March 2018 - Biodynamic ____________________________________________________________________________ RPJ-Robert Parker WS-Wine Spectator WE-Wine Enthusiat WA-Wine Advocate ST-Steven Tanzer AM-Allen Meadows page 1 of 62 -Organic Sparkling Wine Non-Vintage Champagne 3-1 Dhont-Grellet "Les Terres Firnes" Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Extra Brut NV 193 3-2 Egly-Ouriet "Brut Tradition Grand Cru" Brut NV 328 “From the very first cuvée, Egly-Ouriet is distinguished for its ability to preserve exacting precision from outstanding chalk mineral focus in the midst of magnificent generosity. This is s vinous wine of calm authority, carrying the full grandeur and complexity of carefully tended, old-vine pinot noir on some of Champagnes most revered grand crus. It juxtaposes freshness and depth, a marvel of red cherries, plums, dried fruit and mixed spice if rippling intensity, showcasing four and a half years on lees, yet at every moment impeccably focused with scintillating acidity and mineral infused poise. A paradox of luxurious generosity and crystalline purity”. - TS 96 Pts - The Champagne Guide 2016-17 3-1 Egly-Ouriet "Grand Cru V.P" Extra Brut NV 397 "The NV Extra Brut V.P. (Vieillissement Prolongé) Grand Cru (Magnum) emerges from old vines in Ambonnay, Bouzy and Verzenay. Powerful, ample and creamy, the VP possesses tremendous depth and richness. Vinification and aging in oak brings out the pure intensity of this fruit, something that 82 months on the lees draws out even further. A host of dried pear, smoke, menthol and spice build into the ample expressive finish. This release is 60% 2008 and 40% 2006, two vintages that are naturally quite complementary. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: May 2016.” 94 Pts - vinousmedia.com 218 Krug "Grand Cuvée" Brut NV 659 3-1 Laurent Perrier Brut Rosé NV 285 3-1 Moët & Chandon Brut NV 173 3-1 Moët & Chandon Brut Rosé NV 224 4-1 Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial NV 189 3-2 Nicolas Feuillatte Brut NV 173 2-2 Perrier Jouet Brut NV 199 3-1 Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut NV 221 3-1 Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut Rosé NV 240 3-1 Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin "Rich" Doux NV 253 Vintage Champagne 3-1 Dom Perignon Brut 2006 603 3-1 Dom Perignon Brut Rose 2004 777 3-1 Krug Brut 2000 847 "Krug's 2000 Brut Vintage is just beginning to hit its stride. Hints of pastry, butter, toasted almonds, dried pears and apricots are all woven together beautifully in this distinctive, gorgeous Champagne. All the Krug signatures come to life beautifully in the glass. The 2000 is still quite young, especially if readers are looking for more tertiary complexity and nuance. At the same time. I don't think the 2000 will ever be one of the most explosive wines made at this historic property, but it offers considerable medium-term appeal and plenty of personality. This is a great showing from Krug. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040. "-AG 95 Pts - WA 427 Krug Blanc des Blancs "Clos du Mesnil" Brut 2000 2175 "The 2000 Brut Blanc de Blancs Clos du Mesnil is rich, deep, textured and wonderfully complete. The seductiveness of the 2000 vintage comes through beautifully, but the Mesnil has extra dimensions of depth that aren’t found in the Vintage. Smoke, ash, graphite, pastry and lemon are some of the nuances that unfold in this supremely gracious, refined Clos du Mesnil. I expect the 2000 to take some time to reach its peak, but it is superb, even at this early stage. Anticipated maturity: 2015- 2035."-AG 95 Pts - WA 3-3 Louise Brison Brut 2010 155 328 Pol Roger "Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill" 2004 644
3-1 Dhont-Grellet "Les Terres Firnes" Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Extra Brut NV 1933-2 Egly-Ouriet "Brut Tradition Grand Cru" Brut NV 328
“From the very first cuvée, Egly-Ouriet is distinguished for its ability to preserve exacting precision from outstanding chalk mineral focus in the midst of magnificent generosity. This is s vinous wine of calm authority, carrying the full grandeur and complexity of carefully tended, old-vine pinot noir on some of Champagnes most revered grand crus. It juxtaposes freshness and depth, a marvel of red cherries, plums, dried fruit and mixed spice if rippling intensity, showcasing four and a half years on lees, yet at every moment impeccably focused with scintillating acidity and mineral infused poise. A paradox of luxurious generosity and crystalline purity”. -TS 96 Pts - The Champagne Guide 2016-17
3-1 Egly-Ouriet "Grand Cru V.P" Extra Brut NV 397"The NV Extra Brut V.P. (Vieillissement Prolongé) Grand Cru (Magnum) emerges from old vines in Ambonnay, Bouzy and Verzenay. Powerful, ample and creamy, the VP possesses tremendous depth and richness. Vinification and aging in oak brings out the pure intensity of this fruit, something that 82 months on the lees draws out even further. A host of dried pear, smoke, menthol and spice build into the ample expressive finish. This release is 60% 2008 and 40% 2006, two vintages that are naturally quite complementary. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: May 2016.” 94 Pts - vinousmedia.com
Vintage Champagne3-1 Dom Perignon Brut 2006 6033-1 Dom Perignon Brut Rose 2004 7773-1 Krug Brut 2000 847
"Krug's 2000 Brut Vintage is just beginning to hit its stride. Hints of pastry, butter, toasted almonds, dried pears and apricots are all woven together beautifully in this distinctive, gorgeous Champagne. All the Krug signatures come to life beautifully in the glass. The 2000 is still quite young, especially if readers are looking for more tertiary complexity and nuance. At the same time. I don't think the 2000 will ever be one of the most explosive wines made at this historic property, but it offers considerable medium-term appeal and plenty of personality. This is a great showing from Krug. Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040. "-AG 95 Pts - WA
427 Krug Blanc des Blancs "Clos du Mesnil" Brut 2000 2175"The 2000 Brut Blanc de Blancs Clos du Mesnil is rich, deep, textured and wonderfully complete. The seductiveness of the 2000 vintage comes through beautifully, but the Mesnil has extra dimensions of depth that aren’t found in the Vintage. Smoke, ash, graphite, pastry and lemon are some of the nuances that unfold in this supremely gracious, refined Clos du Mesnil. I expect the 2000 to take some time to reach its peak, but it is superb, even at this early stage. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035."-AG 95 Pts - WA
3-3 Louise Brison Brut 2010 155328 Pol Roger "Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill" 2004 644
Italian Sparkling Wine3-2 Barone Pizzini "Animante" NV, DOCG Franciacorta 1223-2 Barone Pizzini "Brut Nature" 2012, DOCG Franciacorta 1423-2 Barone Pizzini "Satín" 2012, DOCG Franciacorta 1423-3 Principe di Porcia Prosecco Extra Dry 2016, DOC Prosecco 753-3 Principe di Porcia Rosé Brut NV, Veneto 752-3 Biancavigna "Rive di Soligo" Prosecco 2015, DOCG Prosecco, Veneto 963-1 Collefrisio "La Cave della Guadiuccia" Brut 2010, Abruzzo Traditional Method 1353-2 Medici Ermete "I Quercioli" Lambrusco Secco NV, DOC Reggiano Lambrusco, Emilia Romagna 603-1 Movia "Puro" Rose 2005, Brda, Slovenia (Non-Disgorged) 1283-1 Parusso Spumante Brut 2012, Piemonte Traditional Method 1703-2 Pojer e Sandri "Zero Infinito", Trentino (Non-Disgorged) 962-2 Sergio Mottura Spumante Brut 2009, Lazio 161
Spanish Sparkling Wine3-4 Gleva Estates "Mont-Ferrant L'Americano" Brut NV, DO Cava, Penedès Traditional Method 771-2 Gleva Estates "Titiana Pansa Blanca" Chardonnay Brut 2012, DO Cava, Penedès Traditional Method 135
Canadian Sparkling Wine2-1 13th Street Winery "Cuvée Rosé" Brut NV, VQA Niagara Peninsula Traditional Method 852-1 Flat Rock "Riddled" Brut NV, VQA Niagara Peninsula Traditional Method 851-1 Hinterland "Les Etoiles" 2011, VQA Prince Edward County Traditional Method 122
American Sparkling Wine3-2 Schramsberg "Blanc de Blancs" Brut 2014, AVA Calistoga 158
Chardonnay 1-2 Copain "Brosseau Chalone Vineyard" Chardonnay 2010, Anderson Valley AVA 279The 2010 Chardonnay Brosseau is rich, voluptuous and deeply expressive, yet also supported by plenty of acidity and minerality. Crushed rocks, graphite and lemon oil come together nicely in the glass. There is an attractive mid-palate juiciness that serves to balance the wine’s insistent minerality. This is a fabulous showing from one of the very best Chardonnay vineyards in California. Drink: 2013-2016."-AG 92 Pts - WA
4-2 Etude "Estate" Chardonnay 2015, Carneros AVA 1132-2 Fox Glove Chardonnay 2014, Central Coast AVA 941-1 Frog's Leap Chardonnay 2015, Napa Valley AVA 1391-1 Frog's Leap Chardonnay 2016, Napa Valley AVA 1394-4 Fort Ross "Fort Ross Vineyard" Chardonnay 2014, Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast AVA 1964-3 Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2014, Napa Valley AVA 1994-1 Jordan Chardonnay 2014, Russian River Valley AVA 1584-2 Levendi Chadonnay 2015, Napa Valley AVA 1611-4 Littorai "Charles Heinz Vineyard" Chardonnay 2015, Sonoma Coast AVA 3743-3 Miner "Wild Yeast" Chardonnay 2013, Napa Valley AVA 193320 Radio Coteaux "Savoy" Chardonnay 2014, Anderson Valley AVA 310
"The 2014 Chardonnay Savoy comes from the clonal selections of Wente and Prosser. This is a beautiful Chardonnay with excellent caramelized citrus notes, apple blossom, some white peach and subtle pineapple, but with underlying wet rock minerality. The wine has great fruit, texture, and a full-bodied, dry finish. It was aged for 15 months in 30% new French oak prior to being bottled. It should drink nicely for up to a decade."-RPJ 94 Pts - WA
2-2 Pahlmeyer Chardonnay 2014, Napa Valley AVA 3712-3 Santa Barbara Winery Chardonnay 2015, Santa Barbara County AVA 801-1 Thomas George Estates Chardonnay 2013, Russian River Valley AVA 1284-1 Varner "El Camino Vineyard" Chardonnay 2014, Santa Barbara AVA 120
Oregon 4-3 Alexanna "Terroir Series" Chardonnay 2014, Willamette Valley AVA 1194-2 Alexanna Pinot Gris 2015, Willamette Valley AVA 1194-1 Bergström Wines "Old Stones" Chardonnay 2013, Willamette Valley AVA 138
