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Inventory updated: Wed, Sep 09, 2026 04:02 PM cst
2013 Alban Vineyards Alban Estate Grenache
Vintage: 2013
Region: USA Red
Color/Type: Red
Size: 750 ML
Tasting Notes:
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.
| 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 |
| Abreu |
2013 |
Las Posadas Howell Mtn. Red Wine |
$450 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 98 (12/2016): The 2013 Las Posadas is superb. Graphite, smoke, lavender, exotic spices and inky crème de cassis fruit power a deeply expressive Howell Mountain wine. Beautifully structured and towering on the palate, the 2013 is showing beautifully today. This is a striking Howell Mountain wine. It is also the most giving and expressive of the Abreu 2013s today, which is surprising given its Howell Mountain origins. This is a superb wine. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2013 |
Las Posadas Howell Mtn. Red Wine Bin-Soiled Label |
$450 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 98 (12/2016): The 2013 Las Posadas is superb. Graphite, smoke, lavender, exotic spices and inky crème de cassis fruit power a deeply expressive Howell Mountain wine. Beautifully structured and towering on the palate, the 2013 is showing beautifully today. This is a striking Howell Mountain wine. It is also the most giving and expressive of the Abreu 2013s today, which is surprising given its Howell Mountain origins. This is a superb wine. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2013 |
Thorevilos Red Wine Bin-Soiled Label |
$739 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 100 (5/2024): The 2013 Thorevilos is a wild, exotic wine. Blueberry jam, crème de cassis, lavender, pencil shavings, cloves, licorice and dark chocolate all run through this potent, deep red. Young and vibrant, as all the 2013s are here, the Thorevilos possesses tremendous energy from start to finish. A whole range of savory and floral notes linger on the huge, tannic finish. This is sculpted and delicious, but it still needs time. Antonio Galloni.
WA 100 (10/2016): Probably one of my favorite vineyards in all of Napa Valley, even though it is not entitled to any particular AVA designation, is the steep hillside vineyard behind the luxury resort of Meadowood in St. Helena called Thorevilos. It is co-owned by David Abreu and Ric Forman. I have now tasted 16 vintages of this wine, and six and possibly seven (the 2015) have merited perfect scores, which is just mind-boggling even to someone who has been doing this for 38+ years. This wine contains a considerable quantity of Cabernet Franc (probably 30% or more, although Abreu and Grimes are never specific) and there may even be a small percentage of Petit Verdot included in the blend. This is always the most floral of the Abreu wines, but it also has what the French call je ne sais quoi, a quality that is hard to pin down. The 2013 defines what Thorevilos is all about, with copious quantities of blueberries, black raspberries, truffles, violets, crushed rock, forest floor notes and oodles of glycerin in its full-bodied, incredibly pure and amazing texture and length. It is a spectacular wine, with the cascade of fruit hiding what must be some considerable tannic clout. It’s not showing through just yet, but I suspect it will come as the wine closes down in bottle once it gets into a cold cellar. This is simply other-worldly and a tribute to all things Napa, California, and in a way, America. Drink it over the next 50+ years. |
|
|
2013 |
Thorevilos Red Wine Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$739 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 100 (5/2024): The 2013 Thorevilos is a wild, exotic wine. Blueberry jam, crème de cassis, lavender, pencil shavings, cloves, licorice and dark chocolate all run through this potent, deep red. Young and vibrant, as all the 2013s are here, the Thorevilos possesses tremendous energy from start to finish. A whole range of savory and floral notes linger on the huge, tannic finish. This is sculpted and delicious, but it still needs time. Antonio Galloni.
WA 100 (10/2016): Probably one of my favorite vineyards in all of Napa Valley, even though it is not entitled to any particular AVA designation, is the steep hillside vineyard behind the luxury resort of Meadowood in St. Helena called Thorevilos. It is co-owned by David Abreu and Ric Forman. I have now tasted 16 vintages of this wine, and six and possibly seven (the 2015) have merited perfect scores, which is just mind-boggling even to someone who has been doing this for 38+ years. This wine contains a considerable quantity of Cabernet Franc (probably 30% or more, although Abreu and Grimes are never specific) and there may even be a small percentage of Petit Verdot included in the blend. This is always the most floral of the Abreu wines, but it also has what the French call je ne sais quoi, a quality that is hard to pin down. The 2013 defines what Thorevilos is all about, with copious quantities of blueberries, black raspberries, truffles, violets, crushed rock, forest floor notes and oodles of glycerin in its full-bodied, incredibly pure and amazing texture and length. It is a spectacular wine, with the cascade of fruit hiding what must be some considerable tannic clout. It’s not showing through just yet, but I suspect it will come as the wine closes down in bottle once it gets into a cold cellar. This is simply other-worldly and a tribute to all things Napa, California, and in a way, America. Drink it over the next 50+ years. |
|
| Alban Vineyards |
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. |
|
| Alpha Omega |
2013 |
Merlot Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Petit Verdot Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards |
2013 |
Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
4 |
|
| |
VM 94 (12/2016): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve is intense, deceptively medium in body and brooding in style. Lavender, sage, menthol, spice and crème de cassis infuse this striking, delineated Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2013 could use another few years in barrel, but it is quite impressive, even at this early stage. This is a great showing from the 2013.
JS 92 (12/2016): Lots of dried-fruit character here that verges on raisins. Chocolate and walnuts, too. Full body, velvety and chewy tannins and a savory finish. Shows tension for such a ripe wine. Needs two or three years to soften. |
|
| Arcudi |
2013 |
Black Sears Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 95 (12/2017): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Black Sears Vineyard, from a site on Howell Mountain aged 20 months in 50% new French oak, is a brilliant example of this terroir, as well as the vintage. A full-bodied, ripe, powerful wine, with awesome notes of smoked meats, currants, licorice, and graphite, it has lots of tannins, a layered mid-palate, and beautiful balance. Winemaker Tony Arcudi commented that if you couldn’t make a good wine in 2013 you should find something else to do. He’s certainly made a sensational wine. These 100% Cabernet Sauvignon cuvees are made by Tony Arcudi, who was formerly in the Navy before working for Michel Chapoutier in the Rhône and later for Heidi Barrett in Napa. Tony launched his own brand in 2012 and is also the consulting winemaker at Kapcsandy. His Cabernets are gorgeous. (Drink between 2018-2043).
WA 95 (12/2016): Coming from the famed Black Sears Vineyard, better known for its black bear as well as old vine Zinfandel, this is an interesting Cabernet Sauvignon from Tony Arcudi, who worked for Michel Chapoutier and Heidi Barrett before starting his own brand. His 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Black Sears Vineyard spent 18 months in 50% new French oak. It is a gorgeous, flowery wine with loads of graphite, mulberry and blackberry followed by some spicy oak, a deep, rich, full-bodied mouthfeel, some supple tannins and a heady, lush finish. Drink it over the next 15 or so years.
VM 94 (12/2016): Arcudi's 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Black Sears Vineyard has really come along nicely. Over the last few years the wine has acquired greater finesse and silkiness while retaining all of the signatures that make this well-known Howell Mountain site so unique. It will be a few years before the aromatics are fully expressive. Today, what comes through is the pure primary intensity of the fruit as expressed in this historic vintage. With time in the glass, attractive scents of rose petal, lavender, sage and menthol gradually make an appearance. (Drink between 2018-2028). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Arietta |
2013 |
H Block Hudson Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$129 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (5/2024): The 2013 H Block Hudson Vineyards has arrived at a plateau of maturity. Worn-in leather, tobacco, spice, dried herbs and mocha are all nicely delineated. Readers who own the 2013 should be thinking about drinking it, as it certainly is not going to get better from this point. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2013 |
H Block Hudson Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$169 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (5/2024): The 2013 H Block Hudson Vineyards has arrived at a plateau of maturity. Worn-in leather, tobacco, spice, dried herbs and mocha are all nicely delineated. Readers who own the 2013 should be thinking about drinking it, as it certainly is not going to get better from this point. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2013 |
H Block Hudson Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (5/2024): The 2013 H Block Hudson Vineyards has arrived at a plateau of maturity. Worn-in leather, tobacco, spice, dried herbs and mocha are all nicely delineated. Readers who own the 2013 should be thinking about drinking it, as it certainly is not going to get better from this point. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Aubert |
2013 |
Ritchie Vyd. Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$109 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 95 (1/2015): The pedigree of site comes through loud and clear in Aubert's 2013 Pinot Noir Ritchie Vineyard, a wine that stands out for its combination of intense fruit and pulsating acidity. Lavender, plums, mint, pine and wild flowers blossom in a dark, extroverted wine that captures the personality of the Calera clone. The 2013 retains striking freshness for such a big wine. I imagine it will be fascinating to follow for the next decade or so, perhaps longer. Antonio Galloni.
WA 94 (12/2014): The full-bodied, dense ruby-hued 2013 Pinot Noir Ritchie, which comes from the Calera clone of Pinot Noir, reveals plenty of beet root, forest floor, Asian hoisin sauce, plum, blackcurrant and cherry notes, as well as terrific fruit and richness. Drink 2016-2028. |
|
|
2013 |
UV Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$149 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 96 (12/2014): The rich, prodigious, full-bodied 2013 Pinot Noir UV, made from the Calera and Vosne-Romanee clones, is a denser, richer wine offering abundant notes of blueberries, blackberries, forest floor and strong hints of Asian hoisin sauce, dark fruits and forest floor. There are approximately 1,000 cases of this sensational Pinot, which Mark Aubert decanted 12 hours in advance of my visit. There is not a trace of new oak in this wine, which spent 10 months in 100% new barrels. Like all the 2013 Pinot Noirs, it has a decade or more of aging potential.
VM 94 (1/2015): The 2013 Pinot Noir UV Vineyard is a wine of immediacy in that it shows most of what it has to offer right away. Layers of intense fruit seem to cut through a wall of tannin as this dark, virile Pinot shows off its considerable personality. Dark red cherries, plums, violets and lavender are some of the notes that wrap around the powerful, enveloping finish. These red, clay-rich soils yield Pinot Noirs with distinct exuberance. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2013 |
UV-SL Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$135 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 96 (1/2015): The 2013 Pinot Noir UV-SL Vineyard is the most opulent and extroverted of these Pinots, but it is also the most compelling. Endowed with huge fruit, and an explosive mid-palate, the UV-SL captures the very best of this style of Pinot. Layers of dark, inky fruit built to a crescendo of intensity and juiciness. Hints of lavender, spices and violets wrap around the finish, with plenty of support from beams of underlying tannin. Antonio Galloni.
WA 94+ (12/2014): The 2013 Pinot Noir UV-SL, primarily made from Calera and Vosne-Romanee clonal material, boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as a big, sweet nose of blackcurrants, black cherries, forest floor and beet root. The complex aromatics are followed by a full-bodied, intensely concentrated, pure, seamlessly constructed red that should drink well for 10-15+ years. |
|
| Avennia |
2013 |
Arnaut Boushey Vyd. Syrah |
$45 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 94 (6/2016): The 2013 Syrah Boushey Vineyard Arnaut is 100% Syrah that comes all from Dick Boushey’s vineyard and vines were planted in 1994 and 1996. Offering a la Mouline-like floral characteristics in its black raspberry, violets and meaty profile, this fabulous 2013 has medium to full-bodied richness, beautifully ripe, polished tannin and a killer finish. Aged 16 months in a scant 15% new French oak, give bottles 2-3 years of cellaring and enjoy them through 2028.
JD 93 (4/2018): Reminding me of a top Cornas, the 2013 Arnaut Syrah Boushey Vineyard has lots of bloody, meaty notes as well as ripe dark fruits, wild herbs, and peppery aromas and flavors. Complex, full-bodied, and layered, with terrific purity (which is a hallmark of all of Chris’s wines), it’s another terrific Syrah to enjoy over the coming decade.
VM 92 (11/2015): Deep ruby. Brooding aromas of black fruits, licorice pastille, violet, bitter chocolate and crushed stone, plus a suggestion of bread dough. Juicy and tight on the palate, boasting terrific inner-mouth lift and grip to its blackberry and violet flavors. Finishes firmly tannic and quite backward. This will need time in the cellar to express itself. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Beau Vigne |
2013 |
Amendment XXI |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Cult Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2015): Similarly styled is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Cult, which is 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc. The biggest cuvee of any of these wines (630 cases), the color is blackish/purple as a moonless night. It offers fabulous fruit and incredible density and richness, with lots of camphor, blackberry and cassis fruit, hints of espresso bean and chocolate as well as some background oak. This is a big, full-throttle, savory style of wine that should age effortlessly for 20-25+ years. |
|
|
2013 |
Juliet Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2015): A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Juliet has a similar style but seems even more opaque purple, with loads of blueberry and blackberry fruit, some white flowers, licorice, baking spices and a touch of asphalt. It has a long, full-bodied, massively rich mouthfeel and finish, without any heaviness. It’s a beauty to drink over the next quarter century as well. |
|
|
2013 |
Old Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Romeo Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (12/2015): The opaque purple 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Romeo (97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot) displays notes of coffee beans and blackberries as well as some toast and charcoal embers. It is ripe and full-bodied, with a layered mouthfeel, and stunning purity and richness. Drink it over the next 20-25 years. |
|
| Becklyn Cellars |
2013 |
Moulds Vyd. Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$106.25 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Moulds Vyd. Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (12/2015): No doubt a major sleeper of the vintage, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon has a dense, opaque ruby/purple color, beautiful crème de cassis notes, blackberry fruit in the background, judicious use of oak, a full-bodied mouthfeel with no hard edges, sweet tannin and a long, layered mouthfeel. This is a beauty to drink over the next 15-20 years. |
|
| Betz Family Winery |
2013 |
Clos de Betz Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (6/2016): The only other 2013 reviewed on this go around (most were reviewed last year), the 2013 Clos de Betz checks in as a blend of 63% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Petit Verdot, mostly from Red Mountain and Yakima Valley, that spent 19 months in French oak. Sexy, supple, perfumed and beautifully complex, with notes of currants, dried flowers and an almost garrigue like perfume, this full-bodied beauty is already impossible to resist, yet will absolutely cruise for another 10-15 years.
VM 93 (11/2015): Bright medium ruby. Aromas and flavors of kirsch, black raspberry and molten dark chocolate. Plush, round and voluptuous without communicating any undue weight. Comes across as a bit less concentrated than the three 2013 Syrah bottlings--and lower in dry extract than the 2012 Clos de Betz--but boasts lovely energy and finesse. Best today on the subtle, rising finish. (Drink between 2017-2027). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2013 |
Clos de Betz Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (6/2016): The only other 2013 reviewed on this go around (most were reviewed last year), the 2013 Clos de Betz checks in as a blend of 63% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Petit Verdot, mostly from Red Mountain and Yakima Valley, that spent 19 months in French oak. Sexy, supple, perfumed and beautifully complex, with notes of currants, dried flowers and an almost garrigue like perfume, this full-bodied beauty is already impossible to resist, yet will absolutely cruise for another 10-15 years.
VM 93 (11/2015): Bright medium ruby. Aromas and flavors of kirsch, black raspberry and molten dark chocolate. Plush, round and voluptuous without communicating any undue weight. Comes across as a bit less concentrated than the three 2013 Syrah bottlings--and lower in dry extract than the 2012 Clos de Betz--but boasts lovely energy and finesse. Best today on the subtle, rising finish. (Drink between 2017-2027). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2013 |
Pere de Famille Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$135 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (5/2023): Unpacking layers of complexity, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Père de Famille offers a gorgeous nose filled with aromas of oak spices, dark cherry and juicy plum as it exudes power and finesse. Full-bodied, this is a delightful wine that continues to gain in complexity as it sits on the palate. Impressive, pleasurable and energetic, the wine somersaults to an elongated finish that brings me back for more. This is a stunning wine that will continue to age with grace and precision.
VM 93+ (11/2015): Dark ruby. Aromas and flavors of blackcurrant, minerals, violet and bitter chocolate. A wine of outstanding finesse, showing great cut and lift but also a wonderfully supple texture. (Bob Betz feels that the effect of the Pulsair treatment is clear in this wine's dimension and weight on the palate.) Finishes with utterly refined, nearly invisible tannins But this wine is still quite backward and will need serious cellaring to fully express itself. (Drink between 2020-2030). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Bevan Cellars |
2013 |
EE Cuvee Tench Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$159 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2015): The 2013 EE Tench Vineyard, a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Cabernet Franc, is a stunner. This comes from the red, rocky terraces near the Dalla Valle Vineyard on the western Vaca hillsides in Oakville. This wine has great intensity, with notes of scorched earth, jammy blackberry and cassis fruit, some licorice, underbrush and truffle. It is elegant, yet powerful and authoritative, pure and multi-layered, with a phenomenal finish of close to 50 seconds. This wine should drink well for 20-25 years.
VM 96 (10/2015): A wine of superb purity, finesse and richness, the 2013 Red Wine EE Tench Vineyard offers superb balance to match its inviting personality. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, the EE is totally alluring from the very first taste. The Franc adds striking floral and savory notes along with a kick of freshness. |
|
|
2013 |
Harbison Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$269 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/2015): Bevan’s 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Harbison Vineyard is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, aged three-fourths in new Taransaud and the rest in Gamba. This wine displays loads of new saddle leather, loamy soil undertones, seductive, sweet, ripe tannin, and luscious, succulent and majestic levels of blackberry and blueberry fruit as well as cassis and Christmas fruitcake. It is an amazing wine to drink over the next 30+ years.
VM 97 (10/2015): An explosive, powerful wine, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Harbison Vineyard hits the palate with serious depth and intensity. Black cherry jam, mocha, espresso, spice, new leather and menthol are meld into the huge, powerful finish. The Harbison is all about density, power and voluptuousness, all qualities the 2013 has in spades. Mocha, plum and espresso notes reappear to round things out in style. |
|
|
2013 |
Impetus Proprietary Blend |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (10/2015): The 2013 The Impetus is an equal-part blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 50% new Taransaud, 25% new Darnajou, and 25% new Gamba. It comes from vineyards in both Sonoma and Napa. The Cabernet Franc is accessed from a relatively cool, high-elevation site in Bennett Valley, while the Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Napa. Bevan told me that the phenolics of this wine are off the charts analytically, as the wine offers loads of mulberry, forest floor, violet, sweet oak and some underbrush and earth tones. Rich, full-bodied, opulent and fleshy, this wine is already drinking well and should continue to do so for another 10-15 years.
VM 93 (10/2015): The 2013 The Impetus is a blend of Cabernet Franc from Victoria De Crescenzo's estate vineyard in Bennett Valley and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon from Tench. Rich and explosive to the core, the 2013 exudes depth and concentration. Iron, smoke, white pepper, red cherries, plums and exotic spices meld into the deep, resonant finish. Of all the Bevan 2013s, the Impetus should drink well with minimal cellaring. |
|
|
2013 |
McGah Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$195 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/2015): A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon McGah Vineyard is pushing toward perfection. A beautiful nose of spring flowers, blueberries, blackberries, licorice, graphite and camphor all jump from the glass of this wine of majestic intensity, a magnificent, full-bodied mouthfeel, and a super-concentrated and pure finish. It should drink well for another three decades.
VM 95 (10/2015): A big, ripe, opulent wine, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon McGah Vineyard races across the palate with layers of blackberry jam, cassis, mocha, plum, cloves and new leather. This is one of the more unctuous, flashy wines in the Bevan range and will appeal most to readers who enjoy the racier side of Cabernet Sauvignon. |
|
|
2013 |
Two Dog Knoll Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96+ (10/2015): Another proprietary red wine, in this case a blend of 55% Petit Verdot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, is the 2013 Two Dog Knoll, which comes from the Oakville site. Normally with this much Petit Verdot, I would be worried about rustic tannins, but Bevan has handled it brilliantly. Inky bluish/purple, with notes of blueberry liqueur, brioche, acacia flowers, steak tartare as well as roasted meats and herbs, this is a wine of great intensity. Singular and distinct, it should drink well for 20-25 years as well. |
|
|
2013 |
Two Dog Knoll Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$199 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96+ (10/2015): Another proprietary red wine, in this case a blend of 55% Petit Verdot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, is the 2013 Two Dog Knoll, which comes from the Oakville site. Normally with this much Petit Verdot, I would be worried about rustic tannins, but Bevan has handled it brilliantly. Inky bluish/purple, with notes of blueberry liqueur, brioche, acacia flowers, steak tartare as well as roasted meats and herbs, this is a wine of great intensity. Singular and distinct, it should drink well for 20-25 years as well. |
|
|
2013 |
Wildfoote Vyd. Vixen Block Cabernet Sauvignon |
$219 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (10/2015): From a vineyard owned by Screaming Eagle’s former proprietress, Jean Phillips, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Vixen Block Wildfoote is all Cabernet Sauvignon from clone 7, aged in equal parts new Taransaud and new Darnajou. An amazing wine, opaque purple in color, with sweet cedar wood, Christmas fruitcake, blackberry and cassis as well as some charcoal and incense, this fabulous wine is super-rich and capable of 30 years of further evolution.
VM 96 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vineyard Vixen Block, from Jeannie Philipps's, Stags Leap property, is fabulous. Inky, deep and mysterious, the 2013 possesses remarkable nuance and detail. Lavender, mint, spice and sage are some of the signatures in a wine endowed with tons of Stags' Leap personality. Sweet lavender, mint and pine meld into the sleek, silky finish. |
|
| Bien Nacido Estate |
2013 |
Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (9/2016): The 2013 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyards is relatively soft in this vintage. Sweet, floral and open-knit, the 2013 will drink well with minimal cellaring. The 2013 has lightened up considerably since I last tasted it in barrel. Sweet red cherry, mint, kirsch, rose petal and sweet spices give the 2013 much of its racy, forward personality. (Drink between 2016-2021). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Booker Vineyard |
2013 |
Estate Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96 (8/2015): Formerly labeled as the Alchemist, the 2013 Booker Estate is 84% Syrah, 11% Tempranillo and the rest a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Inky colored, deep, savory and spicy, with the Tempranillo front and center at the moment, it offers lots of dark fruits, truffle, dried spice and meaty aromatics, full-bodied richness and enough tannic grip to warrant another year or two in bottle.
VM 94 (9/2015): Bright purple. Deeply perfumed, complex bouquet of dried cherry, licorice, potpourri and smoky minerals, with a subtle note of raw meat. Very sweet and creamy on the palate, offering intense black and blue fruit flavors that gain depth and spiciness with air. Picks up notes of candied flowers and vanilla on the back end, finishing with superb energy, suave tannins and lingering sweetness. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2013 |
Fracture Syrah |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (8/2015): The 2013 Fracture is an utterly sensational blend of 100% Syrah, all from the estate Booker Vineyard, that exhibits off-the-chart notes of creme de cassis, crushed flowers, licorice, vanilla bean and toasted spice. Possessing perfect integration of its fruit, alcohol, tannin and acidity, it's full-bodied and incredibly seamless, with terrific concentration, a full, layered mid-palate and a blockbuster finish. Paso Robles Syrah at its finest, this incredible wine will benefit from a year or two in the cellar, yet thrill through 2025. Hats off to Eric Jensen for this absolutely killer effort and readers who doubt the quality of wine coming from these rolling hills west of Paso Robles need to try this wine.
