vineyard |
2009 |
Oublie Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 93 (12/2011): Possibly the most restrained of the lineup, the 2009 Booker Vineyard Oublie ("The Forgotten One") is a blend of 34% Grenache, 33% Counoise, and 33% Mourvedre that shows deep, earthy aromas of brambly black and blue fruits, toasted spice, asphalt, and licorice on the nose. Beautifully complex, with an almost Zinfandel like spice and bramble streak, this full-bodied, pure, and decadently textured red has beautiful freshness and focus, and a long, clean finish. There's solid ripeness here, but this grows on you and keeps you coming back for another glass. It will continue to shine for another 5-8 years easily.
VM 92 (11/2011): Vivid ruby. Red and dark berry aromas show impressive clarity, with notes of licorice, lavender and rose contributing complexity. Big and densely packed but light on its feet, offering intense raspberry, boysenberry and spice flavors. Juicy and precise on the finish, which clings with excellent tenacity. This wine's marriage of power and vivacity is impressive. Josh Raynolds.
WA 92 (8/2011): The 2009 Oublie is an unusual blend of equal parts Counoise, Grenache and Mourvedre. It is a gorgeous, sensual wine laced with ripe red fruit, dried herbs, flowers and spices. The layered, refined finish is especially beautiful. To be released in 2012. |
|
|
2009 |
Tempranillo |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (8/2011): The 2009 Tempranillo is impressive. Dark red fruit, flowers and spices come to life in this rich, textured red. The aromas and flavors caress the palate with considerable richness and depth. The finish is long and striking for its purity. The Tempranillo was aged in 80% new barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021.
VM 91 (10/2011): Deep ruby. Candied cherry, flowers, woodsmoke and cured tobacco on the assertively perfumed nose. Deep, broad and velvety, with impressive depth and sweetness to its cherry and cassis flavors. Picks up spiciness and notes of vanilla and bitter chocolate with air and finishes with excellent clarity and lingering spiciness. I like this wine's balance. |
|
|
2009 |
The Alchemist |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94 (8/2011): The 2009 Alchemist comes across as powerful, tightly coiled and quite inward. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot add considerable structure as layers of blue and black fruit saturate the palate. This is another powerful, long wine endowed with exceptional definition and a dark, brooding personality. In 2009 the blend is 65% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 10% Grenache. The wine saw 55% new barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024.
VM 92 (10/2011): (65% syrah, 15% cabernet sauvignon and 10% each of petit verdot and grenache): Deep, glass-staining ruby. A sexy, intensely perfumed bouquet evokes dark berry preserves, cherry-cola, Asian spices and violet. No way I'd have guessed that syrah was the dominant variety in this lively wine, and I mean that in a positive way. Lithe and precise, given its size, with pure black raspberry and floral pastille flavors that stain the palate. A pure and focused blend with seductive finishing florality and superb length. |
|
|
2009 |
Vertigo Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (8/2011): The 2009 Vertigo is another impeccable wine graced with exquisite silky red fruit, flowers and spices, all of which meld together seamlessly in this round, harmonious wine. The balance, length and elegance on the palate are first class from start to finish. In 2009 the blend is 48% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 17% Mourvedre, aged in 60% new French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.
VM 92 (10/2011): (48% grenache, 35% syrah and 17% mourvedre): Deep ruby. Sexy, palate-coating raspberry and blackberry flavors are complicated by Asian spices, smoke and cola. Broad, silky and alluringly sweet, with striking intensity to its deep red and dark fruit and candied rose flavors. Shows Outstanding energy and focus on the long, seamless, resoundingly spicy finish. |
|
| Bryant Family Vineyard |
2009 |
DB4 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$145 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2011): The 2009 DB 4 flows across the palate with heady notes of rose petals, sweet red berries and truffles. It is a gorgeous, totally sexy wine that captures the essence of the Bryant house style at a price that is affordable for mere mortals. Finessed, silky tannins grace the exceptional, polished finish. This is a terrific showing from Don Bryant and his team. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2021. |
|
| Bunnell Family Cellar |
2009 |
Lia |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 88 (6/2014): A blend of 28% Mourvedre, 28% Cinsault, 14% Syrah and the balance Petite Sirah, the 2009 Lia gives up loads of briar and bramble to go with notions of mulberry, cooked red and blackberry fruit, licorice and cedar. This medium to full-bodied, rounded, textured and delicious effort should be consumed over the coming couple of years. |
|
| Cadence |
2009 |
Bel Canto Red Mtn. Cara Mia Vyd. Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$100 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (12/2011): (80% cabernet franc, 10% merlot and 10% petit verdot): Bright ruby-red. Highly aromatic nose offers black fruits, licorice, bitter chocolate and Christmas spices. Then almost shockingly velvety on the palate, with an insinuating sweetness to the deep black fruit and violet flavors. Finishes spicy, violety and very long, with broad, building tannins that saturate the entire mouth. These wines are awfully impressive in the context of the vintage and seem set for a slow and graceful evolution in bottle. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2009 |
Camerata Cara Mia Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$110 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92+ (12/2011): (73% cabernet sauvignon and 9% each cabernet franc, merlot and petit verdot): Bright ruby-red. Claret-like aromas of currant, red cherry, flowers, minerals, licorice, cola and menthol. Juicy, spicy and pliant, with a silky texture and a medicinal reserve to the crushed cassis and spicecake flavors. Finishes with serious but sweet tannins and a wave of fruit. I might have guessed Saint-Julien in a blind tasting. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Cakebread Cellars |
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Carlisle |
2009 |
Cardiac Hill Syrah |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93+ (6/2011): Opaque purple. Smoky red and dark berry aromas are complemented by classic syrah notes of olive tapenade, minerals and black pepper. Tangy, spice-accented black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors are braced by dusty tannins and pick up an exotic violet note on the back end. Taut, focused and very fresh, finishing with excellent cut and peppery persistence. This is still a baby. This was also fermented with 40% whole clusters, said Officer. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 93 (2/2012): The 2009 Syrah Cardiac Hill is a gorgeous, thrilling wine laced with bacon fat, tapenade, savory herbs and plums. It possesses gorgeous aromatic delineation and fabulous length. The intense, mineral-drenched finish argues for cellaring the wine for at least another 2-3 years, but readers are going to have a very hard time keeping their hands off this gem. Cardiac Hill is a very cold site. The wine (100% Syrah) was vinified with 40% whole cluster and aged in French oak barrels, 27% new. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. |
|
|
2009 |
Pelkan Ranch Syrah |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (5/2011): Inky purple. Potent aromas of cassis, cherry liqueur, blueberry, exotic spices, violet and graphite. Incredibly deep, powerfully structured wine with sappy dark fruit flavors laced with espresso, violet, cola, star anise and cracked pepper. For all its power this wine comes across as almost racy, with wonderful lift and energy from bright, juicy acidity. The deep, sappy blackcurrant and blueberry flavors refuse to let up on the long, spicy finish. No stems were used here and the wine was raised in 50% new French barriques. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Caymus |
2009 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon |
$235 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Col Solare |
2009 |
Proprietary Red |
$65 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 93+ (6/2013): The most structured and tannic of the lineup and a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and a splash of Malbec that was harvested during the second week of September, the 2009 Col Solare obviously comes from a warm vintage. Offering up ripe, decadently styled aromas of blackberry, kirsch, licorice and classic Red Mountain crushed stone-like minerality (42% of the blend is from Red Mountain) on the nose, it is a big rich 2009 that has solid mid-palate depth and layers of fruit that only partially cover full-throttle tannin. Needing time to round into shape, it will benefit from another 2-3 years of bottle- age and have a solid 15+ years of overall longevity.
VM 92 (10/2025): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon wafts up with mentholated freshness, mixing balsamic-laced black cherries, clove and minty herbs. It's round and cooling on the palate, with tart red berry fruits and a subtle citrus tinge. This tapers off with a gentle tug of residual tannins and medium length, leaving a slight sour twang to resonate. (Drink between 2025-2030). Eric Guido. |
|
| Culler |
2009 |
Syrah |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Syrah Scuffed Label |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Dancing Hares |
2009 |
Proprietary Blend |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 94 (11/2013): The 2009 Dancing Hares Red Wine is deep, plush and inviting. Dark red berries, plums, smoke, tobacco, licorice and menthol all flesh out in the glass. Sensual and beautifully layered throughout, the 2009 is impeccable in its balance. It should be even better in another few years. The 2009 is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 6% Petit Verdot. Antonio Galloni.
WA 93 (10/2013): The 2009 Dancing Hares is a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot that spent 22 months in 90% new French oak. It exhibits a dark ruby/purple color, supple, sensual tannins and notes of incense, red and black currants, licorice, and hints of wet pebbles as well as baking spices. This attractive, medium to full-bodied red suggests a hypothetical blend of a top Bordeaux with the fruit intensity and purity of a high end Napa proprietary red. This beauty can be enjoyed now and over the next 15 years. |
|
| Den Hoed |
2009 |
Andreas Wallula Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$69 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 95 (6/2013): My favorite of these new releases, and possessing a fantastic mix of richness and structure, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Andreas is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 30 months in 90% new French oak. Featuring knockout richness and depth, this massively fruited, yet elegant effort offers up aromas of black currants, licorice, tobacco leaf, mint and mulled spices to go with an unctuous, chewy texture on the palate. Count me a fan of this big, rich, butremarkably balanced and fresh wine. There’s certainly some tannin present on the palate, but the overall impression here is one of polish and richness. Enjoy it over the coming decade or so. Drink now-2024+.