Argentina BTG Bodegas del Rio Elorza "Verum" Chardonnay 2016, Alta Valle del Rio Negro, Patagonia 75602 Catena Zapata "White Stones" Chardonnay 2010, Mendoza 265
Australia 2-2 Vasse Felix Chardonnay 2016, Margaret River GI 94
New Zealand 4-3 Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Marlborough CO 942-3 The Paper Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc 2016, Marlborough CO 1354-2 Rippon Ridge "Mature Vine" Riesling 2013, Lake Wanaka, Central Otago CO 112
AOC Chablis Grand Cru 4-1 Domaine Faiveley "Les Clos" 2006, AOC Chablis Grand Cru 294"Oak spice introduces this white by way of aroma, yet there's also purity and grace. Lime blossom, mirabelle plum and stone flavors yield to vanilla and spice accents on the finish. Needs time. Best from 2010 through 2018. 13 cases imported."–BS 91 Pts - WS
1-1 Domaine Faiveley "Vaudesir" 2008, AOC Chablis Grand Cru 2784-3 Domaine Louis Moreau "Les Clos" 2012, AOC Chablis Grand Cru 218
Regional Appellation 3-4 Clos du Moulin aux Moines "Clos de la Perrière" 2014, AOC Bourgogne Monopole 1284-3 Domaine Lucien Jacob 2016, AOC Hautes-Côtes du Beaune 1162-3 Maison Laroze Drouhin 2013, AOC Bourgogne 1581-1 Pascal Marchand "Avalon" Chardonnay 2011, AOC Bourgogne 1361-3 Justin Girardin 2015, AOC Bourgogne 88
Côte Chalonaise 2-2 Domaine du Clos Salomon "Le Clou" 2015, OC Montagny 122
Mâconnais 3-4 Bret Brothers "Domaine la Soufrandiére" 2014, AOC Pouilly-Vinzelles 1611-3 Domaine Roger Jacques Saumaize "Sur la Roche" 2014, AOP Pouilly-Fuissé 199
Côte de Nuits WhitesChambolle-Musigny 104 Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé 2011, AOC Bourgogne Blanc 874
"Domaine Conte Georges de Vogüé Bourgogne Blanc is made entirely from Chardonnay vines planted in the Grand Cru Vineyard of Musigny and therefore is technically the only Grand Cru Musigny Blanc currently produced. The Domaine is reluctant to declare this wine to be of Grand Cru status due to the youth of the vines (all planted between 1986-1997) and so they declassify this wine to the only other logical appellation available: AOC Bourgogne Blanc. A rare and decadent wine to be sure. These are the only bottles of this vintage available in Canada"-RG
"A fresh style, with a gossamer texture framing lemon, apple and white peach flavors. Accents of baking spices and mineral add depth as this unfolds to a long, intense aftertaste."-BS 93 Pts - WS
112 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2013, AOC Montrachet Grand Cru 8605"A whiff of post-bottling reduction does little to detract from the strikingly well-layered and ever-so-mildly exotic fruit, white flower and softly wooded nose. The super-rich and full-bodied yet beautifully delineated flavors possess a borderline painful intensity along with a taut muscularity before culminating a focused, tightly wound and powerful finale that really fans out as it sits on the palate. Moreover this markedly dry but not really austere effort is what I describe as sneaky long because just as the finish appears to be dying away it suddenly come back and plays hide and seek with your palate. Like most vintages of the Domaine's Montrachet this is undeniably built-to-age but unlike some of them the 2013 rendition is not likely to drink particularly well before the age of at least 10 and should reward somewhere between 15 and 20."-AM 96 Pts - Burghound.com
213 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2014, AOC Montrachet Grand Cru 86053-4 Seguin-Manuel "Les Reuchaux" 2014, AOC Puligny-Montrachet 1er cru 253
"The 2014 Puligny-Montrachet les Reuchaux has a crisp malic bouquet: dew-speckled Granny Smith apples, a touch of kiwi fruit and grass clipping. The palate is well balanced with good weight in the mouth, nicely focused with a gentle build to an appealing grapefruit and pineapple-tinged finish. This is a lovely white from Seguin- Manuel. Drink Date: 2016-2028. "-NM 91 Pts - WA
"The 2009 Meursault Genevrieres takes hold of the palate and never lets up. This is simply marvelous juice. Layers of ripe, expressive fruit emerge from the glass in this captivating, rich Meursault. A vein of minerality appears on the mid-palate, adding freshness and proportion through to the palate staining finish. This is a showstopper from Pierre-Yves Colin-Morey. "-AG 97 Pts - WA, 18/20 - Jancis Robinson
217 Domaine Roulot "Les Vireuils" 2015, AOC Meursault 355"Yellow fruits and spices on the nose, showing little sign of the honeyed character this premier cru typically displays when it's harvested even a day or two later than ideal. Rich and silky in the mouth; generous but not heavy, even if it doesn't show quite the class of the Charmes. Finishes long and youthfully dry. This wine still needs more e ́levage to show more flavor and personality. "-ST 90-92 Pts vinous.com
214 Domaine Roulot "Clos des Bouchères" 2015, AOC Meursault 1er Cru 469"The Vireuils is a bit more gourmand than usual, with a comparatively expressive bouquet of apple, pear, confit citrus and nutmeg. It has a deep, concentrated and full-bodied palate with notable power and minerality. Drinking Window: 2018-2035."-ST 91 Pts Decanter
2-3 Remoissenet Pere et Fils "Blagny" 2014, AOC Meursaut 1er Cru 323
Pernand-Vergelesses 2-2 Domaine Louis Latour "En Caradeux" 2012, AOC Pernand-Vergelesses 1er Cru 1421-4 Rapet "Devant les Clous" 2015, AOC Pernand-Vergelesses 193
Loire ValleyAnjou-Saumur 1-4 Domaine des Baumard "Clos de Saint Yves" 2013, AOC Savennières 112
103 Foucault Clos Rougeard "Breze" 2009, AOC Saumur Champigny 9621-1 Nicolas Joly "Clos de la Coulee de Serrant" 2014, AOC Savennières-Clos de la Coulee de Serrant 356
Central Vineyards 2-2 Alphonse Mellot "La Moussière" 2016, AOC Sancerre 1281-4 Domaine Jean-Paul Picard & Fils "Cuvée Presige" 2015, AOC Sancerre 1023-4 Domaine Sébastien Treuillet 2015, AOC Pouilly-Fumé 96
"Beyer’s 2010 Riesling Les Ecaillers – unlike the corresponding, provisional 2011 – represents a classic of its cuvee, with bright acidity, and maritime intimations of salt, alkali and oyster shell from its nose to its refreshing, saliva-inducing and palate-staining finish. It’s also house-typical in its high-toned suggestion of kirsch and faint hint of mothball, while mossy, woodsy aromatic notes also emerge with airing. What’s surprising is just how vividly prominent an apple, lime, tangerine and white peach fruit component this wine exhibits and how close to lush its texture is, which makes for lovely counterpoise to vintage-typical high acidity. I anticipate that it will drink beautifully through 2025 and quite possibly well beyond.."-DS 93 Pts - WA
Rhone Valley 217 Château Rayas Blanc 2009, AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape 578"The 2009 Rayas Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc (a blend of equal parts Clairette and Grenache Blanc aged in tank) is remarkable. A stunning perfume of nectarines, white peaches and honeysuckle is followed by a full-bodied, thick, juicy, viscous wine with good acidity and freshness. This concentrated, profound, amazing white may possibly last 20-30 years."-RPJ 94 Pts - WA
203 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave 2011, AOC Hermitage Blanc 628"Just bottled, the 2011 Hermitage Blanc also shows the richer side of Hermitage with its full-bodied, voluptuously textured and up-front profile. Honeysuckle, licorice, toast, citrus oil and liquid mineral-like qualities all emerge from this beauty, and it stays beautifully fresh and focused on the palate. A blend of mostly Marsanne, yet with roughly 20% Roussanne, from the l’Ermite, Les Rocoules, Maison Blanche and Peleat lieux-dits, this substantial white should be consumed over the coming 2-4 years, or forgotten for a decade or more. It will have over two decades of longevity."-JD 96 Pts - WA
1-1 Domaine Viret "Dolia Paradis Ambré" 2010, Vin de France 1581-2 Yves Cuilleron "La Petite Côte" 2015, AOC Condrieu 215
South West 2-2 Domaine de Joÿ "Cuvée l'Éclat" 2012, IGP Côtes de Gascogne 60
Languedoc BTG Château St. Jacques d'Albas "Domaine d'Albas" Vermentino/Viognier" 2015, IGP Coteaux de Peyriac 65
Liguria 3-3 Maria Donata Bianchi "Pigato" 2014, DOC Riviera Ligure di Ponente 128
Trentino/Alto Adige 2-3 Cesconi Chardonnay 2015, IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti 961-1 Cesconi "Olivar" 2012, IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti 1223-3 Cesconi "Olivar" 2013, IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti 122
BTG Cesconi Pinot Grigio 2015, IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti 674-4 Cesconi Nosiola 2014, IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti 774-1 Manni Nösing Kerner 2014, DOC Alto Adige Valle Isarco 1284-2 Pojer e Sandri Chardonnay 2015, IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti 804-2 Pojer e Sandri "Bianco Faye" Chardonnay/Pinot Bianco 2010, IGT Vigneti delle Dolomiti 142
Friuli-Venezia-Giulia 3-4 Borgo del Tiglio Bianco 2014, DOC Collio 1164-2 Borgo del Tiglio Chardonnay 2014, DOC Collio 1582-3 Borgo del Tiglio Friulano 2013, DOC Collio 1583-3 Borgo del Tiglio Malvasia 2014, DOC Collio 1582-3 Borgo del Tiglio Sauvignon 2015, DOC Collio 158316 Gravner "Amfora" Ribolla Gialla 2005, DOC Collio 310
"Antique gold. Extraordinarily complex nose with notes of beeswax, acacia honey, toasted almonds and green tea. Great textured flavour that plays on a balanced tautness between the freshness and a delicate and unusual tannin from contact with the grape skins. Harmonious and smooth, where a velvety softness meets a rustic elegance. A long, savoury finish. Fermented in cement amphora for seven months, then five years in oak." Five Grapes (out of 5) - Bibenda Wine 2012
3-3 Jermann "Where Dreams" Chardonnay 2014, IGT Venezia Giulia 2533-3 Ronco del Gelso "Vigna della Permuta" Malvasia 2013, DOC Isonzo del Friuli 91
Veneto 1-1 La Vigne di San Pietro Garganega 2014, DOC Bianco di Custoza 702-2 Serafini & Vidotto "Il Bianco" Sauvignon 2015, IGT delle Venezie 91
Umbria 3-3 Lungarotti Torre di Giano "Vigna il Pino" 2011, DOC Bianco di Torgiano 90 Pts - WS 128