VM 93 (9/2015): Brilliant purple. Sexy, focused mineral- and smoke-accented dark fruit liqueur and potpourri scents are complemented by suggestions of anise and cola. Sweet, seamless and spicy on the palate, with intense boysenberry and cherry-cola flavors becoming livelier with aeration. Really stains the palate and finishes sappy and very long, with smooth tannins. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2013 |
Oublie 24 Proprietary Blend |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2016): Checking in as a blend of 46% Grenache, 34% Mourvèdre and 20% Counoise that spent 24 months in barrel, the 2013 Oublie 24 offers an open, sexy style in its mulled red fruits, dried flowers, spice and dried soil aromas and flavors. Sporting a semi translucent ruby color, this full-bodied beauty has no hard edges, a beautiful core of sweet fruit, and an endearing hard to resist personality that will drink well for 5-7 years. |
|
|
2013 |
Oublie Proprietary Blend |
$74 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94 (8/2015): The ruby/semi-opaque colored 2013 Oublie is a sensational blend of 46% Grenache, 34% Mourvedre and 20% Counoise that offers a seamless, layered and complex array of blueberry, black raspberry, dried flowers, vanilla bean and spice on the nose. Pure silk on the palate, with full-bodied richness and no hard edges, this impeccably balanced red has a full, layered mid-palate, sweet tannin and a terrific finish. One of those wines where the bottle's empty before you know it, drink this beauty over the coming 5-8 years.
VM 92 (9/2015): Opaque ruby. Highly perfumed red and dark berry scents, along with a smoky mineral quality and a hint of lavender. Spicy black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors become fleshier with air, picking up an exotic touch of floral pastille. Maintains good focus and energy through a long, gently tannic finish, with the floral note echoing. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2013 |
Tempranillo |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (8/2015): Competing with Epoch's top-notch Tempranillo as the best example of the variety in California, Jensen's 2013 Tempranillo is a blockbuster that's not made in every vintage. Black cherries, currants, leather, dried herbs and savory spices all emerge from this full-bodied, thick and unctuously textured beauty. It has the classic tannic grip of the variety, yet that's paired with the hallmark texture and purity of the estate. This is an awesome wine any way you look at it.
VM 92 (9/2015): Opaque ruby. The nose displays an array of dark fruit and floral scents, along with suggestions of pipe tobacco and woodsmoke. Sweet and generous in style, offering broad, edge-free flavors of blackberry and bitter cherry. Closes smooth and very long, with gentle tannins providing shape. This hefty, seamless example of Tempranillo will be delicious in its youth but also has the depth to age. (Drink between 2019-2026). Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2013 |
Tempranillo |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (8/2015): Competing with Epoch's top-notch Tempranillo as the best example of the variety in California, Jensen's 2013 Tempranillo is a blockbuster that's not made in every vintage. Black cherries, currants, leather, dried herbs and savory spices all emerge from this full-bodied, thick and unctuously textured beauty. It has the classic tannic grip of the variety, yet that's paired with the hallmark texture and purity of the estate. This is an awesome wine any way you look at it.
VM 92 (9/2015): Opaque ruby. The nose displays an array of dark fruit and floral scents, along with suggestions of pipe tobacco and woodsmoke. Sweet and generous in style, offering broad, edge-free flavors of blackberry and bitter cherry. Closes smooth and very long, with gentle tannins providing shape. This hefty, seamless example of Tempranillo will be delicious in its youth but also has the depth to age. (Drink between 2019-2026). Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2013 |
Vertigo 24 Proprietary Blend |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93-96 (8/2015): The extended barrel-aged release of the Vertigo cuvee, the 2013 GSM Vertigo EXT was still in barrel at the time of this tasting. Similar in style, with full-bodied depth and richness, it has more toasted bread, meaty, bloody notes and spice as well as a sexy, voluptuous and seamless style on the palate. I actually prefer the earlier bottling release at present, but this is still and knockout wine. |
|
| Cadence |
2013 |
Bel Canto Red Mtn. Cara Mia Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93+ (6/2016): One of the reserve wines from Ben Smith, the 2013 Bel Canto is a fabulous blend of 75% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot that saw just under two years in 50% new French oak. It shows the lengthy elevage on the bouquet with a spicy, ripe, incense, dried flowers and currants driven style that shows a hint of evolution at first, yet continues to gain freshness and purity with time in the glass. This gives way to a complex, layered red that has fabulous mid-palate depth, building, ripe tannin and a big finish. Even with the slightly evolved style, this beauty will age gracefully. Give bottles 3-4 years and plan on drinking through 2030. |
|
|
2013 |
Camerata Cara Mia Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (6/2016): A significantly different blend from the 2012, which was over 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2013 Camerata checks in as 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot, which like the Bel Canto spent 23 months in 50% new French oak. Possessing a fabulous bouquet of black currants, toasted spice, licorice and wild herbs, this full-bodied 2013 is concentrated, incredibly elegant and textured, with ripe tannin and a balanced, layered style that will evolve gracefully. It should be at its best from 2020-2033. |
|
| Carlisle |
2013 |
Rossi Ranch Grenache |
$40 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 92-94 (1/2015): The 2013 Grenache Rossi Ranch is one of the many highlights in this extensive range. High-toned aromatics meld into a core of sweet red berries in a pliant, super-expressive Grenache with Zinfandel-like leanings in its slightly elevated alcohol. The 2013 was co-fermented with 9% Mourvedre (done with stems). In 2013, Mike Officer did not bottle his Rhône blend Three Birds; most of that fruit went into this bottling. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Cayuse |
2013 |
Cailloux Vyd. Syrah |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 95 (11/2016): (15% new oak; this was the first vineyard planted in what is now known as the Rocks District, back in 1997): Good medium-deep red. Compellingly complex, high-toned aromas of raspberry, brown spices, olive tapenade, smoked sausage, lilac and black licorice are lifted by a floral topnote. Wonderfully concentrated, saline wine with terrific spicy energy and delineation to its very pure raspberry and smoke flavors. Still tightly coiled but the Outstanding purity and intensity of fruit here is clear. Finishes with great length and spicy lift. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 94 (6/2016): From the oldest vineyard in the Stones (Christophe calls it The Stones, not The Rocks), the transparent ruby colored 2013 Syrah Cailloux Vineyard incorporates 5% co-fermented Viognier and has a distinct saltiness, as well as classic Cayuse notes of peat moss, mushrooms, iodine, and sweet cherry and currant fruit. While gamey and a touch backwards right on opening, it blossomed with time in the glass and can be enjoyed today with a decant, or cellared for a decade or more. |
|
|
2013 |
Camaspelo Proprietary Blend Slightly Raised Cork |
$87.20 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94 (6/2016): Leading off the 2013s, the 332-case 2013 Camaspelo is made from 81% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Merlot that was aged all in puncheons. Notes of iron, red and black currants, licorice and lead pencil characteristics emerge from this medium to full-bodied, elegant, complex Bordeaux blend that would pass undetected in a lineup of Pauillacs. Give it 3-4 years of cellaring and drink through 2033.
VM 93+ (11/2016): Healthy dark red. Very black aromas of cassis, blackberry, black olive, spices and mint. Densely packed and very sweet, boasting a terrific combination of urgent crushed cassis and black cherry fruit and savory complexity. Not yet hugely complex or particularly floral, but this very intense wine is still a baby. Finishes very long and savory, with youthfully edgy tannins and excellent energy and lift. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Chappellet |
2013 |
Las Piedras Proprietary Blend |
$79 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Merlot |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Signature Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Signature from Chappellet, a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot, is a stunner. Moreover, it’s a pretty realistic value for a top-notch Cabernet from California. Of course, it’s a great vintage and they’ve nailed it. Deep ruby/purple color, notes of blueberry, blackberry, with cassis, camphor and spring flowers, the wine is full-bodied, powerful (14.8% natural alcohol), layered with supple tannins and a long, long finish. This wine can be drunk now, or cellared for 25 or more years. |
|
| Cirq |
2013 |
Treehouse Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97 (9/2016): The larger production cuvee (1,748 cases) is the 2013 Pinot Noir Treehouse Vineyard, which comes from a higher elevation site that's above the fog line, roughly eight miles from the Pacific Ocean. Its deep ruby color is followed by to-die-for notes of black raspberries, crushed violets, cassis, spice and toasted bread. Utterly perfect on the palate, with medium to full-bodied richness, an ethereal, seamless, multi-dimensional texture, fine tannin and crazy length, hats off to the team at CIRQ for this singular beauty. Give bottles a few years (if you can resist) and enjoy over the following decade or more.
VM 94 (8/2016): The 2013 Pinot Noir Treehouse is rich, bold and super-expressive, with a vibrant, red-fruit character and lifted aromatics that add freshness. Sweet red cherry, pomegranate, lavender and spice notes make a strong first impression. An accent of blood orange on the finish gives the wine just enough brightness to balance things out. In this tasting, the Treehouse is a bit more precise and nuanced than the Bootlegger's Hill. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Jeff Cohn Cellars |
2013 |
Domaine des Chirats Rockpile Vyd. Syrah |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (3/2016): One special cuvée that Jeff Cohn does with the famous Northern Rhône winemaker Yves Cuilleron, called Domaine Des Chirats, is Syrah from the Rockpile Vineyard. The 2013 Syrah Domaine Des Chirats Rockpile Vineyard, which apparently they have made together, is a sensational effort. This is stunning stuff. Black/purple in color, its gorgeous blackberry fruit, floral notes, super-supple tannins, multi-layered texture, and an opulent, full-bodied finish make for a profound glass of Syrah from this special AVA in Sonoma. Drink it over the next decade or more. |
|
|
2013 |
Haley’s Rockpile Vyd. Syrah |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (3/2016): The 2013 Syrah Haley Rockpile is one of them. Inky opaque/purple in color, the wine has incredible sweet blackberry richness, a beautiful floral note, and that crushed-rock minerality that seems to be part of this AVA. The flavor intensity is mind-boggling, the purity, texture and length exquisite. This is another prodigious tour de force from Jeff Cohn that should drink well for at least 10-15 years. |
|
| Constant |
2013 |
Diamond Mountain Vyd. Syrah |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Robert Craig |
2013 |
Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94 (12/2015): Traditionally, Robert Craig has done a brilliant job with their selection from Mount Veeder, and the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder (80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot) shows that haunting blueberry, raspberry, black raspberry and floral notes that seem characteristic of that AVA. A dense ruby/purple color, beautifully sweet purity, full-bodied opulence with a layered mouthfeel as well as sweet tannin make for another great 2013 that can be drunk young or cellared for 20-25 years.
VM 93 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (Mt. Veeder) opens with a blast of dark blue/purplish fruit, spices, menthol and licorice. A host of graphite, slate, game, iron and savory notes appears later, adding considerable nuance throughout. The 2013 packs plenty of intensity, but the style is distinctly fruit-driven for the year. (Drink between 2020-2033). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Cresta Velia |
2013 |
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| The Debate |
2013 |
Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (10/2015): The ever-humorous and clever Jean Hoefliger says about the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon, “It has the complexity and depth of Sigmund Freud and the integrity of Abraham Lincoln.” Perhaps my tasting notes can’t say it much better than that. It’s a prodigious Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of charcoal embers integrated with blueberry, blackberry and cassis, some lead pencil shavings, unsmoked cigar tobacco, and a massive, full-bodied mouthfeel with incredible purity, structure and intensity. Forget it for 4-5 years and drink it over the following 30+. |
|
| DeLille Cellars |
2013 |
Chaleur Estate |
$65 |
15 |
|
| |
WA 93 (6/2016): The Cabernet Sauvignon dominated 2013 Chaleur Estate (there's smaller parts Merlot and Cabernet Franc) was brought up in new French oak and has a classic, beautiful bouquet of cassis, cedar, tobacco leaf, gamey meats and graphite. This gives way to a full-bodied, structured, tannic Cabernet that has beautiful purity, a big, mouth-filling texture and a killer finish. This is a serious effort that needs 4-5 years of cellaring and will have two to three decades of overall longevity.
VM 93 (11/2016): Bright medium ruby. Sexy, nuanced scents of currant, black raspberry, cocoa powder, licorice and graphite. Wonderfully silky, plush and chocolatey, hinting at an almost porty ripeness; seems considerably riper than the 2012 version. Long hang time here brought outstanding density and richness. Finishes with big, ripe, noble tannins and outstanding length. This beauty will be approachable early. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2013 |
D2 |
$45 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93 (11/2016): Ruby-red. Complex, perfumed aroma of blueberry, licorice and cocoa powder. Plush, sweet and deep; this round, seamless, fruit-driven blend boasts terrific immediate appeal. There's a hint of intriguing salinity here but not quite the umami richness of the outstanding 2012 example, even if this wine possesses riper fruit. Velvety and delicious right now and long and lush on the aftertaste. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 92 (6/2016): Billed as the second wine of the estate, the D2 Proprietary Red Wine is nevertheless a fabulous, outstanding Bordeaux blend that's brought up all in new French oak. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by solid notes of black currants, lead pencil, damp herbs and licorice, and while it might not have the complexity of the top cuvees, it has beautiful purity. Medium to full-bodied, balanced, with ripe, polished tannin and solid mid-palate depth, drink this beautiful 2013 anytime over the coming two decades. |
|
|
2013 |
Doyenne Aix Syrah |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (11/2016): Bright ruby-red. High-toned aromas of blackberry, clove oil, white pepper, licorice and game. Wonderfully silky and sweet but with terrific acidity giving grip and shape to the middle palate. Very concentrated, juicy wine with a wild suggestion of garrigue and a faintly animal character. Reminded me of something in the Mas de Daumas-Gassac/La Grange des Pères neighborhood. This very successful blend boasts superb fruit and finishes wonderfully sweet and ripely tannic. I'd love to slip this wine into a blind tasting with some cult reds from the Languedoc. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 93 (6/2016): Tasting like a rich, ripe red from Provence, the 2013 Doyenne Aix (60/40 Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon) offers up a fabulous bouquet of ripe black currants, melted licorice, roasted herbs and pepper in a full-bodied, concentrated, even unctuous, style on the palate. Despite all of the fruit and texture, this beauty has solid underlying structure and will drink well for another 10-15 years. |
|
|
2013 |
Doyenne Signature Syrah |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92 (11/2016): Bright medium ruby. Aromas of spiced plum and wild herbs showed a livelier note of raspberry with air. Suave and seamless on the palate, offering sexy, slightly high-toned flavors of raspberry and more exotic red apricot (from the Viognier?), plus a note of pastry dough. Boasts compelling sweetness and fine-grained texture. Finishes ripely tannic, smooth and long. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 92 (6/2016): The 2013 Doyenne Syrah Signature is a beauty. Ripe, layered and nicely concentrated, with lots of black cherry and black berry fruits, smoke, peppery herbs and olives, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, polished tannin and a clean, lengthy, elegant finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It's beautiful today, but should be at its best from 2018-2025. |
|
|
2013 |
Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (6/2016): Up there with the incredible 2012, yet in a more focused, tight, backwards style, the inky colored 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags comes from four separate vineyards (Klipsun, Grand Ciel, Ciel du Cheval and Upchurch) and exhibits classic Red Mountain characteristics of black fruit, smoked herbs, licorice, graphite and dusty minerality on the nose. Possessing serious intensity, full-bodied richness, ripe, yet present tannin and a fabulous finish, it needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years, and it will drink beautifully through 2038.
VM 93 (11/2016): Deep ruby-red. Aromas of cassis, licorice and crushed rock, plus a very ripe suggestion of plum brandy that winemaker Chris Upchurch says is from the Klipsun fruit. Wonderfully dense, fine-grained and broad, combining Latour-like saline, gravel and graphite notes with the vibrant blueberry and mineral aspect of Ciel du Cheval. Seriously structured, sharply focused, very pure wine with lovely floral lift and elegance. Finishes with sweet tannins and outstanding breadth. (Drink between 2018-2025). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2013 |
Grand Ciel Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (6/2016): A spitting image of a top Pauillac, the 100% Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Grand Ciel comes from one of the top terroirs in the state, the Grand Ciel Vineyard on Red Mountain. Aged all in new French oak, its offers sensational notes of lead pencil shavings, black currants, campfire, graphite and crushed flowers. Full-bodied, seamless and incredibly elegant, yet with serious density and power, it's surprisingly approachable given its polished tannin and overall balance, yet I've no doubt it will have 2-3 decades of overall longevity.
VM 94 (11/2016): Ruby-red. Very pure, vibrant scents of blueberry, cassis and cedary oak. Densely packed, pliant and savory, conveying a restrained sweetness to the flavors of currant and spices. An outstanding example of this bottling, with a touch of pyrazine lift contributing to its impression of lift. Plush and very long, finishing with harmonious noble tannins. This wine conveys an impression of through and even ripening and has the balance and structure for graceful aging. (Drink between 2017-2027). Stephen Tenzer. |
|
|
2013 |
Harrison Hill Proprietary Blend |
$60 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94 (6/2016): he elegant 2013 Harrison Hill is reminiscent of lighter weight Chateau Margaux with its beautiful aromatics of tobacco leaf, sandalwood, lead pencil and black cherries. These give way to a medium to full-bodied, supple, seamlessly textured 2013 that has sweet tannin, no hard edges, and beautiful purity and focus in the finish. It's already approachable, but will evolve gracefully on its balance and overall harmony.
VM 92+ (11/2016): Medium-deep red. Sexy, claret-like herbal complexity to the perfumed aromas of redcurrant, strawberry, lavender, rose petal, tobacco and licorice. Fat, suave and subtly sweet, with wonderfully fine-grained blue and red fruit and savory mineral flavors complicated by truffle and hints of dried flowers and light pyrazines. In a rather Old World style, and long on personality. Finishes ripe and persistent, with dusty, firm-edged tannins. Very distinctive and very smooth. (Drink between 2017-2027). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2013 |
Merlot |
$39 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 90 (6/2016): The 2013 Merlot is a fleshy, forward and charming effort that gives up lots of black cherry, currants, graphite and smoked herb characteristics in a medium-bodied, charming, balanced and very drinkable style. I'm not sure it will make old bones, but it should continue to impress through at least 2023.
VM 90 (11/2016): Bright medium red. Aromas of raspberry, mint and spicy oak. A very juicy style, with lovely inner-mouth energy and spice character to its intense red fruit flavors. Not especially complex but not at all an overripe style of Washington Merlot. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2013 |
Metier Red Blend |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92 (6/2016): I loved the 2013 Doyenne Metier Proprietary Red Blend, and this mix of 39% Mourvedre, 36% Grenache and the rest Cinsault offers ripe, textured, downright sexy notes of ripe black cherries, ground herbs, melted licorice and caramelized meats to go with a full-bodied, concentrated, unctuous style on the palate. Beautifully concentrated, textured and with solid underlying structure, it should continue to drink beautifully through 2025.
VM 91 (11/2015): Good dark red. Sexy, sappy aromas of raspberry syrup, licorice and wild herbs. A fat fruit bomb of raspberry, strawberry and boysenberry, complicated by clove and meaty nuances. A wonderfully plush, broad, dry blend with a slightly liqueur-like ripeness that lends itself to early consumption. Spreads out horizontal on the lingering, ripely tannic back end. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Denner |
2013 |
Syrah |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (9/2015): Opaque ruby. An array of black and blue fruit scents on the nose, with complicating suggestions of cola, dark chocolate and licorice. Warm and spicy in the mouth, offering sappy blackcurrant and mulberry flavors that tighten up on the back half. Shows good energy on the finish, which features supple tannins and a hint of olive. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2013 |
The Dirt Worshiper Syrah Blend |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (9/2015): Bright purple. Sexy perfume of dark berry liqueur, incense, violet and olive, with a smoky mineral nuance gaining power as the wine opens in the glass. Juicy, seamless and sweet, offering concentrated blueberry and floral pastille flavors and a strong suggestion of spicecake. Really stains the palate but comes off as graceful, with smooth tannins adding shape and grip to the wine's lush fruit. (Drink between 2020-2026). Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2013 |
The Ditch Digger Grenache Blend |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94 (8/2015): The estate's Southern Rhone-inspired cuvee, the 2013 The Ditch Digger Denner Vineyard is 50% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 15% Syrah, 10% Counoise and 5% Cinsault the was brought up in 60% old barrels and 40% in cement tanks. Ripe, voluptuous, full-bodied and low in acidity, it offers terrific notes of raspberry, blackberries, herbes de Provence, pepper and garrigue. Downright sexy and already hard to resist, drink this beauty anytime over the coming 7-8 years.
VM 93 (9/2015): Bright violet color. Pungent, deeply pitched red and dark berry scents, along with a smoky mineral quality and a sexy floral topnote. Spicy black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors become sweeter with air, picking up an exotic suggestion of violet pastille. Maintains impressive focus and energy through a long, smoky, youthfully tannic finish, with the floral note resonating. (Drink between 2020-2025). Josh Raynolds. |
|
| DeSante |
2013 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Diamond Creek |
2013 |
Volcanic Hill Cabernet Sauvignon |
$425 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (12/2016): From the biggest of the three vineyards, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill comes from pure volcanic, iron-rich, rocky white tufa of volcanic origin. Marginally speaking, this is bluer and blacker than the Red Rock Terrace or Gravelly Meadow. A tour de force of perfection, this wine offers up crème de cassis, blueberry liqueur, licorice, earth, truffle and graphite. It displays spectacular richness, magnificent balance and texture, and a long, incredibly pure finish of close to a minute. This remarkable, full-bodied elixir should drink beautifully for another 30+ years, if not longer.
VM 97+ (12/2016): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill presents a stunning interplay of ripe, inky fruit and structure. Dazzling from the first impression, the Volcanic Hill exudes richness, with copious amounts of inky blue/purplish fruit, violet, licorice and graphite. This stunning, captivating Cabernet has the potential to offer truly thrilling drinking for a number of decades. The vibrant, salivating finish is a thing of beauty. This south-facing site is the first to be harvested. Antonio Galloni.
