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Inventory updated: Fri, Jul 24, 2026 04:02 PM cst
2016 Alban Vineyards Pandora Proprietary Blend
Vintage: 2016
Region: USA Red
Color/Type: Red
Size: 750 ML
Tasting Notes:
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.
| 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 |
|
| |
|
|
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. |
|
|
2006 |
Reva Alban Estate Syrah |
$200 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (8/2010): The 2006 Syrah Reva, coming from parcels of dark, volcanic soil, has off-the-chart richness and intensity. This thick, opaque-purple colored wine offers up notes of scorched earth, ground pepper, and blackberry liqueur intermixed with cassis, licorice, camphor, and tar. The wine is spectacular in every sense. Full-bodied and certainly not for wimps, this is a remarkably concentrated yet very nuanced and intense wine that should age for 20 more years.
JD 98 (11/2010): Truly extraordinary, the 2006 Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard is a jaw dropping Syrah, sporting rich, full aromatics of smoky dark fruits, steak tartare, tapenade, and licorice. These carry over to the palate where the wine is perfectly built, possessing awesome concentration, solid, almost burly structure, and a phenomenal texture that coats the palate, but at the same time, stays light, fresh, and clean. I’m a huge fan, and while delicious now, I’ve no doubt this will continue to drink well for 15 to 20 years.
VM 94+ (11/2010): Glass-staining purple. Blackberry, boysenberry and licorice pastille on the nose, with mounting spice and floral notes and a strong wallop of cracked pepper. Deeply pitched black and blue fruit flavors expand with air and pick up strong spicecake and candied flower notes, along with velvety tannins. More backward than the Lorraine today, and showing a darker profile. The finish completely stains the palate and lingers with intense floral and spicy persistence. This is still a baby. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
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 |
| Accendo Cellars |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$229 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is blended of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot and was bottled in August 2018. Deep garnet-purple colored, it bursts out of the glass with exotic spice notes of star anise, fenugreek and cumin seed over a core of blackberry pie, wild blueberries and warm cassis with hints of kirsch, cigar box and mocha plus a waft of smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with vibrant black, blue and red fruits plus tons of spicy sparks, framed by wonderfully ripe, fine-grained tannins and beautiful freshness, finishing long and perfumed.
VM 97+ (1/2020): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon feels like it hasn't developed much over the last year, and I see that as a positive. Silky, nuanced and still very vibrant, the 2016 is just as inspiring as it was when I tasted it last year. Fresh, floral and medium in body, with terrific depth, the 2016 is positively stellar. Bright floral and spice notes add freshness to this super-expressive, sublime Cabernet Sauvignon from Accendo. Antonio Galloni.
JS 97 (2/2019): This is very tight and precise with dark berries, dark chocolate, spice and hints of hazelnuts. Full body and a solid center palate. Lots of sage, rosemary, and lavender. Beautiful balance. Fine finish. Very approachable now, but better after 2022. |
|
| Alpha Omega |
2016 |
X Cabernet Sauvignon |
$299 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Arietta |
2016 |
H Block Hudson Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 97 (1/2019): The Cabernet Franc-dominated 2016 Red Wine H Block Hudson Vineyards is also deeply colored and gives up a thrilling bouquet of cassis, blueberries, forest floor, crushed violets, and graphite. With full body, bright yet integrated acidity, thrilling purity of fruit, and a great finish, it's one seriously good Cabernet Franc to drink over the coming 15+ years. This cuvee is 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot aged in 68% new French oak.
WA 96+ (10/2018): Composed of 70% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot, the 2016 Proprietary Red H Block is deep purple-black in color and a little youthfully shy to begin, unfurling to reveal stunning blackberries, black raspberries, kirsch and cassis scents with touches of cigar box and underbrush. The full-bodied palate is relatively restrained with loads of savory layers superbly framed by ripe, fine-grained tannins, finishing long and mineral tinged.
VM 95+ (12/2018): The 2016 H Block Hudson Vineyards, Arietta's Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend, has really shut down post bottling. That is probably a very good thing for its long-term prospects. Beams of tannin give the wine energy and thrust. Time in the glass brings out attractive floral and spice notes, but above all else, the H Block is a potent, virile wine that needs time in bottle to be at its very best. This is an impressive showing to say the least. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Arterberry Maresh |
2016 |
Old Vines Pinot Noir |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (6/2019): Bright red. A highly perfumed bouquet displays mineral-laced red berry and floral aromas that are complicated by suggestions of exotic spices, incense and savory herbs. Stains the palate with energetic raspberry preserve, blood orange, rose pastille and spicecake flavors that become sweeter and deeper. Shows superb energy, sharp delineation and solid, mineral thrust on the extremely long finish, which is framed by silky, slow-building tannins. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Aubert |
2016 |
UV Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$125 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (4/2018): Aubert's 2016 Pinot Noir UV Vineyard is fresh, fragrant and inviting. Sweet red cherry, mint, rose petal and lavender notes are nicely lifted in this attractive, mid-weight Pinot. Silky, sensual and nuanced, the 2016 has a lot to recommend it. A dollop of whole clusters introduces a lovely savory element to the UV. ANtonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
UV-SL Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$120 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (4/2018): A powerful, rich wine endowed with tremendous drive, the Pinot Noir UV-SL Vineyard is the most overt, flamboyant wine in the range. A rush of black cherry, game, blood orange and spice fills out the wine's ample frame effortlessly. The UV-SL is the darkest and most obviously ripe of the vineyard designated Pinots. There is plenty of personality, that much is evident. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| B Cellars |
2016 |
Calesa Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$87 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Becklyn Cellars |
2016 |
Moulds Vyd. Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$105 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 92 (1/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Moulds Reserve is all Cabernet Sauvignon from a site in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. It’s a deeply colored Cabernet offering a sweet bouquet of blackberries, cassis, tobacco, and leafy herbs. These carry over to the palate, where the wine is full-bodied, voluptuously styled and sweetly fruited, with outstanding purity and length. Made in a forward, sexy style, it's already impossible to resist, so I see no need to delay gratification. (Drink between 2019-2029).
WA 86 (10/2018): Deep purple-black, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Moulds Reserve is a little closed to begin, opening out to youthful cassis and black cherry scents with touches of cigar box and fragrant soil. Full-bodied with mouth-filling black fruits, the frame is a little chewy and it finishes a little bitter. |
|
|
2016 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Belle Glos |
2016 |
Dairyman Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Bevan Cellars |
2016 |
EE Cuvee Tench Vyd. Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$349 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (1/2019): The 2016 Tench Vineyard EE Red Wine checks in as a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Merlot, which is the smallest amount of Cabernet Franc to date. Brought up in new barrels, it has gorgeous blue fruits, violets, spring flowers, and damp earth. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, and just about as seamless and silky as it gets, this is a magical wine to drink over the coming 15 years or more. |
|
|
2016 |
Sugarloaf Mountain Proprietary Blend |
$175 |
8 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (1/2019): Based on 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot, the 2016 Proprietary Red Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard was brought up all in new French oak, which has been absorbed beautifully. With terrific intensity in its blue fruits and floral aromatics, this terrific 2016 is full-bodied, powerful, and layered, with ultra-fine tannins that emerge with time in the glass. It has the purity and elegance of the vintage front and center, yet backs it up with both texture and depth. In short, it’s another rock star wine from this estate. |
|
|
2016 |
Sugarloaf Mountain Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$375 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (1/2019): Based on 55% Cabernet Franc and 45% Merlot, the 2016 Proprietary Red Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard was brought up all in new French oak, which has been absorbed beautifully. With terrific intensity in its blue fruits and floral aromatics, this terrific 2016 is full-bodied, powerful, and layered, with ultra-fine tannins that emerge with time in the glass. It has the purity and elegance of the vintage front and center, yet backs it up with both texture and depth. In short, it’s another rock star wine from this estate. |
|
|
2016 |
Tench Vyd. The Calixtro Cabernet Sauvignon |
$239 |
6 |
|
| |
JD 99 (1/2019): Flirting with perfection and up with the top handful of wines in the vintage, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard The Calixtro comes from a single block in the Tench Vineyard that always stands out. Similarly colored to the straight Tench release, it has slightly more freshness, structure, and purity, with thrilling notes of plums, purple fruits, crushed violets, and a liquid rock-like minerality. It got more than a few expletives in my notes and is sensational on the palate as well, with full body, ultra-fine tannins, and world-class purity of fruit. It’s another brilliant, brilliant wine from winemaker Russell Bevan. (Drink between 2019-2039.)
VM 98 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard The Calixtro emerges from Block 1B South, which lies next to Harbison. Not unsurprisingly, the Calixtro shares much with its neighbor, specifically a vertical sense of structure and a profile rich in mineral and savory overtones. Explosive and dense on the palate, the Calixtro hits all the right notes. Graphite, scorched earth, licorice, lavender, crème de cassis and spice fill out the wine's huge, massive frame. This is another rock star wine from Russell Bevan. (Drink between 2022-2036.) Antonio Galloni.
WA 98 (10/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard The Calixtro is deep garnet-purple colored and has a nose of cassis, violets, roses, tea and earth with touches of cast iron pan and camphor. The palate is medium to full-bodied and firm, with very fine-grained tannins, finishing fresh and long. 135 cases produced. |
|
|
2016 |
Wildfoote Vyd. Vixen Block Cabernet Sauvignon |
$200 |
10 |
|
| |
JD 97 (1/2019): Leading off the Cabernets and from a site in the Stags Leap AVA, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vineyard offers a thrilling bouquet of blueberries and blackcurrants to go with complex white flowers, violets, and hints of chocolate. With no hard edges, full body, and beautiful fruit, this Cabernet shines for its incredible finesse and elegance yet certainly doesn’t lack for power. It’s a brilliant wine. (Drink between 2019-2039).