"Luminous yellow. Excellent stony complexity to the pure and perfumed aromas of lemon, nectarine and minerals, along with nuances of peony and buttercup. Intensely flavored and densely packed, offering terrific penetration to the lime, crushed stone, thyme and quinine flavors, and only 12.5 percent alcohol. Finishes with a laser beam of acidity, classically dry and minerally-floral on the aftertaste. Another outstanding vintage for Pietra Marina, which reinforces yet again the notion that this is one of Italy’s four or five best white wines. And this 2012 is an especially great Pietra Marina."-ID 94+ Pts - vinousmedia.com
1-3 Tenuta Enza la Fauci "Bianco della Sirena" Grillo 2014, IGT Sicilia 64Spain
2-2 Bodegas Hidalgo La Gitana ""Las 30 del Cuadro" Cepas Viejas NV, Vino de Mesa, Jerez 77305 Castillo Ygay "Grand Reserva Especial" 1986, DOCa Rioja Gran Reserva 1520
"I have been terribly excited about this wine since I first learned that (part of) it was still in cement waiting to be bottled in September 2013. I consider the rare white Castillo Ygay one of the greatest white wines ever produced in Spain, and the 1986 Castillo Ygay Blanco Gran Reserva Especial is a great addition to the portfolio of the winery--an historic wine that is coming back to life. I did a vertical tasting of many of the old, historic vintages of this wine, and they are included in a separate article in this very same issue. This 1986 had seen the light as a limited early release bottled in 1992 and sold around 1995, and some bottles might still be found in the market. But most of it remained unbottled and was kept at the winery, where it stayed in oak for 21 years, followed by some six years in cement vats until it was bottled. It has 13.5% alcohol, an extremely low pH of 2.98 and 6.75 grams of acidity (tartaric). It has a very subtle nose and it's a bit shy, a little closed at first. It was only bottled one and a half years ago, and it's not crazy to say that the wine is showing extremely young. The wine shows more open the day after, when it has developed some nuances of mushrooms and verbena tea. This is mostly Viura with perhaps a pinch of Malvasía Riojana (aka Alarije). The palate is both powerful and elegant, with superb acidity and great length, with volume and sharpness, with a mineral, umami-driven finish. It fills your mouth, tickles your taste buds and makes you salivate. There is nothing negative about the wine; there is no excess oak, nothing blurry, nothing to improve... perhaps the bottle used! I think this is a perfect wine. It seems to be getting younger and younger with time in the glass; it seems to be getting more focused and sharper, and I have no doubt the wine will evolve and last for a very, very, very long time in bottle. I kept the opened bottle for almost one week and the wine didn't move one inch--no oxidation or any signs of fatigue. Having tasted many other vintages, including the also perfect 1919 I have no doubt we're talking about a white for the next 50 years. Looking at the older vintages, I might even be underestimating its life span. The potential next release could be the 1998 in no less than ten years' time."-LG 100 Pts - WA
3-3 Dominio de Tares Godello 2016, DO Bierzo 1031-2 Pardas "Rupestris" Malvasia/Macabeo/Xarel-lo 2015, DO Penedès 802-2 José Pariente Verdejo 2015, DO Rueda 112
Germany 4-1 Egon Müller "Sharzhofberger" Kabinett 2015, Pradikatswein, Mosel 2723-4 Peter Jakob Kühn "Jacobus" Riesling Trocken 2016, Qualitätswein, Rheingau 85
Rose and Orange WineCanada 1-1 Southbrook Orange Wine 2015, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario 85
France BTG Chateau St. Jacques d'Albas "Domaine d'Albas" Rosé 2015, AOC Minervois, Languedoc 70
Italy BTG Monte Bernardi Rosé 2015, IGT Colli della Toscana Centrale 801-3 Occipiniti "SP68" 2015, IGT Terre Siciliane 961-1 Paraschos "Not" Pinot Grigio 2005, IGT Venezia Giulia 106
Spain 1-3 Clos Lentiscus "Perill Blanc Amfora" Xarel-lo 2015, Penedes 158"Biodynamic, but not certified. 110 year old Xarelo.lo, native ferments and ageing in small 100l amphorae, 5 weeks on skins. Dull, lightly cloudy appearance. Rich,waxy-honeyed nose, ripe, white fleshed orchard, pure apple, lemon peel, nutty-leesy, vermouth-like wild herbs - sage - and generous botanical notes, very clean, lowVA. The palate is full and dense, almost thick, but balanced by savoury and pleasant bitter notes, not to mention a distinctive salty character. Great length. Fascinating wine, highly complex. Tasted August 2016." 92 Pts - John Szabo MS
Lebanon 4-4 Chateau Musar 2008, Bekaa Valley 1772-3 Chateau Musar Rosé 2014, Bekaa Valley 161
213 Au Sommet "Atlas Peak" Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Atlas Peak AVA 1097"The 2012 Elev 2100 Ft. is one of the most beautiful wines I have tasted from Au Sommet. Dark red cherries, plums, spices, leather and menthol are laced together in aracy, textured Cabernet Sauvignon that puts finesse ahead of power. Gently spiced overtones reappear on the exquisite finish. There is a lot to like here. "-AG94 Pts - vinousmedia.com
621 Au Sommet "Atlas Peak" Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Atlas Peak AVA 1083"Wonderful aromas of blackberries, bark, mushrooms and blackcurrants. Full body, fine tannins and a wonderful finish. Wow. Why wait? Even so, this will agebeautifully. Cab with a dash of petit verdot.”-JS 96 Pts - jamessuckling.com
794 Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Napa Valley AVA 118854 B Cellars "Syn3rgy" Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Napa Valley AVA 341722 Buehler Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Napa Valley AVA 144317 Bond "Quella" Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Napa Valley AVA 1594
"A provocative effort that is a potential candidate for perfection is the 2012 Quella Proprietary Red Blend from Pritchard Hill, a site that tends to produce wines ofgreat delineation, precision and perfume. This opulent, full-bodied effort reveals fabulous fruit, freshness and focus as well as super depth, and an extravagantly richmouthfeel without being heavy or over-the-top. A sensational wine, it should drink well for three decades."-RPJ 98-100 Pts - WA
514 Bond "St. Eden" Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Napa Valley AVA 1594"From an 11-acre vineyard just north of the Oakville corridor, the 2012 St. Eden shows gorgeous, cedary Christmas fruitcake notes, black cherry and blackcurrantfruit, spice box, earth, and almost first growth Pauillac-like cassis and lead pencil shavings. Deep, full-bodied, and fabulously concentrated, this stunner flirts withperfection. Slightly more evolved than the Quella or Melbury, this wine may be the most drinkable out of the gate of all the Bond offerings in 2012. It should continueto evolve for at least 30+ years."-RPJ 98 Pts - WA
427 Bond "Vecina" Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Napa Valley AVA 1594"From an 11-acre vineyard sitting near Bond’s winery and the Harlan estate, the 2012 Vecina Proprietary Red is the perfect Napa version of a hypothetical blend of aLa Mission Haut-Brion and Mouton-Rothschild. This is riveting Cabernet Sauvignon with great intensity, a killer fragrance of burning embers, charcoal, gravel,blackberry, cassis and earth. Fabulously intense and full-bodied, with majestic flavor intensity, a skyscraper-like mouthfeel, incredible purity and length, and suppletannins, this magnificent wine comes closest to the great Harlan Estate itself. Drink it over the next 35 years."-RPJ 100 Pts - WA
965 Charles Woodson "Twenty-Four" Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Napa Valley AVA 93 Pts - WS, Wine Spectator Top 100 410962 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Napa Valley AVA 221732 Clark-Claudon Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Napa Valley AVA 442
"The late-release 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate from this small producer offers up notes of Asian spices, plum, blackcurrant, licorice and some forest floor. The coloris a healthy dense, dark ruby/purple and the wine medium to full-bodied, with the rather flamboyant, open-knit character of this vintage well-displayed. The acidity islow, the tannins silky, and the wine delicious already. It should continue to drink well for 18 more years."-RPJ 92 Pts - WA
870 Coho Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Napa Valley AVA 273"Aromas that suggest licorice and eucalyptus. Fresh and full-bodied with beautiful tension and balance between the fruit, tannins and the acidity. Tightly knit. Betterin 2018. 850 cases produced."-JS 93 Pts - jamessuckling.com
620 Continuum Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Napa Valley AVA 740984 Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Napa Valley AVA 395714 Dominus Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Napa Valley AVA 749
"The 2009 Dominus flows from the glass with layers of highly expressive fruit. The wine possesses stunning richness, power and depth. Dark red fruit, tobacco,flowers and spices are woven into a seamless, beautifully articulated finish. Elegance and intensity are in perfect harmony here."-AG 97+ Pts - WA
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon973 Dominus Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Napa Valley AVA 749
"Composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, the stunning, full-bodied 2010 Dominus boasts an exceptional perfume of hoisin sauce, licorice,underbrush, forest floor, plums, black currants and jammy cherries intertwined with hints of cedar, baking spices and oak. Full-bodied and voluptuously textured, the2010 is on a slightly faster evolutionary track than the2009 (somewhat of an anomaly for these two vintages). This exquisite as well as prodigious 2010 can be drunkyoung, but it should age effortlessly for 20-25 years. Bravo!"-RPJ 100 Pts - WA
913 Dominus Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Napa Valley AVA 803"Flirting with perfection, the 2012 Dominus is composed of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Five thousand cases were produced, a relatively modest amount from this large vineyard’s big crop. This wine’s opaque plum/purple color is accompanied by a beautiful nose of sweet crème de cassis, atouch of background oak (only 40% new oak is used), spice box, cedarwood, black cherries and a hint of spring flowers. The complex, intense aromatics are followed bya deep, opulent, multidimensional, full-bodied wine with not a hard edge to be found. Everything is seamlessly crafted in this beauty and the vintage’s abundantrichness is well-displayed. This 2012 can be drunk in its exuberant youthfulness or cellared for another 20-25 years."-RPJ 99 Pts - WA