VM 90 (11/2013): Good full, bright ruby. Very ripe, savory aromas of dark cherry and bitter chocolate. Mellow and deep on the palate, showing an inviting nutty quality to the raspberry, redcurrant and plum fruit flavors. Finishes with broad, ripe tannins and noteworthy persistence. Offers a lovely balance between its body and its acid/tannin structure. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Donum |
2009 |
East Slope Pinot Noir |
$85 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Russian River Reserve Pinot Noir |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Doubleback |
2009 |
Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2012): Only around 30% of Bledsoe’s and Figgins’ 2009 Doubleback Cabernet Sauvignon – which incorporates 10% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot – is estate-grown, but that percentage is expected to double over the next three years, and eventually Bledsoe envisions an estate wine. Creme de cassis and jellied elderberry dominate the proceedings here, with a lovely but not overdone sense of sweetness, and inflected by hints of dried green herbs, cedar, and a welcome, soy-like saline savor that ensures a mouthwatering finish. While quite evident, the abundant tannins here are fine-grained and in no way disturb the impression of seamlessly pristine fruit. I suspect this will be worth following for at least the better part of a decade. |
|
| Efeste |
2009 |
Big Papa Cabernet Sauvignon Slightly Depressed Cork |
$60 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Ehlers Estate |
2009 |
1886 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Merlot |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Petit Verdot |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Epoch Estate Wines |
2009 |
Authenticity Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Paderewski Vyd. Block B Syrah |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Paderewski Vyd. Veracity Proprietary Blend |
$60 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (11/2011): (36% grenache, 32% mourvedre and 32% syrah, aged in 38% new French barrels and the rest in puncheons; 15.7% alcohol): Bright purple. Intensely perfumed aromas of blackberry, blueberry, anise and violet, with a touch of cinnamon in the background. Juicy, palate-staining red and dark berry flavors show excellent clarity and depth, with a suave floral pastille quality on the back half. The red fruit element carries through on the smooth, very long finish. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Etude |
2009 |
Estate Carneros Pinot Noir |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (5/2012): Slightly musky, brambly aromas of blueberry, cherry, strawberry and spices, complicated by a hint of dark chocolate. Supple and smooth but firmly built, with the dark fruit flavors joined by an intriguing earthy nuance. Finishes with tongue-dusting tannins and good structure. The cool 2009 growing season brought low yields here due to windy conditions during the flowering. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Force Majeure |
2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series I Red Wine |
$60 |
9 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2012): The Force Majeure 2009 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Collaboration Series I is a blend of two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon with, notes McBride a bit oddly, “healthy doses of P(etit) V(erdot) and Cabernet Franc for our take on ‘Left Bank’.” (That said, there is also a bit of Merlot.) In any case, it’s vinified by Ben Smith of Cadence, for more on whose attraction to Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot consult my notes on recent offerings from that winery. The herbaceous side of these cepages dominates in the nose, though in a pleasantly pungent and reasonably complex way. Mint, arbor vitae, and cassis take on a chocolate coating on the glycerol-rich palate, and this finishes with an admirable counterpoint – somehow avoiding too bifurcated a sense – between bittersweetly herbal and torrefied, confitured character. I wouldn’t have guessed that the barrels were 70% new, and there is what I like to think of as a Washington-typical energetic finishing ping. This ought to be worth following for at least the next half dozen years. |
|
|
2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series III Red Wine |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2012): The Force Majeure 2009 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Collaboration Series III employs four clones of Syrah and was vinified by Mark McNeilly (with his assistant Mike Macmorran) of the Mark Ryan winery, who chose to utilize just one-third new barriques, in which the wine finished its primary fermentation. Vanilla and marzipan lend a surprisingly confectionary cast on a glycerol-rich palate to an amalgam of cherry preserves and creme de cassis, happily underlain by suggestions of roasted red meats that lend saliva inducement and savory counterpoint in a lingering, luscious finish. I was surprised at the extent to which this reflected its oak component given the stated percentage of new wood; but it was on this occasion that I made the following important discovery: in Washington, when vintners speak of “neutral” barrels, they may well – as in this instance – be referring to barrels that have been used only once previously! My intuition suggests that this will be worth following for at least 5-7 years. |
|
|
2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series IV Red Wine |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 88 (12/2012): Force Majeure’s 2009 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Collaboration Series IV is dominated by Merlot (supported by 23% Cabernet Sauvignon plus smaller amounts of other Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) and vinified by Carolyn Lakewold of Donedei Wines, whose background and inspiration – accordingly to McBride and Johnson – is with Northern Italian wine (though I can’t say I would have detected this). At 13.8% alcohol this is intentionally significantly lighter than its Collaboration Series siblings, and the absence of press wine was evidently intended to enhance textural refinement and relative levity. The nose here, though, is exceedingly spirituous as well as torrefied, for an impression that resembles dried cherries macerated in cognac, kirsch, and chocolate syrup, characteristics that combine for an almost liqueur-like though texturally not notably alluring palate impression. Toasted praline, cocoa powder, and caramelized wood resin (from half-new French and American oak) combine with the desiccated manifestation of cherry for a finish that’s slightly drying despite its superficial sense of sweetness. I wouldn’t want to speculate on this wine’s aging potential except to say that – admittedly in lieu of any directly relevant experience – I am somewhat skeptical on that count. Certainly, though, this is striking stuff, and I’ve no doubt there will be those who find its personality more enticing than do I. |
|
|
2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series IV Red Wine |
$70 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 88 (12/2012): Force Majeure’s 2009 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Collaboration Series IV is dominated by Merlot (supported by 23% Cabernet Sauvignon plus smaller amounts of other Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) and vinified by Carolyn Lakewold of Donedei Wines, whose background and inspiration – accordingly to McBride and Johnson – is with Northern Italian wine (though I can’t say I would have detected this). At 13.8% alcohol this is intentionally significantly lighter than its Collaboration Series siblings, and the absence of press wine was evidently intended to enhance textural refinement and relative levity. The nose here, though, is exceedingly spirituous as well as torrefied, for an impression that resembles dried cherries macerated in cognac, kirsch, and chocolate syrup, characteristics that combine for an almost liqueur-like though texturally not notably alluring palate impression. Toasted praline, cocoa powder, and caramelized wood resin (from half-new French and American oak) combine with the desiccated manifestation of cherry for a finish that’s slightly drying despite its superficial sense of sweetness. I wouldn’t want to speculate on this wine’s aging potential except to say that – admittedly in lieu of any directly relevant experience – I am somewhat skeptical on that count. Certainly, though, this is striking stuff, and I’ve no doubt there will be those who find its personality more enticing than do I. |
|
|
2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series Reserve Syrah |
$60 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (6/2013): The 2009 Collaboration Series Reserve Syrah is similar to the 2005 and 2006 Reserve Syrahs with its up-front, sexy and almost slutty kirsch and blackberry liqueur-styled fruit, graphite, roasted meats, dried flowers and underbrush-like aromas and flavors. Despite the extended time in barrel, it remains supremely pure and fresh, which, let me tell you, is not always the case with wines that have spent over three years in barrel! Full-bodied, supple and hard to resist, with a core of sweet fruit, a layered, rich texture and a big finish, it is ready to go now and I see no reason to delay gratification. A decade or more of longevity is most likely on the conservative side. Drink now 2022. |
|
|
2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series Sangiovese |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series V Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 88 (12/2012): The 2009 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Collaboration Series V represents a self-described attempt by McBride and Johnson – in collaboration with Chris Gorman – to render a “head-turning wine” showcasing this vineyard’s oldest Cabernet vines. It’s all Cabernet Sauvignon, fermented as well as aged in all-new oak, and dominated by scents of flavors of creme de cassis, chocolate, vanilla, caramelized wood resin and banana oil. For as much as its scents are confectionary and torrefied, I expected a more superficially sweet palate impression, but any such tendency is checked by a very prominent mouthful of tannin, and this finishes with a slightly dry spot and considerable gum-numbing and chew. I hope it was just going through a tough patch when I tasted it, and I won’t try to forecast its future evolution on the basis of this one acquaintance, other than to express tentative skepticism. |
|
|
2009 |
Collaboration Series V Red Wine |
$70 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Frank Family |
2009 |
Carneros Pinot Noir |
$30 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 88 (12/2011): The 2009 Pinot Noir is an attractive wine laced with a typical Carneros expression of perfumed red fruit, spices and flowers. This fleshy, stylish Pinot will drink nicely for the next few years. (Drink between 2013-2016). Antonio Galloni.
BH 88 (5/2011): Dark ruby. Smoky, oak-spiced cherry and dark berries on the nose, with complicating notes of licorice and dried rose. Sappy and sweet, with slightly warm black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of smoked meat. Shows good depth and power but I'm not sure that I'd have guessed that this was pinot. Finishes broad and smooth, leaving a note of bitter chocolate behind. |
|
|
2009 |
Reserve Petite Sirah |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (12/2011): The 2009 Petite Sirah Reserve virtually oozes from the bottle with massive dark fruit, licorice, new leather and spices. It is a fairly domesticated Petite Sirah, but much of the richness has been achieved with a loss of varietal expression. This ripe, opulent wine should continue to drink well for at least a handful of years. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2009 |
Reserve Pinot Noir |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (12/2011): The 2009 Pinot Noir Reserve isn't appreciably better or more complex than the straight Pinot bottling, it's just bigger, richer and smokier. Personally I like the regular bottling more. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2009 |
Reserve Zinfandel |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (5/2012): Inky purple. Expressive, spice-accented aromas of black raspberry, cherry and sassafras, with smoke and cracked pepper nuances adding complexity. Juicy, open-knit and emphatically fruity, offering intense red and dark berry compote flavors sharpened and lifted by juicy acidity. Closes with good power and focus, leaving sappy blackberry and cherry notes behind. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2009 |
Zinfandel |
$25 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (5/2012): Opaque purple. A complex, heady bouquet evokes candied dark berries, vanilla and mocha, with a spicy topnote. Lush and expansive, offering gently sweet, oak-spiced cassis and blueberry flavors that gain energy in the glass. In a plush, polished style, finishing with smooth tannins and lingering spiciness. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Futo |
2009 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$209 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Gorman |
2009 |
The Bully Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (12/2012): Blended with a manifestly potent 10-15% of Petit Verdot (the stats he handed me differed from those on his web site), Gorman’s Red Mountain 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon The Bully was, like most of his reds, aged for 21 months in 100% new barriques, and you certainly can’t claim that there is too little vinous stuff here to have stood up to that regimen! Stewed and confitured black fruits are mingled with roasted beet, toasted walnut, vanilla, and pencil lead. Massive and tannic even as it is extremely sweetly fruited, this finishes with a lick of mouthwatering salinity and a Washington-typical twang to its amped-up guitar. There being no wine-sensing equivalent of ear plugs, some tasters are forewarned and others – I trust you’ll know who you are – will be more profoundly moved than this one. I really hope I can revisit this in a few years but I’m not able to predict the direction it’s headed. |
|
| Gramercy Cellars |
2009 |
Lagniappe Syrah |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (6/2012): Showing even better from bottle than barrel (or, said in another way, I under rated it), the 2009 Gramercy Cellars Syrah "Lagniappe" (100% Syrah fermented with 15% whole cluster) is a smoking Syrah that shows the cooler-climate side to Washington State Syrah. Meaty, gamey, and complex, with loads of sweet raspberry and blackberry fruit, ground pepper, smoked meats, lavender, and wild herb like aromas on the nose, it is medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a layered texture, juicy acidity, and a round, seamless, and surprisingly supple profile. It’s impressive now, yet will be even better in 3-4 years, and drink well for 12-15. |
|
| Grgich Hills |
2009 |
Miljenko’s Old Vine Zinfandel |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Hanna |
2009 |
Bismark Mountain Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Scuffed Label |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Hayfork |
2009 |
Lewelling Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Lewelling Ranch is a bold, juicy wine bursting with blackberries, blueberries, flowers and mint. It shows gorgeous balance in an overt, forward style best suited for drinking over the near and mid term. Layers of flavor build to the effortless, textured finish. The 2009 is 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot that spent 19 months in French oak barrels, 70% new. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2019. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Hidden Ridge |
2009 |
Impassable Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$150 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Paul Hobbs |
2009 |
Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (6/2012): Inky purple. High-pitched aromas of red- and blackcurrant, Indian spices and potpourri, with hint of vanilla lending depth. Bright and focused on the palate, offering intense dark berry and bitter cherry flavors that expand and gain sweetness with air. Soft tannins come on late and add shape to the very long, spicy, seamless finish. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2009 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$249 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (7/2019): Saturated red-ruby. Licorice, black cherry, red- and blackcurrant, sexy soil tones and violet on the nose; conveys a strong impression of site character. Densely packed, full and youthful, conveying strong inner-mouth lift but still a bit monolithic and in need of patience. The wine's inky dark fruit, spice and graphite flavors are firm but not at all hard or spiky. Made from vines picked on the late side, this big boy may not be as graceful as the 2010 but its firm tannic structure should ensure a long, slow evolution. And this classically dry Cabernet boasts excellent definition and inner-mouth tension. Give this wine some time in a decanter if you plan to open a bottle anytime soon. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2009 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$499 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (7/2019): Saturated red-ruby. Licorice, black cherry, red- and blackcurrant, sexy soil tones and violet on the nose; conveys a strong impression of site character. Densely packed, full and youthful, conveying strong inner-mouth lift but still a bit monolithic and in need of patience. The wine's inky dark fruit, spice and graphite flavors are firm but not at all hard or spiky. Made from vines picked on the late side, this big boy may not be as graceful as the 2010 but its firm tannic structure should ensure a long, slow evolution. And this classically dry Cabernet boasts excellent definition and inner-mouth tension. Give this wine some time in a decanter if you plan to open a bottle anytime soon. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Hobel Wine Works |
2009 |
Engelhard Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Inglenook |
2009 |
Rubicon Rutherford Red Wine |
$109 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2012): A big, imposing wine, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Rubicon is going to need some time to shed its tannin and baby fat. There is plenty of weight and gravitas in the glass. Smoke, tar, chocolate, licorice and dark red raspberries are all woven into the virile, authoritative finish. In 2009 the blend is 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. (Drink between 2017-2029) |
|
| Januik |
2009 |
Reserve Red Wine (1.5 L) |
$125 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (11/2012): Good bright ruby-red. Subdued but pure nose hints at black cherry. Very silky on entry, then concentrated, serious and suave in the middle, with supple flavors of dark plum and cassis complicated by cocoa powder and sexy chocolatey oak. Finishes with ripe, pliant tannins and lovely lingering sweetness. Attractive already but has the structure to age. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| James Johnson Vineyard |
2009 |
Bisou Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (12/2011): Ripe, silky tannins frame an expressive core of dark red fruit, flowers, mint and sweet spices in the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Bisou. The 2009 shows the typical flavor profile of this site, but with more volume and depth than has often been the case. All of the aromas and flavors build effortlessly to the rich, creamy finish. (Drink between 2013-2021). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Juslyn |
2009 |
Perry’s Blend Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (10/2013): A sexy, upfront, lush, opulently-styled effort, the 2009 Perry’s Blend Estate is a 440-case blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. This crowd-pleaser boasts medium to full body, a dense plum/purple color, and sweet black raspberry and blueberry fruit intermixed with notions of flowers, espresso and white chocolate. Enjoy this stunning red wine over the next 10-15 years.