VM 96 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vineyard Vixen Block is a rich, exotic wine loaded with Stags Leap character. Black cherry, plum, new leather, spice and menthol all flesh out in this potent, dark wine. Dark red and purplish berry fruit and floral notes add brightness. Today, the Wildfoote comes across as quite closed following its bottling, but there is every reason to think it will blossom in a few years' time, as there is quite a bit of energy and persistence. (Drink between 2021-2031.) Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Booker Vineyard |
2016 |
Fracture Syrah |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (11/2018): The base 2016 Fracture is another flat-out awesome wine from Jenson that has everything you could want from a Syrah grown on limestone soils on the west side of Paso Robles. Made from 100% Syrah aged in 70% new French oak, it offers a huge nose of blackcurrants, toasty oak, espresso, smoke tobacco, and crushed flowers. Deep, massively concentrated, and textured, it still glides across the palate with thrilling purity of fruit and has a great, great finish. Eric Jensen’s Booker Vineyards continues to make a ripe, sexy, pedal-to-the-metal syle of wine and these latest 2016s don’t disappoint. |
|
|
2016 |
Fulldraw Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 93+ (11/2018): The last vintage of this cuvée as these grapes will be moved into the Oublie cuvée, the 2016 Fulldraw Vineyard offers serious Syrah notes (I don’t know the blend) in its chocolate, jammy blackberry, licorice, and crushed rock aromas and flavors. This is a big, rich, brooding red that packs serious amounts of fruit and texture without ever going over the top. Eric Jensen’s Booker Vineyards continues to make a ripe, sexy, pedal-to-the-metal syle of wine and these latest 2016s don’t disappoint. |
|
| Cardinale |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 99 (1/2019): Just about as close to perfection as a wine can get, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon from winemaker Chris Carpenter comes mostly from mountain vineyards and is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Merlot. This full-bodied, rounded, thrillingly textured beauty boasts a saturated purple color as well as a huge nose of crème de cassis, new saddle leather, barbecue smoke, and scorched earth. It has perfect integration of its fruit, tannins, acidity, and oak, carries remarkable power and intensity, yet still glides over the palate with no heaviness or sensation of weight. It’s going to be a legendary Napa Valley Cabernet and will have 3 decades or more of longevity. (Drink between 2019-2049) |
|
| Carter Cellars |
2016 |
The G.T.O. Beckstoffer To Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$895 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 100 (10/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon The G T O is very deep purple-black in color. Bam! Out of the gate it produces an incredibly alluring nose of freshly crushed black cherries, blackberry compote, blackcurrant cordial and licorice with nuances of violets, fertile loam, black truffles, unsmoked cigars and a waft of beef drippings. Big, full-bodied and powerful in the mouth—without the least bit of heaviness—the palate gives an awe-inspiring array of earth, black fruit preserves and floral layers, supported by a rock-solid frame of ripe, grainy tannins, finishing epically long and with fantastic freshness. This is To Kalon giving its all! |
|
| Charles & Charles |
2016 |
C2 Northridge Vyd. Malbec |
$30 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (12/2019): Bright dark ruby. Slightly high-toned aromas and flavors of crushed blackberry, cassis and licorice; I would have guessed from the nose that this contained some Petit Verdot (and I would have been wrong). Densely packed, savory wine with terrific creamy depth and pliancy of dark berry fruit. As concentrated, tactile and delineated as this wine is, it's most impressive for its utter seamlessness. Finishes very long, with suave tannins coating the teeth. A great Washington Malbec. (15.5% alcohol; made with long skin contact and aged in 50% new oak for 24 months) (Drink between 2020-2028). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Dalla Valle |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$255 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| J. Davies |
2016 |
Diamond Mountain Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$110 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon J. Davies is voluptuous in the glass, but also nicely structured. Black cherry, plum, new leather, licorice, grilled herbs and menthol infuse this deep, resonant Cabernet. Full-bodied and powerful, the 2016 speaks with real authority. (Drink between 2022-2031). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| DeLille Cellars |
2016 |
Chaleur Estate |
$70 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94+ (12/2019): Bright ruby-red. Pungent lift to the aromas of cassis, boysenberry, violet, wild herbs and licorice. Dense, intense and fine-grained, with an exciting balance of sweetness and acidity to the flavors of dark berries, licorice and cocoa powder. Boasts a serious tannic spine for extended aging. The berries were larger than normal in 2016, noted Gorski, but the production here was still just under three tons per acre. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2016 |
D2 |
$40 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 93 (12/2019): Bright red-ruby. Plum and redcurrant aromas complemented by cool Cabernet Sauvignon notes of tobacco leaf and herbs. Sappy, broad and palate-saturating , delivering lovely concentration and silky depth to its flavors of red berries, spices, sage and herbs. This very well-balanced blend conveys an impression of more even fruit ripeness--and virtually no overripeness--than the 2015 version. Lovely sweetness of fruit with good shape and structure from fine tannins. D2 began as a second wine, but winemaker Gorski now refers to it as a wine on purpose. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 92+ (12/2019): The 2016 D2 Proprietary Red Wine is a blend of 59% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The nose displays a lush and dense core with dusty currant, plum and black raspberry sprinkled with a rocky minerality. The wine is medium to full-bodied on the palate, with deep concentration and focused balance, delivering complexity through the mid-palate and ending with a long, concentrated finish.
JD 92 (4/2019): The 2016 D2 is mostly Merlot but includes 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and a splash of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. It has a Bordeaux-like bouquet of tobacco, earth, lead pencil, and graphite, with plenty of ripe dark fruit. Rounded, medium to full-bodied, and textured, it’s a terrific second wine to drink over the coming 10-15 years. |
|
|
2016 |
Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 97 (4/2019): One of the gems in the lineup is the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags. This thrilling, sensational Cabernet Sauvignon has a beautiful perfume of red currants, spice box, new leather, and dried flowers. Medium to full-bodied, seamless, and thrillingly textured, it offers balance, remarkable purity, and a finish that won’t quit. While Red Mountain is known for producing powerful, structured wines, this is all about finesse and elegance. It will drink nicely for two decades. (Drink between 2019-2039).
WA 94 (12/2019): Named for the four famous vineyards on Red Mountain, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Four Flags immediately shows power and elegance on the nose, with a fresh core of fruit and minerality, showcasing rich and velvety oak tones. The wine is rich and complex on the medium to full-bodied palate that's overflowing and expressive, with good depth and breadth, balanced tannins and the lifting support of oak spices and energetic acidity. It lingers long, with a tannic edge that will settle down with time, making it ready for food now.
VM 92+ (12/2019): Bright ruby-red. Blackberry, licorice, black pepper and minerals on the nose. Densely packed, fine-grained and nicely concentrated but a bit youthfully unforthcoming today, showing limited sweetness and early appeal. I find this a bit peppery, if not lean, in the early going, with a distinct coolness in the style of some '16s. Finishes savory and persistent, with a smooth dusting of tannins and some peppery herbs in a varietal way. Lay this one down. (made from three clones) (Drink between 2022-2032). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2016 |
Metier Red Blend |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 92 (4/2019): The Southern Rhône blend is the 2016 Metier, which is 42% Grenache and 36% Mourvèdre, with the balance Cinsault. Violets, peppery spice, cedar, and sweet black raspberry fruits all emerge from the glass and it’s ripe, rounded, and medium to full-bodied on the palate. There’s some subtle background oak, but this is upfront and ready to go.
VM 92 (11/2018): Dark red with ruby highlights. Aromas of blackberry, licorice and tree bark, plus a spicy nuance. Combines compelling spicy intensity and serious thickness of texture, with its red berry and spice flavors showing virtually no greenness. Concentrated, broad, rich and long, finishing with substantial dusty tannins. Incidentally, the team did not make this wine with whole clusters. "We don't like stems, but we did include some in our 2016 Syrah," noted Gorski. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2016 |
Quintessence Vyd. Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92+ (12/2019): The 2016 Quintessence Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon is 71% Malbec and the remaining portion Cabernet Sauvignon. Displaying a black and blue-fruited core on the nose, aromas of blackcurrant, black plum and blueberry compote waft from the glass with purple flowers and rich cinnamon spices from the elegant French oak. The wine is full-bodied on the palate and reveals a texture of melted dark chocolate, with oak spices meeting the fruit flavors as structured tannins add to the complexity. It concludes with a long, balanced and softly spicy finish.
VM 92+ (12/2019): Bright ruby-red. Briary crushed blackberry, cassis and licorice along with a faint herbal aspect on the slightly wild nose. At once dense and juicy, with its intense purple berry and violet flavors conveying a strong impression of energy. Very pure but tightly wound, this seamless wine offers subtle sweetness and finishes very long, with late Malbec suggestions (or should I say Nebbiolo?) of tar and rose. (14% alcohol; half of the wine's Malbec component spent ten weeks on its skins) (Drink between 2021-2028). Stephen Tanzer.
JD 92 (4/2019): A great example of the variety (and I’m seeing more and more impressive Malbecs from the state), the 2016 Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon Quintessence Vineyard from Red Mountain offers classic blue fruits in a young, jammy, primary style that fills the mouth with fruit. Inky colored, nicely balanced, with sweet tannins and some floral, violet characteristics, it’s going to benefit from a year in bottle and keep for 7-8. |
|
| Diamond Creek |
2016 |
Red Rock Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon |
$289 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98+ (9/2019): Made up of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace is very deep purple-black colored and features profound notions of plum preserves, blackcurrant cordial, Black Forest cake and espresso with suggestions of black tea, fertile loam, cardamom and menthol plus a waft of charcuterie. Medium to full-bodied, the palate packs in the taut, muscular black fruit and savory layers, framed by very ripe, very firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length and depth.
VM 94 (1/2020): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace is a dark, powerful wine. It is also richer and more immediate than has been the norm here in the past. Bold and racy in the glass with tremendous fruit density, the 2016 is packed with a whole range of super-ripe red cherry and red plum fruit flavors. Spice, floral and licorice overtones add a pretty upper register to this expressive and surprisingly accessible young Diamond Creek Cabernet. Readers won't have to cellar the 2016 too long - that much is clear. The 2016 was done with 120% new oak, which means 100% new in the first year and another 20% new in the second year, which I don't think this wine really needs. That said, the oak is very nicely balanced. (Drink between 2023-2041). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Duckhorn |
2016 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| DuMol |
2016 |
Meteor Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 97 (5/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Meteor Vineyard is a stunning wine endowed with tremendous vertical lift, explosive energy and pure power, all signatures of this highly regarded Coombsville site. Dark fruit, leather, smoke, tobacco, crushed rocks and incense all develop in the glass, but it is the wine's structural feel that stands out most. Simply put, the 2016 Meteor is unforgettable. (Drink between 2023-2036). Antonio Galloni.
JD 94 (6/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Meteor Vineyard comes from the cooler Coombsville region of Napa and spent 20 months in 60% new French oak. It has a Saint Julien-like purity and elegance in its cassis and currant fruit as well as complex notes of tobacco, earth, and violets. With medium to full body, terrific balance, and ultra-fine tannins, it’s a beautiful wine that’s going to evolve gracefully for 20-25 years. (Drink between 2019-2039).
WA 94 (7/2020): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Meteor Vineyard is a lovely cool-climate Cabernet. It has aromas of fresh black currants, graphite, black currant bud, cedar and red berry sparks. The full-bodied palate is concentrated but restrained, with minerally, crunchy black fruits, fresh and finely grained, finishing long on an iron note. |
|
| Tom Eddy |
2016 |
Kerry’s Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$110 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Fairchild Estate |
2016 |
G III Cabernet Sauvignon |
$209 |
5 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (1/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Fairchild G-III, which is from a well-known Beckstoffer property in Rutherford, is heavenly juice. Seeing an extended maceration and 20 months in 80% new French oak, it boasts awesome notes of crème de cassis, blueberries, crushed rocks, and violets. This all flows to a blockbuster styled beauty that has fabulous purity, fine, silky tannins, and incredible opulence paired with purity and elegance. This beauty got more than a few “wow” comments in the notes and should keep for two decades or more. |
|
|
2016 |
G III Cabernet Sauvignon |
$275 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (1/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Fairchild G-III, which is from a well-known Beckstoffer property in Rutherford, is heavenly juice. Seeing an extended maceration and 20 months in 80% new French oak, it boasts awesome notes of crème de cassis, blueberries, crushed rocks, and violets. This all flows to a blockbuster styled beauty that has fabulous purity, fine, silky tannins, and incredible opulence paired with purity and elegance. This beauty got more than a few “wow” comments in the notes and should keep for two decades or more. |
|
|
2016 |
G III Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$425 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (1/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Fairchild G-III, which is from a well-known Beckstoffer property in Rutherford, is heavenly juice. Seeing an extended maceration and 20 months in 80% new French oak, it boasts awesome notes of crème de cassis, blueberries, crushed rocks, and violets. This all flows to a blockbuster styled beauty that has fabulous purity, fine, silky tannins, and incredible opulence paired with purity and elegance. This beauty got more than a few “wow” comments in the notes and should keep for two decades or more. |
|
|
2016 |
Sigaro Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$480 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98 (1/2019): Also thrilling, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Fairchild Sigaro comes from a site north of Lake Hennessey and is 100% clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 20-22 months in 80% new French oak. Black currants, crushed rocks, graphite, and lead pencil notes all flow to a powerful, tight, backward Cabernet that has incredible minerality and depth. It’s in a much more austere, focused style compared to the Fairchild G-III release, but it’s unquestionably at the same level of quality. Hide bottles for 4-5 years and enjoy over the following 2+ decades.
WA 96+ (10/2018): From fruit on Pritchard Hill, aged for 20 months in 85% new 225-liter French oak barrels, the deep garnet-black colored 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Sigaro opens with somewhat shy notes of warm blackcurrants, dried mulberries and wild blueberries with hints of plum pudding, spice box, cardamom, wood smoke, black pepper and hoisin. Full-bodied and tightly wound in the mouth, the fruit vibrates with compelling energy and a firm frame of ripe, grainy tannins with just enough freshness, finishing long and minerally. 640 cases produced.