930 Dominus Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Napa Valley AVA 920"The 2013 Dominus is, to my way of thinking, one of the most profound wines Christian Moueix has yet made in his rather brilliant winemaking history, both inFrance and in Napa Valley. This wine, with very low yields of only 3,500 cases and a final blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 4% CabernetFranc, offers up notes of cedar wood, forest floor, loamy soil and oodles of blackberry and blackcurrant fruit. Very opaque purple in color, super-pure and intense, thiswine has low acidity, but ripe, noticeable tannins. This is a 30- to 40-year wine and a profound effort from this famous vineyard in Yountville. Drink it over the next40+ years."-RPJ 99 Pts - WA
731 Dominus "Napanook" Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Napa Valley AVA 380"There are 2,000 cases of the 2013 Napanook Proprietary Red Wine, a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. This wine reflectsthe much higher quality that’s emerging with the second wine of Dominus, which has really become almost its own entity. Loads of loamy soil notes, grilled herbs,meat, blackcurrants, sweet kirsch and licorice are all present in this medium to full-bodied, lush, sexy wine, even in 2013. It is interesting how much more evolved andforward the 2013 Napanook is compared to the 2013 Dominus. This wine can be drunk over the next 12-15 years. In any event, both merit considerable attention fromsubscribers."-RPJ 93 Pts - WA
793 Duckhorn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Napa Valley AVA 241412 Dunn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Howell Mountain AVA 546436 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Oakville AVA 583782 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Napa Valley AVA 183965 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Napa Valley AVA 185962 Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Napa Valley AVA 218705 Frog's Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Rutherford AVA 244718 Frog's Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Rutherford AVA 244302 Forman Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Napa Valley AVA 411
"Beguiling, aromatically expressive and super-nuanced, Ric Forman's 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is shaping up to be one of the successes of the year. Knockoutaromatics reminiscent of a top-flight Chambertin or Barolo open up in the glass first. Crystalline and pure, the 2014 offers a compelling array of raspberry jam, spice,mint and sweet floral notes. The bright, salivating finish is a thing of beauty. This exceptionally pure, riveting Cabernet Sauvignon has it all going on."-AG95-98 Pts - vinousmedia.com
503 Harlan Estate 2012, Rutherford AVA 3157"The 2012 Harlan Estate is reminiscent of their 2002. Probably a candidate for perfection with another 4-5 years of bottle age, the wine is inky plum/purple to the rimand offers a gorgeous nose of scorched earth, blackberry and cassis, forest floor, and a floral, lavender-like component followed by deep, opulent, majestic flavors thatcaress the palate with high but sweet tannin. This is relatively evolved, and supple and voluptuous for a young Harlan estate – hence the comparison with theircompelling 2002. This wine can be drunk in several years and is likely another candidate for 30-50 years of cellaring."-RPJ 99+ Pts - WA
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon945 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Napa Valley AVA 193920 Levendi "Sweetwater" Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Napa Valley AVA 225765 Levendi "Howell Mountain" Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Howell Mountain AVA 380940 Levendi "Howell Mountain" Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Howell Mountain AVA 380704 Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Mount Veeder AVA 476411 Merryvale "Profile" 2002, Napa Valley AVA 674
"Steve Test blends this from eight vineyards, including Merryvale Estate, Beckstoffer-Georges III, VI, X and ToKalon, to create a bright red modulated by earthy,mineral tannins. The flavors layer red cherry with herbs and the dark fruit of wild mushrooms. That distinctive herbal complexity will meld with roast partridge."92 Pts - Wine & Spirits
715 Neyers "Conn Valley" Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Napa Valley AVA 357307 Nickel & Nickel "Hayne Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, St Helena AVA 471211 Ovid 2012, Napa Valley AVA 954
"The prodigious 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon has slightly better availability (600 cases produced). It reveals classic textbook aromas of blackcurrant liqueur, tobacco leaf,licorice, baking spices and a touch of subtle toast in the background. Deep, full-bodied and opulent with great purity as well as density, it can be approached now orcellared for 15-20 years.."-RPJ 96 Pts - WA
721 Pahlmeyer "Jayson" Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 395973 Palmaz Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Napa Valley AVA 590702 Palmaz Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Napa Valley AVA 525783 Paul Hobbs "Crossbarn" Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Napa Valley AVA 215743 Peter Michael "Au Paradis Estate" Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Oakville AVA 904
"A strikingly complex and well-structured effort, with a tight frame around the taut dark berry, mineral, spice, cedary oak, forest floor, cassis and wild berry flavors.All in all, this is a remarkably flavorful and focused effort. Ends with ripe, chewy tannins. Drink now through 2030. 3,600 cases made."-JL 95 Pts - WS
110 Philip Togni Vineyard "Spring Mountain" Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Napa Valley AVA 484711 Red Cap Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Howell Mountain AVA 416985 Robert Mondavi Winery "Oakville" Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Oakville AVA 135750 Rutherford Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 131302 Shafer "Hillside Select" Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Stags Leap AVA 920940 Spring Mountain Vineyard "Elivette" Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Napa Valley AVA 428401 Spottswoode Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, St. Helena AVA 629961 Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Napa Valley AVA 183200 Ulysses Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Napa Valley AVA 551
"Subtle aromas of crushed berries and tile. Mushrooms. Almost dusty. Full to medium body, powdery tannins and mouthfeel. Bright acidity that gives the winebeautiful and enticing freshness. Gentle and ethereal red. The first vintage of the new wine from the owners of Dominus. The vineyard is located in Oakville near VineHill. Drink or hold."-JS 97 Pts - jamessuckling.com
994 Vine Hill Ranch "V.H.R." Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Napa Valley AVA 722"This is a prodigious Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, with notes of creosote, camphor and burning embers, which give it an almost Graves-like character, but then the rich,creamy, pure blackberry and cassis fruit kick in. The wine has fabulous intensity, a multi-layered, dense, full-bodied texture and terrific finish. The tannins are slightlymore dominant than in the 2012, but they offer sweetness and creaminess as opposed to any astringency or harshness, This is a modern-day classic from Vine HillRanch and probably the finest wine they have ever made. Drink it over the next 30+ years."-RPJ 96+ Pts - WA
Other California RedsBordeaux Blends 953 Chappellet "Mountain Cuvée" Bordeaux Blend 2015, Napa Valley AVA 151
863 Coho "Headwaters" Bordeaux Blend 2012, Napa Valley AVA 199"Aromas of licorice and tar with black currants. Full body, round and silky tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Gorgeous wine. Drink or hold."-JS93 Pts - jamessuckling.com
314 Peter Michael "Les Pavots" Bordeaux Blend 2014, Knights Valley AVA 819412 Ridge "Monte Bello" Bordeaux Blend 1995, Santa Cruz Mountains AVA 91 Pts - WA 735715 Ridge "Monte Bello" Bordeaux Blend 2012, Santa Cruz Mountains AVA 509
424 Vérité "La Joie" Bordeaux Blend 2012, Sonoma County AVA 1097"The 2012 La Joie, which is a blend of 76% Cabernet, 12% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot, blew me away. A profound effort, with 55% of it comingfrom Hillsides in Alexander Valley, 31% from Knights Valley and the balance from Chalk Hill, the wine shows great minerality, oodles of crPme de cassis fruit,incense, licorice, crushed rock, and a provocative full-throttle mouthfeel. A wine of great intensity, purity and equilibrium, this definitely begs for 4-7 years of bottleaging and should drink well for at least 30+ years."-RPJ 100 Pts - WA
407 Vérité "Le Désir"Bordeaux Blend 2007, Sonoma County AVA 1097"The 2007 is a wine of unbelievable intensity. It boasts a deep blue/purple color as well as notes of acacia flowers, graphite, licorice, blackberries, blueberries and a hintof burning embers/charcoal, superb intensity and purity, and abundant tannin in the finish. This massive wine needs 5-6 more years of bottle age, and is meant for 35-40 years of cellaring."-RPJ 100 Pts - WA
109 Vérité "Le Désir" Bordeaux Blend 2012, Sonoma County AVA 1097"The 2012 Le Desir (64% Cabernet Franc, 24% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec) reminds me of a young vintage of Ausone, such as 2005. The winehas amazing minerality and an explosive blueberry nose intermixed with blackberries, new saddle leather, charcoal and camphor. It is full-bodied, with espresso notesemerging on the palate. There are 1,900 cases of this super-endowed, prodigious wine that should drink well for 35-40 years. How fun it would be for mega-millionaires to put this in a blind tasting of a great vintage of Ausone in 10, 20 or 30 years from now.."-RPJ 100 Pts - WA