JS 96 (5/2016): Lots of blackberries, plums and cherries on the nose. Full body, ultra-velvety tannins and a long, long finish. A broad and layered red with refined textures. Very long. Juicy. Riper than the Red Rock and Gravelly Meadow. Better in 2019. 608 cases made. |
|
| 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. |
|
|
2013 |
Two Brothers Pinot Noir |
$49 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (2/2016): The 2013 Pinot Noir Two Brothers is pretty, floral and lifted, all qualities that make it quite appealing for near and medium-term drinking. Crushed flowers, sweet red berries and cinnamon are all given an extra kick of savory lift from the 30% whole clusters. The Two Brothers is now a Sonoma County wine. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2013 |
Walker Vine Hill Syrah |
$59 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 97+ (7/2017): One of the larger scaled examples of this cuvee I’ve tried, the 2013 Syrah Walker Vine Hill saw only partial destemming and 20 months in 25% new French oak. Reminding me a great vintage of Hermitage Les Bessards from Delas, it boasts phenomenal notes of crème de cassis, graphite, roasted herbs, melted licorice and burning embers. Rich, voluptuous, seriously ripe and decadent, yet with density, tannin and structure, it needs 3-4 years of cellaring (it needs an hour decant or more if drinking today) and will have two decades of overall longevity. This is what great California Syrah tastes like! |
|
| Elk Cove Vineyards |
2013 |
Five Mountain Pinot Noir |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Mount Richmond Pinot Noir Scuffed Label |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Olenik Vyd. Pinot Noir Scuffed Label |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Shea Vyd. Pinot Noir Scuffed Label |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Fairchild Estate |
2013 |
G III Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (10/2015): Like the Sigaro, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Georges III has really come together over the last year. An attractive mélange of minerals, iron, smoke and rose petal adds nuance to the jammy, red-tone fruit. Veins of classic George III tannin give the wine much of its shape, energy and inner tension. This powerful, structured Cabernet needs a few years to come together, but it is firing on all cylinders today. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Far Niente |
2013 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (10/2015): A dark, explosive wine, the 2013 hits the palate with masses of dark, super-concentrated fruit. Spice, new leather, menthol and tobacco appear with air to round things out. The 2013 is not especially subtle, but it is racy, opulent and voluptuous, all qualities that will hold considerable appeal to readers looking for immediacy and near-term pleasure, all of which the 2013 has in abundance. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Farella Estate |
2013 |
Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 95 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is a total knock-out. Intense black fruit, graphite, violets and smoke blossom as this explosive, structured Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its compelling personality. Virile, dark and intense, Farella's 2013 is deeply intriguing and also a reference-point for what Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon is all about. This is one of the sleepers of the vintage. Antonio Galloni.
WA 87 (12/2015): As for the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, it has a nice framework, moderate intensity, but with pure blackcurrant fruit, a touch of loamy soil notes and background oak. It's medium-bodied, elegant and stylish. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. |
|
|
2013 |
Coombsville Malbec |
$35 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Coombsville Syrah |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Faust |
2013 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$100 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (10/2015): The Faust 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon comes largely from vineyards in southern Napa Valley’s Coombsville and Atlas Peak, but also includes some cross-AVA material from areas such as Yountville, Mt. Veeder, St. Helena and Rutherford. It is a well-made, ripe, concentrated, deep ruby/purple-colored Cabernet Sauvignon with sweet tannin, an attractive, cedary, licorice-infused aromatic and flavor profile, medium to full body and supple tannins. It seems to be the most drinkable and up-front of the Faust wines. |
|
| Figgins Estate |
2013 |
Red Wine |
$60 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 94 (6/2016): The flagship is the 2013 Estate Red Wine, which is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot that spent 20 months in 62% new French oak, with the balance in second fill barrels. Coming from a cooler, higher elevation site on the eastern edge of Walla Walla, this beauty possesses fabulous purity in its cassis and black raspberry fruit, violets, graphite and spring flower-like aromas and flavors. These give way to a full-bodied impeccably balanced 2013 that has fine tannin, nicely integrated acidity and a great finish. I don’t think it has the density of the 2012, but it shines for its overall harmony and purity. This beauty is enjoyable now, but should be at its best from 2020-2033.
VM 93+ (11/2016): Very bright ruby-red. Cassis, licorice and stony minerality on the nose, plus a strong minty quality that's probably from the Petit Verdot component. Superconcentrated black fruits hint at creamy depth but are still very tightly wound and in need of patience. The wine's sweetness is nicely countered by an impression of high-altitude acidity. This extract-rich, extremely primary wine offers outstanding promise. The Mill Creek Upland vineyard can be dry-farmed in most years, according to Chris Figgins, as it receives about 22 inches of rain (high for Walla Walla Valley), vs. just 12 at Seven Hills, just 16 miles to the southwest as the vulture flies. (Drink between 2021-2033). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Foley Johnson |
2013 |
Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon |
$35 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Force Majeure |
2013 |
Ciel du Cheval Collaboration Series V Cabernet Sauvignon |
$60 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (11/2016): Bright, full ruby. Pungent oaky lift to the aromas of blackberry, blueberry, cassis and licorice, plus an iron-like tobacco nuance. Plush and sweet in the mouth, offering slightly chunky dark fruit, spice and sweet oak flavors. Finishes with substantial, chewy, oak-driven tannins that turned a bit drier with aeration. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2013 |
Force Majeur Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 95+ (6/2015): Made by Todd Alexander and coming from the new estate vineyard, the 2012 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is backward and structured, with gorgeous dark fruits, scorched earth, graphite and crushed rock giving way to a full-bodied, concentrated tannic feel on the palate. This is a serious effort that will need a decade of cellaring, yet should have 25+ years of overall longevity. |
|
| Freemark Abbey |
2013 |
Bosche Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$199 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 98+ (10/2016): The famous Bosché Vineyard is a spot in Rutherford composed of gravelly, loamy soil and situated just at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains. A blend of 93.8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6.2% Merlot, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Bosché Vineyard was aged 28 months in French oak. This vineyard has turned out many a classic wine capable of lasting 30-40 years, and this 2013 is one of the all-time great Bosché Cabernet Sauvignons. It offers an inky ruby/purple color, a gorgeous nose of graphite, black cherry, wood spice and barbecue notes, enormous body and richness, and a heady, full-bodied, long finish of 50+ seconds with moderately high tannins. This is a great classic from Napa, but not one for drinking over the near-term. Give it 7-8 years of bottle age and drink it over the following 50 years. |
|
| Gallica |
2013 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$150 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Gramercy Cellars |
2013 |
Columbia Valley Syrah |
$35 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (6/2016): Readers looking for a killer Syrah to purchase to see what Washington is all about couldn't do any better than a bottle of the 2013 Columbia Valley Syrah from Gramercy. Possessing lots of gamy, olive, peppery, lavender and salted meats, with a core of ripe plum and darker fruits, this beauty is full-bodied, supple, polished and utterly seamless, with no hard edges and a clean, focused finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. Buy this beauty by the case and drink it over the coming decade. |
|
|
2013 |
John Lewis Reserve Syrah |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93+ (11/2015): (made entirely with whole clusters; 13.5% alcohol): Deep red-ruby. Wild, musky aromas of dark raspberry, graphite, licorice, brown spices, dried flowers, crushed rock and peppery herbs. Wonderfully fine-grained and savory in the mouth, showing outstanding tension and peppery lift to the raspberry, black olive and mineral flavors. A very subtle, sharply delineated Syrah with a restrained sweetness and a long, slowly building finish featuring suave, palate-dusting tannins. I find this more complex and much easier to taste than the 2012 at a similar stage of its evolution. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2013 |
Lagniappe Syrah |
$59 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (6/2016): Slightly more fruit driven than the meaty, peppery John Lewis release, the 2013 Syrah Lagniappe is a drop dead gorgeous Syrah that does everything right. Its almost opaque purple color is followed by a complex, layered bouquet that includes ample black and blue fruits, ground pepper, lavender, olive and hints of bacon fat. This gives way to a medium to full-bodied, layered, silky 2013 that has a great mid-palate, juicy acidity and a great finish. I’d happily drink it today, but it should be at its best from 2018-2028. |
|
| Hall |
2013 |
Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon |
$167 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96 (12/2016): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall from Napa is another blockbuster, exhibiting an opaque bluish purple color, notes of charcoal, graphite, blackberry, chocolate and exotic spices, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long, long finish. Like most 2013s, it is just hinting at its ultimate potential, but this wine is loaded and exciting. Forget it for another 4-5 years and drink it over the following three decades.
VM 92 (12/2016): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall is dark, powerful and juicy. Raspberry jam, mocha, new leather and dark spices, along with supple, forward fruit give the Kathryn Hall its soft, succulent personality. This is one of the more approachable, racy 2013 Cabernets readers will come across. Silky tannins add to the wine's finesse and texture. Antonio Galloni.
JS 88 (12/2016): Very ripe and raisiny with dense and rich fruit. A little hot. Dialling it back a few notches would make this Outstanding but alas, there's just too much here, and what there is overdone. |
|
| Walter Hansel |
2013 |
Cahill Lane Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$40 |
6 |
|
| |
VM 93 (1/2015): Dark red and blue fruits, smoke, wild flowers and spices flesh out in the 2013 Pinot Noir Cahill Lane. Round, succulent and hugely expressive, the 2013 is another wine built on pure balance and overall harmony. The 2013 captures an appealing combination of intensity and brightness. Antonio Galloni.
WA 93 (10/2015): A blend of three clones – Dijon clones 114 and 115, as well as Rochioli material – the 2013 Pinot Noir Cahill Lane has a dark ruby color and a fragrant style with floral and earth tones intermixed with strawberries and black cherries. The sweetness of the tannin as well as the heady glycerin and lushness make for a hedonistic and intellectually satisfying Pinot Noir to drink over the next 7-10 years. |
|
|
2013 |
Cuvee Alyce Pinot Noir |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93+ (1/2015): The 2013 Pinot Noir Cuvee Alyce is quite beautiful today, with gorgeous complexity, plenty of depth and fabulous overall balance. Game, smoke, tobacco and licorice add nuance to a core of expressive red-toned fruits. Today, I see a little less than in the some of the other wines, the North Slope in particular, but that is really splitting hairs at this level. Antonio Galloni.
WA 93+ (10/2015): The 2013 Pinot Noir Cuvee Alyce, which is made from a field blend of Dijon clones 115 and 777, is also backward and restrained. I can totally understand Stephen Hansel’s statement that the 2013 Pinots are very European with their reserved character. This is a big wine, dense, ruby in color, with terrific fruit intensity, but the tannins still dominate, and the wine has good acidity and a backward personality. It’s not austere by any means and should blossom fully with another 1-2 years of bottle age. It could turn out to be a low- to mid-90 pointer. It’s certainly capable of lasting at least a decade. |
|
| he-li-an-thus |
2013 |
Napa Valley Proprietary Blend |
$109 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Hendry |
2013 |
Block 13 Merlot |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Block 7 & 22 Zinfandel |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
HRW Pinot Noir |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Paul Hobbs |
2013 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$309 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard has come together nicely over the last year. Dark red cherry, plum, mocha, licorice and sweet spices all meld together in a decidedly powerful, explosive Dr. Crane that shows the more virile side of this site. The 2013 is a solid effort, but between the vineyard and the winemaking, this Cabernet should really be at another level. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Hobel Wine Works |
2013 |
Engelhard Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Hunnicutt |
2013 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (12/2015): Hunnicutt’s 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa, a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot, is stunning. Overseen by winemaker Kirk Venge, the son of legendary Nils Venge, this 568-case cuvée a is terrific. Sweet blackberry fruits jump from the glass, the wine broad, savory and full-bodied with beautiful purity and intensity. It’s also a great value in Napa Cabernet Sauvignon given the quality. Drink it over the next 20 years. |
|
| Jonata Winery |
2013 |
El Alma de Jonata Cabernet Franc |
$99 |
7 |
|
| |
VM 96+ (9/2016): Silky, aromatic and expressive, the 2013 El Alma de Jonata graces the palate with exquisite finesse. The Cabernet Franc notes dominate, of course, but it is the wine's exceptional balance that is most remarkable. Sweet red cherry, plum, rose petal and mint shape the silky, perfumed finish. What a striking wine this is. The 2013 is 81% Cabernet Franc, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. Antonio Galloni.
WA 94+ (8/2016): Leading off the bottled releases, the 2013 El Alma de Jonata (81% Cabernet Franc, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Petit Verdot) is still tight and closed, yet loaded with potential. Giving up notes of iron, dark chocolate, liquid smoke, lead pencil and tobacco leaf, this full-bodied, concentrated, downright serious beauty needs 4-6 years of cellaring and will keep for 10-15 years after that.
JS 94 (1/2017): Wet earth and dried fruits with hints of chalk, chocolate flakes and berries. Full body, yet balanced and refined. Very long and full of place. A beauty. Mostly cabernet franc. Drink now. |
|
|
2013 |
El Desafio de Jonata Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98 (7/2018): The 2013 El Desafio de Jonata checks in as a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and the rest Merlot all aged 20 months in 80% new French oak. Reminiscent of a First Growth from Pauillac, it gets a big wow in the notes and offers sensational notes of cassis, tobacco leaf, damp herbs, and charcoal. Full-bodied, massively concentrated, fresh and impeccably balanced, it's up with the 2007 as the greatest vintage of this cuvée to date.
VM 97 (9/2016): The Cabernet Sauvignon-based 2013 El Desafio de Jonata is deep, powerful and implosive. A massive, dark wine, the 2013 Desafio exudes richness. Today, it is a brooding beast, but there is so much density in the glass just waiting to open up. Graphite, smoke, licorice, menthol, blackberry jam, grilled herbs, smoke and licorice are some of the many notes that shape the majestic, towering finish. In 2013, the blend is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Merlot. Antonio Galloni.
WA 96+ (8/2016): Another wine that needs to be forgotten for at least 4-6 years is the 2013 El Desafio de Jonata. Made from mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and a splash of Merlot, this full-bodied, inky colored wine offers beautiful aromatics of ripe black fruits, lead pencil, tobacco leaf and smoked herbs. Possessing a great mid-palate, ripe tannin and a great finish, it should be at its best from 2020-2040. |
|
|
2013 |
Todos Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (8/2017): I loved the 2014 Todos, and this kitchen sink blend of 47% Syrah, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, 3% Sangiovese and 2% Viognier isn't far behind the other cuvees in quality. Currants, black raspberries, toasted spice, earth and hints of herbs emerge from this medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, textured beauty that has tons of to love. It will keep through 2024. |
|
| K Vintners |
2013 |
The Cattle King Syrah |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 98 (6/2016): The 2013 Syrah Cattle King is a smokin', layered, sexy, voluptuous Syrah that does everything right. Coming from the River Rock Vineyard in Walla Walla and the Upland Vineyard in Snipes Mountain, not destemmed and brought up all in larger barrels, this beauty offers a sensational perfume of smoked meats, pepper, licorice, black olives and assorted ripe black fruits. Deep, layered and concentrated, yet always light on its feet and elegant, this fabulous Syrah has a terrific mid-palate, a core of sweet fruit and blockbuster length. It's a tour de force in vintage and certainly one of the top wines. It needs a decant if drinking anytime soon, but should be at its best from 2020 to 2038. |
|
|
2013 |
The Creator Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (11/2016): (the Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are co-fermented): Healthy dark red. Musky red berry and plum aromas are complicated by mocha, truffle, anise, lemon thyme, tarragon and licorice. Smooth, densely packed wine with enticing aromatic lift and subtle herbal nuances. Finishes with broad, fine-grained tannins and excellent length. (Drink between 2017-2023). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2013 |
The Deal Sundance Vyd. Syrah |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (6/2016): Coming all from the Sundance Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope, the medium-ruby colored 2013 Syrah The Deal Sundance Vineyard is a unique, singular Syrah that gives up beautiful notes of kirsch, blackberries, sandy, dried soils and hints of olive tapenade. Full-bodied, concentrated, with a great mid-palate and satin-textured tannins, it will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and cruise for a decade after that. |
|
| Kerr Cellars |
2013 |
Reserve Red Wine |
$129 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (8/2017): What a delight it is to taste Kerr's 2013 Reserve Red in such great shape. Dark, powerful and structured, with forbidding tannins that are going to need time to soften, the 2013 is terrific. A host of espresso, mocha, leather, licorice and cedar infuse a core of dark fruit in this imposing yet expressive red blend. All of the class of this great Napa Valley vintage comes through a highly expressive yet mid-weight wine. I suspect the bottle I tasted last fall was flawed, as this bottle is on another level entirely. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2013 |
Reserve Red Wine |
$149 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (8/2017): What a delight it is to taste Kerr's 2013 Reserve Red in such great shape. Dark, powerful and structured, with forbidding tannins that are going to need time to soften, the 2013 is terrific. A host of espresso, mocha, leather, licorice and cedar infuse a core of dark fruit in this imposing yet expressive red blend. All of the class of this great Napa Valley vintage comes through a highly expressive yet mid-weight wine. I suspect the bottle I tasted last fall was flawed, as this bottle is on another level entirely. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Kosta Browne |
2013 |
Gap’s Crown Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (10/2015): From a large vineyard (Gap's Crown is roughly 130 acres), the 2013 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown Vineyard comes from a smaller 37-acre parcel owned by Kosta Browne, which lies at an elevation of 1,000 feet above sea level. Harvest all towards the end of September and aged 16 months in 51% new French oak, it has a slightly darker slant in its wild strawberry, black raspberry, spice and sappy flower stem-like aromas and flavors. Elegant, seamless and downright pretty, it grows on you with time in the glass and is a gorgeous Pinot Noir to drink over the coming decade.
VM 93 (5/2015): The 2013 Pinot Noir Gap's Crown is the biggest and richest of the Sonoma Coast Pinots. Dark red cherry, plum, new leather and cedar flesh out in a radiant, distinctly supple Pinot for the year. The Gap's Crown is all about depth, voluptuousness and texture. A touch of whole clusters add an attractive dimension of nuance. |
|
|
2013 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$74 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (5/2015): The 2013 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley comes across as a bit restrained, with lovely energy to balance the expressive Russian River fruit. Dark cherry, plum, spice, cedar and cinnamon flesh out on a perfumed, sensual finish with attractive rose petal and lavender overtones. |
|
|
2013 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (5/2015): Red-fleshed stone fruits, crushed flowers and sweet spices are some of the notes that are pushed forward in the 2013 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast. Overall, this is a decidedly forward, juicy Sonoma Coast Pinot built on opulent fruit and near-term appeal. The 2013 is mostly Gap's Crown fruit, which is now an estate vineyard for KB. |
|
| 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). |
|
|
2013 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$35 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (1/2015): Dark red cherries, plums, spices, menthol and rose petals meld together in the 2013 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast. Dark, mysterious and supple in the glass, the 2013 is super pure and pretty today. Expressive savory notes from the 100% whole clusters add lift and nuance on the finish. The 2013 is a blend of fruit from Sonoma Stage, where the terrain is rich in clay, and McDougall, which is characterized by sandier soils. This is one of the best artisan Sonoma Coast Pinots readers will find for the money. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Lagniappe Peak Vineyards |
2013 |
Pere Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Larkmead Vineyards |
2013 |
Dr. Olmo Cabernet Sauvignon |
$145 |
5 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (black label) is utterly magnificent. Towering and statuesque, the 2013 deftly balances ripeness, intensity and freshness, with suave tannins (for a big wine) and fabulous overall balance. A host of sweet red plum, pomegranate, spice, white pepper, crushed rocks and rose petal add the final shades of nuance. The 2013 is the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove. The black label Cabernet Sauvignon emerges from parcels in the center of the estate planted on Cortina gravel. (Drink between 2023-2038). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2013 |
Firebelle Red Wine |
$92 |
10 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (10/2015): The 2013 Firebelle Proprietary Red is a blend of 76% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. This wine shows loads of roasted espresso notes mixed with white chocolate, plum, black cherry and currant. The wine is ripe, opulent, full-bodied and a very sexy, lush example of 2013 to drink over the next 15 or more years. |
|
|
2013 |
LMV Salon Proprietary Blend |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (10/2015): The 2013 Proprietary Red LMV Salon, which is a proprietary red of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Cabernet Franc, is stunning. The Cabernet Franc seems to give this wine a tremendous fragrance, as the opaque purple color offers notes of cedar wood, underbrush, forest floor and spring flowers along with creme de cassis and black cherries. With a full body, ripe texture and moderately high tannins, this wine will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring and keep 30-35 years. |
|
|
2013 |
LMV Salon Proprietary Blend |
$159 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (10/2015): The 2013 Proprietary Red LMV Salon, which is a proprietary red of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Cabernet Franc, is stunning. The Cabernet Franc seems to give this wine a tremendous fragrance, as the opaque purple color offers notes of cedar wood, underbrush, forest floor and spring flowers along with creme de cassis and black cherries. With a full body, ripe texture and moderately high tannins, this wine will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring and keep 30-35 years. |
|
|
2013 |
Solari Cabernet Sauvignon |
$179 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 96+ (10/2023): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari is clearly on another level, and it too has more than a passing resemblance to a great Bordeaux with its darker currant fruits as well as notes of truffly earth, saddle leather, burning embers, dark chocolate, and smoked tobacco. Deep, powerful, concentrated, and structured, it still has plenty of tannins, beautiful mid-palate depth, and a gorgeous finish. Still closed and almost angular, it probably won't hit full maturity for another 5-7 years.
VM 94+ (8/2019): Deep red-ruby. Pure if somewhat brooding scents of raspberry, currant, licorice and tobacco. Concentrated and tightly wound, showing darker mid-palate fruit than the 2014 Solari as well as considerable power. But there's no shortage of sweetness here. This beauty spreads out to saturate the palate without leaving any impression of heaviness. The red fruit element returns on the ripely tannic finish, which displays lovely retronasal lift, belying its very high pH. This should last very well. Winemaker Petroski described 2013 as "the granddaddy of all vintages, with no soil stress, no heat spikes, no Indian summer." He summarized: "We made our most powerful wines ever." This wine was the highest in total polyphenols of all of the bottles in my double vertical and yet its huge tannins are remarkably integrated. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 96 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Solari, which is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot (945 cases), is a huge, massive wine of great intensity, coiled tightly at present, but with high tannins, formidable extract and unlimited upside potential. This is a real connoisseur’s choice, since it needs a good 5-8 years of bottle age. This is a monster effort from the valley floor and should be respected appropriately. Forget it for now. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2035+. |
|
| Leonetti Cellars |
2013 |
Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96 (6/2016): Leading off the 2013s, the 2013 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon comes all from estate vineyard and is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot and 7% Malbec, all of which spent 22 months in new and once used French oak. It’s vibrant purple color is followed by classic notes of crème de cassis, violets, tobacco leaf, lead pencil shavings and graphite. This full-bodied, ripe, yet still elegant Cabernet (which checks in at 14.7% alcohol) has terrific purity, ripe, polished tannin and a great finish. It has the purity and finesse to drink beautifully today, but it will have 20-25 years of overall longevity.