VM 92 (12/2012): The 2009 Red Blend Perry's Blend impresses for its silky fruit and sensual, totally inviting personality. Freshly cut flowers, spices and raspberries all meld together in this graceful, medium-bodied wine. All the elements are very nicely balanced, while the Spring Mountain tannins are largely tamed. The 2009 is 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 23% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. (Drink between 2014-2024). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2009 |
Spring Mountain Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (10/2013): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, is one of my favorite wines from this area of Napa Valley. It offers lots of red, blue and black fruits intermixed with a floral component as well as sweet tannin. Combining the gorgeous ripeness and abundant fruit of Napa Cabernet with a Bordeaux-like tannic structure, this young 2009 is still an infant, but it can be enjoyed now, although another 4-6 years of bottle age will improve it even more. It is capable of lasting two more decades. |
|
| K Vintners |
2009 |
The Hidden Syrah |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| KaDieM |
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Kenefick Ranch |
2009 |
Pickett Road Red Wine |
$59 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Kosta Browne |
2009 |
Amber Ridge Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92+ (6/2011): Deep ruby. More musky and powerful than the Keefer Ranch bottling, showing dark berry and cherry character and notes of smoked meat and mocha. Broad, chewy and powerful, offering rich cherry compote and black raspberry flavors and a note of bitter chocolate. Quite a bit richer than the excellent 2008, which is lovely right now, by the way. Finishes on a sneaky note of candied rose, with solid punch. Give this some time in bottle. |
|
|
2009 |
Rosella’s Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$123 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (6/2011): Vivid ruby. Expressive aromas of raspberry, strawberry, blood orange and sexy oak spices. Concentrated and lush, with spicy red fruit and candied rose flavors framed but not overwhelmed by smoky oak. Shows very good balance and finishes bright and sappy, with supple tannins and lingering floral character. |
|
| Larkmead Vineyards |
2009 |
Firebelle Red Wine |
$65 |
12 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (12/2011): The 2009 Firebelle is 53% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc. Dark red fruit, flowers, spices and licorice are some of the many notes that emerge from this impeccable, totally classy wine. It can be enjoyed now, but there is more than enough freshness to allow the wine to age gracefully for a number of years. Darker notes of tar and iron add considerable depth and muscle to the finish. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2009 |
LMV Salon Proprietary Blend |
$145 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (12/2012): Larkmead’s 2009 Proprietary Red Wine LMV Salon is distinguished for its centeredness, focus and minerality. Graphite, smoke, plums, red cherries and tobacco are all woven together beautifully here. The 2009 is rich, layered and sensual, but with more than enough structure to support aging. Sweet floral notes and a burst of juicy red berries add complexity on the finish. The 2009 is 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc, 16% Malbec and 5% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.
VM 94 (5/2012): (63% cabernet sauvignon, 16% each cabernet franc and malbec, and 5% merlot; aged in 77% new oak): Bright ruby-red. Minerally, gravelly aromas of blackcurrant, graphite, licorice and sexy toasty oak. Sweet, suave and utterly seamless on the palate but at the same time juicy and well-delineated. Very long, building, chocolatey finish shows powerful but well-integrated dusty tannins. Both this wine and the 2009 Solari were made from crop levels in the range of two tons per acre, according to winemaker Andy Smith. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Lewis Cellars |
2009 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Linne Calodo |
2009 |
Outsider |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (8/2011): The 2009 Outsider is a rich, sensual wine bursting with fruit. It reveals marvelous depth and balance. Layers of dark fruit, menthol and mint wrap around the intense finish. I especially like the pliancy and generosity here. Outsider is 78% Zinfandel and 20% Syrah and 2% Mourvèdre. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2009 |
Overthinker |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Problem Child |
$50 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2011): The 2009 Problem Child shows off gorgeous inner perfume, juicy red cherries, menthol and licorice, all of which come together beautifully in this gorgeous wine. The intensity of the fruit flows gracefully to the striking, inviting finish. There is weightless, transparent quality along with expressive aromatics that makes this a totally beguiling wine. The blend is 76% Zinfandel, 15% Syrah and 9% Mourvedre. The unique qualities of Zinfandel add considerable character to this unique, gorgeous red. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. |
|
|
2009 |
Sticks and Stones |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (8/2011): The 2009 Sticks and Stones is a gorgeous wine laced with fragrant red cherries, plums, flowers, spices and sweet herbs, all of which come together beautifully. Soft and textured throughout, the 2009 Sticks and Stones shows gorgeous length and an attractive, open-knit personality. Bright red fruit notes reappear on the finish. In 2009 the blend is 64% Grenache, 29% Mourvèdre and 7% Syrah. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Long Shadows Wineries |
2009 |
Chester Kidder Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (6/2013): A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Syrah, 17% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc that spent 30 months in 100% new French oak, the 2009 Red Wine Chester-Kidder is made by Long Shadow’s manager, Gilles Nicault, and comes from a variety of vineyards in the Columbia Valley. A big, rich wine that does everything right, it has an inky purple color to go with intense creme de cassis, raspberry, toast and spiced meat aromas on the nose. Surprisingly polished and supple on the palate, with juicy acidity, it has layers of fruit, a medium to full-bodied texture and serious length on the finish. Enjoy it over the coming 10-12 years. Drink now-2025. |
|
|
2009 |
Pedestal Merlot |
$60 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2012): (83% merlot, 12% cabernet sauvignon and 5% malbec): Bright ruby-red. Very ripe aromas of black cherry, melted licorice and minerals. Sweet, ripe and strong, with a distinctly sappy quality to its black cherry and sexy oak flavors. This struck me as more masculine than the 2008 version and every bit as fresh--and in need of longer bottle aging. Finishes classically dry and long, with solid backbone. |
|
|
2009 |
Pedestal Merlot (1.5 L) |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2012): (83% merlot, 12% cabernet sauvignon and 5% malbec): Bright ruby-red. Very ripe aromas of black cherry, melted licorice and minerals. Sweet, ripe and strong, with a distinctly sappy quality to its black cherry and sexy oak flavors. This struck me as more masculine than the 2008 version and every bit as fresh--and in need of longer bottle aging. Finishes classically dry and long, with solid backbone. |
|
|
2009 |
Pirouette Red Wine |
$59 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 93+ (12/2012): (58% cabernet sauvignon, 27% merlot, 12% cabernet franc and 3% malbec; 15% alcohol): Deep, bright medium ruby. Ripe, inviting aromas of cassis, black raspberry, blackberry and black licorice. Large-scaled, sweet and rich; wonderfully glossy in the mouth, with concentrated dark fruit flavors complemented by a strong element of sweet oak. This big boy finishes with lovely lingering perfume, excellent length and terrific tannic grip. This wine fermented in 400-liter wood barrels with wild yeasts. Today, this joint project of Augustin Huneeus Sr. and Philippe Melka is my early favorite among these 2009s. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2009 |
Pirouette Red Wine (1.5 L) |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93+ (12/2012): (58% cabernet sauvignon, 27% merlot, 12% cabernet franc and 3% malbec; 15% alcohol): Deep, bright medium ruby. Ripe, inviting aromas of cassis, black raspberry, blackberry and black licorice. Large-scaled, sweet and rich; wonderfully glossy in the mouth, with concentrated dark fruit flavors complemented by a strong element of sweet oak. This big boy finishes with lovely lingering perfume, excellent length and terrific tannic grip. This wine fermented in 400-liter wood barrels with wild yeasts. Today, this joint project of Augustin Huneeus Sr. and Philippe Melka is my early favorite among these 2009s. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Mayacamas Vineyards |
2009 |
Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 96 (2/2023): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a potent, heady wine. Dark fruit, plum, mocha, licorice, gravel and incense are all amplified. At 13 years of age, the 2009 retains tons of baby fat and intensity. I would consider cellaring it for a few years, as there is a lot of wine here. This unctuous, flamboyant style is a bit shocking to be honest, and yet it works so well. (Drink between 2022-2043). Antonio Galloni.
WA 92 (12/2023): This year's library release is the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, which still retains a vibrant dark garnet hue in the glass. On the nose, it offers up notes of dusty earth, slightly attenuated cassis and pie cherries, plus some attractive herbal nuances. It's medium-bodied and streamlined in shape on the palate, weighing in at just 13.25% alcohol, with a tart, lingering finish and just a dusting of fine tannins. It's an old-school style, very distinct from the ripe, plush wines that have largely taken over Napa Valley today, but it should still have plenty of fans.
JD 91 (12/2023): Coming from a cooler year, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon has a Bordeaux-like vibe in its red and darker, almost blue fruits as well as floral and herbal, cedary undertones. Clearly mature, yet with plenty of life ahead of it, this medium-bodied, charming, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon shines for its complexity, balance, and nuance. Enjoy bottles over the coming 10-12+ years. (Drink between 2023-2035). |
|
| Maybach |
2009 |
Materium Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 94 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Materium is a gorgeous, polished wine graced with exquisite detail, clarity and focus. Tobacco, cedar and sweet spices add complexity to the fruit in this powerful, expressive 2009. Layers of dark red fruit, mocha and mint wrap around the striking, seamless finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2019.
VM 92-95 (6/2011): Full ruby-red. Reticent, subtle nose hints at cassis, tar, licorice pastille and smoke; conveys a darker quality than the 2008. Dense, backward and deep, with black fruit and licorice flavors showing an almost grapey primary character today. Focused, structured and tannic wine, extremely unevolved today. Seems less sweet than the 2008. Hard to taste now but this is likely to be long-lived. Winemaker Thomas Brown told me that the wine has been racked just twice to this point and will be bottled in June. |
|
| Peter Michael Winery |
2009 |
Les Pavots Proprietary Blend |
$169 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (2/2012): The 2009 Les Pavots is absolutely fabulous. Mocha, espresso, spices, plums and blackberries are just some of the many notes that jump from the glass in this seamless, striking wine. The 2009 boasts exceptional textural finesse and tremendous class. In 2009 Les Pavots includes 22% Cabernet Franc, one of the highest percentages ever. It all works beautifully. The 2009 is firing on all cylinders. All of the vineyards in Les Pavots are now over 20 years old. In 2009 the blend is 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2024.
VM 94 (5/2012): (a blend of 66% cabernet sauvignon, 22% cabernet franc, 10% merlot and 2% petit verdot): Opaque ruby. Pungent, assertive aromas of dried cherry, cassis, pipe tobacco, vanilla and woodsmoke, with a sexy floral accent emerging with air. Juicy and sharply focused, offering bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors brightened by a spicy element. Fine-grained tannins add shape and gentle grip to the very long, appealingly sweet finish. There are 3,500 cases of this wine to go around from the 2009 vintage. |
|
| Ch. Ste. Michelle |
2009 |
Austral Wahluke Slope Red Wine |
$15 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Cold Creek Vyd. Red Wine |
$15 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Ethos Reserve Syrah |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (11/2012): Saturated dark ruby. Port-like ripeness to the aromas of black cherry, licorice, clove and violet. Suave on entry, then quite savory in the middle, with lightly saline flavors of black fruits, licorice and chocolate lifted by slightly elevated acidity. This seamless, concentrated syrah finishes with dusty, ripe, chocolatey tannins that call for a year or two of patience. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Ch. Montelena |
2009 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Morlet Family Vineyards |
2009 |
Passionnement Cabernet Sauvignon |
$179 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94+ (7/2019): Bright ruby-red. Aromas of cassis, black cherry, violet and licorice, with an emerging note of black pepper; lovely perfume. Plush, fine-grained and sweet, with flavors of black fruits, violet and graphite minerality dominating. Not quite as pliant or harmonious as the Coeur de Vallee but very long and firm on the rising aftertaste, with firm but noble tannins ensuring a continued slow evolution in bottle. This very concentrated, densely packed wine possesses very good energy but still conveys an element of medicinal reserve and needs patience. No, this boasts terrific energy and precision. (15.2% alcohol) Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Mount Eden Vineyards |
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$145 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (11/2013): Deep ruby. Powerful, smoke-accented cherry and blackcurrant aromas are energized by zesty minerals, picking up pipe tobacco, cedar and dried rose nuances with air. Fleshy and broad but focused too, offering intense dark berry flavors and a suggestion of bitter chocolate. A sweet vanilla quality rounds out the impressively persistent finish, which shows superb clarity and solid but well-knit tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Myriad |
2009 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (5/2012): (a blend of four Darnajou and two Taransaud barrels): Bright deep ruby. Aromas of cassis, blackberry, licorice and cocoa powder. Extremely primary and dense, with a salty complexity to the rich flavors of crushed berries, violet and bitter chocolate. Big, rich and tactile wine, finishing with serious but noble tannins and a lingering note of dark chocolate. A bit lower in pH than the Georges III but every bit as sexy today in spite of its youth. |
|
|
2009 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon Scuffed Label |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (5/2012): (a blend of four Darnajou and two Taransaud barrels): Bright deep ruby. Aromas of cassis, blackberry, licorice and cocoa powder. Extremely primary and dense, with a salty complexity to the rich flavors of crushed berries, violet and bitter chocolate. Big, rich and tactile wine, finishing with serious but noble tannins and a lingering note of dark chocolate. A bit lower in pH than the Georges III but every bit as sexy today in spite of its youth. |
|
|
2009 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$250 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (5/2012): (a blend of four Darnajou and two Taransaud barrels): Bright deep ruby. Aromas of cassis, blackberry, licorice and cocoa powder. Extremely primary and dense, with a salty complexity to the rich flavors of crushed berries, violet and bitter chocolate. Big, rich and tactile wine, finishing with serious but noble tannins and a lingering note of dark chocolate. A bit lower in pH than the Georges III but every bit as sexy today in spite of its youth. |
|
|
2009 |
Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (7/2019): Healthy ruby-red. Red and dark fruits, tobacco leaf, wild herbs, black pepper, mocha and sweet oak on the nose; conveys a distinctly leafy/menthol Cabernet Sauvignon element. Savory and moderately sweet on the palate, offering a refined texture and a blend of sweet red and darker fruit and chocolate flavors. A bit more chocolatey and less herbal in the mouth than on the nose, but with a faint peppery quality and lively framing acidity giving the wine a refreshing juiciness. This youthful midweight conveys accurate varietal character and energy, finishing with firm but rather suave tannins and no rough edges. Like the Dr. Crane, this vineyard is owned by the Beckstoffer family. (14.8% alcohol) (Drink between 2020-2032). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Notre Vin |
2009 |
Howell Mountain Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| O'Shaughnessy |
2009 |
Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 94 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder is impeccable from start to finish. It shows marvelous detail and completeness in its perfumed red berries, mint, flowers and licorice. Tar, ash and a host of other darker nuances add considerable complexity. This is a marvelous showing. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.