426 Vérité "La Muse" 2007, Sonoma County AVA 1097"Another prodigious effort, its extraordinary sweet notes of caramelized herbs, mocha, coffee, blackberries and cassis are followed by a multilayered, full-bodied winerevealing a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol and wood, and an opulent, voluptuous finish that goes on and on. It is thrilling to smell, taste and drink.Moreover, it possesses a similar seamlessness also found in the 2002 and 2001. Because of that, it can be drunk now for its primary attractions or cellared for another30+ years."-RPJ 100 Pts - WA
Cabernet Franc 993 Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc 2013, North Coast California AVA 138407 Relic "The Prior" Cabernet Franc 2010, Napa Valley AVA 372
Merlot 313 Amuse Bouche Winery Merlot 2010, Napa Valley AVA 1097875 Coho "Micheal Black Vineyard" Merlot 2012, Coombsville AVA, Napa Valley 235
“A ripe and rich merlot with blueberry and black olive character. Full body, velvety tannins and a long, long finish.”-JS 92 Pts - jamessuckling.com 415 Duckhorn "Three Palms Vineyard" Merlot 2014, Napa Valley AVA 372
“A powerful red, with concentrated flavors of red plum, cherry and boysenberry that are layered with plenty of rich spice and mineral accents. Touches of slate andcardamom make for a complex finish. Drink now through 2023.”-KM 95 Pts - WS, Ranked #1 of Wine Spectator Top 100 wines
Other California RedsCabernet Sauvignon 805 Ancient Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Paso Robles AVA 101
722 Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Knights Valley AVA, Sonoma 177791 Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, California AVA 75981 Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, California AVA 83725 Duckhorn "Decoy" Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Sonoma County AVA 104792 Eos Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Central Coast California AVA 80995 Grayson Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, California AVA 75424 Jonata "El Desafio de Jonata" Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley AVA 535
“Another wine that needs to be forgotten for at least 4-6 years is the 2013 El Desafio de Jonata. Made from mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with 5% Cabernet Franc, 5%Petit Verdot and a splash of Merlot, this full-bodied, inky colored wine offers beautiful aromatics of ripe black fruits, lead pencil, tobacco leaf and smoked herbs.Possessing a great mid-palate, ripe tannin and a great finish, it should be at its best from 2020-2040.”-JD 96+ Pts - WA
773 Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Red Hills AVA, Lake County 167801 Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Santa Cruz Mountains AVA 289999 Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Santa Cruz Mountains AVA 289911 Rodney Strong Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Sonomay County AVA 90
Pinot Noir 771 Cline Pinot Noir 2016, Sonoma Coast AVA 96822 Coho "Stanly Ranch" Pinot Noir 2013, Carneros AVA 182860 Fort Ross "Fort Ross Vineyard" Pinot Noir 2011, Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast AVA 209
"Red raspberry is at the core of this crisp, fresh and medium-bodied estate wine, savory in cranberry and tea. Seamless and silky, it finishes tart, a complex example ofa cool site and cool vintage crafted by an experienced winemaker, Jeff Pisoni."-VB 90 Pts - Wine Enthusiast
852 Fort Ross "Sea Slopes" Pinot Noir 2013, Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast AVA 177"The 2013 Pinot Noir Sea Slopes gets its name from overlooking the Pacific Ocean at an elevation of 1,200 to 1,700 feet. The wine spent nine months in 10% newFrench oak prior to being bottled unfined and unfiltered. This wine offers loads of Chinese black tea, pomegranate, floral notes and a hint of raspberry in a medium-bodied, fresh, lively, Côte de Beaune style. Drink it over the next 5-7 years."-RPJ 90 Pts - WA
402 Littorai Pinot Noir 2016, Sonoma Coast AVA 303422 Radio Coteau "La Neblina" Pinot Noir 2013, Sonoma Coast AVA 209
"The 2013 Pinot Noir La Neblina is quite floral and lifted in this vintage. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries, mint and spices all grace the palate in a feminine,gracious wine. The core of the blend is Hallberg fruit, which is fleshed out with deselected barrels from the vineyard designates."-AG 90-92 Pts - Vinous
740 Radio Coteau "Savoy" Pinot Noir 2013, Anderson Valley AVA 316"One of three Pinot Noirs I tasted, all bottled unfined and unfiltered, the 2013 Pinot Noir Savoy is made from the Pommard, Martini and Calera clones, plus Dijonclone 115 that demonstrates the cool-climate cranberry, blueberry and sweet and sour cherry fruit of this area. The wine is elegant, medium-bodied, coiled tightly, butbeautifully structured, while pure and impressive. It should drink well for at least a decade."-RPJ 92 Pts - WA
803 Thomas George Estates Pinot Noir 2013, Russian River Valley AVA 225
Other California RedsRhône Blends 993 L'Aventure "Côte a Côte" GSM 2014, Paso Robles AVA 389
"Looking at the 2014s, these are serious wines that are reminiscent of Stephan's sensational 2012s (which were some of the top rated wines in the vintage). The 2014Cote a Cote is 50% Grenache, 28% Mourvedre and 22% Syrah, all from the limestone soils of the estate L'Aventure vineyard. Deep, full-bodied, gorgeously layeredand with plenty of fine tannin, this big, rich 2014 is loaded with notions of cassis, toasted spice, peppery herbs and graphite. Still backwards and tight, yet loaded withpotential, give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy over the following decade."-JD 96 Pts - WA
Syrah 308 Radio-Coteau "Las Colinas" Syrah 2013, Sonoma Coast AVA 285"Radio-Coteau's 2013 Syrah Las Colinas, a blend of several top sites, is impressive. Dark red cherry, plum, smoke and spice notes meld together in a racy, voluptuousSyrah. The 2013 is quite soft and fleshy, with lovely vibrancy to the flavors and fabulous overall balance."-AG 90-92 Pts - Vinous
Pinotage 865 Fort Ross Vineyards Pinotage 2010, Fort Ross-Seaview AVA 193
Zinfandel 810 Ridge "Three Valleys" Zinfandel Blend 2015, Sonoma County AVA 141
Washington Reds993 Brown Family Vineyards "Heritage" Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Columbia Valley AVA 108825 Charles Smith "Super Substance" Stone Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Columbia Valley AVA 257784 K Vintners "Motor City Kitty" Syrah 2013, Walla Walla AVA 135864 The Originals Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Columbia Valley AVA 75
Oregon Reds960 Beaux Frères "Beaux Frères Vineyard" Pinot Noir 2013, Ribbon Ridge AVA 395423 Mouton Noir Pinot Noir 2013, Willamette Valley AVA 173
923 Big Head "Select" Cabernet Franc 2015, VQA Niagara Lakeshore 148904 Big Head "Bigger Red Select" Bordeaux Blend 2015, VQA Niagara Lakeshore (appassimento) 148
Argentina 904 Alpamanta "Natal" Malbec 2015, Mendoza 86965 Bodeaga Aleanna "Gran Enemigo" Cabernet Franc 2010, Gualtallary, Mendoza 332
"The 2010 Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard is mainly Cabernet Franc with Malbec from granite and calcareous soils. It is produced with the crazy Vigilmethod of seven different harvests to achieve different levels of ripeness and different character from small plots that he believes increases the complexity of the wine. Its nose of thyme and chalk is completely austere. It has citric, sharp, chunky, delineated palate with laser-like definition that makes you salivate. I'm sure this wine isgoing to age for a very long time and provide drinking pleasure throughout its life. This seems to have the depth and austerity of Chateau Lafleur and the acidity ofancient vintage Madeira. A tour de force terroir wine. Only 2,800 bottles exist. At this quality level this is a real bargain. Drink 2015-2025."-LG 97 Pts - WA
712 Bodega Chacra "Cincuenta y Cinco" Pinot Noir 2013, Patagonia 257"They went for a slightly more reductive style in 2013, which shows as austere and backward in the 2013 Cincuenta y Cinco. That, combined with a cooler growingseason resulted in a very elegant, subtle wine that is light-colored and has floral (roses, lilies) notes alongside wild strawberries and raspberries. It feels light but hasvery good concentration of flavors and enough clout, while keeping the poise. The tannins feel very refined, there is good freshness and acidity. It should have a verynice evolution in bottle. This would be the proverbial iron fist in a velvet glove. Bravo! 16,000 bottles."-LG 94 Pts - WA
783 Bodegas Chacra "Cincuenta y Cinco" Pinot Noir 2015, Alta Valle della Rio Negro, Patagonia 93 pts - jamessuckling.com 221954 Bodegas Chacra "Treinta y Dos" Pinot Noir 2013, Alta Valle della Rio Negro, Patagonia 410
"The 2013 Treinta y Dos was the first vintage when there was no new oak whatsoever in the aging of the wine. Limpid, bright ruby-colored and showing a very subtlenose, this elegant and young wine is starting to show signs of complexity. There are nuances (wild herbs, fennel) that I didn't see in other vintages. There is tensionand a fine thread of acidity, filigree, poise and great length. It has gobsmacking balance and great length. While it looks light, there is tremendous inner power, in theway of a powerful ballet dancer rather than a bodybuilder. Complete and long, this should age superbly in bottle, but it's hard to resist now. World-Class Pinot Noirfrom Patagonia. Super! 5,855 bottles produced."-LG 96 Pts - WA
BTG Bodegas del Rio Elorza "Verum" Malbec 2016, Alta Valle del Rio Negro, Patagonia 75884 Bodegas del Rio Elorza "Verum" Malbec Reserva 2013, Alta Valle del Rio Negro, Patagonia 97775 Bodegas del Rio Elorza "Verum" Cabernet-Franc Reserva 2013, Alta Valle del Rio Negro, Patagonia 97319 Nicolas Catena Zapata 2011, Mendoza 316
"Complex aromas of dark berry, shaved chocolate and minerals. Full-bodied, bright and fruity with a beautiful balance and length. It's so polished and gorgeous. Ablend of 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% malbec."-JS 95 Pts - jamessuckling.com
999 Salentein "La Pampa Estate" Malbec 2014, Valle de Uco, Mendoza 177753 Sottano "Reserva" Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza 111893 Viña Cobos "Bramare" Malbec 2014, Uco Valley, Mendoza 144874 Viña Cobos "Cocodrilo" Cabernet Blend 2015, Uco Valley, Mendoza 118