VM 93 (11/2016): (70% new French oak): Bright red-ruby. Very sexy aromas of blueberry, dark raspberry, pomegranate, mocha, cola and top-quality oak, lifted by violet and mint high tones. Very rich, deep, creamy wine, with its intense, vibrant red and darker berry flavors accented by spices. Slightly edgy acidity and youthfully clenched tannins call for patience; I would not be at all surprised if this seriously structured but plush and very long wine eventually merited an even higher rating. |
|
|
2013 |
Walla Walla Valley Reserve Red Wine |
$149 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (6/2016): Similar to the straight Cabernet release, the 2013 Walla Walla Reserve has even more Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend and is 81% Cabernet, 11% Petit Verdot and 8% Merlot. It does nicely in the vintage and has beautiful purity and elegant as well as textbook Cabernet notes of cassis, toasted spice, graphite, scorched earth and hints of chocolate. A touch fresher and more focused than the Cabernet Sauvignon release, this beautiful concentrated, impeccably balanced 2013 will need 4-5 years of cellaring and have 20-25 years of overall longevity.
VM 94+ (11/2016): Saturated medium ruby. Less showy on the nose than the Cabernet Sauvignon, with brooding but very ripe aromas of black cherry, mocha, dusty rose and violet. Compellingly sweet and fine-grained, with deep black cherry and dark berry flavors complicated by an element of Belgian chocolate that carries through the very long, building finish. Tannins saturate the palate and cheeks. This is less harmonious today than the Cabernet Sauvignon bottling but longer on the aftertaste. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Lewelling Vineyards |
2013 |
St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (10/2015): The inky purple 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon displays plenty of classic creme de cassis and lead pencil shavings along with some licorice, charcoal and vanilla notes. It is full-bodied and opulent, with good integration of sweet tannin and bright acids. This wine is still young but approachable, and certainly capable of evolving for 10-15+ years. |
|
|
2013 |
Wight Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 93+ (10/2015): Very Pauillac-like (as usual), the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Wight has a similar character, with loads of creme de cassis, smoke, licorice and graphite as well as a full-bodied texture, dense, rich fruit, impressive purity and ripe tannin. This is a beauty, but interestingly, it doesn’t show the dramatic difference in quality that it often does at such a young age, although that may well evolve. Give it several more years of bottle age and drink it over the following two decades. |
|
| Lewis Cellars |
2013 |
Alec’s Blend |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
9 |
|
| |
|
| Linne Calodo |
2013 |
Sticks and Stones |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2015): A sensational expression of California Grenache, Matt's 2013 Sticks and Stones gives up tons of sweet cherries, raspberries, crushed, flowers and spice characteristics in a medium to full-bodied, pure, elegant profile. Made from 70% Grenache, 12% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault and 8% Syrah, it shines for its overall balance, purity of fruit and light, ethereal mouthfeel that keeps you coming back to the glass. It's already drinking great so don't be afraid to crack open a bottle. It should still be going strong in 2022. |
|
| Marciano |
2013 |
Estate Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$199 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (12/2016): A gorgeous wine, the 2013 Marciano Estate has really come together since I tasted it last year. Black cherry, mocha, espresso, dark spices and new leather flesh out in the glass. Dark, powerful and enveloping, the 2013 captures the power and intensity of this site beautifully, with soft, sensual tannins that give the wine much of its immediacy and appeal. Today, the 2013 is a knockout. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Louis M. Martini |
2013 |
Monte Rosso Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 95+ (10/2016): An absolutely outrageous wine and probably one of the great all-time Cabernet Sauvignons from Sonoma is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte Rosso Vineyard Sonoma Valley. This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the relatively recent Moon Mountain AVA, that aged for 27 months in 67% new French and 14 % new American oak. This is a wine of thrilling levels of intensity, with an incredible fragrance of spring flowers, blue fruits, black fruits, especially crème de cassis and blackberry, loamy soil undertones, and a touch of licorice and smoke. The wine is full-bodied, with magnificent fruit intensity and purity, loads of glycerin (15.5% alcohol) and a finish of a good 40+ seconds. This is a great bottle of wine that can still be purchased for less than $100.00, which is increasingly rare in Northern California. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040. |
|
| Matthews |
2013 |
Colombia Valley Claret |
$39 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 92 (6/2016): Readers looking for a longer term prospect should check out the 2013 Claret (57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot and the rest Malbec and Petit Verdot), which is firm, concentrated and structured; it has plenty of oak in its tobacco leaf, incense, and crème de cassis aromas and flavors. Give this full-bodied 2013 about 5-6 years of cellaring and drink over the following decade.
VM 90 (11/2015): Bright, deep ruby-red. Perfumed, oaky aromas of blackberry, licorice, violet, dark chocolate and graphite minerality. Plush, fine-grained and moderately sweet in the mouth, with the dark berry flavors lifted by enticing floral perfume and nicely framed by sound acidity for the year. Really builds subtly on the long, smooth, savory back end, which features suave, building tannins and lingering black fruits. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2013 |
Colombia Valley Reserve Proprietary Blend |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (6/2016): Another sensational wine is the 2013 Reserve, which is largely Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 28% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc, aged 21 months in new French oak. It reveals fabulous purity of fruit and full-bodied richness, as well as textbook Bordeaux-like notes of black currants, cassis, lead pencil shaving and leafy herbs. It shows more and more tannin with time in the glass, but it never loses its overall sense of elegance and purity. Well-stored bottles should be at their best from 2020-2038. |
|
| Miner |
2013 |
Benedetto Cabernet Sauvignon |
$98 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Hudson Vyd. Grenache |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Myriad |
2013 |
Three Twins Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Three Twins Vineyard emerges from a site that winemaker Mike Smith has found in Conn Valley. The wine shows a more earthy side to his brilliant winemaking skills, showing blueberry and blackberry fruit, but there is more of an underlying minerality and loamy soil, earthiness. It is full-bodied, rich, pure, and multilayered aa well as textured. It should drink well for at least 20-25 years. |
|
| No Girls |
2013 |
Walla Walla Valley Tempranillo |
$76 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 92+ (11/2016): Bright ruby-red. Dark aromas of black raspberry, blackberry and licorice lifted by rose petal. Sweet, plush dark raspberry and black cherry fruit flavors show noteworthy energy, with the sexy rose petal quality providing a lively foil to the wine's salinity. Finishes with building, ripe tannins that should hold this wine for a decade or more. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Pahlmeyer |
2013 |
Malbec |
$69 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Paloma |
2013 |
Merlot |
$50 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (10/2016): This is a strong effort from Paloma that has made its reputation for ripe, sexy, full-bodied Merlots. This wine exhibits plenty of plum, black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, mocha and coffee bean in a lush, delicious and opulently textured style. It is drinking beautifully already and will continue to evolve for another decade or more. |
|
| Peay Vineyards |
2013 |
Pomarium Pinot Noir |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (2/2016): One of the real surprises in this tasting, the 2013 Pinot Noir Estate Pomarium has really blossomed over the last year. The Ama possesses quite a bit more tannin and structure than the Ama, along with a darker flavor profile that tend towards the dark red/purplish end of the spectrum. Violet, lavender, mint, cloves and crushed rocks add further shades of dimension. This is an especially vertical, structured Pinot from the Peay family. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Pott |
2013 |
Kaliholmanok Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$195 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Kaliholmanok, from a site on Spring Mountain, is one of the most sensual wines in Aaron Pott's range. Super-ripe red cherry, plum, mint, spice and rose petal meld into the voluptuous, racy finish, all with silky tannins that enrobe the fruit while conveying finesse and pure sensuality. Next to Pott's 2013s, the Kaliholmanok is a bit less powerful and is also likely to be more accessible young. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2013 |
Original Gangster Grenache |
$72.25 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
The Arsenal Greer Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 95 (10/2015): Nothing in particular stands out in the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon The Arsenal. Instead, it is the wine's overall balance that truly impresses. Lavender, mint, sweet spices and red stone fruit are all finely spun into the racy finish. Sadly, this is Pott's last vintage of The Arsenal, as proprietor Rob Greer has opted to keep all of the fruit for his own project. Antonio Galloni.
WA 94+ (10/2015): A big-time wine is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon The Arsenal from the Greer Vineyard in Rutherford. I believe this is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is dense purple, with loamy soil undertones interwoven with creme de cassis, blackberry, spice box and cedar wood. The wine is deep, rich opulent and a big-time winner with sweet tannins. This wine should drink well for two decades as well. |
|
| Purlieu |
2013 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 96 (12/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Purlieu was aged in 70% new French oak for 22 months. This just has a Napa appellation, but is very concentrated -- even profoundly so -- and I have to argue that it's even deeper, richer and potentially even finer than the Martinez Vineyard from Pritchard Hill. Very long, impressive and intense, this looks to be a great value in the scheme of Napa Cabernet pricing. It is also no shy wine at 15.5% alcohol. This is a big-time sleeper of the vintage. Drink now-2030.
VM 89 (12/2016): Napa Valley) The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is powerful, dense and explosive, with plenty of inky blue/purplish fruit, spice, menthol, bittersweet chocolate, licorice and white flower notes. Drink this concentrated, inky wine over the next handful of years. (Drink between 2017-2025). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Quilceda Creek |
2013 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 99 (6/2016): I think the wine of the vintage, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Columbia Valley is flat out sensational, and flirts with perfection. Its inky ruby/purple color is followed by incredible notes of cassis, black currants, smoked herbs, licorice and graphite. These give way to a full-bodied, utterly seamless Cabernet that has full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannin and a killer finish. While it possesses the elegance and purity of the vintage, it has a stacked mid-palate, and deserves 4-5 years of cellaring. It will have two decades or more of overall longevity. |
|
|
2013 |
Columbia Valley CVR Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
14 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (6/2016): Always a terrific value, the 2013 Cvr Columbia Valley Red Wine is a medium to full-bodied, ripe, sexy 2013 that has tons of plums, licorice, lead pencil shavings and spice to go with a rounded texture, ripe tannin and a great finish. Drink it over the coming decade. |
|
|
2013 |
Galitzine Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (6/2016): An utterly prodigious effort that would most likely be the wine of the vintage if not for its big brother, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Galitzine Vineyard comes all from Red Mountain and was raised in 100% new French oak. Revealing a healthy ruby/purple color and classic notes of sage brush, graphite, black cherries, currants and chocolate, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness; building, present, yet ripe and polished tannin; perfect integration of its fruit, alcohol and oak; and awesome length. This is a powerhouse Cabernet Sauvignon that still holds onto a sense of elegance and finesse. Forget it for 4-5 years and drink bottles over the following two decades.
VM 94+ (11/2016): Deep ruby-red color. High-pitched aromas of blackberry, cassis and violet lifted by a pungent licorice note that may come from the very expensive, long-seasoned, tight-grained Taransaud T5 barrels. Tighter and less pliant in the early going than the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon but with a remarkably juicy intensity and superb inner-mouth perfume to the flavors of dark berries, wild rose and Belgian dark chocolate. Still youthfully imploded but boasts uncanny energy for this warm year. The tannins saturate the front teeth. This wonderfully cerebral wine is Lafite to the more powerful, densely packed flagship wine's Latour. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2013 |
Palengat Proprietary Blend |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (6/2016): More Merlot dominated in 2013 (they plan to move this back to a more Cabernet Sauvignon dominated blend in the future), the 2013 Palengat Vineyard is another terrific 2013 that makes the most of vintage. Sexy, voluptuous and rounded, with no hard edges, it gives up classic notes of plums, graphite and licorice in its full-bodied, mouth-filling and impossible to resist style. While I’d happily drink a glass (or three) today, it will drink well for another 10-15 years. |
|
| Quivet Cellars |
2013 |
Kenefick Ranch Syrah |
$63.75 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (1/2015): Quivet's 2013 Syrah Kenefick Ranch, from a warm site in Calistoga, hits the palate with masses of intense, dark fruit. Game, smoke, tobacco, licorice and leather add complexity, but the wine remains marked by its intense heaviness and ripeness, which ultimately convey a one-dimensional view of what this vineyard has to offer. |
|
| Quivira |
2013 |
Black Boar Zinfandel |
$35 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (3/2016): The 2013 Zinfandel Black Boar is a luscious, complex, actually elegant style of Zinfandel with loads of raspberry and black cherry fruit. The oak is discreet and the wine medium to full-bodied, pure and lovely. Drink it over the next 5-7 years |
|
| Realm |
2013 |
The Absurd Proprietary Blend |
$950 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (12/2015): Another perfect wine (but very limited in production at 200 cases) is the 2013 The Absurd, a blend of 17 components dominated by 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc. Winemaker Benoit Touquette told me that this wine is produced with no rules and no restrictions, and is considered their super-blend of the best they have in any given vintage. (I guess I would look stupid if I didn't give it 100 points, given the fact that two other Realm wines already hit that maximum score.) There is something different in this wine, with an opaque purple color for sure, but then there's the cassis, the blackberries, the roasted meats, some spicy pepper, and then an extravagantly rich, cascading palate that seems to be built like a skyscraper, but without one hard edge. This is a seriously endowed, super-rich, incredibly well-balanced wine that should drink well for 25 or more years.
VM 95 (10/2015): A dark, unctuous Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2013 Absurd is a terrific example of the Realm style at its best. Surprisingly open for such a young wine, the 2013 offers gorgeous textural richness and voluptuousness. Sweet dark cherry, blackberry, mocha, spices and crushed rocks are laced into the powerful yet seamless finish. The Absurd is remarkably nuanced for a wine with this much intensity. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Reynvaan Family Vineyards |
2013 |
The Contender Syrah |
$59 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (6/2016): Incorporating 3% Marsanne, the 2013 Syrah The Contender reveals a healthy ruby color to go with lots of ripe red and black fruits, mulled spices and peppery herbs in its medium-bodied, elegant, pretty style. Like all of the 2013s from this estate, it shows a more elegant, mid-weight style. Drink bottles over the coming decade or so. |
|
|
2013 |
The Stonessence Syrah |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 93-69 (6/2015): Also lacking some of the weight found in the '12, the 2013 Syrah Stonessence saw only 5% stem inclusion to go with a similar elevage as the '12. It's still full-bodied and concentrated, however, and offers classic raspberry, big minerality, cracked pepper and some Cornas-like iron and bloody notes. Shining for its complexity and elegance, it should merit a score in the upper end of this range if it puts on weight in bottle. |
|
|
2013 |
The Unnamed Syrah |
$50 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (6/2016): A unique blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Grenache Blanc that spent 18 months in 25% new French oak, the 2013 The Unnamed Syrah is a medium to full-bodied, elegant effort (like all of the 2013s here) that has lots of kirsch, iron, licorice and dried underbrush in a silky, elegant, slightly mid-weight package. It’s taking freshness and elegance to the extreme, yet is certainly an outstanding wine that has plenty to love. Drink it over the coming 8-10 years. |
|
| Rhys |
2013 |
Alpine Hillside Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$297.50 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (10/2015): Not made since 2006 and described by Kevin as the ultimate expression of the vineyard, the 2013 Pinot Noir Alpine Hillside Vineyard was a cellar selection (done blind) that ended up coming all from the same block of steep, east-facing vines. It has an almost Horseshoe like level of minerality in its gunpowder, flinty minerality, dusty soil, dried roses, and sweet red fruit aromas and flavors. Fresh, vibrant and weightless, yet with rocking depth and texture, it's a serious wine that tastes like the Alpine Vineyard Pinot Noir on steroids. It has more fruit and depth than the straight Alpine release, so its actually more enjoyable today, yet will age even better.
VM 96 (7/2015): The 2013 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard Hillside is endowed with a real sense of vertical lift. Beams of tannin give the 2013 much of its energy and overall tension. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, graphite, mint, lavender and spices are all super-expressive, with considerable aromatic intensity added by the inclusion of 100% whole clusters. This powerful yet sleek Pinot won't be ready to drink for a number of years, but it is compelling, even today. Antonio Galloni.
BH 92 (4/2016): An overtly floral-suffused nose offers up cool and admirably pure aromas of red cherry, pomegranate and subtle spice nuances. There is fine energy and volume to the lightly mineral-laden middle weight flavors that possess both good focus and delineation, all wrapped in a dusty and ever-so-mildly austere finale. This is beautifully harmonious and understated and while there is sufficient mid-palate fat to allow it to be enjoyed young, the supporting structure is sufficiently firm to suggest that it will require at least 5 to 7 years to soften and reward at least a decade's worth. Drink 2021+. Outstanding! |
|
|
2013 |
Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir Signs of Old Seepage |
$85 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 94 (7/2015): Sweet red cherry, plum, mint, spice and expressive floral notes form a super-appealing backdrop of aromas and flavors in the 2013 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard. Open-knit and super-expressive, the 2013 boasts superb textural balance and finesse. A final burst of red stone fruit and pomegranate hits the finely-knit, delicate finish.
WA 94 (10/2015): The 2013 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard has a touch of darker fruit in its strawberry, cassis, dusty soil and earthy bouquet. This flows to a beautifully textured, seamless Pinot Noir that has sound underlying structure, medium plus-bodied richness and a great finish. Possessing both fruit and structure, it should be accessible for all of its life. |
|
|
2013 |
Bearwallow Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (10/2015): The 2013 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard is as sexy and fruit driven as the wines from this estate get. Giving up tons of strawberries, blueberries, crushed violets and assorted floral notes, it's upfront and layered on the palate, with plenty of fruit, good concentration and a big finish. Shining for its mouth filling fruit and texture, it's still far from blowsy or soft, and should evolve nicely.
VM 93 (7/2015): From the coolest part of Anderson Valley, the 2013 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard hits the palate with a rush of dark fruit. Round, supple and pliant through to the finish, the 2013 is all about texture. Bright saline notes add energy to the creamy, beautifully layered finish. Today my impression is that the Bearwallow will drink well sooner than many of the other wines in the range.
BH 91 (4/2016): A slightly riper nose offers notes of violet, plus, dark currant and black cherry that are trimmed in discreet spice and floral elements. There is a bit more volume and richness to the medium-bodied flavors that are generously proportioned and almost lush yet they tighten up on the delicious, dusty and sneaky long finish. This is texturally much different from the two Alpine cuvees with more flesh but less delicacy. Drink 2020+. Outstanding! |
|
|
2013 |
Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (10/2015): The 2013 Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains is a terrific expression of mountain fruit, especially when tasted beside the San Mateo release. Firm red fruits, dusty stone-like minerality, white flowers and a touch of rose all emerge from this medium-bodied, silky, lively and elegantly styled Pinot Noir. Possessing solid underlying tannin and integrated acidity, it will have 10-12 years of overall longevity. |
|
| Rivers Marie |
2013 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is plump, juicy and expressive. Sweet and open-knit in style, the 2013 is best enjoyed young, while the fruit retains its vibrancy. Sweet red cherry, plum and pomegranate add a final burst of energy on the close. (Drink between 2017-2028). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2013 |
Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 94 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga, which comes from the so-called Olmo clone (the same as the Eiesle clone), exhibits an opaque purple color, sweet creme de cassis and blackberry fruit as well as licorice, wet pebbles giving it minerality, and a long, full-bodied, opulent texture. This stunning wine comes from a single block of the Larkmead Vineyard. Drink it over the next 20-25 years.
VM 94 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga emerges from the most historic portion of Larkmead, where the Olmo clone (said to be the precursor to Eisele clone) and pure Cortina soils yield wines of tremendous pedigree. That is exactly what comes through here. Dense and powerful, with distinctly earthy, savory notes, the 2013 delivers serious intensity and explosiveness. Readers will have to be patient, however, as the 2013 needs time to be at its best. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2013 |
Corona Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$115 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 96 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Corona Vineyard has also turned out beautifully, which is indeed saying something, as Corona is a site that does not perform consistently from year to year. Dark cherry jam, graphite, blueberry compote, tobacco and sweet French oak blossom in a powerful, radiant Cabernet endowed with real breadth and volume. I suspect the Corona will drink well earlier than some of the other wines in this range, specifically the Calistoga and Lore Cabernets. This is one of the very best Coronas I can remember tasting at Rivers-Marie. Antonio Galloni.
WA 95+ (10/2015): Coming from a steep hillside vineyard in the western Oakville hills, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Corona Vineyard is a backward, almost first-growth Pauillac style of wine, with notes of lead pencil, licorice, wet stones, cedar wood and fruitcake. Fine-grained tannins are significant, giving the wine considerable grip and earthiness. This is a big, backstrapping, broodingly primordial style of wine that clearly will benefit from 5-7 years of cellaring and keep for three decades or more. |
|
|
2013 |
Panek Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 98+ (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard comes from a five-acre, valley-floor vineyard just north of St. Helena near Vineyard 29's Aida. There are 450 cases of this magnificent Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes of Mediterranean herbs intermixed with licorice, blackberry and cassis jump from the glass of this opaque purple wine. Stunningly proportioned, full-bodied, super-intense, with great purity, structure and depth, this wine will benefit from 4-5 years of cellaring and keep for three decades.
VM 93 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard, from a site on the valley floor, shows all the voluptuousness and raciness that is typical of this sector in the northern reaches of St. Helena. Dark red cherry, plum, pomegranate and spice blossom as this full-bodied, racy Cabernet shows off its personality. There is just enough acidity to give the aromatics enough lift to balance the super-ripe fruit. As always, the Panek is a very showy wine. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Rubissow |
2013 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Rudius |
2013 |
Hudson Vyd. Syrah |
$38 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (10/2016): The 2013 Syrah Hudson Vineyard is made from the famous Alban clone of Syrah. French in style, with notes of damp earth, pepper, frying bacon and steak tartare, this savory wine saw 35% whole-clusters during fermentation. The wine is rich, full-bodied, Northern Rhône-like and rich and persistent in the mouth. This is a sensational Syrah, obviously from fabulous raw material, but not much was made (only 120 cases). Drink it over the next 7-8 years. |
|
|
2013 |
Kaley Elizabeth Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 96+ (10/2016): A killer effort from Jeff Ames is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Kaley Elizabeth. One hundred percent Cabernet Sauvignon from clone 7, this is a beauty, aged in a combination of new Taransaud and Darnajou cooperage. Inky, opaque blue/purple in color with notes of blueberry and blackberry liqueur, creosote, charcoal and graphite, the wine is full-bodied, multilayered, deep, powerful, concentrated and moderately tannic. Give this wine 5-8 years of bottle age and drink over the following 35-40+ years, as it is a keeper. |
|
| Mark Ryan |
2013 |
Dead Horse Cabernet Sauvignon |
$51 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (6/2016): Made from 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, the 2013 Dead Horse Ciel du Cheval Vineyard comes all from Red Mountain and spent 21 months in 72% new French oak. It’s a quintessential Red Mountain Cabernet with its crème de cassis, graphite, crushed rock-like minerality and spring flower-driven profile. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and seamless, with incredibly polished tannin, it shows the prettier side to the region, will benefit from short-term cellaring, and have two decades of overall longevity. |
|
|
2013 |
Long Haul Red Wine |
$51 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (6/2016): The Merlot dominated 2013 Long Haul Ciel du Cheval Vineyard (51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc, 8% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot aged in 62% new French oak) is impressive in the vintage, where the heat spikes hurt the more think-skinned Merlot. Forward, charming and elegant, yet with more and more tannin coming through with time in the glass, it offers lots of incense, flowers and crème de cassis on the nose. It’s a beautiful, classy 2013 to drink over the coming 10-15 years. |
|
| Saunter Wines |
2013 |
Clone 685 Red Head Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Eagle Summit Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Saxum |
2013 |
Bone Rock James Berry Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 99 (8/2015): Flirting with perfection, the 2013 Syrah James Berry Vineyard Bone Rock is one of the wines of the vintage. Made from 80% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and 5% each of Grenache and Roussanne, which saw a big chuck of whole clusters, it offers sensational aromas and flavors of black raspberries, violets, pepper and crushed rock that literally come leaping out of the glass. Full-bodied, seamless, elegant, yet concentrated and incredibly pure, with a finish that won't quit, this beauty will stand beside some of the greatest Hermitages out there. Give bottles 3-4 years and enjoy over the following 10-15 years. Unfortunately, due to ridiculously low yields, there won't be a Bone Rock released in 2014 or 2015, so don't miss this beauty! |
|
|
2013 |
Terry Hoage Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$115 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (8/2016): Lastly, the 2013 Terry Hoage Vineyard is a forward, exotic effort that's made from 57% Syrah, 29% Grenache and 14% Mourvedre. It is one of the more fresh and lively wines in the lineup, with notes of passion fruits, jolly rancher, plums, spice and green herbs (Justin always finds a touch of watermelon rind from this site). This beauty is full-bodied, silky and beautifully textured on the palate, with impeccable balance and a great finish. Drink this puppy anytime over the coming decade or so.