VM 93+ (5/2012): (100% cabernet sauvignon): Good bright ruby-red. Slightly higher-toned on the nose than the Howell Mountain offering, with sexy oak spices lifting aromas of blackberry, black cherry, licorice and bitter chocolate. Offers noteworthy intensity to its dusty spice and blackberry flavors. Fatter and sweeter than the Howell Mountain bottling. Finishes with lovely ripe tannins and building length. The tannins here make those of the Howell Mountain come off as a bit clenched. This is excellent. |
|
| Outpost |
2009 |
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 93 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a very typical wine from this appellation. Spices, grilled herbs and new leather add considerable complexity to the dark fruit. I especially admire the finesse and fabulous overall sense of harmony here. This is a highly representative Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.
VM 90-93 (6/2011): Good ruby-red. Subdued but pure aromas of dark berries, violet and licorice; smells serious! Then dense, thick, rich and deep in the mouth, with dark flavors of cassis, blackberry, licorice and menthol. Boasts a large structure, with the rather powerful tongue-dusting tannins arriving early. This youthfully medicinal, classic Howell Mountain cabernet will need at least five years of cellaring upon its release. |
|
|
2009 |
True Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$150 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 95 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard is a much more opulent wine that in many ways is less typical of Howell Mountain. It is an especially seamless Cabernet Sauvignon loaded with dark fruit, flowers and mint, all of which are supported by insistent veins of minerality. All of the flavors build effortlessly to the muscular, inviting finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021.
VM 93-95 (6/2011): Good ruby-red. Complex, musky aromas of plum, redcurrant, smoked meat, mint, chocolate, dried flowers and wild herbs; conveys a strong rocky quality. Then rich, fat, sweet and seamless, with the impression of wildness carrying through on the palate. The big, building tannins reach the incisors, but here they are suaver and finer-grained than those of the basic Outpost cabernet. Finishes very long, with a savory minerality and a lovely light touch. Offers terrific potential. |
|
| Paloma |
2009 |
Palomita Hamilton Vyd. Syrah |
$40 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Peirson Meyer |
2009 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Signed Bottle |
$59 |
4 |
|
| |
VM 95+ (12/2012): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is typical of the year in this part of Napa Valley, where the wines are rich, broad and voluminous. Less floral and refined today than the 2008, the 2009 is built on a serious core of deep, expressive fruit. Juicy dark raspberries, flowers, spices and mint are layered into the generous finish. The 2009 could use another year in bottle to shed some baby fat, but it is exceptionally beautiful and polished, even today. There is so much hidden potential here.
WA 88 (10/2013): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits the vintage’s chunky, monolithic, tannic style with notes of dark fruits, white chocolate and earthy undertones. It will be even better with a few more years of bottle age, and should keep for 12-15 years. |
|
| Pott |
2009 |
Her Majesty’s Secret Service Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (5/2012): Bright medium ruby. Currant, spicecake, tobacco and loam on the complex, musky nose. At once smooth and juicy, rich and saline, with strong soil tones complicated by dark berry fruit. Lovely sophisticated claret-like texture and weight. The broad finish features dusty, fine-grained tannins and excellent subtle length. |
|
| Quilceda Creek |
2009 |
Galitzine Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 96 (6/2013): Also incredibly concentrated, with burly structure and a mountain of tannin, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard (99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot) delivers a seriously intense array of blackberry and kirsch-styled fruit, licorice, charcoal and spice box on both the nose and palate. Aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak and a big, broad shouldered, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, it possesses a rocking mid-palate and fabulous length on the finish. Really showing the power of its Red Mountain terroir, it needs 4-5 years of bottle age to become civilized and will have decades of evolution. Drink 2017-2034.
VM 94+ (11/2012): (includes 1% merlot): Bright medium ruby. Cassis aroma lifted by sandalwood. Densely packed and intense, with terrific energy to its chewy flavors of dark berries, licorice pastille and minerals. Less plush and harmonious today than the estate's flagship cabernet but this superconcentrated wine (made from a yield of just 1.5 tons per acre, according to Paul Golitzin) boasts a serious tannic spine and great energy and length. Should be the best release for this bottling. It's blacker than the cabernet and less seamless today but I would not bet against this chewy bottling in the long run. |
|
|
2009 |
Palengat Proprietary Blend |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (6/2013): Much more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated, the 2009 Palengat (86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 6% Merlot) shows the warmer vintage with ripe red and black fruit, licorice, roasted meat and hints of singed herbs on the nose. Fantastically polished on the palate, with silky tannin, full-bodied richness and a layered mouthfeel, it is a knockout effort that will have 15-20 years of prime drinking. Drink now-2029.
VM 93 (12/2012): Good full ruby. Aromas of blackcurrant and licorice. Rich, deep and concentrated, with an almost Kahlua-like liqueur quality to its dense, exotic flavors of cassis, dark chocolate, mocha and orange peel. Very rich blend with an impressively long finish featuring fine tannins and hints of licorice pastille, dark berries, sexy Taransaud spices and black walnut. From vines planted at 3 x 6 feet, according to Paul Golitzin, "about as dense as it gets in this state." |
|
| Quivet Cellars |
2009 |
Hulda Block Las Madres Vyd. Syrah |
$36 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Ramey |
2009 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (4/2013): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent choice for readers who want to drink a Ramey wine without waiting the decade or so it takes most of his wines to truly open up. Dark red berries, savory herbs, mint and licorice all jump from the glass. A large-scaled, voluptuous wine, the 2009 is juicy, expressive and wonderfully resonant. Layers of fruit continue to build to the rich, enveloping finish. The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is quite a mouthful! Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. |
|
| Rasa Vineyards |
2009 |
In Order to Form a More Perfect Union |
$69 |
5 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (6/2012): The first vintage for this wine and a blend of 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and 23% Cabernet Franc that was aged in 60% new French oak, the 2009 Rasa Vineyards In Order to Form a More Perfect Union delivers spectacular aromatics, a seamless, full-bodied texture, and blockbuster length on the finish. Showing notes of crème de cassis, tobacco, charred toast, sweet oak, and spice cabinet on the nose, this stays gorgeously light, elegant, and fresh on the palate, while at the same time showing fantastic intensity, a concentrated mid-palate, and ripe tannin that emerges with more time in the glass. This is impressive any way you slice it, and while it is no doubt a spectacular drink now, it deserves 4-5 years of bottle age, and should keep for upwards of two decades. |
|
|
2009 |
Plus One Kiona Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (6/2012): Showing superb Cabernet character, as well as the minerality and tannin structure of Red Mountain, the 2009 Rasa Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Plus One Kiona Vineyard is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and was aged half in new French oak, and half in neutral barrel. It exhibits classic Cabernet aromas of black currant and creamy blackberry styled fruit that’s intermixed with notions of freshly crushed stone, roasted meats, sweet oak, and spice box on the nose. This flows to a full-bodied, gorgeously proportioned wine that has fantastic concentration, a layered, seamless texture, and building tannin that emerges with time in the glass. There’s plenty of structure here; give bottles 3-4 years in the cellar, and then plan on drinking over the following 15+ years. |
|
|
2009 |
Principia Reserve Syrah |
$79 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (6/2012): The estate’s top Syrah and sourced from a number of top vineyards, the 2009 Rasa Vineyards Syrah Principia Reserve, aged mostly in neutral French oak, is pure and decadently fruited, with brilliant aromas of crème de cassis, smoked blackberry, truffle, sweet oak, and creamy licorice on the nose. These qualities carry over to the palate where the wine is full-bodied and powerful, with a concentrated mid-palate, a rich, full texture, and ripe, polished tannin that frames the finish. Overall, blockbuster stuff that is already complex and approachable. Nevertheless, it should ideally be given 2-3 years of bottle age, and then consumed over the following decade or longer. |
|
| Realm |
2009 |
The Bard Proprietary Blend |
$100 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2011): The 2009 The Bard is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with a dash (7%) of Petit Verdot. It possesses striking inner perfume and dazzling richness in its fruit, with layers of flavor that build effortlessly to the textured, vivid finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. |
|
|
2009 |
The Tempest Proprietary Blend |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (5/2012): (53% merlot, 42% cabernet franc and 5% petit verdot): Good full ruby-red. Aromas of black fruits, minerals, licorice and spicy oak. Dense, bright and concentrated, with a slightly high-toned character to the rather plush flavors of cassis and bitter chocolate. A bit youthfully medicinal today, not particularly sweet but structured to age. A step up in depth and structure from the Bard and the Falstaff bottlings, combining the texture of merlot with the firm spine of cabernet. |
|
| Rhys |
2009 |
Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 94 (8/2011): The 2009 Pinot Noir Family Farm is one of the more delicate, ethereal wines in the lineup. Fermentation with 100% whole clusters gives the Family Farm a distinctly floral bouquet and graceful fruit. It is an impeccably elegant wine from start to finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2019.
VM 93 (6/2011): Bright red. Perfumed aromas of raspberry preserves, Asian spices and rose oil, along with a hint of mocha. Sappy, penetrating and fresh, with juicy red berry and cherry flavors, silky texture and a late kick of spices. Open-knit and very easy to drink, finishing with impressive clarity and lingering red fruit notes.