South Africa 512 Rust en Vrede "Estate" Cabernet Blend 2014, Stellenbosch 193
New Zealand 912 Burn Cottage "Moonlight Race" Pinot Noir 2014, Central Otago CO 209BTG Opawa Pinot Noir 2016, Marlborough CO 80774 Rippon "Mature Vine" Pinot Noir 2011, Lake Wanaka, Cenral Otago CO 189
Australia 752 Brash Higgins "Co-Ferment" Grenache/Mataro 2015, McLaren Valee GI, South Australia 125911 Brokenwood "Wade Block 2" Shiraz 2013, McLaren Vale GI, South Australia 187
"From the vineyard in Blewitt Springs, matured for 20 months in French oak. It's a strange day when a wine with this intensity of flavour and structure says drinkme before my Hunter Valley brethren, although it's a tight call. Savoury, earthy blackberry fruit has a substrate of licorice and 70% cacao chocolate. Drink By:2038.."JH 95 Pts - winecompanion.com.au
103 Clarendon Hills "Astralis" Shiraz 2009, McLaren Vale GI, South Australia 1010"Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2009 Astralis presents a very fruity, floral nose with lifted notes of blueberries. The palate is concentrated with a slight prunecharacter and has very crisp acidity. At this stage the phenolics are showing a little chewy before finishing long. Drink it now to 2027+."LPB 97 Pts - WA
971 Clarendon Hills "Liandra" Shiraz 2013, McLaren Vale GI, South Australia 221913 Dalrymple "Pipers River" Pinot Noir 2015, Tasmania GI 144328 Henschke "Mount Edelstone" Shiraz 2012, Eden Valley GI, South Australia 589
"Medium to deep garnet- purple colored, the 2012 Shiraz Mount Edelstone Keyneton Vineyard has aromas of crushed blackberries, mulberries and red and blackplums with nuances of smoked bacon, fertile loam and cracked black pepper. Medium to full-bodied, it of- fers beautiful grace, elegance and inten- sity on the palatewith silky fine tannins and lively acidity, finishing with great length. ."-LPB 97 Pts - WA
960 Jamsheed "Harem Pepé le Pinot" Pinot Noir 2015, Yarra Valley GI, South Australia 118116 Jim Barry "The Armagh" Shiraz 2008, Clare Valley GI, South Australia 655
"Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2008 The Armagh Shiraz opens with intense notes of kirsch, warm black cherry, black raspberry and mulberry with overtones ofpepper and spice and a bit of truffles and mocha. Slightly prune-like on the very full-bodied palate, it is rich with lively acid and firm, velvety tannins. It finishes longand spicy. Drink it now to 2028+."-LPB 94 Pts - WA
715 Langmeil "Fifth Wave" Grenache 2015, Barossa Valley GI 161942 Noon Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2016, Langhorne Creek GI, South Australia 241794 Noon Winery "Eclipse" Grenache 2016, Langhorne Creek GI, South Australia 241101 Penfolds "Grange" Shiraz 2009, South Australia GI 1669
"At this youthful stage, this deep garnet-purple colored wine puts forward a vivid expression of blackberry preserve aromas amid underlying cassis, black cherry, spicebox, char-grilled meat and chocolate box notes. Surprisingly medium to full-bodied (it smells much fuller!) with taut flavors that are very closed in the mouth, it hasfirm, chewy tannins to structure through the long and earthy finish. 406 cases imported to the US. Drink it 2018 to 2035+."-LPB 97 Pts - WA
102 Penfolds "Grange" Shiraz 2010, South Australia GI 1648"Very deep purple-black in color, this is classic Grange - amongst the finest produced - replete with fresh, vibrant and youthful black fruit notes showing someblueberry aromas and accents of camphor, anise and the slightest floral hint plus a whiff of oak in the background to lend a cedar-laced lift to this textbook Shiraz nose.Medium to full-bodied in the mouth, it is very taut and finely constructed showing typically firm, grainy, uniform tannins, great concentration and wonderfulpersistence on the finish."-LPB 99 Pts - WA
305 Penfolds "Grange" Shiraz 2012, South Australia GI 1626" As usual, this Grange contains a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon, just 2%. Very deep purple-black in color, it opens on the nose with complex earthy/meaty/savorynotes, soon giving way to baked blackberries, plum preserves, hoisin and Chinese five spice with dabs of sandalwood, licorice, menthol and vanilla. The palate reveals asurprisingly open, rich, full-bodied expression exuding a powerhouse of velvet-lined decadence. Still, it characteristically possesses that rock-solid “Grange” backboneof firm tannins and great freshness expressed in a real lively lift to the finish. And the finish is epically long. That said, this is unquestionably a stonking greatGrange!"-LPB 99 Pts - WA
BTG Penley Estate "Phoenix" Cabernet Sauvignon 2015, Coonawarra GI, South Australia 80703 Shobbrook Wines Syrah 2013, Seppeltsfield, South Australia 241308 Two Hands "Bella's Garden" Shiraz 2015, Barossa Valley GI, South Australia 193
"Dark and dense, with blackberry- and licorice-scented plum flavors, accented by details of espresso, cacao, sage and clay. A distinctive juicy thread runs through thecore. Firm finish. Drink now through 2030"-MW 93 Pts - WS
BTG Yalumba "Bush Vine" Grenache 2015, Barossa Valley GI, South Australia 80
BTG Château Les Arrowmans 2015, AOC Bordeaux 81BTG Château La Mothe du Barry 2015, AOC Bordeaux Supérieur 85
Left Bank Bordeaux 924 Château d'Armailhac 2000, AOC Pauillac 5ème Cru Classé 635"This continues to be one of the most seductive and luscious d'Armailhacs I have ever tasted. It may be my favorite vintage of d'Armailhac. Opaque purple-colored,this blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon and 42% Merlot has surprisingly good acidity with the high Merlot content and high tannin, but an expressive, opulent mid-texture and loads of charcoal-infused, cedary, black currant fruit intermixed with spice box, dried herbs, and espresso notes. The wine is full-bodied, sweet, andexpansive. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020."-RPJ 91 Pts - WA
504 Château Arnauld 2012, AOC Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois 170765 Château Calon-Ségur 1995, AOC Saint-Estephe 2ème Cru Classé 785620 Château Cos d'Estournel 2003, AOC Saint-Estephe 2ème Cru Classé 1177
"Two terrific efforts from this vintage, the 2003 Cos d’Estournel (70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) remains one ofthe superstars of the vintage. It offers an opaque ruby/purple hue as well as notes of incense, camphor, licorice, creme de cassis and graphite. Full-bodied, opulent,incredibly fresh and well-delineated, it can be consumed now and over the next decade. Kudos to the team at Cos d’Estournel.."-RPJ 97 Pts - WA
606 Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2000, AOC Pauillac 5ème Cru Classé 722"Bright medium ruby-red. Exotic black fruits and spices on the nose, with notes of chocolate, smoke and game; showing its 29% merlot component today. Rich, broadand chocolatey; sweet, creamy and superripe. A big, mouthfilling vintage for this chateau, combining a classic Pauillac medicinal character with the chocolateyripeness of the vintage. Thick but nicely delineated, finishing with very broad, sweet tannins and excellent length."-ST 92 Pts - Vinous
965 Château Gruaud-Larose "Sarget de Gruaud-Larose 2000, AOC Saint-Juliern 247851 Château Haut-Maurac 2011, AOC Médoc Cru Bourgeois 126764 Château d'Issan 2012, AOC Margaux 3ème Cru Classé 395
"The 2012 Château d’Issan, builds on the richness of the second wine and adds more body, structure and density. It has an inky purple color and a stunning nose ofspring flowers, blueberry and blackberry fruit as well as touches of incense and graphite. Medium to full-bodied and stunningly concentrated, this 2012 is a greatsuccess in the vintage, one of the superstars. Moreover, its precociousness suggests it could be drunk in the next 4-5 years or cellared through 2025. I underrated thiswine dramatically in my report of April, 2013 (Issue 206)"-RPJ 95 Pts - WA
963 Château Larose-Perganson 2008, AOC Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois 105792 Château Larose-Trintaudon 2011, AOC Haut-Médoc Cru Bourgeois 94105 Château Léoville-Las-Cases 2000, AOC Saint-Julien 2ème Cru Classé 2836
"Absolutely fantastic. This is one of the most exciting young reds I have tasted in a long, long time. It shows intense aromas of berries, currants and minerals, withhints of mint. Full-bodied and packed with fruit and tannins, its long finish is refined and silky. A benchmark for the vintage. Las Cases has always wanted to makefirst-growth quality in a top-notch vintage, and it certainly did in 2000. Best after 2012. 15,000 cases made."-JS 100 Pts - WS
Left Bank Bordeaux 728 Château Léoville-Las-Cases "Clos du Marquis" 2000, AOC Saint-Julien 642"One of the great sleepers of the vintage and probably the best Clos de Marquis I have ever tasted, this wine could easily compete with many of the vintage's classifiedgrowths. Dense, opaque purple-colored, with creme de cassis, vanilla, and cherry notes, medium to full body, an unctuous texture, low acidity, and a more evolvedstyle than its bigger sibling, Leoville Las Cases, this dense, chewy, remarkably concentrated and stylish wine should be at its best between 2005 and 2018."-RPJ91 Pts - WA
421 Château Léoville-Las-Cases "Clos du Marquis" 2003, AOC Saint-Julien 482"In 2003, this was the second wine of Leoville Las Cases as opposed to a separate entity. A brilliant effort, it was harvested between September 11 and 26, and boasts13.3% natural alcohol. The final blend was 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot. Its deep garnet/ruby/plum color is followed by notes ofbay leaf, black currants, licorice and lead pencil shavings. The wine is deep, full-bodied, rich and fully mature, but its length, richness, freshness and complete feelsuggest it will continue to drink well for 7-8 years. It’s a beauty.."-RPJ 91 Pts - WA
416 Château Léoville Poyferré 1995, AOC Saint-Julien 2ème Cru Classé 759"Deep ruby-red. Bright, enticing aromas of redcurrant, minerals and tobacco; not quite as ripe as the '96. Lovely sweetness and clarity of flavor in the mouth. Moresupple than the '96, and likely to be approachable much earlier. Finishes with substantial, tongue-coating tannins.."-ST 90 Pts - vinousmedia.com