VM 95 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Sigaro emerges from Fairchild's estate vineyard in Conn Valley. Racy and pliant, with tremendous intensity, the 2016 is impeccable in it balance. As with all of Larry Fairchild's wines, the Sigaro is quite big, and yet all the elements are impeccably balanced. The Sigaro offers striking aromatic complexity and layered fruit for such a big wine, with tannins that are both prominent and yet very well polished. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Stones No. 1 Perrarus Block 1 Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$399 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Stones No. 2 Perrarus Block 1 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$279 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Stones No. 2 Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon |
$279 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 97+ (1/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Stones No. 2 offers more mountain fruit characteristics as well as plenty of tannins to go with a beautiful perfume of spring flowers, spice, earthy minerality, and both blue and black fruits. From a site on Pritchard Hill that spent 20 months in 80% new French oak, give this elegant, layered, full-bodied beauty a good 4-5 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following 2+ decades. |
|
| Ferdinand Wines |
2016 |
Tempranillo |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Figgins Estate |
2016 |
Red Wine |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 98 (4/2019): Winemaker Chris Figgins has produced one of the wines of the vintage and his 2016 Estate Red Wine checks in as a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot that spent 23 months in 50% new French oak. It offers a deep ruby/purple color as well as a killer bouquet of crème de cassis, toasted spice, tobacco, and earth. Incredibly pure, full-bodied, and layered on the palate, it's a magical wine that has no hard edges, building tannins, and a gorgeous finish. It's the finest wine under this label to date. (Drink between 2022-2037).
VM 94 (12/2019): Bright ruby-red. Black raspberry, cassis and sexy oak spices are lifted by a violet note on the nose. Densely packed but quite tight-grained, offering high-pitched flavors of currant, black raspberry, cocoa powder and spices. Terrific depth of flavor here as well as outstanding length. With its perfectly managed tannins, this wine really resounds and rises on the aftertaste. This may be the most approachable vintage upon release of this bottling to date but it's clearly built for a long evolution in the cellar. Incidentally, Chris Figgins does not do any post-fermentation maceration for the FIGGINS wines but he does do some for the Leonetti Cellar Merlot. (14.8% alcohol; from deep silt and loam soil at 1,500 to 1,750 feet) (Drink between 2021-2033). Stephen Tanzer.
WA 94 (12/2019): A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot, the 2016 Estate Red Wine opens with a dense core of bold and juicy dark fruit aromas that overflow into the blueberry spectrum with mocha nuances. Full-bodied, the palate is chewy and has good mineral tension, giving way to elegant, balanced oak flavors and a tannic edge that is still rigid but will last for decades to come. The freshness and liveliness of the wine remain focused, and the wine lingers with a long, contemplative finish. With a 2,000 case production, this is one that is worth adding to your cellar. |
|
| Flora Springs |
2016 |
Trilogy Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 88 (1/2019): The 2016 Trilogy checks in as a blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, and the rest Malbec. It has a spice, cedar, plum, and chocolaty, herbal bouquet as well as upfront sweet fruit, a slightly hollow mid-palate, and firm tannins. I suspect it's best drunk up over the coming 7-8 years.
WA 88 (10/2018): The 2016 Trilogy Proprietary Red Wine is blended of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot and 6% Malbec. Deep purple-black, it features blackcurrant cordial, dark chocolate, licorice and tar with wafts of dried herbs and incense. Medium to full-bodied with just enough black fruit and herbal sparks to fit the chewy frame,it finishes on an earthy note. |
|
| Folded Hills |
2016 |
Ballard Canyon Syrah |
$35 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 92 (10/2018): The 2016 Syrah Ballard Canyon comes all from the Stolpman Vineyard in Ballard Canyon and was brought up in 25% new French oak. It's deep ruby/purple-tinged color is followed by a lively bouquet of black raspberries, spring flowers, California bay leaf, and white pepper. Like everything here, it's seamless and elegant, with a borderline mid-weight style, yet is about as drinkable as it gets. |
|
| Force Majeure |
2016 |
Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$150 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 99 (4/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain Estate is a thrilling effort from winemaker Todd Alexander that rates with some of the most monumental wines to come out of Washington State. Based on 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from their estate vineyard on Red Mountain, brought up in mostly new barrels, it reveals a saturated purple color that's followed by a rich, primordial bouquet of crème de cassis, espresso roast, crushed rock, and graphite. It needs considerable air to start to show its potential yet is a full-bodied, powerful wine that has subtle oak, plenty of sweet tannins, and a huge, layered finish that won't quit. It's the tannin management that's truly spectacular. This brilliant wine needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and will keep for 2-3 decades. (Drink between 2023-2048) |
|
|
2016 |
Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 99 (4/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain Estate is a thrilling effort from winemaker Todd Alexander that rates with some of the most monumental wines to come out of Washington State. Based on 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from their estate vineyard on Red Mountain, brought up in mostly new barrels, it reveals a saturated purple color that's followed by a rich, primordial bouquet of crème de cassis, espresso roast, crushed rock, and graphite. It needs considerable air to start to show its potential yet is a full-bodied, powerful wine that has subtle oak, plenty of sweet tannins, and a huge, layered finish that won't quit. It's the tannin management that's truly spectacular. This brilliant wine needs to be forgotten for 4-5 years and will keep for 2-3 decades. (Drink between 2023-2048) |
|
| George Wine Company |
2016 |
Leras Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$50 |
9 |
|
| |
|
| Girasole |
2016 |
Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon |
$13.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Greer |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$449 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 100 (1/2026): Just pure perfection and a legendary Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 shows perfectly ripe black fruits, truffle, chocolate, and leafy tobacco-like aromas and flavors in a full-bodied, multi-dimensional, layered style that's going to stop just about anyone in their tracks. Based on 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged 19 months in 60% new French oak, it has a pure, layered, seamless profile, flawless balance, no hard edges, and ultra-fine tannins. It's approachable today yet still young, and has another 25+ years of prime drinking ahead of it. Drink 2026-2051. (Drink between 2026-2051) |
|
| Groth |
2016 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (1/2020): Groth's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville) is soft, pretty and understated. A sweet floral and spice character gives this gracious, mid-weight Oakville Cabernet lovely aromatic top notes. The 2016 is an attractive wine, but is also a bit light, even within this more restrained style favored by Groth. (Drink between 2019-2026). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Hall |
2016 |
Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 98 (1/2020): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack's Masterpiece comes from a mix of vineyards and is a cellar selection put together by the winery president and former winemaker Mike Reynolds. Rocking levels of red, blue, and black fruits are interwoven with notions of unsmoked tobacco, iron, lavender, and lead pencil shavings. These all flow to a full-bodied, brilliantly balanced, seamless red that has ripe, sweet tannins, a stacked mid-palate, and the class to drink beautifully today yet evolve for two decades or more. (Drink between 2020-2040).
WA 96 (9/2019): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack's Masterpiece bursts from the glass with confident cassis, preserved plums and mulberries scents backed up by notions of cedar chest, pencil lead, espresso and tar. Full-bodied, the palate is built like a brick house with a solid frame of grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long with fantastic purity.
VM 94 (1/2020): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack's Masterpiece is a potent, virile wine. Swaths of tannins wrap around a core of inky black fruit. Leather, licorice, smoke, gravel and incense add to the wine's decidedly dark, somber personality. I would give the tannins a few years to soften. (Drink between 2023-2031). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Hendry |
2016 |
Block 28 Zinfandel |
$35 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Hors Categorie Vineyards |
2016 |
Walla Walla Valley Syrah |
$325 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 99 (4/2019): The 2016 Syrah is from an up and coming terroir located on the north fork of the Walla Walla River, in Oregon, and comes from two steep hillside slopes on broken basalt soils. Not destemmed and brought up in all neutral demi-muids, it has a Côte Brune-like style in its smoked red and black fruits, crushed violets, cold fireplace, bloody meats, and ground pepper aromas and flavors. Concentrated, medium-bodied to full-bodied, incredibly layered, and pure, it has an ultra-classic, mineral-laced Syrah style that's just magical to behold. Give bottles 2-4 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following 10-15. The Hors Categorie Syrah comes from the up and coming North Fork region of the Walla Walla AVA, in Oregon, which was discovered in 2003 by Christophe Baron. The site for this cuvee was purchased by Baron in 2004, planted in 2011, and his first release was in 2014. (Drink between 2021-2036).
VM 96 (12/2019): Good medium red. Tight but already incredibly complex nose offers classic northern Rhône (Hermitage?) scents of dark raspberry, licorice, black pepper and brown spices. Robust and densely packed but also savory, smooth and magically light on its feet, with its flavors of crushed blueberry and blackberry, spices and saline minerality conveying remarkable urgency for a wine with a pH of 4.1. Finishes with serious but harmonious tannins and outstanding palate-staining length and lift. This remarkable site, as wild and Old World in appearance as any in Washington, is worked with a winch owing to its steepness and produces barely 1.5 tons per acre of fruit in a good year. Christophe Baron, who vinifies all of his wines with wild yeasts, does a cool fermentation (never higher than 85 degrees F.) and ages this wine in a combination of mostly demi-muids, the youngest of which was third use, and some barriques. A knockout. (from a mostly south-facing slope in a bucolic valley in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, planted in 2011 at an altitude between 1,350 and 1,450 feet and at a slope reaching as steep as 60 degrees) (Drink between 2023-2035). Stephen Tanzer.
WA 94+ (4/2025): Matured for 18 months in used French demi-muids, the 2016 Syrah has intense aromas of cassis, powdered sugar, mint chocolate, grilled peppers and lavender. The medium-bodied palate is very youthful with floral fruit and iron-like mineral tones. It’s structured by silky tannins and vibrant acidity and has a very long, latent finish. |
|
| Horsepower Vineyards |
2016 |
The Tribe Vyd. Syrah |
$109 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 97+ (4/2019): The 2016 Syrah The Tribe is largely in the same mold with a gamy, meaty, backward profile. Smoked meats, earthy dark fruits, ground pepper, and wood smoke are all present in this medium to full-bodied, concentrated Syrah that’s going to benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and cruise for 15-20 years. |
|
| Jonata Winery |
2016 |
Fenix Merlot Bin-Soiled Label |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 97+ (10/2018): Incorporating a big chunk of Cabernet Sauvignon (30%), the Merlot-dominated 2016 Fenix offers a saturated purple color as well as a powerful, full-bodied, decadent style in its blackcurrants, black cherries, chocolate, lead pencil, and leafy herb aromas and flavors. With a stacked mid-palate, thrilling purity, and an expansive, layered, heavenly profile, it's one of the finest Merlots coming out of California. It will flirt with perfection at maturity. (Drink between 2020-2040).
VM 95 (9/2018): Jonata's Merlot-based 2016 Fenix is bright, focused and taut, all qualities that lend energy to a core of raspberry jam, chocolate, spice and floral notes. Somewhat shy today, the 2016 needs a few years in bottle to blossom. I especially like the wine's energy and restrained yet powerful style. (Drink between 2021-2031). Antonio Galloni.
WA 93+ (9/2019): A blend of 58% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot aged in 70% new French oak, the 2016 Fenix has a deep ruby color and nose of warm red and black cherry, chocolate, dried green herbs, cedar, graphite, blackberry pie, plum and dried flowers—dense but classic. Medium to full-bodied, it floods the mouth with luscious dark fruits, firmly framed by grainy tannins and great freshness, finishing long and chocolaty. Delicious! |
|
|
2016 |
La Sangre de Jonata Syrah |
$139 |
4 |
|
| |
JD 99 (10/2018): The 2016 La Sangre de Jonata (98% Syrah and 2% Viognier) is a beautiful follow on to the sensational 2015 and has a layered, multi-dimensional, massive profile. Blackcurrants, blackberries, lavender, bacon fat, and spring flower notes all flow to a seriously rich, powerful wine that stays light and graceful, with awesome tannin quality. It's another tour de force that reminds me of the 2007. It shuts down with extended air time (I followed this bottle for two days) and while it can certainly be enjoyed today, it won't hit prime time for another 4-6 years and should keep for two decades or more. (Drink between 2022-2042).