VM 93 (9/2015): Inky ruby. A wild, highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, sandalwood, vanilla and smoky minerals, with a suave floral pastille nuance coming up with air. Broad, seamless and sweet on the palate, offering intense black raspberry and lavender flavors and a deeper suggestion of bitter chocolate. Energetic and deep, with no excess fat. Finishes with superb clarity and persistence, leaving a sweet red fruit liqueur note behind. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Schrader |
2013 |
MMXIII "Old Sparky" Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$1,500 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 100 (10/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Old Sparky, which is essentially made from clone 4 from two separate blocks, clone 6 and clone 337, is another perfect wine from the Schraders. I suppose it’s a little boring to say, and perhaps I can be accused of creating unrealistic expectations on the part of readers, but this is as great as Cabernet can be. Tasting like a first-growth Pauillac, the wine is opaque purple and has a fabulous nose of lead pencil, spring flowers, blueberry and blackberry and the telltale cassis. There is also some licorice and sweet oak, the tannins are ripe, and the wine full-bodied. Built like a skyscraper, with an incredible finish (like most of these wines) going on for 50 seconds to a minute, this amazing wine should still be drinking splendidly well at age 25 or 30. |
|
| Sea Smoke |
2013 |
Botella Pinot Noir |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Southing Pinot Noir |
$85 |
6 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Ten Pinot Noir |
$99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Sebastiani |
2013 |
Gravel Bed Alexander Valley Proprietary Blend |
$49 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (3/2016): The 2013 Gravel Bed Proprietary Red is a Bordeaux blend which I assume is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon. It comes from the rockiest sites that Sebastiani owns in Sonoma County. This is a spectacular wine, with blueberry and blackberry fruit, some notes of gravel (as the name suggests), full-bodied opulence, and a multi-layered, almost skyscraper-like mouthfeel, yet it is light on its feet for such great intensity and richness. This is a stunner and another tour de force from winemaker Mark Lyon. This full-bodied classic should drink well for 25-30 years. |
|
| Sequoia Grove |
2013 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 87 (12/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa, a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Syrah, is soft and easygoing with a dark ruby/purple color, medium body, light tannin and is meant for early consumption. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. |
|
| Sheridan Vineyard |
2013 |
Block 1 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (6/2016): One of the wines of the vintage, the 2013 Block 1 (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) is a sensational effort that offers a Lafite-like elegance and purity as well as textbook Cabernet notes of lead pencil shavings, cassis, graphite, cedar and forest floor. Full-bodied, seamless, silky and weightless on the palate, it's less exuberant and decadent than past vintages, yet excels for its seamless texture, impeccable balance and incredible overall harmony. Give bottles 6-7 years of cellaring and enjoy through 2043. |
|
| Silver Oak |
2013 |
Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Charles Smith |
2013 |
Royal City Syrah |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (6/2016): A candidate for the wine of the vintage, the 2013 Syrah Royal City is as expansive, sexy and voluptuous as they get in the vintage, hands down. It’s deep ruby/purple color is followed by incredible notes of wild herbs, lavender, gamey meats, olive paste and sweet dark berry fruits. Full-bodied, relatively forward and charming, it still packs a wealth of material and has building tannin, all suggesting it will drink nicely for 10-15 years.
VM 92 (11/2016): Medium red. Raspberry, pepper and herbs on the nose. Boasts lovely sweetness but also a distinctly savory quality to its red fruit and floral flavors. This Syrah manages to combine power and restraint, not to mention very good definition. Finishes with substantial broad, dusty tannins and subtle length. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Snowden |
2013 |
The Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93 (10/2015): Snowden's 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon The Ranch is bold, delicious and juicy. Black cherry, plum, licorice and smoke all meld together effortlessly. The tannins could use another year or two to soften, but the Ranch Cabernet is going to drink well with minimal cellaring next to most wines of the vintage. (Drink between 2015-2025). Antonio Galloni.
WA 88 (10/2015): I tasted three Cabernet Sauvignon offerings from Snowden. The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon The Ranch seemed a little underwhelming, but round, juicy, with slightly herbaceous tinges, soft, elegant red and blackcurrant fruit, licorice, and dusty, loamy soil scents. It is already drinkable and should probably be consumed within the next decade. |
|
| Sojourn Cellars |
2013 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Torn Label |
$27.50 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (12/2014): The 2013 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast exhibits a dark color along with a sweet nose of cola, raspberries and black cherries, medium body, soft tannins and a gentle, gracious follow-through on the palate. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. |
|
| Clos Solene |
2013 |
Harmonie Proprietary Blend |
$106.25 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 93 (8/2015): Made from 62% Grenache, 28% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre that spent 16 months in mostly neutral puncheons (roughly 15% new), the 2013 Harmonie is another full-bodied, beautifully pure and impeccably put together wine from Guillaume. Creme de cassis, licorice, mint and olive notes all emerge from the glass and it has a hedonistic, voluptuous slant that's just hard to resist. Drink it anytime over the coming 5-8 years.
VM 92 (9/2015): Opaque purple. A highly fragrant bouquet evokes red and blue fruit liqueur, potpourri and incense, with a peppery quality adding lift. Supple, expansive raspberry and cherry compote flavors put on weight with air and pick up a suave lavender pastille quality. Silky tannins build on the finish, which clings with excellent fruit-driven tenacity. |
|
| Solomon Hills |
2013 |
Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir |
$39 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 92 (8/2016): The 2013 Pinot Noir Solomon Hills offers lovely notes of spice, autumn leaves, red currants and framboise in a medium to full-bodied, silky, polished package. Fermented with 30% whole clusters and raised 18 months in 40% new French oak, it has terrific complexity, and its tight, lively feel on the palate should allow it to age gracefully over the coming decade as well.
VM 90 (9/2016): The 2013 Pinot Noir Solomon Hills Vineyard is dark, pliant and expressive. Sweet black cherries, plum, menthol, licorice and lavender blossom in the glass. I would prefer to drink this soft, mid-weight Pinot over the next handful of years. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2013 |
Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$39 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92 (8/2016): The 2013 Pinot Noir Solomon Hills offers lovely notes of spice, autumn leaves, red currants and framboise in a medium to full-bodied, silky, polished package. Fermented with 30% whole clusters and raised 18 months in 40% new French oak, it has terrific complexity, and its tight, lively feel on the palate should allow it to age gracefully over the coming decade as well.
VM 90 (9/2016): The 2013 Pinot Noir Solomon Hills Vineyard is dark, pliant and expressive. Sweet black cherries, plum, menthol, licorice and lavender blossom in the glass. I would prefer to drink this soft, mid-weight Pinot over the next handful of years. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Sparkman Cellars |
2013 |
Wonderland Grenache |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 90 (6/2015): A step up over the 2012, the 2013 Grenache Wonderland is outstanding, with lots of Provencal character in its savory herbs, mulled red and black fruits and dried lavender-like aromas and flavors. These give way to a ripe, sexy and hedonistically styled Grenache that stays lively and fresh on the palate, with a great finish. Incorporating 12% Syrah and seeing 30-50% whole clusters, it spent 12 months in 25% new French oak prior to bottling, it should drink nicely for another 5-6 years.
VM 89 (11/2015): Bright, moderately saturated red. Slightly diffuse nose is dominated in the early going by aromatic spices. Then surprisingly smooth and sweet on the palate, and more concentrated than its color would suggest. Raspberry fruit is complemented by hints of smoke, olive and garrigue. The tannins show a touch of dryness but avoid austerity. Finishes very good persistence. (Drink between 2015-2021). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Ch. St. Jean |
2013 |
Benoist Ranch Syrah |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (2/2016): A rich, tannic wine, the 2013 Syrah Benoist Vineyard is going to need time to fully come together. Dark raspberry jam, pomegranate, spice, white pepper, rose petal are all given an extra kick of energy from the bright, saline acidity that underpin the fruit. There is no shortage of complexity or nuances here. (Drink between 2017-2023). Antonio Galloni.
WA 92 (3/2016): Even better is the 2013 Syrah Benoist Ranch from the Sonoma Coast. Plenty of blueberry, blackberry, chocolate and pepper notes are present in this full-bodied wine, which offers structure, an opaque purple color, and complex, rich, spicy flavors. It should drink well for up to a decade. |
|
| Stags' Leap Winery |
2013 |
Ne Cede Malis Petite Sirah |
$99 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2016): Lastly, and probably the rarest wine is the ancient-vine 2013 Petite Sirah Estate Ne Cede Malis, 85% Petite Sirah and 15% mixed blacks from one block planted in 1929. With oodles of blackberry fruit, damp earth, white flowers and almost painfully extracted, but with only 30% new oak, this is a massively concentrated monster of a wine to put away for 10-15 years and drink over the following 50+ years. I’m not kidding. |
|
| Stone the Crows |
2013 |
Fallen Feather Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (12/2015): A concentrated, firmly structured, tannic wine, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Fallen Feather has a dense purple color, excellent, rich, pure fruit, but still tightly knit and coiled. This wine needs 3-4 years cellaring and should drink well for up to 20 or more years. (Drink between 2020-2040). |
|
| Stonestreet |
2013 |
Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Herman Story |
2013 |
Nuts & Bolts Syrah |
$49 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (8/2015): A wine that stood out in my Paso Robles tasting was the 2013 Syrah Nuts & Bolts. Made from 100% Syrah that saw 16 months in 70% new French oak, it's the greatest vintage of this cuvee I've tasted and it offers off the hook notes of creme de cassis, melted licorice, caramelized meats, pepper and crushed flowers. Full-bodied, voluptuous and hedonistic, it's also seamless and balanced, with ultra-fine tannin, no hard edges and blockbuster length. As winemaker Russell From says, "It is a no holds barred expression of Syrah that chases flavor at nearly any cost." Bravo sir. Give this sensational Paso Syrah a year or so in the cellar and enjoy bottles through 2023. |
|
| Turnbull |
2013 |
Bonne Vivante Red Wine |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Fortuna Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$295 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (12/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Fortuna Vineyard is another candidate for perfection with a few more years of bottle age. Inky bluish/purple with wonderfully sweet blue and black fruits and floral notes. The wood seems perfectly integrated, the wine full-bodied and multi-dimensional, extremely long and pure. This is an unbelievable effort in this great vintage and should prove to be a future legacy wine for Turnbull Wine Cellars. Forget it for 5-6 years and drink it over the following 30+.
VM 93 (12/2016): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Fortuna is lifted, silky and nicely textured, with lovely red fruit, bright floral notes and terrific overall balance. This is a decidedly gracious, feminine style. All the elements fuse together in a supple, open-knit Cabernet Sauvignon that can be enjoyed now or cellared. This is an especially delicate, silky Cabernet Sauvignon. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2013 |
Fortuna Vyd. Merlot |
$115 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2015): The 2013 Merlot Fortuna Vineyard is a killer Merlot, one of the best Merlot's I've tasted in Northern California. The color is dense plum/purple and the wine offers up chocolate, mocha and highly extracted black cherry fruit. Once the wine hits the palate it's full-bodied, rich, textured, pure and sexy. This is a wine to drink over the next 10-12 years. |
|
|
2013 |
Leopoldina Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$185 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96+ (12/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Leopoldina Vineyard is showing loads of new oak, plenty of blackberry and cassis fruit, a tightly knit, coiled style that is often the case with these big, rich 2013s. Yet, it has enormous potential, a tremendous full-bodied mouthfeel, and a finish close to 45-50 seconds. This wine just needs another 7-10 years of cellaring and should last 30 or 40 years.
VM 94 (12/2016): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Leopoldina is a big, heady wine endowed with serious personality and depth. Macerated cherry, plum, spice, licorice, menthol and crushed rocks infuse this super-expressive, flamboyant Cabernet Sauvignon. Leopoldina is an alternate name Turnbull uses for their Weitz vineyard on the eastern side of Oakville. (Drink between 2019-2030). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Upchurch Vineyard |
2013 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 96 (6/2016): About as sexy as Red Mountain gets, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Upchurch Vineyard offers almost overflowing notes of creme de cassis, graphite, licorice and building minerality to go with a full-bodied hedonistic, voluptuous and luxuriously textured style on the palate. Coming from a site on the southern end of the appellation and aged in new oak (there's a splash of Merlot in here as well), this beauty has tons of sweet fruit, ripe tannin and an already approachable, hard to resist style. I'm sure there's plenty of tannin hidden in here, but they're covered by layers of fruit and certainly don't detract. This fabulous 2013 can be enjoyed today, or cellared for 10-15 years.
VM 93 (11/2016): Bright ruby-red. Brambly blackcurrant, cocoa powder and dusty oak on the nose. Wonderfully suave, fine-grained Cabernet with terrific concentration and complexity to its flavors of cassis, huckleberry, violet and licorice. This remarkably suave, broad wine shows a restrained sweetness and a very long, ripely tannic, edge-free finish that's as much about red fruits as black. If this wine doesn't have quite the complexity and grip of the 2012, it's not far off. (Drink between 2018-2028). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2013 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$175 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96 (6/2016): About as sexy as Red Mountain gets, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Upchurch Vineyard offers almost overflowing notes of creme de cassis, graphite, licorice and building minerality to go with a full-bodied hedonistic, voluptuous and luxuriously textured style on the palate. Coming from a site on the southern end of the appellation and aged in new oak (there's a splash of Merlot in here as well), this beauty has tons of sweet fruit, ripe tannin and an already approachable, hard to resist style. I'm sure there's plenty of tannin hidden in here, but they're covered by layers of fruit and certainly don't detract. This fabulous 2013 can be enjoyed today, or cellared for 10-15 years.
VM 93 (11/2016): Bright ruby-red. Brambly blackcurrant, cocoa powder and dusty oak on the nose. Wonderfully suave, fine-grained Cabernet with terrific concentration and complexity to its flavors of cassis, huckleberry, violet and licorice. This remarkably suave, broad wine shows a restrained sweetness and a very long, ripely tannic, edge-free finish that's as much about red fruits as black. If this wine doesn't have quite the complexity and grip of the 2012, it's not far off. (Drink between 2018-2028). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Venge |
2013 |
Bone Ash Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 96-98 (10/2014): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Bone Ash Vineyard should be as good as the 2012. It reveals sweet blackberry and blueberry fruit, a creamy, opulent, voluptuous texture, and incredible richness and length. It should drink well for 20-25 years. |
|
|
2013 |
Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 95-97 (12/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Family Reserve--this will be a winner, given its sweet tannin, beautiful blueberry and blackberry fruit and concentrated, full-bodied, majestic mouthfeel and long, dense, pure flavors. It seems surprisingly precocious for a 2013 and for a Venge wine, but its locked-and-loaded, so to speak. This full-bodied classic will be at its best in 5-7 years and last 30 or more years. |
|
| Verite |
2013 |
La Muse |
$239 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (8/2023): The 2013 La Muse is maturing gracefully and offers noticeable detail at this stage. Deep garnet in color, its dried wild black and blue berry fruit is complemented by umami-like wafts of shiitake, steak sauce and aniseed. The full-bodied palate is softening and fresh, with a generous core of juicy fruit, heightened complexity from savory notes of maturity and a singular, umami-and-berry finish. It's drinking wonderfully, although it's not quite at its peak. |
|
|
2013 |
La Muse (1.5 L) |
$605.15 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (8/2023): The 2013 La Muse is maturing gracefully and offers noticeable detail at this stage. Deep garnet in color, its dried wild black and blue berry fruit is complemented by umami-like wafts of shiitake, steak sauce and aniseed. The full-bodied palate is softening and fresh, with a generous core of juicy fruit, heightened complexity from savory notes of maturity and a singular, umami-and-berry finish. It's drinking wonderfully, although it's not quite at its peak. |
|
|
2013 |
Le Desir (1.5 L) |
$614.25 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 99 (10/2015): The 2013 Le Desir represents 2,500 cases. This is the softest of the three wines in 2013, and this blend of 61% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec emerges with more than half of the cuvée coming from Hillsides in Alexander Valley, 37% from Chalk Hill and the rest tiny dollops from Bennett Valley and Knights Valley. Opaque purple, like its siblings, the wine is showing incredible floral, blueberry and espresso notes, exotic Asian spices, velvety texture, a supple, multilayered mouthfeel and incredible finish, with incense and licorice. This is magnificent young wine, with a good 40-50 years of upside potential. Pierre Seillan is justifiably proud of what he has achieved, and his first vintage of Vérité was only 1998, but they go from strength to strength. |
|
| Whetstone |
2013 |
Bella Vigna Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Pleasant Hill Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$25 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Andrew Will |
2013 |
BTG Petit Verdot & Malbec |
$25 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Woodward Canyon |
2013 |
Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
7 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (4/2018): The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Artist Series checks in as a blend of 92% Cab Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot that spent 22 months in 60% new French oak. Like all the wines here, it's inky colored. Exhibiting a great bouquet of fresh blueberries, leafy herbs, violets, and wet stone, with subtle background oak, this beauty is full-bodied, wonderfully pure, layered, and textured. It's one of the standouts in the lineup. |
|
| World's End |
2013 |
Money Talks Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
4 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Stir It up Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 92+ (12/2015): The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Stir it Up comes from Atlas Peak and was aged in 80% new French oak and 20% one-year-old barrels. This has the most opaque purple color of this group of wines, the biggest, richest extract, youthful blackberry and cassis fruit and a touch of oak. It's impressively well-endowed, pure, tannic and built for the long-haul. This wine should be forgotten for five years and drunk over the following 20 years. |
|
| Ken Wright Cellars |
2013 |
Canary Hill Vyd. Willamette Valley Pinot Noir (375 ML) |
$25 |
5 |
|
| |
|
|
2013 |
Shea Vyd. Pinot Noir (375 ML) |
$30 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Bordeaux Red |
| Baron de Brane |
2019 |
Margaux Ex-Negociant |
$32.99 |
29 |
|
| |
VM 92 (2/2022): The 2019 Baron de Brane is a gorgeous second wine. Succulent black cherry, plum, spice and leather are front and center. This racy Margaux offers a compelling interplay of bright red-toned fruit and silky contours. Drink it over the next handful of years. Tasted two times.
JA 89 (10/2026): Inky plum colour, deep and rich damson and raspberry fruits, with touches of peony aromatics. This is good quality, confident stuff. An upscore from En Primeur.
JD 88 (4/2022): The second wine of Brane-Cantenac, the 2019 Baron De Brane is more Merlot-dominated and has a fleshy, medium-bodied, supple style as well as rock-solid aromatics of black cherries, cedar pencil, and chocolaty herbs. It's already drinking nicely yet should keep for a decade. |
|
|
2023 |
Margaux ex-Negociant |
$35.99 |
55 |
|
| |
JA 92 (4/2024): Baron de Brane once again sets the bar high once again in terms of 2nd wines, with fragrant floral aromatics, nuance and depth from the attack and continuing through the mid palate, firm tannins and concentrated black fruits. 20% new oak.
Decanter 92 (4/2024): Ripe and floral notes on the nose, really quite expressive and open aromatically. There’s a richness to the scents with ripe blackcurrants, cherries and touches of rose and violets too with some milk chocolate. Supple and tart, high acidity, juicy and ripe fruit, with crunchiness, quite lean but there’s great length with freshly picked mint and some cedar and herbal aspects. Crisp and clean, lovely purity and precision. Not so layered or plush but it’s fresh and inviting with lift and a lovely mineral undertone. Accessible. Ageing 12 months, 20% new oak. 14.5 press wine. Almost 100 IPT. 40% of production. (Drink between 2027-2038) |
|
| Ch. Boyd-Cantenac |
2020 |
Margaux |
$49 |
58 |
|
| |
| JA 95 (11/2025): Inky purple in colour with a fist of toasted oak on the aromatics, but here it is skilfully coupled with a punch of cassis and blueberry fruits, and a lift of violet flowers, and creamy smoked caramel. It's exceptionally good, for me the best of the lineup, with clear precision on show. One to look out for, easy to recommend. 80% new oak. Lucien Guillemet owner and winemaker. No external consultant. |
|
| Ch. Capbern |
2019 |
St. Estephe Ex-Negociant |
$32 |
32 |
|
| |
JD 94 (4/2022): I love the nose on the 2019 Château Capbern, a medium to full-bodied, spicy, rich, tobacco and cedar pencil-filled beauty with ripe yet building tannins, a great mix of richness and freshness, and a blockbuster of a finish. It's incredibly impressive, and while it offers pleasure even today, it deserves 5-6 years of bottle age, and I can't imagine it not evolving for two decades. (Drink between 2027-2042).
VM 89 (2/2023): The 2019 Capbern has improved since I tasted it just after bottling. Finally, it has developed a more elegant bouquet, mainly black fruit fused with cedar and undergrowth scents. It has mustered more classicism. The palate is medium-bodied with a strong graphite element on the entry, fine depth, quite fresh with a structured, gritty finish. Fine. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. (Drink between 2025-2045). Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. Cos Labory |
2018 |
St. Estephe ex-Negociant |
$49 |
16 |
|
| |
VM 93 (3/2021): The 2018 Cos Labory is fabulous. An extra kick of richness from the warm year and a bit more Petit Verdot than usual result in a Cos Labory that is wonderfully savory, powerful and layered. Black cherry, plum, cloves, chocolate and dried herbs build as this potent, exotically ripe Saint-Estèphe opens in the glass. Today, the 2018 is dark, brooding and in need of cellaring. Cos Labory is a bit wild, but that just adds to its considerable allure. (Drink between 2025-2043). Antonio Galloni.