110 Château Léoville Poyferré 2000, AOC Saint-Julien 2ème Cru Classé 1177"The plushest, most ostentatious anddramatic of all the Leovilles in 2000, this wine is already sumptuous, displaying some nuances in its huge nose of vanilla bean,black chocolate, jammy black cherries, cassis, and graphite in a flamboyant style. Opulent, savory, rich, and full-bodied, it is a head-turning, prodigious wine and acomplete contrast to the extracted behemoth of Leoville Barton and the backward, classic Leoville Las Cases. The Poyferre’s low acidity, sweet tannin and an alreadygorgeous mouthfeel make it a wine to drink now as well as over the next 25 or more years."-RPJ 97 Pts - WA
982 Château Léoville Poyferré 2001, AOC Saint-Julien 2ème Cru Classé 722"Sweet notions of plums, black currants, caramel, and spicy oak are provocative and alluring. Subtle but substantial, layered, and textured, with medium body as wellas sexy, up-front flavors, low acidity, and ripe tannin, this beauty is among the most evolved and flamboyant of the appellation."-RPJ 90 Pts - WA
326 Château Léoville Poyferré 2003, AOC Saint-Julien 2ème Cru Classé 1095"The spectacular 2003 Leoville Poyferre exhibits a dense purple color with a touch of lightening at the edge as well as notes of creosote, barbecue smoke, jammy blackcurrants, licorice and spice box. This intense, voluptuously textured, full-bodied St.-Julien possesses low acidity and ripe tannin. Still fresh and exuberant, it is justentering its plateau of full maturity where it should remain for 10-15+ years."-RPJ 96 Pts - WA
620 Château Léoville Poyferré 2005, AOC Saint-Julien 2ème Cru Classé 875"Lots of sexy, exotic aromas to this wine in addition to flamboyant floral undertones. It's full-bodied with a cold tannic texture and flavor that gives the wine a verygraphite-like undertone. Drinkable now but better in 2018."-JS 94 Pts - jamessuckling.com
310 Château Lynch-Bages 1989, AOC Pauillac 5ème Cru Classé 1712"The 1989 has taken forever to shed its formidable tannins, but what a great vintage of Lynch Bages! I would rank it at the top of the pyramid although the 1990,2000, and down the road, some of the more recent vintages such as 2005, 2009 and 2010 should come close to matching the 1989's extraordinary concentration andundeniable aging potential. Its dense purple color reveals a slight lightening at the edge and the stunning bouquet offers classic notes of creme de cassis, subtle smoke,oak and graphite. Powerful and rich with some tannins still to shed at age 22, it is still a young adolescent in terms of its evolution and will benefit from another 4-5years of cellaring. It should prove to be a 50 year wine."-RPJ 99+ Pts - WA
601 Château Lynch-Bages 1996, AOC Pauillac 5ème Cru Classé 1198743 Château Malarctic-Lagraviére 2012, AOC Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru Classé 257
"This large estate of 131 acres has been run brilliantly by a Belgian family, the Bonnies since their acquisition a number of years ago. The quality of the white and redhave soared to exceptional heights, and this is certainly still one of the more realistically priced wines of Pessac-Lèognan and classified crus. The 2012 is a beauty, witha dense ruby/purple color, a fabulously plush, opulent texture and medium to full-bodied flavors of cassis, spicy earth and blueberry. Quite rich, yet light on its feet,this is an absolutely textbook Pessac-Lèognan, with wonderfully velvety tannins. Drink it now, or drink it in 25 years. This is a brilliant wine."-RPJ 94 Pts - WA
Left Bank Bordeaux 966 Château Margaux 2005, AOC Margaux 1er Cru Classé 4066"Black in color, delivering extraordinary aromas of blackberry, raisin, spices and fresh mushroom. Full-bodied, with an amazing core of ripe fruit, yet ultrabalancedand finely textured. Touches every taste bud. This incredible young red spent two years in new wood, but you can�t tell. It's all glorious fruit. A legendary wine.Best after 2017."–JS 100 Pts - WS
414 Château La Mission Haut-Brion 1995, AOC Pessac-Leognan Grand Cru Classé 1404"This vintage is aging at a glacial pace and the tannins are currently more significant than their counterbalancing components of fruit and glycerin. While the word"potential" seems to be the most positive descriptor for this vintage, there are some nagging doubts about whether all the tannins will melt away and the fruit willhold. As in most 1995s, the color remains a healthy dark plum/purple. One of the bigger wines of the vintage, the ripe, powerful Merlot component has buttressed theCabernet elements, giving the wine plenty of body, tannin and La Mission's classic asphalt, cassis, blackberry, smoky barbecue, meaty notes intermixed with a hint ofhot rocks. The 1995 is still a young wine and I am beginning to wonder if this vintage overall will resemble 1975 rather than something with more charm? Anticipated maturity: 2020-2035?"–JS 100 Pts - WS
836 Château Pontet Canet 2005, AOC Pauillac 5ème Cru Classé 893"Tasted at the Pontet-Canet vertical in London, the 2005 Château Pontet-Canet has long been one of the stars of the vintage and this might well be the best of over adozen showings of this wine. However, do not expect ostentation on the nose. This is 2005 and like many wines of this vintage, even with considerable decanting, itremained broody and introspective on the nose, as if it is checking you out and seeing if you are worthy. Once you have been accepted, then it swings the doors open toreveal gorgeous scents of blackberry, briary and cassis fruit, perhaps a little more sous-bois than I have noticed compared to previous bottles. The palate is medium-bodied, but dense and structured—certainly a more masculine Pontet-Canet built for long-term ageing. Yet it retains marvelous freshness and vitality all the waythrough to the pencil-lead, quite saline finish. I suspect that the2009 Pontet-Canet is more approachable than the 2005, so heeding Robert Parker's sage advice, affordthis up to ten years in your cellar and then reap the rewards of patience. Tasted February 2016."-NM 97 Pts - WA
327 Château Sociando-Malet 1990, AOC Haut-Medoc 445103 Château Sociando-Malet 1994, AOC Haut-Medoc 391432 Château Sociando-Malet 1995, AOC Haut-Medoc 380111 Château Smith-Haut-Lafite 2009, AOC Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru Classé 1260
"The finest wine ever made by proprietors Daniel and Florence Cathiard, the 2009 Smith-Haut-Lafitte exhibits an opaque blue/purple color in addition to a gloriousnose of acacia flowers, licorice, charcoal, blueberries, black raspberries, lead pencil shavings and incense. This massive, extraordinarily rich, unctuously textured winemay be the most concentrated effort produced to date, although the 2000, 2005 and 2010 are nearly as prodigious. A gorgeous expression of Pessac-Leognan with sweet tannin, emerging charm and delicacy, and considerable power, depth, richness and authority, it should age effortlessly for 30-40+ years. Bravo!"-RPJ 100 Pts - WA
404 Château Talbot 2010, AOC St. Julien 4ène Cru Classé 380"There's a real purity of fruit here with currant and blueberry aromas coming out in the glass. Full body, with fine tannins and a fresh and clean acidity. Very polished tannins. It's all about balance and drinkability here. Try in 2018."-JS 94 Pts - jamessuckling.com, 94 Pts - WA
974 Château du Tertre 2005, AOC Margaux 5ène Cru Classé 520723 Château du Tertre 2009, AOC Margaux 5ène Cru Classé 357
"A seductive, opulent, textured Margaux with notes of licorice, black fruits, asphalt, pen ink and truffle, this is one of the finest du Tertres ever made. It has ahedonistic quality to it, but at the same time, there is great class, precision and freshness to this full-bodied, concentrated, but very supple-textured wine. Drink it overthe next 20+ years."-RPJ 92 Pts - WA
Right Bank Bordeaux 414 Château Ausone 2013, AOC Saint-Èmilion Premier Grand Cru Classé A 1703" The haunting aromas of wet rocks, spring flowers, blue and black fruits and forest floor are followed by an incredibly dense, attractive wine with sweet tannin,stunning concentration and texture, medium body and a depth that is essentially unreal in a vintage such as this. The wine is a superb example of great winemakingunder the most difficult circumstances. Unlike more recent Ausones, this should be reasonably drinkable in 5-6 years and yet be capable of lasting 25-30. "-RPJ93-95 Pts - WA
405 Château Beauregard 2010, AOC Pomerol 316604 Château Cheval Blanc 2011, AOC Saint-Èmilion Premier Grand Cru Classé A 2074
"Beautiful aromas of plums, soy, black currants, black raspberries, espresso, and spring flowers jump from the glass of this perfumed, dense plum/ruby/purple-tingedPomerol. Medium to full-bodied and pure with sweet tannin and impressive extract. Drink 2012-1032"-RPJ 93 Pts - WA
414 Château Clinet 2000, AOC Pomerol 776"Beautiful aromas of plums, soy, black currants, black raspberries, espresso, and spring flowers jump from the glass of this perfumed, dense plum/ruby/purple-tingedPomerol. Medium to full-bodied and pure with sweet tannin and impressive extract. Drink 2012-1032"-RPJ 93 Pts - WA
793 Château Clinet "Fleur de Clinet" 2012, AOC Pomerol 209751 Château Clos de Sarpe 1995, AOC Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 170983 Château Haut-Segottes 2011, AOC Saint-Èmilion Grand Cru 128765 Château Jean Faure 2012, AOC Saint-Èmilion Grand Cru 270501 Château le Manoir "Cuvée les Graves" 2014, AOC Lalande-de-Pomerol 111924 Château Moulin Pey-Labrie 2009, AOC Canon Fronsac 157714 Château Pipeau 2012, AOC Saint-Èmilion Grand Cru 121
"This property has been on the qualitative high road for a number of years, and the 2012 continues that path. Deep ruby/purple, with wonderfully sweet, earthy, blackcherry and blackcurrant fruit jumping from the glass, it is broad, opulent, beautifully textured and juicy. This is a sexy, lush, heady Pomerol to drink now and over the next 15 or more years. Full, long and impressive, there is no reason to defer your gratification with this beauty."-RPJ 92 Pts - WA