VM 96+ (9/2018): The 2016 La Sangre de Jonata is a wine of real substance and depth. In 2016, the La Sangre is distinguished by its red fruit profile, freshness and vibrant, focused personality, all of which should allow it to age gracefully for a number of years. The 2016 is not as overt as some previous versions have been, but that is probably a very good thing for its longer term prospects. Time in the glass brings out the wine's underlying richness and pedigree. (Drink between 2021-2031). Antonio Galloni.
WA 93+ (9/2019): A blend of 98% Syrah and 2% Viognier aged in 25% new French oak, the 2016 La Sangre de Jonata has an opaque purple-black color and wonderfully dense, savory nose of cracked black pepper, cassis, blackberry pie, cocoa and licorice with boysenberry preserves, peppered meat and graphite. Full-bodied, dense and lush, it's framed by firm, pleasantly chewy tannins and good freshness, finishing long and minerally. |
|
| Justin |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$29 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon |
$24 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Savant Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| K Vintners |
2016 |
Motor City Kitty Oldfield-Boushey Vyd. Syrah |
$41 |
4 |
|
| |
| JD 96 (4/2019): Coming from the highest point in the Boushey vineyard and a mix of Syrah clones, the 2016 Motor City Kitty Old Field Boushey Vineyard was fermented all in concrete (no destemming) and brought up in neutral oak. Game, olives, white pepper, and darker fruits all emerge from this Côte Rôtie look-alike. With medium to full-bodied richness and a layered texture, it’s one of the greatest values out there, so if you see a bottle, you should buy it. This is another formidable lineup from Charles Smith and Brennon Leighton, who have recently moved their winemaking facility from Walla Walla to just outside of Seattle. All of the pure Bordeaux variety blends/releases have been moved to the Wine of Substance label (also reviewed in this report), and the K Vintners label is reserved for Rhône variety releases. By and large, these are all not destemmed and brought mostly in neutral puncheons. As I’ve said in the past, these are the real deal and are brilliant wines. (Drink between 2019-2027) |
|
|
2016 |
The Boy Grenache |
$45 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (4/2019): In the running for the best Grenache from Washington, the 2016 Grenache The Boy Powerline Vineyard is a single vineyard release from a site in the Walla Walla Valley and was brought up in neutral oak. It has a Rayas-like perfume of rose petals, black raspberries, cherries, spice, and smoked meat. This carries to a medium to full-bodied, thrilling textured, seamless Grenache that has a stacked mid-palate, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. Hats off to the team at K Vintners for this incredible Grenache! This is another formidable lineup from Charles Smith and Brennon Leighton, who have recently moved their winemaking facility from Walla Walla to just outside of Seattle. All of the pure Bordeaux variety blends/releases have been moved to the Wine of Substance label (also reviewed in this report), and the K Vintners label is reserved for Rhône variety releases. By and large, these are all not destemmed and brought mostly in neutral puncheons. As I’ve said in the past, these are the real deal and are brilliant wines. (Drink between 2020-2028). |
|
|
2016 |
The Creator Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (4/2019): An 80/20 split of Cabernet and Syrah from a site in the Walla Walla Valley, the 2016 Cabernet / Syrah The Creator Powerline Vineyard offers lots of bloody black and blue fruit, black olive, beef blood, and pepper herb aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, it has silky tannins and shows surprising elegance and finesse on the palate. It’s a “Wow” wine that should be snatched up by readers. This is another formidable lineup from Charles Smith and Brennon Leighton, who have recently moved their winemaking facility from Walla Walla to just outside of Seattle. All of the pure Bordeaux variety blends/releases have been moved to the Wine of Substance label (also reviewed in this report), and the K Vintners label is reserved for Rhône variety releases. By and large, these are all not destemmed and brought mostly in neutral puncheons. As I’ve said in the past, these are the real deal and are brilliant wines. (Drink between 2021-2033) |
|
|
2016 |
The Hidden Syrah |
$69 |
6 |
|
| |
JD 99 (4/2019): Flirting with perfection, the 2016 Syrah The Hidden is a classic example of the old saying “an iron fist in a velvet glove.” Beautiful notes of dark fruits, damp earth, iron, and crushed rocks as well as ground pepper all emerge from this full-bodied effort that has no hard edges, a terrific mid-palate, sweet tannins, and a finish that goes on for over a minute. It’s a brilliant, brilliant Syrah and one of the wines of the vintage. This is another formidable lineup from Charles Smith and Brennon Leighton, who have recently moved their winemaking facility from Walla Walla to just outside of Seattle. All of the pure Bordeaux variety blends/releases have been moved to the Wine of Substance label (also reviewed in this report), and the K Vintners label is reserved for Rhône variety releases. By and large, these are all not destemmed and brought mostly in neutral puncheons. As I’ve said in the past, these are the real deal and are brilliant wines. (Drink between 2019-2031).
WA 96+ (12/2019): The nose of the 2016 Syrah The Hidden Northridge Vineyard offers a round, open-knit and voluptuous expression of dark red and black fruit characteristics—dusty plum skin, blackberry jus and cherry compote—over a wet rock minerality and savory black spices with hints of sweet oak. Full-bodied, the palate is generous but still has a rigidity to the mid-palate, with a note of bitter espresso and gripping tannic backbone. Ending with a long, spicy finish, the wine is going to go the distance and live for decades if you can just forget about it in your cellar. It will be a lucky day if you add any of the 684-case production to your cellar.
VM 94 (12/2019): Bright red-ruby. Musky dark raspberry, leather, black pepper and a whiff of shoe polish on the complex nose; yet more evidence of how different all these Syrah cuvées are. A seriously vibrant, fine-grained midweight in the mouth, offering terrific perfumed lift to its nuanced flavors of raspberry, spices, lavender and dried oregano. A hint of almost lemony acidity and a suggestion of orange peel contribute to the overall impression of vibrancy and lift. Smooth tannins saturate the front teeth on the very long, spicy aftertaste. (from broken volcanic soils with a bit of limestone) (Drink between 2020-2028). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Larkmead Vineyards |
2016 |
Dr. Olmo Cabernet Sauvignon |
$149 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 95+ (1/2019): Lastly, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo gets the nod as the most tannic and structured, with a brutally austere style that’s just begging for bottle age. Notes of lavender, iron, camphor, graphite, and bloody blue fruits all emerge from the glass. Possessing a Bordeaux-like purity and structure, medium to full body, ripe tannins, and a firm, tight, backward vibe, this is a beautiful wine, but only for those with patience. I wouldn’t think about opening bottle until at least 2026, and I suspect it will keep for 40-50 years. (Drink between 2026-2066).
WA 95 (12/2018): Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo (Black Label) is deep garnet-purple in color, offering exuberant notions of crushed black and red currants, warm plums and wild blueberries with an undercurrent of cigar box, violets, black tea and pencil lead plus a waft of menthol. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers wonderfully expressive cassis and red berry preserves layers with loads of floral and savory accents, framed by firm grainy tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long and perfumed.
VM 94 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Dr. Olmo retains much of the youthful intensity and raw power it showed as a barrel sample. Savory herbs, gravel, game, wild cherry, leather, spice, menthol and dried flowers give the 2016 its distinctive aromatic signatures. Despite its mid-weight feel, the 2016 carries quite a bit of tannin and more than enough structure to age gracefully for many years to come. (Drink between 2022-2041). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
LMV Salon Proprietary Blend |
$139 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (12/2018): The 2016 LMV Salon is just as compelling from bottle as it was from barrel. Rose petal, mint, sweet red cherry and espresso open up in a very pretty, aromatically expressive wine. Cabernet Franc takes the leading role in the LMV Salon in 2016, and that comes through very nicely here. Bright, vibrant and full of character, the 2016 hits all the right notes. What a gorgeous wine it is. |
|
|
2016 |
LMV Salon Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) Lightly Bin-Soiled Label; Lightly Scuffed Label |
$275 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (12/2018): The 2016 LMV Salon is just as compelling from bottle as it was from barrel. Rose petal, mint, sweet red cherry and espresso open up in a very pretty, aromatically expressive wine. Cabernet Franc takes the leading role in the LMV Salon in 2016, and that comes through very nicely here. Bright, vibrant and full of character, the 2016 hits all the right notes. What a gorgeous wine it is. |
|
|
2016 |
The Lark Proprietary Blend |
$199 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Cliff Lede |
2016 |
Songbook Cabernet Sauvignon |
$210 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95+ (12/2018): Cliff Lede's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Songbook is imposing and massively tannic, but also super-intriguing. Today, the Songbook doesn’t have the inner sweetness, perfume or seductiveness of the other wines in the range, but that should come once the tannins start to soften. The 2016 finishes with substantial depth and energy. There is certainly a lot to look forward to. Songbook is a blend of fruit from several David Abreu sites: Cabernet Sauvignon from Madrona Ranch and Thorevilos, Merlot and Petit Verdot from Thorevilos, and Cabernet Franc from Madrona Ranch. |
|
| Levy & McClellan |
2016 |
LTD |
$290 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Lewelling Vineyards |
2016 |
Wight Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
4 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (1/2019): There are just over 450 cases of the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Wight Vineyard, another majestic, heavenly example of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from this estate. A selection from the estate vineyard that's all Cabernet aged 20 months in 90% new French oak (it's also bottled unfined and unfiltered), it offers a more pure, focused style than the straight Cabernet Sauvignon (as well as compared to the more over-the-top 2015) yet doesn't lose anything on the opulence and sheer decadence scale. Its incredibly pure bouquet of blueberries, black currants, lead pencil shavings, violets, and damp earth notes all remind me of a great vintage of Ducru-Beaucaillou. Full-bodied, ethereally textured, concentrated, classic and yet just pure deliciousness, this brilliant wine will continue drinking well for two decades. |
|
| Lewis Cellars |
2016 |
Cuvee L Cabernet Sauvignon |
$199 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Long Shadows Wineries |
2016 |
Pirouette Red Wine |
$59 |
7 |
|
| |
| JD 97 (4/2019): The 2016 Pirouette is made by Philippe Melka and it’s a total blockbuster based on 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and the palate Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec that was fermented in barrel and aged 22 months in 75% new oak. Crème de cassis, blackberries, toasted spices, cedar, and forest floor notes all emerge from this deep, rich, opulent red that has sweet tannins, a thrilling texture, no hard edges, and a monster finish. This is another best-to-date from this estate and it’s an awesome wine. |
|
| Lumen |
2016 |
Presqu’ile Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$59 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| MacDonald |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$916.66 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 100 (1/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is largely cut from the same cloth yet has just a touch more purity and elegance without sacrificing depth or richness. Just a magical wine any way you look at it, this deep purple-colored beauty reveals a heavenly bouquet of crème de cassis, camphor, purple iris, and violets. It’s full-bodied and massive, yet still just dances across the palate with no sensation of weight or heaviness. While it’s already hard to resist today (and don’t feel bad for drinking a bottle), it has the purity, balance, and structure to keep for 3-4 decades. Hats off to the brothers Alex and Graeme MacDonald for this legendary wine.