BH 91 (10/2011): (from San Mateo County fruit; 13.4%). Distinct floral and spice notes add nuance to the elegant and airy red berry fruit aromas that lead to rich, supple and forward middle weight flavors that possess fine detail and purity to the delicious and beautifully long finish. Among the Rhys wines, the Family Farm and Skyline Vineyards are those which are built more along the lines of finesse than power. Drink 2015+. Outstanding! |
|
| Rivers Marie |
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is a gorgeous, rich wine layered with mint, tobacco, spices, cedar and licorice. It shows gorgeous textural depth and tons of aromatic nuances. This is a fabulous wine loaded with class and personality. It isn’t the biggest wine here, but it is exceptionally polished. Wow! Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. |
|
|
2009 |
Corona Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$90 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Roberto Corona Vineyard, from a site on the Oakville bench, is the richest of these 2009 Cabernets from Rivers-Marie. It bursts from the glass with jammy, opulent fruit and a big, full-bodied personality. Blue and black fruit, mint, licorice and sweet spices wrap around the finish. The 100% new oak comes through here. I am not sure this wine needs all the oak and makeup. There is plenty of pedigree already. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. |
|
| Round Pond |
2009 |
Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (5/2013): Thomas Brown is the consulting winemaker here): Good deep ruby-red. Cherry, redcurrant, mocha, tobacco, menthol and loam on the nose. Chewy and rich, with a slightly medicinal cast but good fat to the mid-palate fruit. Finishes with broad, youthfully aggressive tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Rudius |
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$49 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (5/2012): Good dark red. Vibrant nose offers cassis, blueberry, licorice, coffee and cocoa powder lifted by a violet topnote. Supple, pliant and fruit-driven, with enticing sweetness to the pure flavors of dark berries and chocolatey oak. At once livelier and more generous than the 2008 version, offering considerable early appeal. This seamless cabernet finishes with dusty tannins and lovely chocolatey persistence. |
|
| Mark Ryan |
2009 |
Dead Horse Red Wine |
$51 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2012): The Mark Ryan 2009 Dead Horse blends with its Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Cabernet Franc, 11% Malbec, 8% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot, enlisting four-year-old vines in as yet little-known but superbly-situated Obelisco Vineyard to supplement fruit from its tongue-in-cheek namesake (Ciel du Cheval) and Klipsun. Cassis, cedar, and dark tobacco inform the nose as well as a palpably dense, subtly chewy and vivaciously juicy palate. A briny, mineral and at the same time sweetly savory suggestion of anchovy paste adds irresistibly saliva-inducing savor to the long finish of this impeccably balanced bottling that ought to be worth following for at least ten or a dozen years. |
|
|
2009 |
Long Haul Red Wine |
$51 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2012): Mark Ryan’s 2009 Long Haul – sourced from Klipsun and Ciel du Cheval with some Stillwater Creek in a supporting role – blends 27% Cabernet Franc, 8% Malbec, and a jot of Petit Verdot with its Merlot. Profuse bittersweet floral perfume and black fruits make for an alluring aromatic display and are beautifully-integrated with mint, black tea, and bitter-edged resinous herbs on an expansive and polished palate, leading to the long, subtle interplay of a memorably complex finish. This ought to be worth following for at least a decade. |
|
| Saxum |
2009 |
Bone Rock James Berry Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2011): The 2009 Bone Rock is a round, enticing red laced with sweet, succulent dark cherries, plums, flowers and spices. It shows remarkable intensity and fabulous balance. Bone Rock is made from the first blocks planted in the James Berry vineyard and is predominantly Syrah, while the James Berry Vineyard (the wine) is Grenache focused. In 2009 the blend was 57% Syrah, 31% Mourvedre and 12% Grenache. The Syrah component was vinified with 100% stems and saw a maceration lasting 50 days. The wine was aged in 60% new oak. Smith bottled the 2009 in May 2011, earlier than the norm (around 30 months), as he wanted to preserve the freshness he had in the tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. |
|
|
2009 |
Booker Vyd. Syrah |
$129 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (6/2012): Also showing at the top end of the barrel rating, the spectacular 2009 Saxum Syrah Booker Vineyard (70% Syrah and 30% Mourvedre aged for 24-26 months in barrel) is the most elegant, seamless Booker Vineyard I’ve tasted from this estate (and seems much more finesse driven now than when compared to my thoughts from barrel). Beautifully fresh and perfumed on the nose, with raspberry, crème de cassis, roasted meat, and spring flower like qualities, this full-bodied, voluptuously styled beauty has copious amount of sweet fruit, a silky, sexy texture, and a lengthy finish where more structure and tannin emerges. Despite all of the fruit here, this still needs short term cellaring. Give bottles 2-3 years, and then plan on drinking over the following 12-15+ years. |
|
|
2009 |
Broken Stones Proprietary Blend |
$119 |
8 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (8/2011): The 2009 Broken Stones is sourced from all of the estate’s vineyards, which in this vintage includes Padereweski fruit for the first time, although most of the fruit was sourced from James Berry. Today it comes across as rather tightly wound and implosive, although with air the wine’s potential becomes more evident. Dark cherries, licorice and smoke wrap around the intense finish. Floral notes add the final layers of complexity and nuance. This is another fabulous effort. In 2009 the blend is 60% Syrah, 20% Mourvedre, 12% Petite Sirah and 8% Grenache. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021. |
|
|
2009 |
James Berry Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$149 |
6 |
|
| |
VM 98 (8/2011): Simply put, the 2009 James Berry Vineyard is one of the greatest young wines I have ever tasted from California, or anywhere for that matter. Bright, floral aromatics lead to expressive red fruit in this impossibly elegant, dazzling wine. A melange of rose petals, mint and licorice follows as the James Berry shows off its breathtaking clarity and finesse. Fine-grained, chalky tannins frame the exceptional finish. Frankly, I am surprised this is the first wine of the tasting. Where does one go from here? The 2009 James Berry is a bit of departure from previous vintages. This is the highest percentage of Grenache ever used in the blend, and a large portion of the Grenache was aged in concrete, an approach Smith has borrowed from producers in the Rhone. Originally Smith had intended to age less of the Grenache components in concrete, but the low yields of the vintage forced him to age about two-thirds of the Grenache in concrete. Call it a happy coincidence, but it certainly looks like things turned out well. Readers should do whatever they can to taste this fabulous wine. In 2009 the James Berry Vineyard is 57% Grenache, 31% Mourvedre and 12% Syrah. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021.
JS 97 (10/2011): Beautiful aromas of violets and sandalwood. Bright fruit too, with citrus, zest and mineral notes. Full, yet compacted and dense. Long and spicy yet minerally and fruity.
VM 96 (10/2011): (57% grenache, 31% mourvedre and 12% syrah): Deep, bright violet. Intensely perfumed black raspberry and blueberry on the nose, with seductive Asian spice, lavender and incense qualities emerging with air. Sappy red and dark berry liqueur flavors are lifted by juicy acidity picking up suave spice and floral pastille notes on the back end. Velvety tannins provide shape but are absorbed by the lush fruit, which carries through an extremely long, sappy, incisive finish. |
|
|
2009 |
James Berry Vyd. Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$315 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 98 (8/2011): Simply put, the 2009 James Berry Vineyard is one of the greatest young wines I have ever tasted from California, or anywhere for that matter. Bright, floral aromatics lead to expressive red fruit in this impossibly elegant, dazzling wine. A melange of rose petals, mint and licorice follows as the James Berry shows off its breathtaking clarity and finesse. Fine-grained, chalky tannins frame the exceptional finish. Frankly, I am surprised this is the first wine of the tasting. Where does one go from here? The 2009 James Berry is a bit of departure from previous vintages. This is the highest percentage of Grenache ever used in the blend, and a large portion of the Grenache was aged in concrete, an approach Smith has borrowed from producers in the Rhone. Originally Smith had intended to age less of the Grenache components in concrete, but the low yields of the vintage forced him to age about two-thirds of the Grenache in concrete. Call it a happy coincidence, but it certainly looks like things turned out well. Readers should do whatever they can to taste this fabulous wine. In 2009 the James Berry Vineyard is 57% Grenache, 31% Mourvedre and 12% Syrah. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021.
JS 97 (10/2011): Beautiful aromas of violets and sandalwood. Bright fruit too, with citrus, zest and mineral notes. Full, yet compacted and dense. Long and spicy yet minerally and fruity.
VM 96 (10/2011): (57% grenache, 31% mourvedre and 12% syrah): Deep, bright violet. Intensely perfumed black raspberry and blueberry on the nose, with seductive Asian spice, lavender and incense qualities emerging with air. Sappy red and dark berry liqueur flavors are lifted by juicy acidity picking up suave spice and floral pastille notes on the back end. Velvety tannins provide shape but are absorbed by the lush fruit, which carries through an extremely long, sappy, incisive finish. |
|
|
2009 |
Paderewski Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$105 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 97 (8/2011): The 2009 Paderewski Vineyard is a new bottling from a site Smith developed for Bill and Liz Armstrong, the owners of Epoch. Zinfandel, Syrah, Petit Sirah and Mourvedre are planted in separate plots but co-fermented. Layers of dark fruit meld into flowers, mint, sweet spices, menthol, eucalyptus and plums, with marvelous density and harmony. This shows superb aromatic complexity and tons of nuance to match its absolutely striking personality. It is a dazzling effort, especially for a young vineyard in just its third leaf. The blend was 39% Zinfandel, 38% Syrah, 13% Petite Sirah and 10% Mourvedre. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2021.
JD 93-96 (12/2011): The 2009 Saxum Paderewski Vineyard, 39% Zinfandel, 38% Syrah, 12% Petite Sirah, and 10% Mourvedre, yields and complex array of bramble driven fruits, violets, licorice, and spice on the nose. Upfront and intensely perfumed, this full bodied, round, supple blend is beautifully textured through the middle, and carries a healthy dose of rustic tannin on the finish. Straight up delicious, this beauty will be a hedonistic delight on release, with 10-12 years or more of prime drinking!
VM 93 (10/2011): (39% zinfandel, 38% syrah, 13% petite sirah and 10% mourvedre, all co-fermented): Inky purple. Seductively perfumed aromas of dark berry preserves, potpourri, Asian spices, anise and mocha. Broad, sweet and spicy in the mouth, showing Outstanding vivacity to its black and blue fruit flavors accented by clove and candied flowers. Finishes spicy and lucid. This is the first release for this bottling.
JS 93 (10/2011): This is full and spicy with blackberry and spices with a chalk and dried fruits. Round and velvety. A little warm but I like the spices. This is wine from a vineyard on Peachy Canyon road. Solid core of fruit here. 39% Zinfandel, 38% Syrah, 13% Petite Sirah, and 10% Mouvedre. Drink now or hold. |
|
| School House |
2009 |
Spring Mountain District Pinot Noir |
$50 |
8 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Spring Mountain District Pinot Noir Heavily Scuffed Label |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Schrader |
2009 |
Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Schrader Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard is one of the more plush, overt wines in this lineup. There is tremendous depth in the fruit in this massive, sweeping wine. The aromas and flavors build towards the cascading finish. The Schrader is a decidedly big, muscular wine that emphasizes power over detail. The Schrader is predominantly clone 4 from the D2 block, with a dollop of clone 6 from the D2 block and clone 337 from the B2 block. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2029. |
|
|
2009 |
CCS Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$275 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96+ (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon CCS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard comes across as big, tight and powerful. This is one of the more reticent, inward of the 2009 Schraders. Tar, licorice, menthol and violets are some of the notes that wrap around the intense, virile finish. Today the CCS is a touch compact. It will merit a higher score if the fruit fills out a little more. CCS is clone 4 from the C1 block. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. |
|
|
2009 |
RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$295 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard comes across as dark, plush and inviting, but with greater inner focus and minerality than some of the other wines here. Graphite, smoke, tar and licorice are some of the notes that wrap around the intense, juicy finish. I especially admire the way the RBS grows in the glass as it turns more explosive over time, yet never loses its more refined shades of expression. The RBS is 100% clone 337 from the B1 and B2 blocks. According to winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, it is the addition of fruit from B2 (new this year) that gives the 2009 much of its personality. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. |
|
| Sea Smoke |
2009 |
Botella Pinot Noir Lightly Scuffed Label |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (8/2012): The 2009 Pinot Noir Botella sweeps across the palate with deep, rich layers of dark fruit. Smoke, licorice, incense and leather develop in the glass. The Botella is one of the more extroverted, juicy Pinots in this lineup. The wine’s persistence, depth and overall sense of harmony are all first-rate. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. |
|
|
2009 |
Ten Pinot Noir |
$119 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 92+ (10/2011): Opaque ruby. Pungent, expressive bouquet offers dark berry compote, cola, vanilla bean and incense qualities, along with slow-building spiciness and notes of clove and mocha. Lush, palate-coating blackberry and mulberry flavors are lifted by gentle acidity and complicated by notes of spicecake and candied violet. Tannins build with air and carry through a very long, sweet, oak-spicy finish. This is a baby.
WA 89 (8/2012): One of the Sea Smoke flagships, the 2009 Pinot Noir Ten impresses for its depth and sheer power. Layers of flavor flow through to the huge, dramatic finish in a full-bodied, intense Pinot. Once the intensity of the fruit fades, there is not much development in the glass, which results in an overall impression of one-dimensionality. The Ten is made from all ten Pinot clones planted on the property. While a solid effort, I expected more from this offering, which also happens to be the wine through which I discovered Sea Smoke years ago. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. |
|
| Seven Stones |
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$200 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a huge wine bursting with dark fruit, licorice, scorched earth, tar and grilled herbs. This is an especially big, hulking 2009 that is likely to require a measure of patience. Massive tannins frame the fruit through to the virile finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. |
|
|
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Scuffed Label |
$200 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (12/2011): The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a huge wine bursting with dark fruit, licorice, scorched earth, tar and grilled herbs. This is an especially big, hulking 2009 that is likely to require a measure of patience. Massive tannins frame the fruit through to the virile finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. |
|
| Sharecropper's Wine Company |
2009 |
Pinot Noir |
$8.50 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Sheridan Vineyard |
2009 |
Singularity Syrah |
$55 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2012): Sheridan’s pure Syrah 2009 Singularity has picked up a lot of caramelized resin and firm, formidable tannin, but there is also a wealth of cepage-typical virtues: richly ripe cherry with creme de cassis and chocolate; sage and mint both pungent and metaphorically cooling; black pepper and charred, roasted red meat. What’s more, in comparison with other Sheridan bottlings from this vintage, the tannins here are practically svelte and silken! (Okay, that’s an exaggeration, you understand: there’s still plenty to chew here.) There is even a suggestion of crushed stone to undergird and add interest to the sustained finish. Check this again in 2-3 years and anticipate at least that much time again to ponder and savor its virtues. |
|
| Sleight of Hand |
2009 |
The Archimage Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Charles Smith |
2009 |
Royal City Syrah |
$99 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2012): Representing the fourth installment of a wine designed to showcase what he treats as his Cinderella vineyard (though it's not actually his), with whose Syrah vines as he puts it "we hit it out of the ballpark already with the first vintage," Smith's 2009 Syrah Stoneridge Vineyard Royal City combines amazing density of sappy cassis, cherry concentrate, bitter huckleberry, licorice and road tar with vibratory impingement of brown spices, citrus rind, brined anchovy, and some je ne sais quoi that, as with numerous other Washington behemoths, it manages to pull from an environmental stock of energy. All of that said, you'll have to really like the particular flavors on exhibit here to want to imbibe them at this level of near-overwhelming concentration; overnight the only change I noted was the emergence of a faintly caramelized and rancid note from oak; and whether the strong tannins that lurk beneath this wine's sweet, viscous, tarry surface will remain well-blanketed as it evolves in bottle only time can tell. (I'll hope to taste one of the four previous vintages of Royal City next year, but even so, wine built to this scale must count as very young still at only age six or less.) Naturally it hasn't escaped me that most of my fellow critics have praised these Royal City wines as if they represented the proverbial Shining City on the Hill of Syrah, and some friends I especially respect have written eloquently of their virtues. I guess I have to part ways with them in the degree of excitement I find myself able to muster for an, as yet at least, rather amorphous syrup of Syrah, even one so startlingly shot through with virtual lightning bolts of energy. But, as already suggested, I'll hope to find out what precipitates from this big, dark vinous storm cloud over the years. |
|
| Charles Smith K VIntners |
2009 |
Stoneridge Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Soos Creek |
2009 |
Champoux Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
12 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Ciel du Cheval Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Stags' Leap Winery |
2009 |
Napa Valley Petite Sirah |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Tenor Wines |
2009 |
1:1 Proprietary Blend |
$70 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 90 (6/2013): Looking at the Bordeaux-blend efforts, the 2009 1:1 is the estate’s flagship wine and is comprised of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 12% Malbec and 6% Merlot that spent 20 months in 100% new French oak. Revealing classic Bordeaux-like aromas of creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, spring flowers and hints of spice box, this full-bodied effort has a concentrated, firm feel on the palate with bright, if not racy, acidity that gives a slight metallic edge to the substantial tannin. I’d like to see more overall integration on the palate; nevertheless, there’s lot to like here and it’s certainly impressive for the sheer wealth of material and overall high drinkability. I would give bottles another year or two before checking in to see how it is developing; it should have at least a decade of longevity after that (and hopefully warrant a higher score).