WA 93 (3/2021): The 2018 Cos Labory has a deep garnet-purple color, bursting from the glass with bold notes of warm cassis, blackberry compote and Morello cherries, plus suggestions of roses, unsmoked cigars and tree bark. The medium-bodied palate has a very sturdy frame of firm, grainy tannins and tons of freshness supporting the rather delicately played fruit, finishing long and earthy/minerally. The structure stands out a little now, which I enjoy, but for those preferring softer, rounder expressions, give this a good 3-5 years in the cellar and drink it over the next 15-20 years.
JD 90 (3/2021): Lots of rich red and black currants, tobacco, savory spice, and new leather notes emerge from the 2018 Château Cos Labory, a medium-bodied Saint-Estèphe with terrific overall balance, ripe, velvety tannins, lots of character, and outstanding length. It's well worth cellaring and drinking any time over the coming 15+ years. |
|
| Ch. de Francs |
2018 |
Francs Cotes de Bordeaux |
$20 |
12 |
|
| |
| JD 88 (3/2021): Bright cherry and mulberry fruits, a touch of cedary oak, and tobacco all emerge from the 2018 Château De Francs. Medium-bodied, with good overall balance and a clean finish, this is a solid, bistro-style drinker to enjoy over the coming 4-6 years. (Drink between 2021-2027) |
|
| Ch. de Pez |
2019 |
St. Estephe |
$44.99 |
18 |
|
| |
JD 93 (4/2022): Currants, plums, new leather, and cedar pencil notes all emerge from the 2019 Château De Pez, a nicely balanced, medium to full-bodied Saint-Estèphe that has plenty of classic character as well as class. With ripe, polished tannins and terrific purity, it can be drunk any time over the coming 20-25 years. (Drink between 2022-2047)
VM 92 (2/2022): The 2019 de Pez has gained tremendously in weight, power and substance. A wine of breadth and pure power, Pez possesses tremendous resonance and intensity, right out of the gate. Scorched earth, incense, plum, menthol and tar hit the palate. This rich, heady Saint-Estèphe has a ton to offer. Antonio Galloni.
WA 92-94 (6/2020): This year's blend is 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 de Pez comes tumbling out of the glass with an astonishingly beautiful perfume of lilacs, black cherries and black raspberries over a core of stewed plums, clove oil, dark chocolate and Sichuan pepper. The medium-bodied palate is jam-packed with energetic black fruits, supported by a firm foundation of ripe, grainy tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and perfumed. I love where this once-malingering château is headed—bravo to winemaker Nicolas Glumineau from Pichon Lalande! |
|
| Ch. Fonbadet |
2019 |
Pauillac (375 ML) Ex-Negociant |
$22.99 |
22 |
|
| |
JD 93 (4/2022): Blackcurrants, smoked tobacco, chocolate, and some cedary, spicy, lead pencil notes all emerge from the 2019 Château Fonbadet, a medium to full-bodied, rich, mouth-filling Pauillac with plenty of tannins, a balanced, layered mouthfeel, good concentration, and outstanding length. It will evolve for 20+ years if stored properly. (Drink between 2022-2044).
VM 93 (2/2022): The 2019 Fonbadet, impressive from barrel, has a delineated bouquet of blackberry, bilberry and touch of licorice that gains intensity with aeration; this is a Pauillac with ambition. The palate is medium-bodied with grip and density, broad shoulders and a very saline finish. This should age supremely well. (Drink between 2025-2050). Neal Martin.
WA 90 (4/2022): From a 12-hectare estate sandwiched in between Pontet Canet, Pédesclaux and Lafite, the 2019 Fonbadet offers up aromas of cassis, plums, cocoa nib and cigar wrapper. Medium to full-bodied, lively and creditably concentrated, it's built around powdery tannins that assert themselves on the youthfully chewy finish. |
|
| Ch. Haut Simard |
2012 |
St. Emilion ex-Negociant |
$39.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (1/2016): The 2012 Haut-Simard offers good mid-palate depth for the vintage, with a distinctly gamy, pleasantly rustic personality that distinguishes it in the Vauthier family's range of wines. Tobacco, savory herbs, leather and dark-fleshed fruits open into the finish. The tannins are a bit rough around the edges, but otherwise this is a fine effort. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ch. Joanin Becot |
2018 |
Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux ex-Negociant |
$29.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JD 93 (3/2021): Emerging from the team of Beau-Séjour Bécot, the 2018 Château Joanin Bécot is based on 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc coming from the limestone soils of the Côtes de Castillon region. Lots of black cherry and redcurrant fruit as well as leafy herbs, dried flowers, chalky minerality, and camphor emerge on the nose. This carries to a medium-bodied, seamless 2018 with terrific overall balance, ripe yet present tannins, and outstanding length on the finish. Tasting like a topflight Saint-Emilion, it will benefit from a year or so in the cellar and impress for at least a decade. Readers looking for a brilliant Right Bank wine to put in the cellar should jump on this beauty. (Drink between 2021-2033).
WA 92 (4/2023): A blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Joanin Bécot exhibits delicate aromas of blueberries, flowers and violets with touches of tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, it’s a lively, rather delicate wine with a fleshy core of fruit and a crystalline texture overlaid with a fresh, penetrating finish that has racy acidity. The wine will offer a broad tasting window.
VM 89 (3/2021): The 2018 Joanin Bécot has retained the earthy, cedar-tinged bouquet that takes a few swirls of the glass to emerge. There is crisp black fruit here, pine fresh. The medium-bodied palate delivers fine grip on the entry and dusky black fruit mixed with tobacco and sage. Almost Left Bank in style toward the graphite-tinged finish. This is fine Joanin that should drink well for 8–10 years. (Drink between 2021-2030). Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. La Gurgue |
2016 |
Margaux |
$39 |
26 |
|
| |
| JS 93-94 (4/2017): Tight and chewy with currant and blueberry character. Medium body, a lovely center palate and a subtle finish. Pretty continuation to the 2015. |
|
| Ch. Labegorce |
2016 |
Margaux ex-Negociant |
$42.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JA 94 (3/2023): Concentrated but restrained with old school charm and an abundance of muscular tannins, it's easy to feel the heart of this wine, packed with liqourice, slate, black chocolate, cassis, brambled hedgerow, aniseed and fennel, with plenty of grip. Years ahead of it, an impressive wine in this exceptional vintage, offering good value. Harvest September 4 to October 21. 50% new oak, technical director Marjolaine de Coninck.
JD 94 (2/2019): From an estate on the uptick and showing beautifully on two separate occasions, the 2016 Château Labégorce is a head-turner of a Margaux that’s based on 52% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that was brought up in 45% new oak, with the balance in once-used barrels. Sexy notes of blackcurrants, black raspberries, crushed flowers, sandalwood, and incense all flow to a medium to full-bodied, fabulously textured Margaux that carries ripe tannins, loads of fruit and richness, and a great finish. Since arriving in 2009, Marjolaine de Coninck has resurrected this estate and the wines now play with the top in the appellation. Give bottles 3-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades or more. (Drink between 2022-2042)
WA 93+ (11/2018): The 2016 Labégorce is composed of 52% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, aged in 45% new and 55% one-year-old French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, it leaps out of the glass with gregarious cassis, kirsch and black raspberries, candied violets, dark chocolate and spearmint. Medium-bodied, elegant, fresh and with exciting intensity, it delivers a fantastically long, fragrant finish. 12,000 cases produced.
VM 93 (4/2026): The 2016 Labégorce has a very pretty nose with blackberry, briar, cedar and well-integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannins, a little more acidity than its peers, segueing into a savoury, black pepper-tinged finish that shows admirable persistence and sapidity. This is a classy Margaux that is ageing with style. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting. (Drink between 2027-2042). Neal Martin. |
|
| Ch. Lilian Ladouys |
2018 |
St. Estephe ex-Negociant |
$27.50 |
60 |
|
| |
JA 93 (7/2021): Owed by Jacky Lorenzetti (new owner also of Ch Lafon Rochet in the same appellation), this is one of those surefire estates that delivers St Estèphe power with a touch of luxury. There are layers of ripe black fruits and chewy tannins here, so it will benefit from a few more years in bottle or a serious carafing before drinking. 48hl/h yield, 35% new oak with both 225l and 400l barrels. Converting to organic farming as of 2020.
VM 92 (3/2021): The 2018 Lilian Ladouys is showing nicely now that the wine is in bottle. It has a riper bouquet compared to, say, the Calon-Ségur, more lush – a 2018 with wider appeal, featuring blueberry and cassis scents that soar from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins that disguise the backbone of this Saint-Estèphe. It is not the most powerful Lilian Ladouys in recent years, safeguarding its linearity and strictness all the way through to the finish. But it conveys a sense of classicism and has abundant freshness that should see it age well over the next two decades. (Drink between 2023-2040). Neal Martin.
JD 92 (3/2021): A year-in, year-out value, the 2018 Château Lilian Ladouys checks in as 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that was brought up in 35% new oak. Jammy blueberries, ripe cherries, damp earth, tobacco, and spicy wood notes define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a plump, rounded texture, opulent aromas and flavors, and a great finish. (Drink between 2021-2036) |
|
| Ch. Marsau |
2019 |
Francs Cotes de Bordeaux |
$29.95 |
60 |
|
| |
| Decanter 93 (1/2022): A svelte, seductive and seriously appealing 100% Merlot grown atypically on clay-dominant soils on one of the highest points of the Francs Côtes de Bordeaux. Wild strawberries, Morello cherries and subtle spices on the nose and palate, softly sweet, generous, round, plump, juicy and mouth filling, all harmoniously packaged and carefully balanced with freshness from start to finish. Complete and evocative with purity of expression. Seek it out. (Drink between 2023-2031) |
|
|
2022 |
Francs Cotes de Bordeaux 2023 en Primeur Release |
$29.95 |
12 |
|
| |
WA 92-94 (5/2023): This medium to full-bodied 2022 Marsau is an attractive wine produced from 100% Merlot. It has a delightfully pure bouquet of peony, violet, iris, menthol and cassis, followed by a crunchy and juicy yet fresh texture and then by a mineral-driven finish of remarkable purity, expressing elegant notes of licorice and pencil lead. Anne-Laurence and Mathieu Chadronnier have produced a red wine that punches above its weight. Bravo!
JA 92 (5/2023): Floral notes on the aromatics, shows the heavy spice of the vintage with black pepper, rosemary and turmeric notes, begins to lift through the palate as it opens. An unusual spot in Franc Côtes de Bordeaux with a lot of clay in the soils, and this is powerful and concentrated, with a flash of heat on the finish. 12ha vineyard, entirely clay, entirely Merlot, organic since 2018, no till farming, 25hl/h yield. Harvest September 7 to 12, to be aged 80% large oak casks (no new oak), 10% one year old, 10% neutral oak and amphora. |
|
| Ch. Pibran |
2020 |
Pauillac Ex-Negociant |
$39 |
18 |
|
| |
JD 93 (3/2023): Based on 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Sauvignon that saw 50% new oak, the 2020 Château Pibran is a classic wine in the vintage that has a pure, layered, medium to full-bodied style as well as textbook notes of darker berries, cassis, irone, and tobacco. With ripe tannins, a good spine of acidity, and plenty of texture, it's going to evolve for 15-20 years in cold cellars. (Drink between 2023-2043).
VM 93 (2/2023): The 2020 Pibran is a potent wine. Black cherry, plum, mocha, licorice and chocolate are nicely dialed up in this rich, heady Pauillac. Soft, plush and exuberant, Pibran is a total charmer. Best of all, it will be ready to drink with minimal cellaring. Bright acids and floral notes lift the finish. (Drink between 2025-2035). Antonio Galloni.
WA 90+ (4/2023): Aromas of cassis, raw cocoa, licorice and loamy soil introduce the 2020 Pibran, a medium to full-bodied, layered and velvety wine framed by powdery tannins that assert themselves on the finish. |
|
| Ch. Sociando Mallet |
2020 |
Haut Medoc |
$38 |
48 |
|
| |
JS 94 (12/2022): This has a pretty nose with dark spices, nut shell and cedar notes with a dark fruit backbone, following through to a medium body with firm and finely polished tannins that go on and on. Refined and nicely balanced with velvety texture. Lingering and chalky finish. Try after 2026.
VM 93 (2/2023): The 2020 Sociando Mallet has retained its impressive aromatics from its showing in barrel with beautifully defined blackberry and raspberry fruit, pressed violet and light cedar aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with firm backbone, a little powdery in texture, fine backbone with ample freshness and tension towards its graphite-infused finish. Bravo! Neal Martin. |
|
| Clos Sainte Anne |
2018 |
Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux ex-Negociant |
$16.99 |
40 |
|
| |
|
| Esprit de Chevalier |
2020 |
Pessac Leognan ex-Negociant |
$28.99 |
26 |
|
| |
VM 92 (11/2024): The 2020 L'Esprit de Chevalier has a tad too much wood influence on the nose, but there is sufficient fruit to absorb it. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, fleshy, lively and detailed, with a dash of white pepper toward the finish. This is another delicious, classically styled Pessac-Léognan. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. (Drink between 2026-2042). Neal Martin.
JD 91 (3/2023): The 2020 L'Esprit De Chevalier is more restrained aromatically, yet has outstanding purity in its red and black fruits as well as notes of dried herbs, tobacco, chocolate, and damp earth. It's a medium-bodied, elegant, balanced, and certainly delicious second wine that will benefit from just a year or two of bottle age and shine for a decade. (Drink between 2023-2033)
WA 90 (4/2023): Fleshy and demonstrative, the 2020 L'Esprit de Chevalier bursts with aromas of sweet berries, plums and petals. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, with polished tannins and an expansive finish, it will drink well young. |
|
| Fleur de Pedesclaux |
2019 |
Pauillac ex-Negociant |
$32.95 |
25 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (2/2022): The 2019 Fleur de Pédesclaux, matured in 30% new oak, has been increasing its Cabernet Sauvignon since 2009, when it was pure Merlot (and also undergoing organic conversion since 2013). Raspberry, blackberry, cedar and light tobacco scents unfurl in the glass. The palate is still quite fleshy and rounded, and lightly spiced, retaining that hint of Chinese five-spice toward the tender finish. A lovely second wine. (Drink between 2023-2033). Neal Martin. |
|
| G. d' Estournel |
2020 |
Medoc ex-Negociant |
$32.99 |
39 |
|
| |
JA 92 (1/2023): So interesting tasting this against a wide range of AOC Médoc wines. It's a more expensive bottle than many of them, but it is confident, crafted and full of personality. Cocoa bean, espresso, plentiful berry fruit, touches of mandarin peel and lemongrass to lift things on the finish, slate texture tannins, good stuff.
JD 89 (2/2023): A terrific wine, the 2020 Goulee By Cos D'Estournel sports a healthy ruby/purple hue as well as ripe aromatics of currants, sandalwood, damp earth, and leafy tobacco. This medium-bodied, silky, juicy, ready-to-go Médoc is perfect for enjoying over the coming 7-8 years. (Drink between 2023-2031)
VM 89 (2/2023): The 2020 Goulée by Cos d'Estournel is very pretty and aromatic. Élevage has filled out the layers nicely, but this remains a decidedly aromatic, mid-weight vintage for the château's Médoc. Sweet pipe tobacco, leather, mint, cinnamon and dried cherry build nicely in the glass. The 2020 has come together nicely. (Drink between 2024-2035). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Le C des Carmes Haut Brion |
2022 |
Pessac Leognan ex-Negociant |
$44.95 |
60 |
|
| |
WA 94 (3/2025): The 2022 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion is punching above its weight this year. Unfurling in the glass with a gourmand, lively and vibrant bouquet of raspberry, mulberries, rose, violet and cassis, it's medium to full-bodied, seamless and layered with refined, velvety tannins and a deep core of fruit, concluding with a harmonious, elegant profile that avoids any excess, enhancing its distinctive personality. Guillaume Pouthier, Guillaume Deschepper and their team have done a fantastic job at this address, delivering an exceptional wine.
JD 94 (2/2025): The 2022 C Des Carmes Haut-Brion is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, and the rest 1% Petit Verdot that was fermented with 30% whole clusters and aged 12 months in a new foudre (there's a small part in used barrels) followed by four months all in concrete tanks. There are fewer stems in this cuvée as the vines are younger, and it has a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. Its deep ruby/purple hue is followed by a spicy, peppery, complex perfume of darker berry and plum fruits, spring flowers, tobacco leaf, and a beautiful sense of minerality. Medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, elegant, and loaded with character, it's a singular Pessac-Léognan that will have two decades of longevity. (Drink between 2025-2045).
VM 92 (2/2025): The 2022 Le C des Carmes Haut-Brion, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) from gravelly soils, will be kept for one year in bottle before release. It has 13.3% alcohol, reduced by the 30% whole cluster contribution with infusion rather than maceration, using a coffee plunger concept to push down the cap in the vat. It aged for one year in barrel and one year on foudres. The nose presents blackberry, clove and curry leaf aromas, with a touch more mint than before. The medium-bodied palate has slightly chalky tannins and is fresh thanks to the whole bunch contribution. Quite linear and a little Syrah-like towards the finish, this lovely wine will age well over the next 12 to 20 years. (Drink between 2028-2048). Neal Martin. |
|
| Les Fiefs de Lagrange |
2010 |
St. Julien (375 ML) |
$32 |
58 |
|
| |
| WA 89-91 (5/2011): A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 9% Petit Verdot, this has a very fine nose of blackberry, briary and a touch of black tea. Good definition and purity. The Petit Verdot add a little edginess to this wine that has fine tension if lacking a little length on the saturated, slightly chewy finish. Very good purity and precision though. |
|
| Les Griffons de Pichon Baron |
2019 |
Pauillac Ex-Negociant |
$49 |
20 |
|
| |
JD 94 (4/2022): The second wine of this great estate, the 2019 Les Griffons De Pichon Baron is a more Merlot-dominated release and is 59% Merlot and 41% Cabernet Sauvignon that saw 40% new oak. It has a gorgeous nose of ripe blackcurrant and darker cherry fruits as well as tobacco, smoked herbs, violets, and freshly sharpened pencils. Vibrant, pure, and complex aromatically, it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, has the vintage's pure, elegant character, terrific depth on the mid-palate, and outstanding length. It's a wonderful, already approachable Pauillac that will deliver the goods over the coming 20+ years. (Drink between 2022-2044).
VM 90 (2/2023): The 2019 Les Griffons de Pichon Baron has a slightly evolved nose, red fruit mixed with melted tar and mixed herbs. The palate is better with firm tannins, fine acidity, quite a solid wine with admirable grip on the finish. Enjoy this over the next 10 to 12 years. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. (Drink between 2025-2035). Neal Martin. |
|
| | Bordeaux White |
| Baron de Brane |
2023 |
Bordeaux Blanc ex-Negociant |
$25.95 |
32 |
|
| |
|
| Ch. de Rayne-Vigneau |
2014 |
Sauternes (375 ML) ex-Negociant |
$34.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 95 (2/2017): A rich, exotic Sauternes, the 2014 de Rayne Vigneau exudes class. A mélange of apricot jam, wild flowers, mint and lemon confit fills out the wine's frame effortlessly. Ample, powerful and super-inviting, the 2014 shows beautifully today. This is one of the more over, extroverted Sauternes of the vintage. (Drink between 2017-2029). Antonio Galloni.
WA 94-96 (4/2015): The Château Rayne-Vigneau 2014 could be one of the standouts of the vintage. It was showing a little new oak on the nose, though readers should note that this sample was taken from a new Burgundy barrel. There are touches of vanilla infusing the honeyed fruit. The palate is fresh and vibrant on the entry. This is very balanced and poised with superb tension, energetic but classy, a sophisticated Sauternes that feels persistent and long in the mouth. Talented winemaker Anne Le Naour has crafted another beauty from this estate that deserves more respect. |
|
| Ch. Rieussec |
2024 |
"R" de Rieussec Bordeaux Blanc Sec ex-Negociant |
$39.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JA 94 (4/2025): This is succulent and precise, definitely one to look out, plenty of energy and lift through the palate, elderflower, citrus, white pepper, sage, lime zest, apricot, nectarine, saffron, steel and slate. Great stuff from Rieussec in this vintage. 3.15ph. |
|
| | Burgundy Red |
| Dom. Michele and Patrice Rion |
2023 |
Bourgogne Bons Batons ex-Domaine |
$39.95 |
22 |
|
| |
VM 88-90 (1/2025): The 2023 Bourgogne Rouge Bon Baton comes from a parcel adjacent to Ghislaine Barthod's on stonier soils, aged mostly in one-year-old barrels. Lightly perfumed on the nose, this conjures raspberry, strawberry and wild hedgerow scents, more complex than your common or garden Bourgogne Rouge. The palate is medium-bodied with satisfying concentration, not weighty or dense but light on its feet with commendable purity and grip on the finish. Traces of tobacco emerge on the aftertaste. Village Cru in quality. (Drink between 2026-2031). Neal Martin.
JM 87-89 (10/2024): An even purple colour. A very attractive stylish perfumed floral nose, with a little more body than the regular. Not massively concentrated but distinguished in its length. Sound acidity. The flavours stay with you. Drink from 2026-2030.
BH 86-89 (1/2025): A slightly riper and more deeply pitched nose features aromas of dark cherry, poached plum and freshly turned earth. The delicious if not especially dense flavors do possess a lovely sense of underlying tension before culminating in a youthfully austere, lingering and mildly austere finale. This is also very good for its level and worth checking out. Drink 2027+. Outstanding! |
|
| Dom. Patrick Javillier |
2023 |
Pernand Vergelesses Rouge ex-Domaine |
$39.99 |
50 |
|
| |
BH 89 (4/2025): Here too there is a mentholated top note to the fresh and more deeply pitched nose of poached plum, dark berries and more subtle earth nuances. There is better volume to the solidly concentrated middle weight flavors that possess both a finer texture and a discreet bead of minerality on the balanced, youthfully austere and slightly firmer finale. This is a quality Pernand villages. (Drink starting 2028).
JM 87-89 (12/2024): An even light crimson colour. While there is less fruit evident on the nose, there is more concentration than expected on the palate, with a certain density towards the back, in a crunchy strawberry raspberry style. Once the bouquet develops this will, become an interesting wine. |
|
| Patrice Rion |
2023 |
Bourgogne Pinot Noir ex-Domaine |
$32.99 |
44 |
|
| |
JM 86-87 (10/2024): A fine red to crimson colour, with an agreeable immediate red fruit nose, no great concentration but nicely made. Perfumed with some cherries, a slight hardness at the finish still needing time to soften – recently racked – and good acidity. Some young vines in this. Drink from 2026-2028.