VM 97+ (12/2018): I am every bit as enthusiastic about MacDonald's 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon today as I was last year, when I tasted it from barrel. So many 2016s are silky and open-knit, but the 2016 here is unusually tightly wound and reticent. Gravel, crème de cassis, bittersweet chocolate, spice, lavender and menthol develop in the glass over time. The 2016 does not have a lot of the charm of so many wines, but that is probably a good thing for its long-term prospects. Today, the 2016 reminds me most of the 2014 because of its mid-weight structure and sinewy tannins. Time in the glass brings out a more red-toned and floral profile, but the 2016 is not going to be anywhere ready to drink for a number of years. The only question is how many. Readers who can find the 2016 should not hesitate, as it is superb. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Matthews |
2016 |
Colombia Valley Reserve Claret |
$55 |
12 |
|
| |
| JD 93 (4/2019): The flagship 2016 Claret Reserve is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot that spent 26 months in 65% new French oak. Its saturated purple color gives way to a medium to full-bodied, pure, incredibly classy wine that has textbook cassis, blueberry, charcoal, and spring flower aromas and flavors. With some background oak, terrific balance, and a pure, balanced style, it's another seamless 2016 that does everything right. |
|
| Mayacamas |
2016 |
Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon |
$255 |
11 |
|
| |
| VM 99 (1/2020): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is every bit as monumental as it was from barrel last year. Rich, deep and powerful, the 2016 is endowed with tremendous fruit concentration and all of the structure to back it up. Wild, savory and super-expressive from the very first taste, the 2016 is utterly magnificent. Wild cherry, grilled herbs, new leather, licorice and mocha infuse the 2016 with tremendous brooding power. The 2016 represents a striking, contemporary expression. All the Mayacamas signatures are there, but with just an extra kick of finesse that makes the 2016 a Cabernet of total allure. (Drink between 2024-2056). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$525 |
11 |
|
| |
| VM 99 (1/2020): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is every bit as monumental as it was from barrel last year. Rich, deep and powerful, the 2016 is endowed with tremendous fruit concentration and all of the structure to back it up. Wild, savory and super-expressive from the very first taste, the 2016 is utterly magnificent. Wild cherry, grilled herbs, new leather, licorice and mocha infuse the 2016 with tremendous brooding power. The 2016 represents a striking, contemporary expression. All the Mayacamas signatures are there, but with just an extra kick of finesse that makes the 2016 a Cabernet of total allure. (Drink between 2024-2056). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Maybach |
2016 |
Irmgard Pinot Noir |
$67.15 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Mount Eden Vineyards |
2016 |
Estate Pinot Noir |
$65 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 94 (4/2024): The 2016 Pinot Noir Estate opens with a broad, perfumed and classic nose of dehydrated strawberry, Earl Grey tea, dried herbs and rose petal aromas. The palate is dark and voluptuous, with robust fruit flavors framed by tangy acidity and fine-grained, drying tannins. This fragrant, herbal and savory vintage is a favorite from the modern era at Mount Eden, and I look forward to watching it over the next decade or more.
VM 93+ (12/2019): The 2016 Pinot Noir is especially delicate and perfumed, with lovely red berry, tobacco, cedar and dried flower notes laced throughout. Medium in body, with bright acids, the 2016 is likely to enjoy a long life in the cellar. Yields were down sharply, the result of bad weather in bloom and vines that were exhausted after several years of intense drought conditions. In some ways. the 2016 reminds me of the 2014. The similarities will be even greater if the 2016 gains a bit more volume in aging. (Drink between 2022-2036). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 98 (9/2020): Mount Eden’s 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon represents the essence of what Cabernet Sauvignon is all about in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Deep, powerful and explosive, the 2016 simply has it all. A wine of tremendous depth and intensity. Readers, take note. This is world class Cabernet Sauvignon that in any other region would cost 2-3 times as much. Savory and expansive, with tons of mountain character and remarkable richness from low yields in 2016, the Cabernet Sauvignon is simply off the charts. It’s another utterly breathtaking wine from Mount Eden. (Drink between 2026-2046). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Mount Veeder |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| My Favorite Neighbor |
2016 |
Proprietary Blend |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (10/2018): The 2016 My Favorite Neighbor Proprietary Blend is 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Syrah and 11% Petit Verdot. Very deep purple-black colored, it reveals intense cassis, ripe plums and wild blueberries with touches of licorice, tilled soil and black pepper with a waft of floral notions. Full, rich, chocolaty and oh-so-seductive, it fills the mouth with generous crushed black berries flavors framed by rounded tannins and finishing long and spicy. |
|
| Next of Kyn |
2016 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 10 Proprietary Blend |
$289 |
7 |
|
| |
JD 99 (10/2019): Just about pure perfection in a glass, the 2016 No 10 Cumulus Vineyard is an incredible mix of 46% Syrah, 19% Grenache, 18.3% Petite Sirah, and the rest Mourvèdre and Petit Manseng that was mostly destemmed and brought up in 75% new French oak. Awesome notes of blackberries, ground herbs, violets, loamy earth, and chocolate notes give way to a full-bodied, powerful red that has moderate acidity, flawless balance, sweet tannins, and a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It’s another off-the-charts, singular wine from an incredible winemaker.
VM 95+ (9/2019): The 2016 No.10 Cumulus Vineyard is rich, sumptuous and racy to the core. Surprisingly open for a wine that has just been bottled, the 2016 is curvy and inviting, with tons of breadth and fleshiness that fully emerge with a bit of air. Hints of mocha, spice and new leather are laced into a core of dark cherry and plum fruit. The 2016 boasts superb concentration, but it also appears to have a bit less energy than some prior vintages, the 2015 in particular. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Cumulus Vyd. No. 10 Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$519 |
5 |
|
| |
JD 99 (10/2019): Just about pure perfection in a glass, the 2016 No 10 Cumulus Vineyard is an incredible mix of 46% Syrah, 19% Grenache, 18.3% Petite Sirah, and the rest Mourvèdre and Petit Manseng that was mostly destemmed and brought up in 75% new French oak. Awesome notes of blackberries, ground herbs, violets, loamy earth, and chocolate notes give way to a full-bodied, powerful red that has moderate acidity, flawless balance, sweet tannins, and a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It’s another off-the-charts, singular wine from an incredible winemaker.
VM 95+ (9/2019): The 2016 No.10 Cumulus Vineyard is rich, sumptuous and racy to the core. Surprisingly open for a wine that has just been bottled, the 2016 is curvy and inviting, with tons of breadth and fleshiness that fully emerge with a bit of air. Hints of mocha, spice and new leather are laced into a core of dark cherry and plum fruit. The 2016 boasts superb concentration, but it also appears to have a bit less energy than some prior vintages, the 2015 in particular. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Numero Dois Touriga Nacional |
$255 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 98 (10/2019): Even better than the 2015, which might have been the greatest expression of Touriga Nacional I’d ever tasted, the 2016 Touriga Nacional Numero Dois Cumulus Vineyard boasts a knockout bouquet of ripe black fruits, charcoal, bouquet garni, and ground pepper. Rich, full-bodied, layered, and straight-up sexy on the palate, don’t miss a chance to try this singular wine. The blend is 83% Touriga Nacional, 9% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah, and 3% Petite Sirah that was roughly 50% destemmed and spent 33 months in one-third new French oak.
VM 98 (9/2019): The 2016 Número Dois is full of mystery and sheer allure. Mocha, wild cherry, mint, iron and a touch of new oak infuse this opulent red with tremendous nuance. Soft curves and rich, voluptuous fruit add to the wine’s considerable personality. Time in the glass brings out the wine’s intense aromatics and overall nuance. The 2016 is flat out gorgeous. That’s all there is to it. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Ovid |
2016 |
Experiment M2.6 |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Napa Valley Syrah |
$179 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (12/2018): The 2016 Syrah is a striking wine. Deep, pliant and super-expressive, the 2016 possesses tremendous fruit purity and exceptional balance. Today, the Syrah is quite primary, with only hints of varietal aromatics, but those should develop over time. Here, too, there is a purity and vibrancy to the fruit that is positively striking. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Pax |
2016 |
Sonoma Hillsides Russian River Valley Syrah |
$115 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 100 (4/2018): The 2016 Syrah Sonoma-Hillsides has been nothing less than stunning on the three occasions I have tasted it so far. A wine of extraordinary purity and depth, the 2016 dazzles from the very first taste. The richness and power are simply breathtaking. Bacon fat, smoke, grilled herb and lavender are woven into a graceful, seamless core of inky blue/purplish fruit. Even with all of its intensity, the 2016 remains remarkably light on its feet. The Sonoma-Hillsides is a blend of fruit from Castelli-Knight Ranch, Griffin's Lair and Walker Vine Hill, done with 100% whole clusters and aged in a combination of concrete and neutral oak, with no SO2. I am not sure how the 2016 will age, but I am also not sure it will matter, as most bottles will be long gone before that is an issue. Quite simply, the Sonoma-Hillsides is a total pleasure bomb and a modern-day benchmark for Syrah in California. Don't miss it! (Drink between 2018-2026). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Joseph Phelps |
2016 |
Insignia Proprietary Blend (1.5 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$536.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (10/2019): Bottled in January 2019, the 2016 Insignia is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is a little reticent to begin, needing a fair bit of coaxing to reveal beautifully beguiling notions of wild blueberries, warm blackberries, black currant cordial, cloves and cedar chest with nuances of camphor, yeast extract, charcuterie and candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has fantastic elegance and depth, revealing loads of subtle floral, black fruit and earthy layers with a firm, very finely grained texture and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length. 13,400 cases were made.
JS 98 (3/2019): Lovely density and intensity with dark berries, blueberries and inky undertones with hints of spice, chocolate and walnuts. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a flavorful finish. The texture and length are fantastic here. Complex. Hints of smoky wood at the end. This needs three to five years more in bottle age. Exciting wine. Try after 2022.
JD 97 (1/2020): Is the 2016 Insignia the next 1997? Coming mostly from the Stags Leap region, with the rest from the Home Ranch, this deep purple-colored beauty offers a magical bouquet of crème de cassis, fruitcake, forest floor, tobacco leaf, and toasted spices. It shows even more complexity with time in the glass and is a full-bodied, powerful, ageworthy example of this cuvee that’s going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 25+ years or more.
VM 97 (1/2020): The 2016 Insignia has turned out beautifully. Silky, layered and positively striking, the 2016 is magnificent. In this vintage, Insignia is especially silky, refined and understated, which is unusual for this wine that has often been more bombastic. Readers will have to be patient with the 2016, as it needs at least several years in bottle to be at its very best, but this is all finesse and class. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Insignia Proprietary Blend (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,519.99 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (10/2019): Bottled in January 2019, the 2016 Insignia is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is a little reticent to begin, needing a fair bit of coaxing to reveal beautifully beguiling notions of wild blueberries, warm blackberries, black currant cordial, cloves and cedar chest with nuances of camphor, yeast extract, charcuterie and candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has fantastic elegance and depth, revealing loads of subtle floral, black fruit and earthy layers with a firm, very finely grained texture and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length. 13,400 cases were made.
JS 98 (3/2019): Lovely density and intensity with dark berries, blueberries and inky undertones with hints of spice, chocolate and walnuts. Medium to full body, fine tannins and a flavorful finish. The texture and length are fantastic here. Complex. Hints of smoky wood at the end. This needs three to five years more in bottle age. Exciting wine. Try after 2022.
JD 97 (1/2020): Is the 2016 Insignia the next 1997? Coming mostly from the Stags Leap region, with the rest from the Home Ranch, this deep purple-colored beauty offers a magical bouquet of crème de cassis, fruitcake, forest floor, tobacco leaf, and toasted spices. It shows even more complexity with time in the glass and is a full-bodied, powerful, ageworthy example of this cuvee that’s going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and keep for 25+ years or more.
VM 97 (1/2020): The 2016 Insignia has turned out beautifully. Silky, layered and positively striking, the 2016 is magnificent. In this vintage, Insignia is especially silky, refined and understated, which is unusual for this wine that has often been more bombastic. Readers will have to be patient with the 2016, as it needs at least several years in bottle to be at its very best, but this is all finesse and class. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Le Pich (Purlieu) |
2016 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (10/2018): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Le Pich features very pretty notes of crushed blueberries, blackberries and chocolate-covered cherries with hints of violets and cedar chest plus a waft of bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied, packed with vibrant black fruits and plushly textured, this buxom beauty is ready for biz, finishing satisfyingly long and spicy.