VM 90 (11/2013): Saturated, bright medium ruby. Blackberry, cassis, licorice, spicecake and bitter chocolate on the slightly medicinal nose. Plush, creamy and sweet on the palate; a silkier, creamier, more open-knit version of the 2010, for drinking earlier. Plum and chocolate flavors pick up currant and menthol notes on the very ripe, seamless finish. Nothing a bit dry about these tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Terlato Vineyards |
2009 |
Episode Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$169.15 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| The Vineyardist |
2009 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$150 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2013): The spectacular 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 100% new French oak for 20 months that finished at 14.8% alcohol. It displays a classic mountain profile of lead pencil shavings, charcoal embers, creme de cassis, blackberries, licorice and a meaty, truffle-like character. Full-bodied and rich as well as exceptionally well-delineated with polished tannins and a savory, intense mouthfeel, this stunning debut Cabernet exudes enormous potential.
VM 95 (2/2012): Dirk Fulton and Becky Kukkola purchased the estate, which traces its lineage back to the late 19th century, in 2000. Jim Barbour replanted the vineyards and Mark Herold is in charge of winemaking. The 2009 is the first wine to be released from this steep, hillside site on Diamond Mountain. I also tasted the 2010, but it was too reduced to evaluate. The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a huge, hulking mountain Cabernet bursting with black fruit, crème de cassis, licorice, smoke, tar and spices. The 2009 shows dazzling richness and tons of power, not to mention tons of personality and character. Mark Herold used 85% new oak barrels for the 2009. With a little less new oak, the wine's signature aromatic and flavor profile might come through with even more clarity. Still, the 2009 is pretty striking just as it is. (Drink between 2014-2024). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Venge |
2009 |
Scout’s Honor Napa Valley Proprietary Blend |
$39 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (12/2011): The 2009 Zinfandel Scout's Honor is a big, super ripe wine loaded with sweet, jammy fruit. It shows good textural elegance and depth, although admittedly, this is not a style I am crazy about. The blend is 55% Zinfandel, 22% Petite Syrah, 14% Charbono and 9% Syrah. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Winter Estate |
2009 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Woodward Canyon |
2009 |
Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2012): Woodward Canyon’s Walla Walla 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon comes from their estate with just a 7% contribution from DuBrul, and, rather surprisingly, incorporates small amounts of Syrah and Mourvedre as well as the more predictable Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Iodine and cherry pit intriguingly and successfully serve-up counterpoint to seamlessly rich, ripe cassis and cherry. A vaguely toasty, resinous sense from the 50% new wood is subtly integrated into the rich folds of fruit, and this finishes with a superb sense of energy and invigoration as well as sheer length. It ought to be well worth following for at least a decade. |
|
| 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+ |
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|
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. |
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|
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. |
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|
2023 |
Bourgogne Cuvee Oligocene ex-Domaine |
$39.99 |
60 |
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| |
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 |
|
| |
|
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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 |
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| |
|
|
2023 |
Macon-Villages Blanc |
$31.99 |
24 |
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| |
|
|
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. |
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|
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. |
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|
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. |
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|
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. |
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|
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. |
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|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Tradition (1.5 L) ex-Domaine |
$41.99 |
24 |
|
| |
| JD 88 (11/2025): The classic cuvée of this terrific estate, the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Tradition offers red and black fruits, crushed stone, garrigue, and pretty floral nuances. Based on 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah and aged 20% in trunconic oak vats with 80% in concrete vats, it's medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, with fine tannins and a good finish. This charming, balanced, elegant Seguret will keep for 5-7 years, and there are roughly 3,250 cases produced. Drink 2025-2032. |
|
| Dom. Duclaux |
2020 |
Cote Rotie La Chana ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
29 |
|
| |
JD 89-91 (2/2022): Starting with the 2020 Côte Rôtie La Chana, which includes 7% Viognier, this has a ripe, up-front, charming style as well as classic Côte Rôtie black raspberry fruits mixed with spice and bacon fat nuances. It's going to drink nicely right out of the gate.
WA 89-91 (1/2022): Blended from several parcels and barrels for my evaluation, the 2020 Cote Rotie La Chana usually contains approximately 7% Viognier and sees no new wood. It shows attractive aromas of raspberries and apricot on the nose, a medium to full-bodied feel on the palate and a savory finish that nicely balances mouthwatering acids and softly dusty tannins. It should drink well for the rest of this decade. |
|
|
2022 |
Cote Rotie La Chana Ex-Domaine |
$49.99 |
53 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Cote Rotie La Germine ex-Domaine |
$46.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| Decanter 92 (10/2022): Spiced raspberry fruits on the nose, with a touch of blood orange. A dry, neat, compact style that will drink well young. Fine tannins reveal a gentle, light-bodied style with a good sense of freshness, if not concentration. Vines on gneiss, blonde soils. 20% whole bunch. Vinified in open concrete tanks. |
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|
2022 |
Cote Rotie La Germine Ex-Domaine |
$48.99 |
44 |
|
| |
JD 93 (5/2025): Incorporating 3% Viognier, the 2022 Côte Rôtie La Germine reveals a concentrated, rich, nicely structured profile of ripe black and blue fruits, crushed stone, and floral, sappy, gamey nuances. Medium to full-bodied, with plenty of mid-palate depth and a great finish, it was vinified with 20% whole clusters and aged 20 months in barrels and demi-muids (15% new). It, too, should have 10-15 years of longevity. Drink 2025-2035.
VM 89 (1/2025): The 2022 Côte-Rôtie La Germine evokes a fairly simple aromatic profile, opening with red and black cherry notes alongside touches of violet and spice box. Medium-bodied and refreshing, the 2022 is an elegant, early approachable Côte-Rôtie culminating with brightness on the moderately long finish. (Drink between 2025-2030). NIcholas Greinacher. |
|
| Dom. Vincent Paris |
2020 |
Cornas Granit 30 |
$44.99 |
20 |
|
| |
JD 93-95 (2/2022): Starting with what could be considered the entry level cuvée, the 2020 Cornas Granit 30 comes from further down the slope, from vines closer to the village. That's obviously not a bad thing, since this plump, full-bodied, beautifully textured Cornas has remarkable purity and elegance as well as richness. Blackberries, blueberries, subtle smoke, graphite, and violets all emerge from the glass, and it has a seamless, incredibly elegant texture.
VM 93 (12/2022): Dark violet color. Dark berry preserve, licorice, olive and exotic spice aromas, with a hint of espresso in the background. Sappy and broad on the palate, offering spice-tinged cherry-cola, blueberry and candied violet flavors with a spicy snap of black pepper. The floral note carries through a very long, dark fruit-driven finish, where gently chewy tannins add shape and closing grip. Josh Raynolds.
Decanter 93 (10/2021): Very herbal, with leafy herbs like tarragon alongside woody herbs such as rosemary. Blueberry and liquorice too. Middleweight style, good concentration of fresh, juicy berry fruit and good persistence. Fresh, intense, gently saline and well-balanced. A good value pick this year. From 10-year-old vines, all destemmed. (Drink between 2022-2028) |
|
| Domaine les Goubert |
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Sablet ex-Domaine |
$16.99 |
30 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Gigondas Cuvee Florence ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
37 |
|
| |
| JD 91-93+ (10/2023): Slightly deeper hued, the 2021 Gigondas Cuvée Florence has a terrific nose of darker berries, sandalwood, white chocolate, and pepper. It's a concentrated, medium-bodied, balanced 2021 offering solid mid-palate depth, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. Based on Grenache and Syrah that sees an extended élevage in barrels, it should benefit from just a year or two of bottle age and have a solid decade of prime drinking. |
|
|
2024 |
IGP Vaucluse Principaute d’Orange Miss Grenouille ex-Domaine |
$19.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Jean-Luc Jamet |
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Rouge l’Enclave Ex-Domaine |
$34.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Rouge l’Enclave ex-Domaine |
$35.99 |
33 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
IGP Collines Rhodaniennes Rouge Syrah Valine Ex-Domaine |
$29.99 |
28 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Vin de France Syrah Valine ex-Domaine |
$31.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Mourchon |
2022 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Ex-Domaine |
$45.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (11/2025): A cuvée whose quality has soared over the past four to five years, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape is a brilliant effort in an arguably more challenging, heatwave-driven vintage. Sporting a ruby translucent hue, it boasts a brilliant perfume of ripe black cherries, redcurrants, peppery garrigue, and loamy earth with beautiful aromatic complexity. On the palate it's medium to full-bodied, has a ripe, layered mouthfeel, soft tannins, and a great finish. It's very much in the ripe, forward, sexy style of the vintage yet stays pure, graceful, and is just impossible to resist. It's not a long-term ager, so drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years. Drink 2025-2032. |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Ex-Domaine |
$14.99 |
54 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (11/2025): Lots of peppery red and black berry fruits, garrigue, and spice-driven aromatics emerge from the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône, with a hint of flowers. It's medium to full-bodied, has a round, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a juicy finish. It's one seriously good Côtes du Rhône that you could pretty much put up against anything in the appellation – count me impressed. This should have 10-12 years of prime drinking as well, and I'd be happy with a case in the cellar. Drink 2025-2037. |
|
|
2024 |
Cotes du Rhone ex-Domaine |
$14.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| | Rhone White |
| Dom. Coursodon |
2021 |
St. Joseph Blanc Silice ex-Domaine |
$29.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (12/2022): The 2021 Saint Joseph Silice Blanc has a Burgundian-like sense of reduction as well as beautiful quince, white flowers, honeyed minerality, and a kiss of background spice and toastiness. It's medium-bodied and has a clean, classy style that's going to evolve for 7-8 years in cold cellars. |
|
|
2023 |
St. Joseph Blanc Silice ex-Domaine |
$43.99 |
44 |
|
| |
JD 92 (5/2025): Based on 100% Marsanne, the 2023 Saint Joseph Silice Blanc reveals melon, honeyed flowers, spice, and toasted notes, showing impressive purity and cleanliness. It's fleshy on the palate, with beautiful balance and good purity, and while it has a slightly hazy color, it remains an impressive white. Drink bottles over the coming 4-6 years. Drink 2025-2031.
WA 91 (3/2025): Fresher and livelier than its Paradis Saint-Pierre counterpart, the 2023 Saint-Joseph Silice Blanc reveals aromas of confit citrus, spring blossoms and pear. Moderately weighted and delicately enveloping, it's juicy and layered with bright acids, concluding with a mouthwatering, floral finish.