BH 86-89 (1/2025): (from Chambolle vines.) An expressive and fresh nose offers up notes of red and blue pinot fruit laced with earth and discreet spice nuances. The supple, delicious and fleshy middle weight flavors conclude in a refreshing and long finish where a touch of rusticity eventually surfaces. Solid quality here. Outstanding! |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes de Nuits Villages Vieilles Vignes ex-Domaine |
$39.95 |
32 |
|
| |
VM 89-91 (1/2025): The 2023 Côte de Nuits-Villages comprises two-thirds fruit purchased from Clombanchien, and the rest Domaine fruit from En Luret lieu-dit. Blackcurrant and raspberry combine nicely on the nose, not concentrated per se, yet showing decent clarity and purity. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly granular texture on the entry, lightly peppered though there are no stems in the blend. Focused and harmonious toward the finish, this is a worthy follow-up to the 2022. (Drink between 2027-2037). Neal Martin.
JM 89-90 (10/2024): A mix of their own vines, one third from Au Leurey, and the rest purchases in Comblanchien. There is more depth to the purple colour here. A perfumed nose with a more sensual and floral bouquet redolent of the sunshine. Good acidity behind, medium density, some length. Drink from 2027-2030.
BH 88-91 (1/2025): (mostly from Belle-Vue in Comblanchien with small amounts of Les Loges, Les Leurey and Vaucrains.) This is aromatically similar to the Bon Bâtons but with notably more spice influence. The supple, delicious and energetic medium weight flavors possess a highly seductive, even velvety, texture while displaying very good length and depth on the balanced bitter pit fruit-inflected finish. Drink 2028+. |
|
| Pierre Boisson |
2023 |
Hautes Cotes de Beaune Rouge |
$39.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| | Burgundy White |
| Anne Boisson |
2023 |
Bourgogne Aligote |
$33.95 |
24 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Bourgogne Blanc Les Clous Perrons |
$47.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Bessin-Tremblay |
2023 |
Chablis ex-Domaine |
$37.99 |
47 |
|
| |
BH 89-91 (10/2024): Cool and airy aromas include those of Granny Smith apple, citrus rind and ample Chablis character, especially seaweed. The delicious middle weight flavors possess a lovely texture, especially for a villages Chablis, while displaying a subtle materiality on the youthfully austere and lingering finale. Lovely. (Drink starting 2027).
JM 88 (6/2025): Bottled in March 2025. Pale lime green. Fresh and chiselled nose, some lime blossom all as minerals, Plenty of energy, not at all too fleshy, backward. Drink from 2025-2027. |
|
| Dom. des Malandes |
2023 |
Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu Ex-Domaine |
$49.95 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 91 (7/2025): The 2023 Chablis Mont de Milieu 1er Cru has a well-focused, quite animated bouquet that unfolds in the glass with touches of orchard fruit and grassy meadow. The palate is balanced with a fine bead of acidity. This is lightly spiced but just needs a little more tension on the finish. Overall, it's a very well-made Mont de Milieu that should age nicely in bottle. Tasted blind at the BIVB offices in Chablis. Neal Martin.
BH 88-90 (10/2024): (from a parcel of .26 ha). A funky nose of leesy reduction and lactic character. By contrast there is good freshness to the rich, generously proportioned and succulent medium-bodied flavors that culminate in a delicious if somewhat short finish. This should improve once it’s racked but it’s awkward today. Drink 2027+ |
|
|
2023 |
Chablis 1er Cru Vau de Vey Ex-Domaine |
$46.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 90 (7/2025): The 2023 Chablis Vau de Vey 1er Cru, aged 50% in used oak, has a light, fresh apple blossom- and pear-scented nose with hints of pressed white flowers. The palate is well balanced with slightly honeyed citrus fruit and modest weight, though it needs more Neal Martin.
BH 89-91 (10/2024): (from a 3.52 ha parcel aged in 30% wood). A fresh, ripe and expressive nose reflects good Chablis typicity that includes quinine, sea breeze, lemon rind and cool white fleshed fruit. There is fine density to the delicious, intense and solidly voluminous flavors that offer better depth and persistence on the youthfully austere finale. Drink 2028+ |
|
| Dom. Patrick Javillier |
2022 |
Bourgogne Cuvee des Forgets ex-Domaine |
$43.99 |
60 |
|
| |
BH 87 (6/2024): Bright aromas of just sliced citrus, white peach and pretty floral nuances are complemented by delicious middleweight flavors that are supported by lemon-tinged acidity on the vibrant, lingering and refreshing finale. Moreover, this is not your usual 'pop and pour' Bourgogne as it has the legs to repay 4 to 7 years of keeping. Worth checking out. Drink 2027+. Outstanding Top Value!
JM 87-89 (10/2023): A similar colour, pale primrose perhaps. A little bit crisper and more classic in bouquet. Delicious white fruit, very balanced, feel the limestone, enough flesh yet with precision as well. A longer and more mineral finish than Forgets. |
|
|
2023 |
Bourgogne Cuvee des Forgets ex-Domaine |
$41.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JM 89-91 (12/2024): To bottle in the New Year. A fine mid lemon yellow with an engaging generosity of fruit already apparent on the nose. The Javilliers have manged to harness freshness with ripeness in a most engaging fashion. Apple and plum fruit throughout, with a fine long finish. Drink from 2026-2029.
BH 87 (6/2025): Smoky aromas include those of apple, pear and a pretty floral top note. There is fine density, particularly in the context of the 2023 vintage, to the attractively textured and punchy flavors that conclude in a supple and lingering finish that is perhaps a bit less dry than usual. Even so, this is lovely and worth considering. (Drink starting 2026).
VM 87 (3/2025): The 2023 Bourgogne Côte d'Or Cuvée des Forgets has a light grass clipping- and apple blossom-scented nose. The palate is fresh with admirable weight, more expressive than the aromatics at the moment, with citrus peel and a hint of apricot on the finish. Drink over the next five years. (Drink between 2025-2030). Neal Martin. |
|
|
2023 |
Bourgogne Cuvee Oligocene ex-Domaine |
$39.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 89 (3/2025): The 2023 Bourgogne Côte d'Or Cuvée Oligocène has a little more evidence of oak on the nose and a touch more yellow fruit than the Cuvée des Forgets. The palate is fresh and lively, mixing citrus lemon with orange rind and a dash of lemongrass towards the finish. Great value as always, this comes recommended. (Drink between 2025-2032). Neal Martin.
JM 89 (12/2024): Bottled end November. A slightly paler lemon yellow. Oligocene proposes a more cerebral aspect after the joyous Forgets. Ther is still an excellent concentration of ripe fruit, with a clear limestone backbone. Very good tension here with some lime notes as well as ripe lemon. Balanced and classy. Drink from 2026-2029.
BH 87 (6/2025): A more layered nose is comprised by notes of petrol, various white orchard fruit, acacia and a whiff of citrus confit. There is a bit more volume to the vibrant and utterly delicious middle weight flavors that retain a fine sense of detail on the drier, longer and more complex finale. This is an excellent Bourgogne and warmly recommended. (Drink starting 2027). |
|
| Dom. Potinet-Ampeau |
2018 |
Bourgogne Aligote ex-Domaine |
$29.99 |
59 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Bourgogne Blanc Ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
28 |
|
| |
|
| Patrice Rion |
2023 |
Bourgogne Chardonnay ex-Domaine |
$32.99 |
60 |
|
| |
BH 86-88 (6/2025): Fresh and bright aromas include those of pear and apple compote, citrus rind and a hint of spice. There is equally good verve to the delicious and acceptably dense flavors that possess a succulent mid-palate that contrasts mildly with the youthfully austere and balanced finale. This could use better depth so a year, or perhaps two, of cellaring should help. (Drink starting 2026).
JM 86-87 (10/2024): A fine red to crimson colour, with an agreeable immediate red fruit nose, no great concentration but nicely made. Perfumed with some cherries, a slight hardness at the finish still needing time to soften – recently racked – and good ac |
|
| Pierre Boisson |
2022 |
Macon-Villages au Poirier Chanin |
$46.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Macon-Villages Blanc |
$31.99 |
24 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Rully Blanc Les Cailloux |
$42.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Pierre Morey |
2023 |
Bourgogne Aligote |
$31.99 |
20 |
|
| |
VM 88 (3/2025): The 2023 Bourgogne Aligoté, which had been bottled, offers lilting citrus peel and clementine scents on the nose that just need a little coaxing from the glass. The palate is well balanced with an underlying sapidity, slightly viscous in texture with veins of lemongrass towards the persistent finish. This is a fine upstanding Aligoté from Anne Morey. (Drink between 2025-2030).
BH 87 (6/2025): A textbook aligoté nose is comprised by notes of various citrus elements, spice and ripe green apple. The seductive, even suave, middle weight flavors possess excellent punch as well as an almost pungent minerality that seems to build on the bone-dry, youthfully austere and borderline rustic and tannic finale. This is an old school effort that will need a year or two of keeping first. A quality aligoté. (Drink starting 2027). |
|
| | Rhone Red |
| Dom. Coursodon |
2021 |
St. Joseph Rouge l’Olivaie ex-Domaine |
$39.99 |
60 |
|
| |
Decanter 92 (9/2022): Sparky herbal notes on the nose, with thyme and rosemary. There’s some roundness on the palate thanks in part down to the oak, which isn't overly dominating. Good presence on the palate thanks to the firm tannins, and a fairly long finish. A good option in 2021. 60-year-old vines, all destemmed, 15% new oak.
JD 90-92 (12/2022): The 2021 Saint Joseph L'Olivaie is rock-solid, offering pretty darker cherry and fresh fig-like notes as well as spice, game, and flowery incense nuances. This medium-bodied, supple, nicely balanced, and textured effort has outstanding potential and will certainly drink nicely right out of the gate. |
|
|
2022 |
St. Joseph Rouge l’Olivaie ex-Domaine |
$41.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JD 93 (5/2025): All Syrah aged 15 months in barrel (15% new), the 2022 Saint Joseph Olivaie offers red and black fruits, leafy herbs, sappy flowers, and spicy wood. Medium to full-bodied and beautifully balanced, with ripe tannins, it's a layered, elegant, and impressively made wine in a classic style. Drink bottles over the coming 8-10 years. Drink 2025-2035.
VM 91 (1/2025): The 2022 Saint-Joseph L'Olivaie mixes leafy accents with graphite, black cherry and a touch of cedar on the elegant aromatic profile. Medium-bodied, round and refreshing, the 2022 is a delicious Saint-Joseph that’s already starting to drink well. Drink between 2025-2030. Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2023 |
St. Joseph Rouge l’Olivaie Ex-Domaine |
$49.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JD 93-95 (5/2025): All Syrah, the 2023 Saint Joseph L'Olivaie brings another level of concentration, offering cassis, graphite, crushed stone, and classy oak on the nose. It has terrific purity, medium to full-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and a great finish. The overall balance and purity here are exceptional.
VM 90-92 (1/2025): Cedar, black cherry, wood smoke and pencil shaving introduce the 2023 Saint-Joseph L'Olivaie, a medium-bodied, deeply hued Northern Rhône Syrah. Touching the palate with elevated flavor concentration, the 2023 handles the oak well. I look forward to tasting the bottled version. Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2020 |
St. Joseph Rouge Silice ex-Domaine |
$31.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 93 (12/2022): Saturated violet color. Displays fresh-mineral-accented aromas of fresh red and blue fruits and candied flowers, with hints of savory herbs and black pepper in the background. Juicy and lithe on the palate, offering appealingly sweet cherry and boysenberry flavors and a touch of licorice. Finishes long and smooth, with resonating red fruit character and round, even tannins that come on late. Josh Raynolds.
JD 91 (12/2022): A great introduction to the wines of this terrific vigneron, the 2020 Saint Joseph Silice has classic darker berry fruits as well as peppery herbs, violets, and some obvious minerality on both the nose and palate. These carry to a medium-bodied effort with good acidity, firm yet ripe tannins, and outstanding length.
JS 91 (2/2022): An interesting nose of blackberries and blueberries with some graphite and leather adding interest. Robust structure for a St.-Joseph with plenty of pepper and spice, but the fruit is more than adequate to carry all this. Good length, if not tremendously complex. Sustainable. Drinkable now, but best from 2023. |
|
|
2021 |
St. Joseph Rouge Silice ex-Domaine |
$28.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JD 91-93 (12/2022): The 2021 Saint Joseph Silice is also beautiful, with a round, supple, layered style that shines in the vintage. Black raspberries, spice box, dried flowers, and hints of violets give way to a medium-bodied, up-front, charming, layered 2021 that certainly stands out in the vintage.
Decanter 91 (9/2022): Neat, well-balanced and fresh, with sappy acidity. It's a relatively light St-Joseph, as is common for the vintage, but they've found a good balance and reflected the vintage as well as it could be. Gently herbal streak and a touch of juniper. |
|
|
2022 |
St. Joseph Rouge Silice ex-Domaine |
$29.99 |
28 |
|
| |
JD 94 (5/2025): Showing the least amount of oak in Coursodon's lineup, the 2022 Saint Joseph Silice offers blackberries, peppery herbs, damp earth, and sappy flowers, all with remarkable purity and complexity. All Syrah, destemmed and aged 12 months in barrel, this cooler-fruited effort is terrific. Drink bottles over the coming 8-10 years. Drink 2025-2035.
VM 92 (1/2025): The 2022 Saint-Joseph Silice unfolds with ripe black cherry, pencil shaving, black tea, crushed violet and gently leafy subtleties. Medium-bodied at most, the 2022 is a classic, age-worthy Silice that’s gently structured by ripe tannins. Drink between 2025-2035. Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2023 |
St. Joseph Rouge Silice Ex-Domaine |
$31.99 |
60 |
|
| |
JD 92-94 (5/2025): The 2023 Saint Joseph Silice shows beautifully, with a pure, balanced, medium to full-bodied style as well as classic Saint Joseph minerality, the vintage's ripe red and darker, almost blue fruits, lots of spice and floral nuances, integrated oak, and outstanding length. All Syrah, destemmed and aged 12 months in barrel, it should shine right out of the gate
VM 90-92 (1/2025): The 2023 Saint-Joseph Silice evokes a classic aromatic profile so typical of the appellation. This accentuates its Syrah elegance through delicate graphite, red and black plum notes as well as spicy subtleties. The medium-bodied 2023 is shaping up to be a refreshing Saint-Joseph, closing with a resonant echo on the bright finish. It is very complete, even at this early stage. Drink between 2025-2033. Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
| Dom. de Mourchon |
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Family Reserve Grenache ex-Domaine |
$36.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (2/2025): Almost all Grenache the 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Séguret Family Grenache was totally destemmed and spent 18 months in wooden conical trunk vats and barrels. It's a ripe, sexy, concentrated Grenache that has a rocking bouquet of black raspberries, black cherries, sandalwood, and peppery herbs. Reminding me of a great Gigondas, it offers medium to full-bodied richness, ripe, building tannins, and a great finish. It will shine over the coming 10-12 years. |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Family Reserve Grenache ex-Domaine |
$36.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (11/2025): This is gorgeous stuff offering black raspberries, violets, blood orange, and tons of peppery garrigue, as well as a beautiful sense of minerality. Based on 98% Grenache and aged 18 months in 600-liter oak containers, the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Grenache Family Reserve is medium to full-bodied and has a pure, layered mouthfeel with remarkable purity and fine tannins. It will stand up to just about anything in the region, and there are 375 cases produced. Drink 2025-2040. |
|
|
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Family Reserve Syrah Ex-Domaine |
$36.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (11/2025): A bigger, richer wine, the 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Syrah Family Reserve offers blackberries, chalky minerality, pepper, and gamey, meaty nuances. Based on 98% Syrah from vines planted in the 1950s and aged 18 months in oak barrels, it's medium to full-bodied and has a concentrated, layered mouthfeel with ripe tannins. It will continue to drink nicely over the coming decade, and there are 333 cases produced. Drink 2025-2035. |
|
|
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Grande Reserve Ex-Domaine |
$27.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (2/2025): The 2022 Cotes du Rhone Villages Segurey Grande Reserve is based on 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. Black raspberries, peppery herbs, spicy wood, and some meaty nuances all shine here, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a broad, layered mouthfeel, plenty of tannins, and a great finish. I love it today yet it's going to have a solid 10-12 years of prime drinking. |
|
|
2025 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Loubie Rose ex-Domaine |
$16.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2024 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Nana ex-Domaine |
$17.50 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2025 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Soubois Rose ex-Domaine |
$22.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Tradition Ex-Domaine |
$18.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 89 (2/2025): Blackberries, darker cherries, peppery garrigue, and plenty of curshed stone-like notes define the 2022 Cotes Du Rhone Seguret Tradition, a medium-bodied, structured, yet elegant Seguret that has tons of character. |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Tradition ex-Domaine |
$18.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 88 (11/2025): The classic cuvée of this terrific estate, the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Tradition offers red and black fruits, crushed stone, garrigue, and pretty floral nuances. Based on 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah and aged 20% in trunconic oak vats with 80% in concrete vats, it's medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, with fine tannins and a good finish. This charming, balanced, elegant Seguret will keep for 5-7 years, and there are roughly 3,250 cases produced. Drink 2025-2032. |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Tradition (1.5 L) ex-Domaine |
$41.99 |
24 |
|
| |
| JD 88 (11/2025): The classic cuvée of this terrific estate, the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Tradition offers red and black fruits, crushed stone, garrigue, and pretty floral nuances. Based on 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah and aged 20% in trunconic oak vats with 80% in concrete vats, it's medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, with fine tannins and a good finish. This charming, balanced, elegant Seguret will keep for 5-7 years, and there are roughly 3,250 cases produced. Drink 2025-2032. |
|
| Dom. Duclaux |
2020 |
Cote Rotie La Chana ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
29 |
|
| |
JD 89-91 (2/2022): Starting with the 2020 Côte Rôtie La Chana, which includes 7% Viognier, this has a ripe, up-front, charming style as well as classic Côte Rôtie black raspberry fruits mixed with spice and bacon fat nuances. It's going to drink nicely right out of the gate.
WA 89-91 (1/2022): Blended from several parcels and barrels for my evaluation, the 2020 Cote Rotie La Chana usually contains approximately 7% Viognier and sees no new wood. It shows attractive aromas of raspberries and apricot on the nose, a medium to full-bodied feel on the palate and a savory finish that nicely balances mouthwatering acids and softly dusty tannins. It should drink well for the rest of this decade. |
|
|
2022 |
Cote Rotie La Chana Ex-Domaine |
$49.99 |
53 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Cote Rotie La Germine ex-Domaine |
$46.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| Decanter 92 (10/2022): Spiced raspberry fruits on the nose, with a touch of blood orange. A dry, neat, compact style that will drink well young. Fine tannins reveal a gentle, light-bodied style with a good sense of freshness, if not concentration. Vines on gneiss, blonde soils. 20% whole bunch. Vinified in open concrete tanks. |
|
|
2022 |
Cote Rotie La Germine Ex-Domaine |
$48.99 |
44 |
|
| |
JD 93 (5/2025): Incorporating 3% Viognier, the 2022 Côte Rôtie La Germine reveals a concentrated, rich, nicely structured profile of ripe black and blue fruits, crushed stone, and floral, sappy, gamey nuances. Medium to full-bodied, with plenty of mid-palate depth and a great finish, it was vinified with 20% whole clusters and aged 20 months in barrels and demi-muids (15% new). It, too, should have 10-15 years of longevity. Drink 2025-2035.
VM 89 (1/2025): The 2022 Côte-Rôtie La Germine evokes a fairly simple aromatic profile, opening with red and black cherry notes alongside touches of violet and spice box. Medium-bodied and refreshing, the 2022 is an elegant, early approachable Côte-Rôtie culminating with brightness on the moderately long finish. (Drink between 2025-2030). NIcholas Greinacher. |
|
| Dom. Vincent Paris |
2020 |
Cornas Granit 30 |
$44.99 |
20 |
|
| |
JD 93-95 (2/2022): Starting with what could be considered the entry level cuvée, the 2020 Cornas Granit 30 comes from further down the slope, from vines closer to the village. That's obviously not a bad thing, since this plump, full-bodied, beautifully textured Cornas has remarkable purity and elegance as well as richness. Blackberries, blueberries, subtle smoke, graphite, and violets all emerge from the glass, and it has a seamless, incredibly elegant texture.
VM 93 (12/2022): Dark violet color. Dark berry preserve, licorice, olive and exotic spice aromas, with a hint of espresso in the background. Sappy and broad on the palate, offering spice-tinged cherry-cola, blueberry and candied violet flavors with a spicy snap of black pepper. The floral note carries through a very long, dark fruit-driven finish, where gently chewy tannins add shape and closing grip. Josh Raynolds.
Decanter 93 (10/2021): Very herbal, with leafy herbs like tarragon alongside woody herbs such as rosemary. Blueberry and liquorice too. Middleweight style, good concentration of fresh, juicy berry fruit and good persistence. Fresh, intense, gently saline and well-balanced. A good value pick this year. From 10-year-old vines, all destemmed. (Drink between 2022-2028) |
|
| Domaine les Goubert |
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Sablet ex-Domaine |
$16.99 |
30 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Gigondas Cuvee Florence ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
37 |
|
| |
| JD 91-93+ (10/2023): Slightly deeper hued, the 2021 Gigondas Cuvée Florence has a terrific nose of darker berries, sandalwood, white chocolate, and pepper. It's a concentrated, medium-bodied, balanced 2021 offering solid mid-palate depth, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. Based on Grenache and Syrah that sees an extended élevage in barrels, it should benefit from just a year or two of bottle age and have a solid decade of prime drinking. |
|
|
2024 |
IGP Vaucluse Principaute d’Orange Miss Grenouille ex-Domaine |
$19.99 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Jean-Luc Jamet |
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Rouge l’Enclave Ex-Domaine |
$34.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Rouge l’Enclave ex-Domaine |
$35.99 |
33 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
IGP Collines Rhodaniennes Rouge Syrah Valine Ex-Domaine |
$29.99 |
28 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Vin de France Syrah Valine ex-Domaine |
$31.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Mourchon |
2022 |
Chateauneuf du Pape Ex-Domaine |
$45.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (11/2025): A cuvée whose quality has soared over the past four to five years, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape is a brilliant effort in an arguably more challenging, heatwave-driven vintage. Sporting a ruby translucent hue, it boasts a brilliant perfume of ripe black cherries, redcurrants, peppery garrigue, and loamy earth with beautiful aromatic complexity. On the palate it's medium to full-bodied, has a ripe, layered mouthfeel, soft tannins, and a great finish. It's very much in the ripe, forward, sexy style of the vintage yet stays pure, graceful, and is just impossible to resist. It's not a long-term ager, so drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years. Drink 2025-2032. |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Ex-Domaine |
$14.99 |
54 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (11/2025): Lots of peppery red and black berry fruits, garrigue, and spice-driven aromatics emerge from the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône, with a hint of flowers. It's medium to full-bodied, has a round, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a juicy finish. It's one seriously good Côtes du Rhône that you could pretty much put up against anything in the appellation – count me impressed. This should have 10-12 years of prime drinking as well, and I'd be happy with a case in the cellar. Drink 2025-2037. |
|
|
2024 |
Cotes du Rhone ex-Domaine |
$14.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| | Rhone White |
| Dom. Coursodon |
2021 |
St. Joseph Blanc Silice ex-Domaine |
$29.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (12/2022): The 2021 Saint Joseph Silice Blanc has a Burgundian-like sense of reduction as well as beautiful quince, white flowers, honeyed minerality, and a kiss of background spice and toastiness. It's medium-bodied and has a clean, classy style that's going to evolve for 7-8 years in cold cellars. |
|
|
2023 |
St. Joseph Blanc Silice ex-Domaine |
$43.99 |
44 |
|
| |
JD 92 (5/2025): Based on 100% Marsanne, the 2023 Saint Joseph Silice Blanc reveals melon, honeyed flowers, spice, and toasted notes, showing impressive purity and cleanliness. It's fleshy on the palate, with beautiful balance and good purity, and while it has a slightly hazy color, it remains an impressive white. Drink bottles over the coming 4-6 years. Drink 2025-2031.