VM 90 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Le Pich is a gorgeous, entry-level wine from Purlieu. Sumptuous and racy, the 2016 will drink well with minimal cellaring. Black cherry, chocolate, new leather and cloves are amped up in this powerful, flamboyant affordable Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink it over the next handful of years. (Drink between 2019-2026). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Roy Piper |
2016 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Plumpjack |
2016 |
Syrah |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 96 (1/2019): In addition to the Bordeaux blends, this estate makes a terrific Syrah, and the 2016 Syrah Napa Valley reveals a deep purple color as well as exotic blackberry, bacon fat, olive, and bloody meat-like aromas and flavors. This medium to full-bodied beauty is plush, seamless, and incredibly sexy on the palate, yet it's also pure and perfectly balanced, with no sensation of weight or heaviness. It’s terrific and will drink well for 10-12 years, although bottles wouldn’t last that long at my house. (Drink between 2019-2031).
VM 95 (12/2018): As has often been the case, the 2016 Syrah is the hidden gem in the PlumpJack range. The interplay of rich dense fruit and more savory notes from the 30% whole clusters yields a wine of real distinction and class. There is so much to like in the 2016, especially the wine's depth, vibrancy and impeccable balance. Readers can expect a dark Syrah with plenty of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, licorice and spice overtones. (Drink between 2021-2031). Antonio Galloni.
WA 95 (10/2018): Made of 100% Syrah, the very deep purple-black colored 2016 Syrah comes bounding out of the glass with powerful Black Forest cake, preserved plums and blueberry pie notes followed up by hints of espresso, peppered salami, licorice, charcoal and fertile loam. Full-bodied, rich and velvety textured, with loads of opulent fruit layers on offer in the mouth, it has an epically long, savory finish. |
|
| Pride Mountain Vineyards |
2016 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$159 |
3 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (1/2020): Starting with the two 2016s and another tremendous wine from this estate, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve comes 67% from Napa Valley and 33% from Sonoma County. Based on 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, it's ruby/purple hue is followed by a classic Pride Cabernet offering notes of blackcurrants, lead pencil, espresso, camphor, new saddle leather, and spicy oak. Beautifully concentrated, full-bodied, and with ripe tannins, it has nothing out of place, offers a multi-dimensional, layered texture, and builds incrementally on the palate, with flawless balance. It shows the more nuanced, classical style of the 2016 vintage and will cruise in cool cellars for two decades. |
|
| Purlieu |
2016 |
Beckstoffer Georges III Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 98 (10/2018): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon George III Vineyard exudes an achingly graceful, complex perfume of oolong tea, rose hips, lilacs, fallen leaves and tilled loam with a core of blackcurrant cordial, kirsch, redcurrant jelly and warm plums with wafts of aniseed and incense. Full-bodied, with a solid backbone of super ripe, velvety tannins and oodles of freshness backing up the rich, highly focused and oh-so-stunning red and black fruit layers, it finishes long, lifted and perfumed. |
|
|
2016 |
Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Cabernet Sauvignon |
$189 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (10/2018): Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Missouri Hopper is a little youthfully mute to begin, slowly revealing evocative crème de cassis, blueberry pie, chocolate box and black tea notes with nuances of forest floor, wild sage and crushed rocks. Full-bodied and packed to the gills with black fruits and earthy layers, it has a firm, grainy frame and just enough freshness, finishing with epic persistence.
VM 94 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer-Missouri Hopper captures the best of Julien Fayard's style and this site, one of the best in Oakville. Savory herb, leather, smoke, licorice and tobacco add layers of perfume to this dark, hulking Cabernet Sauvignon. Powerful and structured, the 2016 needs time in bottle, but it is impressive, as all these 2016s are. Time in the glass brings out the purity of fruit, which is the signature of this great Napa Valley vintage. (Drink between 2021-2028). Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Teucer Vyd. Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$189 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 99 (10/2018): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Teucer Vineyard struts flamboyant notions of chocolate-covered cherries, black raspberries, kirsch and plum preserves with an undercurrent of blackcurrants, cedar chest, wilted roses and mossy bark plus a touch of espresso. Full-bodied, super concentrated yet perfectly balanced with a rock-solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, the palate reveals layer upon layer of black fruit and savory flavors, finishing with epic length and depth and imparting an overall satisfying sense that defies descriptors. Just magic. |
|
| Realm |
2016 |
The Bard Proprietary Blend |
$195 |
5 |
|
| |
WA 98 (10/2018): A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot from 21 different lots from 11 different vineyards, the 2016 The Bard is very deep purple-black in color and sashays out of the glass with strikingly beautiful violets, warm cassis, star anise and chocolate mint notes with hints of wood smoke, tobacco and kirsch, with blackberry compote at the core. Full, muscular and built like a brick house with layer upon layer of black, blue and red fruits, it finishes very long and savory.
JD 97 (1/2019): The Left Bank Bordeaux-themed release, the 2016 The Bard checks in as roughly 70% Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. This cuvee is sourced from sites such as To Kolan, Dr. Crane, Weitz, and Fortuna as well as a few others, and is brought up in plenty of new oak. It has a mammoth bouquet of crème de cassis and blueberry fruits intermixed with ground herbs, graphite, chocolate, and crushed rocks. Full-bodied, opulent and layered on the palate, with a powerful yet balanced, incredibly classic style, it has a certain approachability today but is going to cruise for two decades. It’s a brilliant wine.
JS 97 (10/2018): This is really glorious with blackberries and licorice. Lavender, too. Full body, round and soft tannins and a gorgeous center palate of ripe fruit and a fresh, linear finish. Drink or hold. |
|
| Reynvaan Family Vineyards |
2016 |
In the Hills Syrah |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 95 (4/2019): From a vineyard located near the estate and a blend of 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier that saw 25% stems, the deep purple-colored 2016 Syrah Estate In The Hills has a Côte Rôtie-like perfume of red and black raspberries, spring flowers, and smoky, meaty notes. It's softer and more sweetly fruited and sexy than the Rocks-driven Syrahs, has full-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and a beautiful finish. (Drink between 2019-2039).
WA 94+ (12/2019): Containing a splash of Viognier, the 2016 Syrah In The Hills takes a page right from the playbook of the Northern Rhône. With vibrant aromas bursting from the glass, the wine opens with a fresh and ripe core of black raspberry, blackberry and fresh flowers with a focus on minerality. On the palate, tones of black pepper are balanced by an elegant oaked expression, with the added lift of red flower petals. The wine is clean and correct, showing stunning finesse and flaunting complexity and layers of depth and breadth on the long, lingering and spicy finish. This is impressive juice that shows a serious focus on high-quality winemaking.
VM 91 (11/2018): Dark red. Wild, musky aromas of raspberry, mocha, spices, black pepper and smoked meat, plus some funkier notes of leather and adhesive tape. Fat, dense, pliant and sweet, but also showing a strong salty quality that I did not pick up in the 2015. This is really remarkably Old World in style for Washington Syrah; if it doesn't have quite the depth of the 2015, it boasts more texture than the 2014. Probably best suited for enjoying on the early side owing to its salinity and softness--not to mention its faintly rustic notes, which dissipated somewhat with air. Finishes with a substantial but fine dusting of tannins and excellent length. (Drink between 2019-2024). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2016 |
In the Rocks Syrah |
$85 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 97 (4/2019): Made from 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier, all from the Rocks region of Walla Walla, the 2016 Syrah Estate In The Rocks is slightly deeper colored than the Contender release and has an incredibly complete, balanced style that checks in near the top of the vintage. Blackberries, ground pepper, olive, and smoked meat notes give way to a medium to full-bodied, ultra-fine, pure Syrah that has a terrific mid-palate, superb balance, and a great, great finish. Reminding me of a mature Hermitage with its aromatic style and complexity, it's great today and will be great in 15 years. (Drink between 2019-2034).
WA 94 (12/2019): The 2016 Syrah In The Rocks has a tart core of black fruit on the nose, with a touch of flowers and a firm base of minerality that almost overpowers the black pepper and oak spices. The wine is medium to full-bodied on the palate, with some good minerality and grippy tannins that show the same seriousness as the "In the Hills" bottling of the same range. It has a focused, linear expression on the finish with a mineral grip and tannic edge.
VM 94 (11/2018): Deep medium red. Musky aromas of dark cherry, mocha and olive tapenade. Wonderfully pliant, plush wine with good peppery lift and harmonious acidity framing the flavors of raspberry, mocha, brown spices, game and warm stones. There's a glyceral quality here for the vintage that suggests this site can really shine in late, slow-ripening growing seasons. Wonderfully plush, smooth wine with perfectly supported, horizontal tannins and lovely rising length. This is almost too good right now but has the structure and energy to age. Very sexy juice. (13.5% alcohol) (Drink between 2019-2025). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2016 |
The Contender Syrah |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 96 (4/2019): The 2016 Syrah Estate The Contender from this terrific estate checks in as 95% Syrah and 5% Marsanne that was mostly destemmed (there's 35% stems) and aged 18 months in barrel. Black raspberries, plums, toasted spice, ground pepper and decaying flower notes all emerge from this incredibly elegant, seamless Syrah that shines for its complexity, elegance, and richness. With plenty of tannins and impeccable balance, it's approachable today yet will keep for 10-15 years with no issues. (Drink between 2019-2034).
WA 93 (12/2019): The 2016 Syrah The Contender has an intriguing nose and palate, as it was co-fermented with Roussanne. The nose has the straightforwardness of Syrah, with bacon fat, black pepper, black fruit and river rocks. Medium to full-bodied in the mouth, the Roussanne component seems almost unnoticeable until it hits the palate, where the Roussanne gently puts the wine into focus with a softness on the mid-palate, taming the smoky tones and adding a soft complexity and waxy texture. The wine ends with a chewy and softly tannic finish that is long and lingering. |
|
|
2016 |
The Stonessence Syrah |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 98 (4/2019): The 2016 Syrah Estate Stonessence (100% Syrah) is similarly purple-colored and has a gamier, more exotic profile. Plums, blackberries, blueberries, cured meats, ground pepper, and iron notes all flow to a powerful, medium to full-bodied Syrah that has a singular, layered character. It shows the more elegant, seamless style of the vintage and is a beautiful, beautiful wine. Bravo! (Drink between 2019-2034) |
|
| Rhys |
2016 |
Alpine Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (8/2018): The 2016 Pinot Noir Alpine Vineyard is seamless in the way it floats on the palate. Bright and intensely perfumed, the Alpine is marked by its deeply-pitched aromatics and overall finesse, all of which give it a feeling of total sophistication. Today, I find the Alpine even more compelling than it was from barrel. Time in the glass brings out the wine's silkiness and overall allure. Alpine was the lowest yielding site for Rhys in 2016. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Bearwallow Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
BH 93 (4/2019): Here too the cool and restrained nose is wonderfully perfumed with its array of spice and floral elements adding excellent breadth to the essence of red currant, pomegranate and sandalwood scents. The gorgeously textured, intense and detailed medium weight plus flavors possess evident muscle, punch and power where the latter really comes up on the firm and tightly wound finish that once again delivers sneaky good length. This is not as refined as either of the two Alpine entries but it's bigger, indeed to the point of being robust. Impressive but note well that this is a wine to buy and forget it in some dark corner of your cellar! Drink 2028+.
JD 93 (2/2019): Ample spice, herbes de Provence, Bing cherry, and pomegranate notes emerge from the 2016 Pinot Noir Bearwallow Vineyard. It’s medium-bodied, fresh, and nicely focused, with the more savory, mineral style of the Anderson Valley front and center. It has good structure yet is also accessible. It should drink nicely for a decade. |
|
|
2016 |
Family Farm Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
JD 94 (2/2019): Moving south toward the Santa Cruz Mountains, the 2016 Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard offers a more elegant, medium-bodied, supple style as well as perfumed red fruit, dried flowers, and spice, with just a hint of minerality. This site has slightly more clay in the soils and the wine is always one of the more rounded and charming in the lineup. Nevertheless, I’ve no doubt it’s going to drink nicely for a decade.