VM 90 (1/2025): Flinty elements introduce the 2023 Saint-Joseph Blanc Silice, accompanied by notes of cedar, ripe pear, white peach and lemon flesh. Full-bodied, round and generous, the 2023 bundles vibrant energy and checks out with persistence on the sapid finish. This is an exquisite white Saint-Joseph. Drink between 2025-2027. Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2024 |
St. Joseph Blanc Silice Ex-Domaine |
$38.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. de Mourchon |
2024 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Soubois Blanc Ex-Domaine |
$22.99 |
20 |
|
| |
| JD 90 (11/2025): Based on 90% Viognier and 10% Roussanne and aged in demi-muids with weekly bâtonnage for six months, the 2024 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Soubois Blanc shows a light gold hue and offers crisp stone fruit, honeyed flowers, and a hint of orange blossom. It's medium-bodied, fresh, focused, and crisp, with terrific purity and balance. There are 191 cases produced. Drink 2025-2029. |
|
|
2025 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Soubois Blanc ex-Domaine |
$22.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. du Tunnel |
2024 |
Saint Peray Cuvee Prestige Ex-Domaine |
$48.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (2/2026): Honeyed melon, crushed stone, mint, and hints of orange blossom all define the 2024 Prestige, an incredibly pure Saint-Péray that has so much to love. It's medium-bodied, has undeniable minerality, and outstanding length. You could put this up with the crème de la crème of the vintage, and while it plays in the fresher style of the vintage, it brings tons of character. Drink bottles over the coming 10-15 years. Drink 2026-2041. |
|
|
2024 |
Saint Peray Marsanne Ex-Domaine |
$37.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (2/2026): All Marsanne, the 2024 Saint-Péray Marsanne offers a gorgeous nose of honeyed quince, sappy white flowers, spice, and crushed stone. It's medium-bodied and has a focused, juicy, yet still nicely concentrated mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and outstanding length. It plays in the fresh, juicy, focused style of the vintage and will evolve gracefully over the coming decade. Drink 2026-2036. |
|
|
2024 |
Saint Peray Roussanne Ex-Domaine |
$45.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (2/2026): Orchard fruits, honeyed mint, and sappy herb/floral nuances emerge from the 2024 Saint-Péray Roussanne, which is medium-bodied, juicy, fresh, and focused on the palate. I love its overall purity, and it picks up a beautiful sense of salinity with time in the glass. It has another decade or more of longevity ahead of it. Drink 2026-2036. |
|
| Dom. Duclaux |
2021 |
Condrieu Les Caillets ex-Domaine |
$46.99 |
26 |
|
| |
|
| Jean-Luc Jamet |
2021 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc Couzou ex-Domaine |
$25.99 |
12 |
|
| |
| JD 89 (5/2024): The 2021 Côtes du Rhône Couzou Blanc is based on Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier, all from more granitic soils. It has a light gold hue as well as a subtle nose of ripe stone fruits, honeyed orange, and spice, and it's medium-bodied, nicely textured, and nicely balanced on the palate. It has a good sense of freshness, but it's certainly a rich white that's going to shine on the dinner table. |
|
|
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc Couzou Ex-Domaine |
$26.99 |
43 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc Couzou ex-Domaine |
$34.99 |
36 |
|
| |
|
| Mourchon |
2024 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc La Source Ex-Domaine |
$16.99 |
25 |
|
| |
|
|
2025 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc La Source ex-Domaine |
$16.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| | Southern France |
| Ch. de Pibarnon |
2020 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$44.99 |
15 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (7/2026): Under seven years of age, this 2020 Bandol Pibarnon keeps all its promises. It has taken time to develop and grow more complex, with delicate oak notes and others more smoky and typical of the terroir: sour cherry jam, leather, and precious wood. The texture is frank, coating, broad, and round, and the balance will confirm itself over the next 10-15 years. Best from 2027-2035. Antoine Petrus |
|
|
2021 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$46.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (5/2026): The 2021 Bandol leans fully into a classical style, opening with licorice, dried herbs, blackberry and peppery undertones as a beautiful spiciness grows steadily in the glass. Medium- to full-bodied, it is shaped by gently chalky tannins that lend real composure. The savoury finish is marked by pepper, subtle fleshiness and understated authority. (Drink between 2028-2046). Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2021 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$46.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (5/2026): The 2021 Bandol leans fully into a classical style, opening with licorice, dried herbs, blackberry and peppery undertones as a beautiful spiciness grows steadily in the glass. Medium- to full-bodied, it is shaped by gently chalky tannins that lend real composure. The savoury finish is marked by pepper, subtle fleshiness and understated authority. (Drink between 2028-2046). Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2023 |
Bandol Blanc ex-Chateau |
$49.99 |
27 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (7/2024): The elegant and perfumed 2023 Bandol Blanc from Château de Pibarnon is a real success this year, despite a challenging vintage in the region. It evokes aromas of citrus, spring flowers, curry leaves and white fruits mingled with spicy notes. Medium-bodied, perfectly balanced and fleshy, it has a fleshy core of fruit, bright acids and a long, mineral and saline finish. This blend of 55% Clairette, 30% Bourboulenc and the rest of a mix of other white grapes is an outstanding wine. |
|
|
2022 |
Bandol Rose ex-Chateau |
$36.99 |
60 |
|
| |
WA 93 (6/2023): The citrusy, mentholated 2022 Bandol Rosé was crafted with a blend of 65% Mourvèdre and 35% Cinsault and matured six months in barrels. It displays aromas of pomegranate, citrus, spring flowers, iodine, jasmine and crushed stones, followed by a beautifully defined texture, a fleshy core of fruit and racy acids that underpin a delicate, well-delineated and calcareous finish. It's going to drink nicely in its youth, but I suspect it will also age gracefully over the next 2-5 years.
VM 91 (5/2023): The 2022 Rosé is savory and sweet with a rich blend of rosemary, sage and tomato leaf, giving way to dried cherries. It's silky-smooth and round with a buzz of minerality and brisk acidity up front as ginger-spiked nectarine forms toward the close. This tapers off with a salty flourish. Spice and citrus notes keep the mouth watering. Eric Guido. |
|
|
2023 |
Bandol Rose ex-Chateau |
$34.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 93 (5/2025): The 2023 Bandol Rosé is a powerful, classy Rosé that delivers the proverbial “iron fist in a velvet glove.” Deep and rich, the 2023 takes its time in the glass, gradually unfurling layers of waxy cherry fruit, Mediterranean herbs, raspberry liqueur, , crushed oyster shell and dried apricot. There’s an impressive phenolic core and a wealth of complexity here, not to mention a long, long finish. This is a very serious wine with the stuffing to improve in the cellar. Billy Norris.
WA 92+ (7/2024): A blend of 65% Mourvèdre and 35% Cinsault, the 2023 Bandol Rosé from Château de Pibarnon offers up a delicate, complex bouquet of spices, licorice, red berries, lemon, spring flowers and herbs. Medium-bodied, enveloping and beautifully structured, it’s round and juicy with a delicate, lively core of fruit and a mineral, calcareous finish. This is a classical rosé wine from Bandol. |
|
|
2024 |
Bandol Rose ex-Chateau |
$37.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (6/2025): The 2024 Bandol Rosé is another stunning wine from Provence. Revealing a complex, fresh bouquet of red berries, pomegranate, grapefruit and spices, it's medium- to full-bodied, fleshy and round, with a supple, elegant core of fruit supported by moderate tannins, finishing long and delicately saline. |
|
|
2021 |
Bandol Rose Nuances ex-Chateau |
$47.99 |
14 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (7/2026): With the 2021 Bandol Nuances, Pibarnon produces a near-perfect rosé. The pale ruby color leads into spiced, smoky aromas of white pepper, redcurrant jam, and peppery touches, while numerous fine tannins coat the palate to provide power, character, and length. Drink now. Antoine Petrus. |
|
|
2022 |
Bandol Rose Nuances ex-Chateau |
$46.99 |
40 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Le Roc des Anges |
2016 |
Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes Asterolide |
$31 |
15 |
|
| |
|
| Les Restanques de Pibarnon |
2021 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$38.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$38.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| | Alsace |
| Klipfel |
2012 |
Riesling Cuvee Louis Klipfel |
$18 |
18 |
|
| |
|
| | Champagne |
| Charpentier |
NV |
Tradition Brut Champagne |
$38.99 |
57 |
|
| |
|
| | Other France |
| Dom. Richard Rottiers |
2023 |
Moulin a Vent Ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
54 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (4/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent was bottled a month before my visit. This has fine purity on the nose. The 20% used oak knits everything together nicely, though not as powerfully as the 2022. The palate is medium-bodied and silky, with fine tannins and red cherry and crushed strawberry notes leading to a smooth, easy-drinking finish. The 2023 is very fine. Neal Martin. |
|
|
2023 |
Moulin a Vent Champ de Cour Ex-Domaine |
$26.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 92 (4/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Champ de Cour was bottled one month before my visit. It has a lifted and more intense bouquet than the Mortperay, with floral scents of rose and violet emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied and well balanced, with supple tannins and a precise, graceful finish that lingers in the mouth. The 2023 is superb. Neal Martin.
WA 90+ (3/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Champ de Cour, aged in oak barrels, stands out as the most lavish offering of the lineup, showcasing deep sappy notes of prunes, cherries, licorice and cacao powder. However, it maintains a poised balance thanks to a refreshing edge of ginger spice and graphite. Full-bodied and with ripe acidity, the wine exhibits a firm structure that signals its aging potential with tightly woven, youthful tannins. |
|
|
2023 |
Moulin a Vent Dernier Souffle Ex-Domaine |
$27.99 |
59 |
|
| |
VM 93 (4/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Dernière Souffle is bottled a couple of months later than other cuvées. It has redcurrant and cranberry aromas on the nose, with light earthy scents in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy red berry fruit, more grip than the Champ de Cour and more substance on the finish. This positively brims with potential. Neal Martin.
WA 91 (3/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Dernier Souffle is a luscious fruit-forward wine, yet one of refinement, with notes of rose petals, juicy cherries, vine smoke and sweet spices. It's full-bodied, with ripe acidity and a concentrated, sappy-fruited core. This richness is framed by smoothly integrated tannins that impart a velvety texture, with a dimensional finish toned with graphite. This is a generously proportioned wine that will undoubtedly benefit from time in the bottle or, at the very least, a spell in the decanter to unwind. |
|
|
2022 |
Moulin a Vent Mortperay ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (4/2024): The 2022 Moulin-à-Vent Mortperay comes from clayey soils just below Fleurie; the vines here are 70 years old. It aged in old barrels sourced from Chablis. It has another mineral-driven nose but with more roundness and depth than the classic bottling. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, very well-balanced and poised, touches of freshly rolled tobacco on the finish. Excellent. Neal Martin. |
|
|
2023 |
Moulin a Vent Mortperay Ex-Domaine |
$26.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 90 (4/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Mortperay comes from a parcel next to Fleurie on clay soils. It was bottled in January and offers Morello cherry, rose petal and cassis scents on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with finely knit tannins. This is pure and elegant in style, with touches of sour cherry and raspberry . Neal Martin.
WA 90 (3/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Montperay, slated for release in 2025, comes from 80-year-old vines located at the periphery of the Clos de la Roilette in Fleurie. The wine unfurls with a lush bouquet of stewed blueberries and cherries, accented by mocha spice and sweet soil. On the palate, the layered wine unfolds along a horizontal trajectory with subdued acidity that imparts a certain softness and density to its texture. |
|
| Pascal Aufranc |
2018 |
Julienas Les Cerisiers ex-Domaine |
$15.99 |
15 |
|
| |
|
| Richard Rottiers |
2023 |
Brouilly Ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
20 |
|
| |
VM 89 (4/2025): The 2023 Brouilly comes from purchased fruit grown on granite soils. Pretty red cherry and crushed strawberry aromas blossom in the glass. The palate is well balanced and transparent, with light tannins. It's a little fleshier than expected, featuring brambly red berry and bergamot notes on the finish. It's lovely, though not long-term. Neal Martin.