WA 91 (3/2025): Fresher and livelier than its Paradis Saint-Pierre counterpart, the 2023 Saint-Joseph Silice Blanc reveals aromas of confit citrus, spring blossoms and pear. Moderately weighted and delicately enveloping, it's juicy and layered with bright acids, concluding with a mouthwatering, floral finish.
VM 90 (1/2025): Flinty elements introduce the 2023 Saint-Joseph Blanc Silice, accompanied by notes of cedar, ripe pear, white peach and lemon flesh. Full-bodied, round and generous, the 2023 bundles vibrant energy and checks out with persistence on the sapid finish. This is an exquisite white Saint-Joseph. Drink between 2025-2027. Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2024 |
St. Joseph Blanc Silice Ex-Domaine |
$38.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. de Mourchon |
2024 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Soubois Blanc Ex-Domaine |
$22.99 |
20 |
|
| |
| JD 90 (11/2025): Based on 90% Viognier and 10% Roussanne and aged in demi-muids with weekly bâtonnage for six months, the 2024 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Seguret Soubois Blanc shows a light gold hue and offers crisp stone fruit, honeyed flowers, and a hint of orange blossom. It's medium-bodied, fresh, focused, and crisp, with terrific purity and balance. There are 191 cases produced. Drink 2025-2029. |
|
|
2025 |
Cotes du Rhone Villages Seguret Soubois Blanc ex-Domaine |
$22.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. du Tunnel |
2024 |
Saint Peray Cuvee Prestige Ex-Domaine |
$48.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (2/2026): Honeyed melon, crushed stone, mint, and hints of orange blossom all define the 2024 Prestige, an incredibly pure Saint-Péray that has so much to love. It's medium-bodied, has undeniable minerality, and outstanding length. You could put this up with the crème de la crème of the vintage, and while it plays in the fresher style of the vintage, it brings tons of character. Drink bottles over the coming 10-15 years. Drink 2026-2041. |
|
|
2024 |
Saint Peray Marsanne Ex-Domaine |
$37.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (2/2026): All Marsanne, the 2024 Saint-Péray Marsanne offers a gorgeous nose of honeyed quince, sappy white flowers, spice, and crushed stone. It's medium-bodied and has a focused, juicy, yet still nicely concentrated mouthfeel, integrated acidity, and outstanding length. It plays in the fresh, juicy, focused style of the vintage and will evolve gracefully over the coming decade. Drink 2026-2036. |
|
|
2024 |
Saint Peray Roussanne Ex-Domaine |
$45.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (2/2026): Orchard fruits, honeyed mint, and sappy herb/floral nuances emerge from the 2024 Saint-Péray Roussanne, which is medium-bodied, juicy, fresh, and focused on the palate. I love its overall purity, and it picks up a beautiful sense of salinity with time in the glass. It has another decade or more of longevity ahead of it. Drink 2026-2036. |
|
| Dom. Duclaux |
2021 |
Condrieu Les Caillets ex-Domaine |
$46.99 |
26 |
|
| |
|
| Jean-Luc Jamet |
2021 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc Couzou ex-Domaine |
$25.99 |
12 |
|
| |
| JD 89 (5/2024): The 2021 Côtes du Rhône Couzou Blanc is based on Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier, all from more granitic soils. It has a light gold hue as well as a subtle nose of ripe stone fruits, honeyed orange, and spice, and it's medium-bodied, nicely textured, and nicely balanced on the palate. It has a good sense of freshness, but it's certainly a rich white that's going to shine on the dinner table. |
|
|
2022 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc Couzou Ex-Domaine |
$26.99 |
43 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc Couzou ex-Domaine |
$34.99 |
36 |
|
| |
|
| Mourchon |
2024 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc La Source Ex-Domaine |
$16.99 |
25 |
|
| |
|
|
2025 |
Cotes du Rhone Blanc La Source ex-Domaine |
$16.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| | Southern France |
| Ch. de Pibarnon |
2020 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$44.99 |
15 |
|
| |
| JD 94 (7/2026): Under seven years of age, this 2020 Bandol Pibarnon keeps all its promises. It has taken time to develop and grow more complex, with delicate oak notes and others more smoky and typical of the terroir: sour cherry jam, leather, and precious wood. The texture is frank, coating, broad, and round, and the balance will confirm itself over the next 10-15 years. Best from 2027-2035. Antoine Petrus |
|
|
2021 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$46.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (5/2026): The 2021 Bandol leans fully into a classical style, opening with licorice, dried herbs, blackberry and peppery undertones as a beautiful spiciness grows steadily in the glass. Medium- to full-bodied, it is shaped by gently chalky tannins that lend real composure. The savoury finish is marked by pepper, subtle fleshiness and understated authority. (Drink between 2028-2046). Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2021 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$46.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (5/2026): The 2021 Bandol leans fully into a classical style, opening with licorice, dried herbs, blackberry and peppery undertones as a beautiful spiciness grows steadily in the glass. Medium- to full-bodied, it is shaped by gently chalky tannins that lend real composure. The savoury finish is marked by pepper, subtle fleshiness and understated authority. (Drink between 2028-2046). Nicolas Greinacher. |
|
|
2023 |
Bandol Blanc ex-Chateau |
$49.99 |
27 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (7/2024): The elegant and perfumed 2023 Bandol Blanc from Château de Pibarnon is a real success this year, despite a challenging vintage in the region. It evokes aromas of citrus, spring flowers, curry leaves and white fruits mingled with spicy notes. Medium-bodied, perfectly balanced and fleshy, it has a fleshy core of fruit, bright acids and a long, mineral and saline finish. This blend of 55% Clairette, 30% Bourboulenc and the rest of a mix of other white grapes is an outstanding wine. |
|
|
2022 |
Bandol Rose ex-Chateau |
$36.99 |
60 |
|
| |
WA 93 (6/2023): The citrusy, mentholated 2022 Bandol Rosé was crafted with a blend of 65% Mourvèdre and 35% Cinsault and matured six months in barrels. It displays aromas of pomegranate, citrus, spring flowers, iodine, jasmine and crushed stones, followed by a beautifully defined texture, a fleshy core of fruit and racy acids that underpin a delicate, well-delineated and calcareous finish. It's going to drink nicely in its youth, but I suspect it will also age gracefully over the next 2-5 years.
VM 91 (5/2023): The 2022 Rosé is savory and sweet with a rich blend of rosemary, sage and tomato leaf, giving way to dried cherries. It's silky-smooth and round with a buzz of minerality and brisk acidity up front as ginger-spiked nectarine forms toward the close. This tapers off with a salty flourish. Spice and citrus notes keep the mouth watering. Eric Guido. |
|
|
2023 |
Bandol Rose ex-Chateau |
$34.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 93 (5/2025): The 2023 Bandol Rosé is a powerful, classy Rosé that delivers the proverbial “iron fist in a velvet glove.” Deep and rich, the 2023 takes its time in the glass, gradually unfurling layers of waxy cherry fruit, Mediterranean herbs, raspberry liqueur, , crushed oyster shell and dried apricot. There’s an impressive phenolic core and a wealth of complexity here, not to mention a long, long finish. This is a very serious wine with the stuffing to improve in the cellar. Billy Norris.
WA 92+ (7/2024): A blend of 65% Mourvèdre and 35% Cinsault, the 2023 Bandol Rosé from Château de Pibarnon offers up a delicate, complex bouquet of spices, licorice, red berries, lemon, spring flowers and herbs. Medium-bodied, enveloping and beautifully structured, it’s round and juicy with a delicate, lively core of fruit and a mineral, calcareous finish. This is a classical rosé wine from Bandol. |
|
|
2024 |
Bandol Rose ex-Chateau |
$37.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (6/2025): The 2024 Bandol Rosé is another stunning wine from Provence. Revealing a complex, fresh bouquet of red berries, pomegranate, grapefruit and spices, it's medium- to full-bodied, fleshy and round, with a supple, elegant core of fruit supported by moderate tannins, finishing long and delicately saline. |
|
|
2021 |
Bandol Rose Nuances ex-Chateau |
$47.99 |
14 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (7/2026): With the 2021 Bandol Nuances, Pibarnon produces a near-perfect rosé. The pale ruby color leads into spiced, smoky aromas of white pepper, redcurrant jam, and peppery touches, while numerous fine tannins coat the palate to provide power, character, and length. Drink now. Antoine Petrus. |
|
|
2022 |
Bandol Rose Nuances ex-Chateau |
$46.99 |
40 |
|
| |
|
| Dom. Le Roc des Anges |
2016 |
Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes Asterolide |
$31 |
15 |
|
| |
|
| Les Restanques de Pibarnon |
2021 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$38.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Bandol ex-Chateau |
$38.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| | Alsace |
| Klipfel |
2012 |
Riesling Cuvee Louis Klipfel |
$18 |
18 |
|
| |
|
| | Champagne |
| Charpentier |
NV |
Tradition Brut Champagne |
$38.99 |
57 |
|
| |
|
| | Other France |
| Dom. Richard Rottiers |
2023 |
Moulin a Vent Ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
54 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (4/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent was bottled a month before my visit. This has fine purity on the nose. The 20% used oak knits everything together nicely, though not as powerfully as the 2022. The palate is medium-bodied and silky, with fine tannins and red cherry and crushed strawberry notes leading to a smooth, easy-drinking finish. The 2023 is very fine. Neal Martin. |
|
|
2023 |
Moulin a Vent Champ de Cour Ex-Domaine |
$26.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 92 (4/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Champ de Cour was bottled one month before my visit. It has a lifted and more intense bouquet than the Mortperay, with floral scents of rose and violet emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied and well balanced, with supple tannins and a precise, graceful finish that lingers in the mouth. The 2023 is superb. Neal Martin.
WA 90+ (3/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Champ de Cour, aged in oak barrels, stands out as the most lavish offering of the lineup, showcasing deep sappy notes of prunes, cherries, licorice and cacao powder. However, it maintains a poised balance thanks to a refreshing edge of ginger spice and graphite. Full-bodied and with ripe acidity, the wine exhibits a firm structure that signals its aging potential with tightly woven, youthful tannins. |
|
|
2023 |
Moulin a Vent Dernier Souffle Ex-Domaine |
$27.99 |
59 |
|
| |
VM 93 (4/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Dernière Souffle is bottled a couple of months later than other cuvées. It has redcurrant and cranberry aromas on the nose, with light earthy scents in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy red berry fruit, more grip than the Champ de Cour and more substance on the finish. This positively brims with potential. Neal Martin.
WA 91 (3/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Dernier Souffle is a luscious fruit-forward wine, yet one of refinement, with notes of rose petals, juicy cherries, vine smoke and sweet spices. It's full-bodied, with ripe acidity and a concentrated, sappy-fruited core. This richness is framed by smoothly integrated tannins that impart a velvety texture, with a dimensional finish toned with graphite. This is a generously proportioned wine that will undoubtedly benefit from time in the bottle or, at the very least, a spell in the decanter to unwind. |
|
|
2022 |
Moulin a Vent Mortperay ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
60 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (4/2024): The 2022 Moulin-à-Vent Mortperay comes from clayey soils just below Fleurie; the vines here are 70 years old. It aged in old barrels sourced from Chablis. It has another mineral-driven nose but with more roundness and depth than the classic bottling. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, very well-balanced and poised, touches of freshly rolled tobacco on the finish. Excellent. Neal Martin. |
|
|
2023 |
Moulin a Vent Mortperay Ex-Domaine |
$26.99 |
60 |
|
| |
VM 90 (4/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Mortperay comes from a parcel next to Fleurie on clay soils. It was bottled in January and offers Morello cherry, rose petal and cassis scents on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with finely knit tannins. This is pure and elegant in style, with touches of sour cherry and raspberry . Neal Martin.
WA 90 (3/2025): The 2023 Moulin-à-Vent Montperay, slated for release in 2025, comes from 80-year-old vines located at the periphery of the Clos de la Roilette in Fleurie. The wine unfurls with a lush bouquet of stewed blueberries and cherries, accented by mocha spice and sweet soil. On the palate, the layered wine unfolds along a horizontal trajectory with subdued acidity that imparts a certain softness and density to its texture. |
|
| Pascal Aufranc |
2018 |
Julienas Les Cerisiers ex-Domaine |
$15.99 |
15 |
|
| |
|
| Richard Rottiers |
2023 |
Brouilly Ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
20 |
|
| |
VM 89 (4/2025): The 2023 Brouilly comes from purchased fruit grown on granite soils. Pretty red cherry and crushed strawberry aromas blossom in the glass. The palate is well balanced and transparent, with light tannins. It's a little fleshier than expected, featuring brambly red berry and bergamot notes on the finish. It's lovely, though not long-term. Neal Martin.
WA 89 (3/2025): The 2023 Brouilly, from purchased grapes near Odenas, is a classic bistro wine. It's juicy, with notes of lilacs, raspberries and plums and tones of crushed stones that give the wine some dimension. It's medium to full-bodied, with a balanced density of fruit and bright acidity that keep it fresh. |
|
| | Germany |
| Weingut Georg Gustav Huff |
2020 |
Niersteiner Hipping Riesling Trocken |
$39.99 |
20 |
|
| |
|
| | Italy |
| Antonio Vallana & Figlio |
2020 |
Gattinara |
$43.99 |
22 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (2/2025): Vallana's 2020 Gattinara is powerful, rustic and a bit rough around the edges, and yet it conveys so much genuine, uncomplicated character. Dark fruit, new leather, licorice, dried herbs and mint are some of the notes that take shape as this rambunctious Gattinara gradually opens in the glass. Don't look for finesse here. (Drink between 2025-2035). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Cantina Tibaldi |
2023 |
Langhe Favorita ex-Domaine |
$23.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2024 |
Langhe Favorita ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Langhe Nebbiolo ex-Domaine |
$25.99 |
19 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Roero Arneis Bricco delle Passere Riserva ex-Domaine |
$24.99 |
29 |
|
| |
|
|
2023 |
Roero Arneis Bricco delle Passere Riserva ex-Domaine |
$26.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
|
2020 |
Roero Roccapalea ex-Domaine |
$29 |
34 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Roero Roccapalea ex-Domaine |
$33.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Caprili |
2023 |
Rosso di Montalcino |
$21.99 |
21 |
|
| |
| JD 90 (1/2025): The bright ruby 2023 Rosso Di Montalcino jumps from the glass with bright mixed berry fruit, peaches, crushed flowers, and sweet tea. The palate is juicy, with a snap of fresh acidity, fine tannins, and a clean finish. This is a total charmer of a Rosso to drink now or over the next 5-6 years. (Drink between 2025-2031). Audrey Frick. |
|
| Cavallotto |
2022 |
Barbera d’Alba Superiore Vigna Cuculo ex-Domaine |
$36.95 |
33 |
|
| |
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|
2023 |
Barbera d’Alba Superiore Vigna Cuculo ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
60 |
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| 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. |
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2022 |
Langhe Nebbiolo ex-Domaine |
$37.99 |
55 |
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2023 |
Langhe Nebbiolo ex-Domaine |
$42.99 |
60 |
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| 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. |
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| Luigi Maffini |
2021 |
Cenito Cilento Aglianico |
$43.99 |
14 |
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| 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. |
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2024 |
Kratos Fiano |
$24.99 |
45 |
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| 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. |
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| Sottimano |
2023 |
Langhe Nebbiolo ex-Domaine |
$23.99 |
60 |
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| 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. |
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|
2023 |
Langhe Nebbiolo (1.5 L) ex-Domaine |
$49.99 |
20 |
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| 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. |
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| Tenuta Cocci Grifoni |
2024 |
Tara Pecorino |
$15.99 |
37 |
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| Tenuta di Carleone |
2022 |
Chianti Classico |
$34.99 |
20 |
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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. |
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| Tenuta Santome |
NV |
Prosecco Brut |
$13.50 |
28 |
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| Ultima Pietra |
2025 |
Gemina Rose |
$40 |
23 |
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| |
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| | Port |
| Quevedo |
2006 |
Late Bottled Vintage Port |
$29.99 |
52 |
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2010 |
Quinta Vale d’Agodinho Port |
$49.99 |
15 |
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| |
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| | USA Red |
| Behrens Family (Erna Schein) |
2005 |
Herrick-Moulds Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
14 |
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| 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. |
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| de Negoce |
2017 |
OG N. 123 Napa Valley Merlot |
$15 |
12 |
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| |
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2022 |
OG N. 480 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel |
$15 |
12 |
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| |
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| DeLille Cellars |
2011 |
Doyenne Grand Ciel Vyd. Syrah |
$25 |
12 |
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| |
| 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. |
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|
2012 |
Doyenne Grand Ciel Vyd. Syrah |
$25 |
13 |
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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. |
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| Donelan |
2013 |
Cuvee Moriah Proprietary Blend |
$50 |
12 |
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| 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. |
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| Failla |
2012 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$45 |
12 |
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| Girasole |
2019 |
Mendocino Pinot Noir |
$16.99 |
16 |
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| |
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| Kutch |
2013 |
Falstaff Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$45 |
12 |
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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). |
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| Matthews |
2010 |
Blackboard Colombia Valley Red Wine |
$15 |
12 |
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| |
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2006 |
Colombia Valley Claret |
$25 |
12 |
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| 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. |
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2010 |
Colombia Valley Syrah |
$20 |
20 |
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| 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. |
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| Newton |
2019 |
The Puzzle Red Wine |
$49 |
55 |
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| 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). |
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| Sojourn Cellars |
2022 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ex-Domaine |
$44.99 |
60 |
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| 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. |
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| Sullivan |
2003 |
Estate Reserve Merlot |
$50 |
16 |
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| Varner |
2014 |
Spring Ridge Vyd. Upper Picnic Bloc Pinot Noir |
$45 |
53 |
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| |
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). |
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| 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 |
|
| |
| 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 |
|
| |
|
| Convene (Dan Kosta) |
2021 |
Russian River Valley Chardonnay |
$48.99 |
50 |
|
| |
| Decanter 98 (2/2024): Dan Kosta and Shane Finely have worked together since 2006, when Finley, at age 26, began working in the cellar at Kosta Browne. These guys are having a lot of fun with Convene, the label Kosta launched in 2019. After their entry-level bottlings, the Convene label represents the 'Premier Cru' level wines, while DK Grail is the 'Grand Cru' tier. They are unquestionably 'Holy Grail' worthy. Finley and Kosta are big fans of longer ageing and extended lees contact with their Chardonnays. We tasted in February 2024, and they'd just bottled their 2022s. Super expressive nose with wonderful ripe fruit flavours alongside butterscotch and toasty brioche. Wonderfully rich and full-bodied with plenty of salty mineral tension. Partial malolactic fermentation means the wine retains great tension, vibrancy, and freshness. Flavours run the spectrum from Meyer Lemon to apricots and white peaches. Crushed Marcona almonds are entangled in the finish, and I find this a balanced expression of California Chardonnay with the right amount of toasty richness and acidity. |
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| DeLille Cellars |
2016 |
Chaleur Estate Blanc |
$30 |
16 |
|
| |
|
| Gambal Work |
2017 |
Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay ex-Domaine |
$43.99 |
45 |
|
| |
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| Girasole |
2019 |
Mendocino Chardonnay |
$10 |
60 |
|
| |
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| Hourglass |
2024 |
Estate Sauvignon Blanc |
$33.99 |
24 |
|
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JD 94 (12/2025): Based on 86% Sauvignon Blanc/Musque and 14% Semillon from Napa and Sonoma County fruit and aged six months with 30% in oak barrels, the 2024 Sauvignon Blanc offers classic, fresh lime, ripe citrus, mint, and stony minerality aromatics. It's medium-bodied, has a bright, fresh, focused, pure mouthfeel, beautiful balance, and outstanding length. There are roughly 2,600 cases produced. Drink 2025-2035. (Drink between 2025-2035).
VM 90 (11/2025): The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc is an airy, gracious, aperitif-style white drink now and over the next few years. Citrus peel, sage, tomato leaf and mint are all finely sculpted. (Drink between 2025-2029). Antonio Galloni. |
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| Lewis Cellars |
2016 |
Sonoma County Chardonnay |
$36 |
19 |
|
| |
|
| Scherrer Winery |
2019 |
Scherrer Vyd. Chardonnay |
$43.99 |
14 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (1/2022): The 2019 Chardonnay Scherrer Vineyard is a powerful, wild wine. Soaring aromatics and a deep structure give this Alexander Valley Chardonnay tons of character. Orchard fruit, mint, tangerine oil and dried flowers all open in the glass. There's something exotic about the 2019 that is undeniably appealing. The creamy, substantial finish is a thing of beauty. Antonio Galloni. |
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| Sojourn Cellars |
2023 |
Sonoma Coast Chardonnay ex-Domaine |
$41.99 |
60 |
|
| |
|
| Stony Hill |
2024 |
Chardonnay |
$43.99 |
36 |
|
| |
| Decanter 94 (2/2026): Fruit from 1967-planted vines, the oldest Chardonnay vines in the Napa Valley, is at Haynes and Quartz Creek on alluvial soils. This wine balances plush fruit, fleshy pears, 30% new oak for 10 months, and only partial malolactic fermentation. This is a wine of elegance that balances white peach flesh, mineral-driven, mountain Chardonnay, and is oh so fresh. (Drink between 2026-2034). |
|
| | Other White |
| Quevedo |
2011 |
Oscar’s White Douro |
$9.99 |
31 |
|
| |
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