VM 94 (8/2018): The 2016 Pinot Noir Family Farm Vineyard is beautifully lifted and precise. Bright red berry fruit and floral notes are nicely layered in a Pinot that speaks to understatement and class. In this range, the Family Farm stands out for its crystalline precision and nuance. All the elements are simply in the right place. The 2016 was done with 15% stems, the least Rhys has used for the Family Farm. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Rivers Marie |
2016 |
Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon |
$145 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Calistoga) is driving and intense, with savory, earthy notes that give the wine its distinctive personality. This powerful Calistoga Cabernet Sauvignon possesses tremendous depth and muscle, both signatures of Larkmead, one of the top vineyard sites in Calistoga, and Napa Valley, for that matter. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Herb Lamb Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (12/2018): Time has been kind to the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Herb Lamb, a wine that is positively stellar today. Dark and explosive, with tremendous energy, the 2016 has so much to offer. Beams of tannin give the 2016 a backbone of energy and structure that will allow it to develop nicely in bottle for many years to come. Thomas Brown and his team crafted a striking wine that captures the essence of one of the most singular sites in Napa Valley. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Lore Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$199 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 97+ (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard is sensational. Dark, powerful and explosive, the 2016 expresses all the best this rugged hillside site has to offer. Graphite, crushed rocks, menthol, licorice, smoke and dark spice explode from the glass. In most vintages, the Lore is massively tannic, but the 2016 has tremendous purity of fruit and exceptional balance. It is one of the best – maybe the best – Rivers-Marie Cabernet I have ever tasted. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Lore Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$213 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 97+ (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Lore Vineyard is sensational. Dark, powerful and explosive, the 2016 expresses all the best this rugged hillside site has to offer. Graphite, crushed rocks, menthol, licorice, smoke and dark spice explode from the glass. In most vintages, the Lore is massively tannic, but the 2016 has tremendous purity of fruit and exceptional balance. It is one of the best – maybe the best – Rivers-Marie Cabernet I have ever tasted. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2016 |
Panek Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$135 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (12/2018): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard has turned out beautifully. There is a sense of energy to the red cherry and plum fruit that gives this wine a natural measure of pure excitement. Red cherry jam, raspberry preserves, mint, spice and pomegranate meld together in a racy, sensual Cabernet that captures all the best vintage has to offer. Two thousand sixteen is a terrific vintage for the Panek. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Rudd |
2016 |
Leslie’s Blend Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$589 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98+ (10/2019): This is the first vintage of this label, named after the recently departed Leslie Rudd, who particularly loved this vineyard. Composed of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 12% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot and 3% Malbec and aged for 22 months in French oak, 38% new, the 2016 Leslie’s Blend Mt. Veeder Estate displays a deep garnet-purple color. WOW - it has a fantastically profound nose of black currant cordial, plum preserves and mulberries with hints of mocha, aniseed, dried bay leaves, tilled soil and oolong tea. Full-bodied, the palate is laden with loads of black fruit and savory layers, featuring a rock-solid frame of ripe, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing with epic length and depth. Still very youthful, give it another couple of years in bottle and drink it over the next 40 years+.
VM 93 (1/2020): The 2016 Mt. Veeder Estate Leslie's Blend is powerful and dense, with tons of concentration and sheer richness. Gravel, smoke, spice, black fruit, chocolate and leather all develop nicely. In the end, though, the 2016 is dominated by heavy torrefaction notes from the oak, which masks some of the Veeder character. Now that the Edge Hill wines are under the Rudd label, my hope is that this bottling can be refined a bit. There is clearly so much potential here. (Drink between 2022-2036). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Rudius |
2016 |
Kaley Elizabeth Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
3 |
|
| |
JD 97 (1/2020): Coming from the Tierra Roja vineyard in Oakville and also spending 27 months in oak, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Kaley Elizabeth (there’s 4% Cabernet Franc) offers a meaty, exotic bouquet of bloody blueberry fruits, gamey meats, iodine, blood orange, and violets. With full-bodied richness and depth, it’s flawlessly balanced, has fine tannins, and a seamless, sexy texture that keeps you coming back to the glass. In short, it’s another magical wine from winemaker Jeff Ames! Drink bottles over the coming 20-25 years or more. (Drink between 2020-2045).
VM 96 (1/2020): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Kaley Elizabeth, from Tierra Roja, Oakville, is a sumptuous, exotic wine. A dollop (7%) of Cabernet Franc adds a striking perfume that gives this wine notable aromatic depth to match its exotic, alluring personality. Chocolate, espresso, licorice, dried herbs, menthol all flesh out in this flamboyant, sumptuous Cabernet Sauvignon from Rudius. Silky tannins and plush fruit give the 2016 tons of immediacy and appeal, even at this early stage. This is such a gorgeous wine. (Drink between 2022-2036). Antonio Galloni.
WA 93+ (9/2019): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Kaley Elizabeth, blended with about 6% Cabernet Franc, has a deep garnet-purple color and opens with pronounced blackcurrant pastilles, baked blackberries and plum preserves notes with hints of sautéed herbs, damp soil, underbrush, espresso and licorice. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers loads of savory and baked black fruit layers with plenty of herbal sparks and a chewy frame, finishing long and savory. |
|
| Sandlands |
2016 |
Trousseau |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (4/2018): The 2016 Trousseau is gorgeous. Lifted, perfumed and savory, the 2016 is exquisitely beautiful today. Rose petal, mint, white pepper, cranberry and blood orange give the 2016 entrancing nuance and character. The 100% whole clusters are not especially evident. What comes through is a wine of impeccable balance and total class. I loved it. (Drink between 2018-2024). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Seaver Vineyards |
2016 |
GTS Cabernet Sauvignon |
$318.50 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (3/2019): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon GTS leaps from the glass with vivacious black cherries, wild blueberries and cassis notes plus touches of lavender, wild thyme, cedar chest and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is charged with energetic black and red berry layers framed by ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and perfumed. |
|
| Sequoia Grove |
2016 |
Cambium Proprietary Blend |
$119 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Seven and Eight |
2016 |
Spring Mtn. District Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$189 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 96 (1/2020): The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon is every bit as fabulous as it was from barrel. Silky, perfumed and super-finessed, the 2016 is easily the best Cabernet I have tasted here. Winemaker Martha McClellan has really backed off of the extractions here, and it shows in a Cabernet with striking purity of fruit, silky tannins and no excess heaviness from oak. This sumptuous, inviting Cabernet will drink beautifully right out of the gate. (Drink between 2022-2036). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Skipstone |
2016 |
Faultline Vyd. Red Wine |
$135 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (6/2019): The Cabernet Franc-dominated 2016 Faultline Vineyard (there’s 40% Merlot) is brilliant. It comes all from the estate vineyard in Alexander Valley and was brought up in 65% new French oak. Reminding me of a top vintage of Figeac with its blackcurrants, tobacco, earth, and graphite aromas and flavors, it’s full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful on the palate, yet has remarkable purity and finesse. It shows more classic forest floor and chocolate notes with time in the glass, has ripe tannins, and great intensity and length. Drink it over the coming two decades. (Drink between 2019-2039). |
|
| Sojourn Cellars |
2016 |
Reuling Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (7/2018): Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2016 Pinot Noir Reuling Vineyard has a wonderfully fragrant nose of violets, red roses and black cherries with touches of warm red plums, blueberries and mulberries plus a waft of baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, the palate packs in the black and blue fruit layers with a plush texture and plenty of vivacity to the finish. |
|
|
2016 |
Riddle Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (7/2018): Pale ruby-purple colored, the 2016 Pinot Noir Riddle Vineyard features a beautiful perfume of rose hips, allspice and lavender over a core of crushed cranberries, red currants and pomegranate plus a touch of mossy bark. The medium to full-bodied is packed with spice laced red fruit preserves, framed by plush tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long. |
|
|
2016 |
Ridgetop Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (7/2018): Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2016 Pinot Noir Ridgetop Vineyard offers up notions of black cherries, black raspberries and violets with touches of chocolate box, aniseed, underbrush and lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is packed with black berries and earthy layers, framed by plush tannins and great freshness, finishing long and perfumed. |
|
|
2016 |
Rodgers Creek Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Walala Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (7/2018): Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2016 Pinot Noir Walala Vineyard sings of crushed red and black cherries, red plums and mulberries with suggestions of red roses, dark chocolate, licorice and fertile loam. Medium-bodied, the red and black berry layers fill the mouth, structured with finely grained tannins and great freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. |
|
|
2016 |
Walala Vyd. Pinot Noir Wine-Stained Label |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (7/2018): Pale to medium ruby-purple colored, the 2016 Pinot Noir Walala Vineyard sings of crushed red and black cherries, red plums and mulberries with suggestions of red roses, dark chocolate, licorice and fertile loam. Medium-bodied, the red and black berry layers fill the mouth, structured with finely grained tannins and great freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. |
|
| Somnium |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Stag's Leap Wine Cellars |
2016 |
Chase Creek Stag’s Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Fay Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 93-96 (10/2018): A barrel sample blended of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Fay Vineyard is deep purple-black in color and begins just a tad broody, giving way to earth-laced blackcurrants, black cherries and warm plums plus suggestions of unsmoked cigars, charcuterie and tar. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is completely coated with energetic black fruits and savory layers, framed by firm, ripe tannins and background freshness, finishing long and mineral laced. |
|
| Teeter-Totter |
2016 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
4 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (1/2019): Readers looking for value in Napa Valley should snatch up the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon as it will easily compete with wine that costs 3-4 times its going rate. Made from mostly Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from throughout the valley, this beauty boasts a saturated purple color as well as a classic bouquet of crème de cassis, licorice, toasted spices, and tobacco. Deep, full-bodied, and powerful, it still has the class and purity of the 2016 vintage front and center. It's a no-brainer to enjoy over the coming decade. (Drink between 2019-2029). |
|
| Philip Togni |
2016 |
Tanbark Hill Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Turnbull |
2016 |
Fortuna Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2018): Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Fortuna Vineyard is a little youthfully mute, slowly unfurling to reveal fresh black cherries, blackcurrants and wild blueberries with wafts of underbrush, new leather, cinnamon stick and cloves plus a touch of mossy bark. Medium to full-bodied, wonderfully elegant and sophisticated in the mouth, it has a solid backbone of grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with great poise. |
|
|
2016 |
Fortuna Vyd. Merlot |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (10/2018): Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2016 Merlot Fortuna Vineyard opens with a slightly tarry/rubbery notes, giving way to notions of warm plums, blackberry preserves and spice cake with a waft of mocha. Medium to full-bodied, the palate gives plenty of juicy black fruits and a chewy frame, finishing on an earthy note. |
|
| Tusk Estates |
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$650 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$750 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Williams Selyem |
2016 |
Olivet Lane Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$109 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (4/2018): The 2016 Pinot Noir Olivet Lane Vineyard is pale to medium ruby-purple in color and gives up notions of warm plums and baked raspberries with wild blueberries, tilled soil and dark chocolate hints plus a waft of bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied and generously fruited, it fills the palate with juicy black berry flavors supported by plush tannins and finishing with an herbal lift. 290 cases produced. |
|
| Wind Gap |
2016 |
Nellessen Vyd. Syrah |
$35 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (4/2018): In this range, the 2016 Syrah Nellessen Vineyard is distinguished by its pliant, creamy texture and super-expressive aromatic top notes. Here the fruit leans towards the redder end of the spectrum. Sweet red cherry, kirsch, mint, rose petal and sage infuse this succulent yet translucent Syrah from Wind Gap. Intensely floral and savory, the 2016 is a wine of pure and total pleasure. (Drink between 2018-2028). |
|
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | Germany |
| Weingut Hermann Donnhoff |
2005 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese (375 ML) |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 93+ (2/2007): Rich golden yellow. Bright, crisp nose dominated by candied peach, lemon oil and acacia honey. The lusciously sweet tropical-fruit palate maintains a remarkable delicacy in spite of the wine's richness and depth. The long, glossy finish is underscored by a refined spiciness. |
|
|
2006 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$836.98 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$429.98 |
5 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese (12x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$432.97 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2009): Donnhoff's 2007 Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese leads with an unusually floral aromatic display, and the palate impression is so honeyed you'd think it were Bienenauslese (selected by bees). There is remarkable density here, with site-typical layering of flowers, orchard fruits, citrus, berries, along with smoky, peat-like, stony mineral suggestions that become more prominent as the wine takes on air. The finish is almost luxuriantly rich by Hermannshohle standards. But I am sure this wine will find more to say with time and not fall silent for 30 years or more. |
|
|
2010 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese (375 ML) |
$50 |
4 |
|
| |
VM 94 (2/2012): Rich golden yellow. Luscious aromas of candied pineapple, lemon oil and acacia honey on a bed of smoky botrytis. The succulent weight of papaya fruit is levitated by crisp minerality on the palate. A fine balance of creamy fruit and herbal spice on the seductive, very long finish.