WA 89 (3/2025): The 2023 Brouilly, from purchased grapes near Odenas, is a classic bistro wine. It's juicy, with notes of lilacs, raspberries and plums and tones of crushed stones that give the wine some dimension. It's medium to full-bodied, with a balanced density of fruit and bright acidity that keep it fresh. |
|
| | Germany |
| Weingut Georg Gustav Huff |
2020 |
Niersteiner Hipping Riesling Trocken |
$39.99 |
20 |
|
| |
|
| | Italy |
| Antonio Vallana & Figlio |
2020 |
Gattinara |
$43.99 |
22 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (2/2025): Vallana's 2020 Gattinara is powerful, rustic and a bit rough around the edges, and yet it conveys so much genuine, uncomplicated character. Dark fruit, new leather, licorice, dried herbs and mint are some of the notes that take shape as this rambunctious Gattinara gradually opens in the glass. Don't look for finesse here. (Drink between 2025-2035). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Cantina Tibaldi |
2023 |
Langhe Favorita ex-Domaine |
$23.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2024 |
Langhe Favorita ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Langhe Nebbiolo ex-Domaine |
$25.99 |
19 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Roero Arneis Bricco delle Passere Riserva ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
29 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Roero Arneis Bricco delle Passere Riserva ex-Domaine |
$26.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Roero Roccapalea ex-Domaine |
$29 |
34 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Roero Roccapalea ex-Domaine |
$33.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Caprili |
2023 |
Rosso di Montalcino |
$21.99 |
21 |
|
| |
| JD 90 (1/2025): The bright ruby 2023 Rosso Di Montalcino jumps from the glass with bright mixed berry fruit, peaches, crushed flowers, and sweet tea. The palate is juicy, with a snap of fresh acidity, fine tannins, and a clean finish. This is a total charmer of a Rosso to drink now or over the next 5-6 years. (Drink between 2025-2031). Audrey Frick. |
|
| Cavallotto |
2022 |
Barbera d’Alba Superiore Vigna Cuculo ex-Domaine |
$36.95 |
33 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Barbera d’Alba Superiore Vigna Cuculo ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (4/2026): The 2023 Barbera D'Alba Superiore Vigna Cuculo pours a youthful red/purple hue and was fermented in stainless steel before aging 18 months in large Slavonian oak casks. It opens with wild black cherries, delicate rustic earth, incense, and violets. Medium-bodied, it’s vibrant and well-balanced, with fine tannins and a savory citrus lift that carries through the finish. A traditionally raised Barbera with both energy and structure, about 8,000 bottles were produced. Drink 2026-2036. Audrey Frick. |
|
|
2022 |
Langhe Nebbiolo ex-Domaine |
$37.99 |
55 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Langhe Nebbiolo ex-Domaine |
$42.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 91 (4/2026): The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo is aged for 18 months in large Slavonian oak casks and pours a youthful ruby red color. It offers a ripe perfume that’s a bit shy, but the palate really shines, offering ripe red berries, a bit of rustic earth, fresh tobacco, and incense. Medium-bodied, zesty, and refreshing, with a good balance of sunny pure fruit, fine tannins, and refreshing acidity, it’s a very appealing Nebbiolo to drink now or over the next 8-10 years. A star in this category, no doubt, it’s delicious and I would snap it up. Drink 2026-2036. Audrey Frick. |
|
| Luigi Maffini |
2021 |
Cenito Cilento Aglianico |
$43.99 |
14 |
|
| |
| VM 93+ (5/2024): Wilted violets and ground cloves complicate a burst of dried wild blueberries and exotic spice as the 2021 Cenito smolders up from the glass. This is pure elegance—silky and polished, yet lifted and energetic, with a textural wave of ripe red and black fruits that flow across a stream of vibrant acidity. A caking of salty minerals mingles with fine tannins as the 2021 tapers off with staining length and youthful structure, leaving a tart blackberry concentration that puckers the cheeks. (Drink between 2026-2034). Eric Guido. |
|
|
2024 |
Kratos Fiano |
$24.99 |
45 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (8/2026): Quite mineral-driven in style, the 2024 Fiano Kratos wafts up with salty sea air, crushed rocks and lemon-spiked green apples. The palate is zesty, with a bump of riveting acidity on the entry to energize its tart orchard fruits. It tapers off with sour lime and a saline saturation. Eric Guido. |
|
| Sottimano |
2023 |
Langhe Nebbiolo ex-Domaine |
$23.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (10/2025): The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo, all young vines from Basarin, is terrific. Pliant and expressive, the 2023 is a superb choice for readers looking for a wine that overdelivers. Macerated cherry, plum, lavender and blood orange open first. Exotic floral and spice overtones develop with a bit of time in the glass. More than anything else, I am so impressed with the wine's textural depth and balance. The 2023 was done a modified, light style of submerged cap maceration for about a week that worked wonders. Élevage was nine months in cask. And the young vines are now nearly 30 years old! Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2023 |
Langhe Nebbiolo (1.5 L) ex-Domaine |
$49.99 |
20 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (10/2025): The 2023 Langhe Nebbiolo, all young vines from Basarin, is terrific. Pliant and expressive, the 2023 is a superb choice for readers looking for a wine that overdelivers. Macerated cherry, plum, lavender and blood orange open first. Exotic floral and spice overtones develop with a bit of time in the glass. More than anything else, I am so impressed with the wine's textural depth and balance. The 2023 was done a modified, light style of submerged cap maceration for about a week that worked wonders. Élevage was nine months in cask. And the young vines are now nearly 30 years old! Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Tenuta Cocci Grifoni |
2024 |
Tara Pecorino |
$15.99 |
37 |
|
| |
|
| Tenuta di Carleone |
2022 |
Chianti Classico |
$34.99 |
20 |
|
| |
WA 94 (10/2025): This is one of the most original wines from the appellation. The Tenuta di Carleone 2022 Chianti Classico sees partial whole-cluster fruit and up to three months of extended fermentation. The wine opens to a medium-garnet color with a shiny element to its appearance. The bouquet is similarly bright and punchy with lots of tart red and blue fruits. Fruit for this 55,000-bottle release is sourced from across this 32-hectare estate in Radda in Chianti. This wine is extremely giving and bright at the moment.
VM 92 (7/2025): The 2022 Chianti Classico is gracious, elegant and polished, as these wines so often are. Crushed flowers, herbs, mint, pine and light citrus overtones exalt the natural brightness of Sangiovese. This translucent, weightless Chianti Classico is a real beauty. (Drink between 2025-2037). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Tenuta Santome |
NV |
Prosecco Brut |
$13.50 |
28 |
|
| |
|
| Ultima Pietra |
2025 |
Gemina Rose |
$40 |
23 |
|
| |
|
| | Port |
| Quevedo |
2006 |
Late Bottled Vintage Port |
$29.99 |
52 |
|
| |
|
|
2010 |
Quinta Vale d’Agodinho Port |
$49.99 |
15 |
|
| |
|
| | USA Red |
| Behrens Family (Erna Schein) |
2005 |
Herrick-Moulds Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
14 |
|
| |
| VM 91-94 (6/2007): Medium ruby. Aromatic nose combines currant, iron, mocha and pepper. Sweet, silky and pliant, with a captivating sugar/acid balance. This really vibrates on the palate. Finishes with suave tannins and terrific sappy, peppery length. This has the suavity and balance to age gracefully for a decade or more. |
|
| de Negoce |
2017 |
OG N. 123 Napa Valley Merlot |
$15 |
12 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
OG N. 480 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel |
$15 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| DeLille Cellars |
2011 |
Doyenne Grand Ciel Vyd. Syrah |
$25 |
12 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (6/2014): Slightly richer and more concentrated than the Signature Syrah, yet still playing in the elegant, seamless style of the vintage, the 2011 Doyenne Syrah Grand Ciel Vineyard is 100% Syrah that was aged in 35% new French oak. Possessing beautiful black raspberry, currants, licorice, crushed rock-like minerality and hints of graphite, this beauty flows onto the palate with full-bodied richness, fabulous purity of fruit and a seamless, silky texture that carries through the finish. Give it a year or two and drink bottles through 2024. |
|
|
2012 |
Doyenne Grand Ciel Vyd. Syrah |
$25 |
13 |
|
| |
WA 93 (6/2015): A similar purple/ruby, semi-opaque color to the Signature Syrah, the 2012 Doyenne Syrah Grand Ciel Vineyard has more minerality (no doubt due to coming from Red Mountain) to go with lots of blackberry, graphite, pepper and crushed violet notes. Like the Signature Syrah, it shows the vintage nicely with lots of concentration, integrated acidity and a big finish, where the wine's structure becomes more apparent. It will benefit from short-term cellaring and have 10-15 years of overall longevity.
VM 92+ (11/2015): Good dark red. Lovely perfume of cherry, cranberry, white pepper, spices and dusty flowers. Lovely fine-grained Syrah with a savory restraint to its highly aromatic red berry and spice flavors complicated by a hint of game. Made from a slow-to-ripen Entav clone. Finishing quite firm, even a bit youthfully sullen, this already complex Syrah needs time to evolve. (Drink between 2019-2028). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Donelan |
2013 |
Cuvee Moriah Proprietary Blend |
$50 |
12 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (7/2017): The 2013 Cuvee Moriah is 87% Grenache and 13% Syrah that’s all from the Dry Stack Vineyard in the Bennett Valley. It has a gorgeous (as well as complex) bouquet of ripe cherries, cranberry, dried flowers and incense. This carries to an ethereally textured, elegant Grenache that that has sweet fruit, medium-bodied richness and a great finish. It’s not going to make old bones, but it’s going to be impossible to resist over the coming 4-5 years. This may be my favorite vintage of this cuvee to date. |
|
| Failla |
2012 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$45 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Girasole |
2019 |
Mendocino Pinot Noir |
$16.99 |
16 |
|
| |
|
| Kutch |
2013 |
Falstaff Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$45 |
12 |
|
| |
VM 91 (1/2015): Rose petals, mint, spices and sweet red berries are all laced together in the 2013 Pinot Noir Falstaff Vineyard. This is the most lifted and aromatic of the wines in this range. The 2013 is intensely saline, lifted and perfumed. It will appeal most to readers who enjoy aromatic, mid-weight Pinots. The 2013 is all about precision and nuance. It is also a bit light, even within the context of this style. (Drink between 2015-2025). Antonio Galloni.
BH 91 (10/2015): Notes of dried rose petal, anise, herbal tea, red currant and a hint of cinnamon introduce silky-textured medium-bodied flavors that deliver fine length on the dusty, balanced and lingering finale. This too will need a few years but less than either the Sonoma Coast or Bohan, as the overall palate impression is notably finer. Note however that the balance should allow this to age, and improve, gracefully for up to a decade. (Drink starting 2019). |
|
| Matthews |
2010 |
Blackboard Colombia Valley Red Wine |
$15 |
12 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Colombia Valley Claret |
$25 |
12 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (12/2009): Dark red. Expressive aromas and flavors of currant, plum, tobacco, graphite and chocolatey oak. Supple and juicy, with moderate sweetness and flesh. Slightly tart acidity gives shape and lift to this blend, which finishes with dusty, building, oak-driven tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2010 |
Colombia Valley Syrah |
$20 |
20 |
|
| |
| VM 91+ (12/2013): (15.4% alcohol; aged in once-used puncheons and once-used barriques ): Saturated bright ruby. Very primary, dark aromas of blackberry, licorice and illegal resiny herbs, lifted by a high-pitched violet perfume. Dense, juicy and suave but quite tightly wound in the style of the vintage. Dark berry and bitter chocolate flavors work more savory than sweet. This very young, long wine finishes with very fine-grained, suave tannins and a hint of bitter chocolate. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Newton |
2019 |
The Puzzle Red Wine |
$49 |
55 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (2/2023): The 2019 Red Blend The Puzzle checks in as mostly Cabernet Sauvignon but includes 8% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, and 1.5% each of Malbec and Petit Verdot. This vivid blue-hued 2019 has a great nose of both black and blue fruits as well as sappy green herbs and crushed stone. Almost austere on the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied, has firm tannins, good mid-palate depth, and outstanding length. I’d give bottles at least 3-4 years in the cellar. (Drink starting 2026). |
|
| Sojourn Cellars |
2022 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (6/2024): The 2022 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast was raised in 50% new French oak and was entirely destemmed. Pouring a youthful, ripe ruby color, it’s highly aromatic with floral and fruity aromas of sweet cola spice, mixed berries, and preserved flowers. Medium-bodied, it retains good energy and freshness as well as wonderful purity on the palate, with fine tannins and a clean, chalky textured finish. It is a beautiful entry to the range and is going to have a wide window for enjoyment over the next 6-8 years. Audrey Frick. |
|
| Sullivan |
2003 |
Estate Reserve Merlot |
$50 |
16 |
|
| |
|
| Varner |
2014 |
Spring Ridge Vyd. Upper Picnic Bloc Pinot Noir |
$45 |
53 |
|
| |
VM 95 (8/2018): The 2014 Pinot Noir Upper Picnic is all class. Silky tannins and expressive, perfumed aromatics give the wine unreal finesse. Just as compelling on the palate, the 2014 is absolutely exquisite in its understated, nuanced expression of the Santa Cruz Mountains. What a gorgeous wine it is. The Upper Picnic is the most elegant of these four Pinots. (Drink between 2018-2026). Antonio Galloni.
JD 94 (2/2019): I loved the 2014 Pinot Noir Upper Picnic Block Spring Ridge Vineyard. This beauty boasts fabulous red fruits, spice, dried flowers, and rose petal notes, with a hint of California bay leaf developing with time in the glass. Possessing a silky, rounded, elegant texture, medium body, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish, it’s a truly thrilling Pinot Noir that can be drunk today or cellared for 7-8 years. (Drink between 2018-2026). |
|
| Vincent Wine Co. |
2017 |
Bjornson Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$35.99 |
18 |
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| 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. |
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| | USA White |
| Bevan Cellars |
2021 |
Dry Stack Vyd. Sauvignon Blanc |
$35 |
13 |
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| 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. |
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| Bunnell Family Cellar |
2012 |
Helene Yakima Valley White Wine |
$20 |
12 |
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| Convene (Dan Kosta) |
2021 |
Russian River Valley Chardonnay |
$48.99 |
50 |
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| 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. |
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| DeLille Cellars |
2016 |
Chaleur Estate Blanc |
$30 |
16 |
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| 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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