WA 93 (12/2011): Smoky black tea wafts over quince preserves and almost overripe pear on the nose and the glossy, subtly creamy, yet bright palate of Donnhoff's 2010 Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese Gold Capsule. Nut paste and a savory smoked meat dimension contribute complexity to this lusciously lingering Auslese, but one that " like its Brucke counterpart' does not capture the dynamic spirit of the 2010 vintage to quite the extent of its Spatlese siblings, and would benefit (might well, in time) from a bit more focus. Still, this will impress regardless for at least two decades. |
|
|
2012 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese (375 ML) |
$45 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (12/2013): Rich golden yellow. Luscious aromas of candied pineapple, lemon oil and acacia honey. The succulent weight of papaya fruit levitates with crisp minerality on the palate. Finishes with a fine balance of creamy lingering fruit and herbal spices. Joel B. Payne. |
|
|
2015 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese (375 ML) AP 77530102016 |
$39 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (11/2017): Headily decadent aromas of overripe peach and musk melon, peony and lily set the tone for a creamy, enveloping, lusciously fruit-saturated palate. There is enough fresh fruit acidity and salinity to lend the long finish animation and mouthwatering savor, though for now this misses the dynamic or the focus of its Spätlese counterpart, let alone of the Brücke Auslese. (Drink between 2017-2036). David Schildknecht. |
|
|
2018 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese (375 ML) AP 7753010 24 19 |
$45 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 95 (6/2020): Like its Brücke counterpart, this Auslese reflects genuinely botrytis-free grapes, said Dönnhoff, but ones that were too numerous and too high in sugar to use elsewhere, “and certainly not in the Grosses Gewächs, which would then have ended up with 14% alcohol.” Sea breeze on the nose intimates the sweet-saline savor of raw scallop that emerges on this wine’s lusciously lingering, mouthwateringly umami-rich finish. White peach and quince preserves feature throughout, reinforced on the soothingly creamy palate by nougat-like nut essences. There is an animating, juicy fresh-fruit aspect as well, and a wonderful sense of both focus and transparency to stony and ore-like nuances. (Drink between 2020-2050). Dvid Schildknecht. |
|
|
2007 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel (12x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$429.98 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$712.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Beerenauslese (12x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,208.98 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2016 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewachs (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$676.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2017 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewachs (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$826.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewachs (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$823.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewachs (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$714.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$750.97 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 96 (10/2009): Gardenia, peony, and resinous herbs in the nose of Donnhoff's 2007 Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese give way to a palpably extract-rich palate of vibratory intensity, suffused with stony, saline, and tactile suggestions of mineral matter, yet at the same time rich orchard fruits. If the Krotenpfuhl was painted with water colors, the medium here is definitely oil, exhibiting both dynamic and intricate brush work as well as dense layering. This masterpiece - picked simultaneously with the corresponding Grosses Gewachs - was only beginning to show its depth in the spring and needed almost six months in bottle to really shine forth. Take as long as fate permits you to savor this; I can't imagine it disappointing a quarter century or more from now.
VM 93+ (2/2009): Tantalizing aromas of papaya, sweet herbs and incense. Discreet but intense black cherry fruit rises from the mid-palate, accompanied by brilliant acidity. Animated and finely spiced, with a deep, long finish. I may be underrating this. |
|
|
2012 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese |
$55 |
6 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese (1.5 L) |
$149 |
1 |
|
| |
| JS 100 (8/2020): All of nature's springtime joy and the epitome of autumnal ripeness somehow combine with summer-morning dew to offer one of the greatest off-dry German wines made in modern times. Breathtaking finish, so wonderfully light and filigree. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold. |
|
|
2013 |
Norheimer Dellchen Riesling Auslese (375 ML) AP 77530102214 |
$49 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (1/2015): Only made in vintages with a high ripeness (a pre-selection of the GG) the 2013 Norheimer Dellchen Riesling Auslese offers ripe and shortly cooked apple as well as pineapple aromas along with some volcanic rocks on the nose leading to a sweet, rich and piquant Riesling which shows its great talents not before the finish which is pure and salty but again sweet and sensual. The finish displays citric flavors and black bread but there is no heaviness or botrytis opulence at all in this wine. |
|
|
2016 |
Norheimer Dellchen Riesling Grosses Gewachs (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$540.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2012 |
Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spatlese |
$49 |
6 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spatlese (3x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$304.97 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spatlese (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$256.97 |
5 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Norheimer Kirschheck Riesling Spatlese (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$276.97 |
6 |
|
| |
|
|
2005 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Auslese (375 ML) AP 7753010 14 06 |
$59 |
6 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (2/2007): Rich golden- yellow color.The nose offers l uscious yellow plum, honeysuckle and sweet spice, layered with a delicate hint of botrytis.Smoky pineapple jam and an elevated minerality animate the palate. Dense, juicy and long on the finish. Joel B. Payne. |
|
|
2006 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Auslese (6x1.5L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$786.98 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Auslese (12x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$750.99 |
4 |
|
| |
WA 98 (9/2009): Incredible nose of candied orange peel, preserved ginger and honeysuckle with a touch of wet pebbles. The palate is packed with minerals and spiced fruits. A high level of lively acidity perfectly balances the seductive sweetness. Very long, minerally finish.
VM 94 (2/2009): Rich golden yellow. Passion fruit, a floral nuance and a bit of licorice on the nose. Pineapple and honey give way to brisk spicy acidity on the palate. A well-balanced, vivid auslese that finishes smoky and long, with an almost salty minerality. |
|
|
2010 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Auslese (375 ML) |
$50 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2011): Picked-out, like its Hermannshohle counterpart, in the last, early-November days of harvest, Donnhoff's 2010 Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Auslese gold capsule was, he estimates, "perhaps 50% affected by botrytis, and dry botrytis, no mere rot." Candied lime rind and marzipan; lily and honeysuckle; white peach and salted caramel inform this wine's haunting nose and rich yet buoyant palate, with the mouthwatering savor that characterized the corresponding Spatlese undiminished. This needs some time in bottle to better focus, and it will be interesting to see whether it develops more sense of cut and brightness. But it's already irresistible, and almost sure to prove worth following for a quarter century or more. |
|
|
2013 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Auslese AP 77530102114 |
$99 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (1/2015): The 2013 Oberhäuser Brücke Riesling Auslese has a very clear and precise bouquet of slightly cooked apples and lemons. Piquant on the palate this is a very bright, firmly structured and salty wine with a great and complex length. It is precise and very juicy but always piquant and salty. A great and stimulating Auslese. |
|
|
2006 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel (12x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$592.97 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (1/2008): Rich golden yellow. Luscious aromas of passion fruit, pineapple and sweet lime mingle with a delicate hint of botrytis. A bright spiciness along with elevated minerality enliven the palate. Finishes smoky and long. Joel B. Payne. |
|
|
2007 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel (12x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$545.97 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 98 (9/2009): Incredible nose of candied orange peel, preserved ginger and honeysuckle with a touch of wet pebbles. The palate is packed with minerals and spiced fruits. A high level of lively acidity perfectly balances the seductive sweetness. Very long, minerally finish. |
|
|
2006 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Beerenauslese (12x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,125.98 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Beerenauslese (3x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$917.99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Beerenauslese (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$3,344.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2009 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$249.98 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2011 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese (3.0 L)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$440.97 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (2/2013): High-toned, distillate-like herbal extracts along with ripe fresh strawberry, apple and quince inform the scintillating nose and electrical charged palate of Donnhoff’s 2011 Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese. “We were able to just keep waiting on this site," he explains, “so that even this lightest wine from the Brucke was picked only in the last days of (regular) harvest." Hints of pits and seed, along with black tea, nut oils, zesty citrus, and myriad mineral impingements add to a sense of quickening that goes well beyond mere invigoration in this gem’s strikingly persistent, shimmeringly vibrant finish. I was left with salivary glands palpitating and arms covered in gooseflesh. It will probably be hard to resist such a wine at any point over the next quarter century, but those with the requisite remaining life expectancy should make an effort to defer for the duration the pleasure of at least the last bottle or two. |
|
|
2012 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese |
$49 |
6 |
|
| |
|
|
2019 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese (6x750ML) |
$330 |
1 |
|
| |
| JS 97 (8/2020): If you dream of the great German rieslings of the 1970s and 1980s, then this is a wine for you, even though it is riper and more concentrated than those icons of the past. In spite of the abundant generosity, this has a very long, distinctly cool finish. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold. |
|
|
2019 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese |
$55 |
4 |
|
| |
| JS 97 (8/2020): If you dream of the great German rieslings of the 1970s and 1980s, then this is a wine for you, even though it is riper and more concentrated than those icons of the past. In spite of the abundant generosity, this has a very long, distinctly cool finish. From organically grown grapes with Fair'n Green certification. Drink or hold. |
|
|
2022 |
Oberhauser Brucke Riesling Spatlese (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$332.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
|
2011 |
Oberhauser Leistenberg Riesling Kabinett (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$908.99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2021 |
Schlossbockelheim Felsenberg Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$617.97 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Schlossbockelheim Felsenberg Riesling Beerenauslese (12x375ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$1,125.98 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 99 (10/2009): The over-ripe pear and quince featured in other nobly sweet wines of this collection are very much present in Donnhoff's 2007 Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg Riesling Beerenauslese, along with aromas of distilled gentian, gardenia, lemon oil, freshly baked bread, and white truffle. The intensity of inner-mouth perfume here - orchard fruit, floral, and herbal distillates - is nearly beyond belief. Pear nectar, quince preserves, apple jelly, liquid gardenia, brown spices, and a certain saline and smoky suggestions of things mineral inform a finish of trance-inducing duration. This amazing elixir - harvested largely in the Turmchen section of the site - should be worthy of 40 years cellaring. When Donnhoff laughingly referred to this as the year of Felsenberg, he was not in fact kidding, nor was he referring just to the sheer number of bottlings!
VM 97 (1/2009): Rich golden yellow. Sublime aromas of candied citrus fruits, lemon oil and acacia honey. The succulent weight of papaya fruit levitates over the wine's understated minerality. The palate-staining finish boasts an impeccable balance of creamy fruit, smoky botrytis and herbal spices. An Outstanding effort for the vintage! |
|
|
2018 |
Schlossbockelheim Felsenberg Riesling Spatlese (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$431.99 |
4 |
|
| |
|
|
2022 |
Schlossbockelheimer Felsenberg Riesling Grosses Gewachs (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$395.99 |
5 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Schlossbockelheimer Kupfergrube Riesling Spatlese (6x750ML)
ETA 90-120 Days; No cancellations or returns. This item may be subject to tariffs. |
$354.99 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2018 |
Weingut Hermann Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewachs |
$119 |
|
Sold Out
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| |
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2019 |
Weingut Hermann Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Spatlese |
$69 |
|
Sold Out
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| |
|
|
2018 |
Weingut Hermann Donnhoff Norheimer Dellchen Riesling Grosses Gewachs |
$119 |
|
Sold Out
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