751 Château Puygueraud 2015, AOC Francs - Côtes de Bordeaux 95"The leading player in the appellation. A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc with 5% Malbec. Lovely aromatic expression – blueberry and dark fruit notes. Sweetfruited palate with a touch of oak present. Fine, rounded tannins and a firm, chalky finish. Fine ageing potential."-JL 90 Pts - Decanter Magazine
850 Château Rouget 2012, AOC Pomerol 257"This property has been on the qualitative high road for a number of years, and the 2012 continues that path. Deep ruby/purple, with wonderfully sweet, earthy, blackcherry and blackcurrant fruit jumping from the glass, it is broad, opulent, beautifully textured and juicy. This is a sexy, lush, heady Pomerol to drink now and over the next 15 or more years. Full, long and impressive, there is no reason to defer your gratification with this beauty."-RPJ 92 Pts - WA
980 Château Teyssier 2014, AOC Saint-Èmilion Grand Cru 157953 Château Siaurac 2010, AOC Lalande-de-Pomerol 131
"Dark polished fruit with coffee and sweet licorice. Nice sweetness on the palate with full body and an enjoyable licorice note that carries on all the way through thelong finish. Soft tannins and good volume. Drinks well already now."-JS 91 Pts - jamessuckling.com
943 Domaine Virginie Thunevin 2015, AOC Bordeaux Lalande-de-Fronsace 87316 Le Dôme 2006, AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 94 Pts- WA 719
201 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2009, AOC Corton Grand Cru 1295"The 2009 Corton is a showstopper. The huge, boisterous bouquet is the first sign the Corton is just as dazzling from bottle as it was from barrel. Layers of fruitsaturate the palate as this flashy, exuberant wine continues to put on weight as it sits in the glass. This is a decidedly opulent Burgundy that pushes the boundaries ofwhat longtime DRC drinkers expect fromthe winery, but it is a gorgeous, striking wine in its own way. The 2009 is a great first vintage for the Corton. Anticipatedmaturity: 2019-2039"-AG 95 Pts - WA
204 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2010, AOC Corton Grand Cru 1295"A brooding nose of leather and cherry leads off, giving way to red fruit, wild strawberry and spicy white pepper flavors. Overall, this is rich and smoky, with firm,full tannins."-BS 94 Pts - WS
114 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2013, AOC Corton Grand Cru 1295"Good deep red. Ethereal aromas of red berries, minerals and spicy oak. Juicy, spicy and penetrating, conveying a light touch and excellent energy to the flavors of redfruits, pepper, herbs and licorice. Finishes with firm, ripe tannins and a spicy perfume that leaves the mouth refreshed."-ST 92 Pts - vinousmedia.com
205 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2014, AOC Corton Grand Cru 1295"The 2014 Corton Grand Cru was picked on 16 September at 25 hectoliters per hectare. It has a beguiling bouquet with wonderful lift and transparency: morellocherry, crushed strawberry, a touch of orange blossom, aromas that are beautifully defined. The palate is well balanced with a little chalkiness on the entry. It isbrimming with quite feisty tart red fruit, a little spicier than previous vintages. The finish is elegant and refined, not as complex as I suspect the 2015 Corton willeventually become, yet there is wonderful harmony and mineralité in situ."-NM 91 Pts - WA
201 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2009, AOC Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 14980"The 2009 Romanee-Conti is surprisingly huge and even obvious in this vintage. That isn’t a problem, just an observation. Romanee-Conti can be an elusive,intensely cerebral wine, but not in 2009. Floral notes add lift on the vivid, kaleidoscopic finish. Today the Romanee-Conti is all about breathtaking exuberance andrichness. This is a breathtaking bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2029-2059."-AG 98+ Pts - WA, 99 Pts - WS
204 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2010, AOC Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 14980"A combination of power and finesse, featuring explosive aromas and a complex mélange of flowers, spice, mint, strawberry and wild cherry flavors. Displays asweetness not evident in the other DRC reds, with a silky texture and amazing harmony, all supported by refined tannins."-BS 99 Pts - WS, 97-99 Pts - WA
216 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2011, AOC Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 14980" As usual, the Romanee-Conti is reticent at first, as if the wine is checking you out before deciding whether you are worthy. It then unfurls to reveal a precise,exquisitely focused bouquet with crushed strawberry, flint and smoke. The palate is devastatingly smooth on the entry. The tannins are lace-like, the acidity perfectlyjudged and it gently crescendos in the mouth towards a seductive poised finish that lingers incredibly long. This is a master-class in ‘less being more’: a consummateRomanee-Conti for mid- rather than long-term cellaring. 473 cases produced. Drink 2017-2035+"-NM 96 Pts - WA
112 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2013, AOC Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 14980" The 2013 Romanée-Conti Grand Cru was picked in theafternoon of October 8 at a yield of 17.5 hectoliters per hectare. I remember this was taciturn in barrel vis-à-vis the La Tâche, which is commonly the case, however here it sprints from the blocks thanks to a life-affirming bouquet of red plum, wild strawberry, cold wetlimestone and black truffle that segues into something almost girolles-like, even smoky. Like the 2013 La Tâche, it is very mercurial in the glass and to that end, Istretched my sample out for 10-15 minutes. The palate is medium-bodied and very harmonious on the entry. Filigree tannin frame this wine, perfect acidity lendingfreshness and tension, here a gradual build towards a delineated, almost edgy finish. It brought to the forefront of my mind an actor about to utter the first line of aplay. Give it several years in bottle before you start throwing bouquets onto the stage, for the performance will be worth the wait. Production is 312 cases. TastedFebruary 2016."-NM 97 Pts - WA, 97+ Pts - ST
213 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2014, AOC Romanée-Conti Grand Cru 14980" The 2014 Romanée-Conti Grand Cru was picked on 19 September, cropped at 32.6 hectoliters per hectare and bottled on 25 and 26 April 2016. I remember tastingthis from barrel, thinking how taciturn it was, before coaxing out those subtle tertiary aromas. Here it remains bashful once more, however, it soon begins to open anddeliver the ethereal, mineral-infused red fruit. It is almost conservative compared to the more multi-faceted 2014 La Tâche. This is precise and detailed, not inclined todeliver aromatic "thrills" at such an early juncture. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, perfectly judged acidity, perhaps fuller in the mouth than the2013 Romanée-Conti, with volume and grip towards the finish. Paradoxically, it is also a discrete wine, quite linear and maybe without the sustained persistence thatelevates the La Tâche. You could sum up this Romanée-Conti in three words: precision, precision, precision. A total of 657 cases were produced, which is much abovethe average of 450, but do not expect the normal economic rules of supply and demand to apply."-NM 97 Pts - WA
Domaine de la Romanée Conti203 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2010, AOC La Tâche Grand Cru 4799
"There's a unique dark, brooding side to this red. Black cherry, licorice, sandalwood, tobacco and woodsy spice notes mingle with dense tannins on the powerful frame,leading to a superb aftertaste of sweet fruit, spice and mineral"-BS 98 Pts - WS
216 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2011, AOC La Tâche Grand Cru 4799"The La Tache 2011 has a wonderful bouquet that is quintessential La Tache: very complete and harmonious, beautifully delineated, succinct at first then withaeration, blossoming with brambly red berries, apple blossom, minerals and a touch of sous-bois. The palate is medium-bodied with immense purity and delicacy on the entry. This La Tache is extremely focused, velvety smooth in the mouth and although not as complex as the 2010, it has a beguiling femininity that will seduce at tenpaces. It is extremely long in the mouth but politely does not outstay its welcome. Divine. 1,514 cases produced. Drink 2017-2040."-NM 95 Pts - WA
202 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2012, AOC La Tâche Grand Cru 4799"The 2012 La Tâche was picked September 25 and 27 at 21 hectoliters per hectare. It is blessed with one of those aromatic profiles that stops you in your tracks, insome ways stops time itself. There is an intensity and drive here, a mixture of red and black fruit, autumn leaves and wet limestone and later, roof tiles on a hot Julyafternoon. The palate is medium-bodied and nigh perfectly balanced. The tannins are filigree, the fruit extremely pure with an intense mineralité on the finish. There isan effortless quality about this La Tâche and yet is just clams up on the finish, does not quite deliver that knockout blow that so many other vintages have given.Perhaps it is saving it for later? Readers should note that there is just 1,113 cases produced rather than the usual 1,870."-NM 97 Pts - WA
112 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2013, AOC La Tâche Grand Cru 4799"The 2013 La Tâche Grand Cru was picked from the afternoon of October 7 and over the next two days at 18 hectoliters per hectare. It has a heavenly nose withexquisite mineral-rich red cherry, wild strawberry, blood orange and subtle woodland, damp autumn leaf and moss aromas that are extraordinarily complex. It seemsto gain vigor and intensity with each swirl of the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannin, a slightly suppler La Tâche compared to recent years, awine with an athleticism. There is nothing wasted or superfluous here, a honed La Tâche that is all about tensile structure matched by perfect acidity and an incrediblycomplex, kaleidoscopic finish that seems so mercurial in the glass, initially offering red fruit then changing its mind and revealing darker and more tertiary notes. In aword: awesome. Production is 1,023 cases. Tasted February 2016."-NM 97 Pts WA
213 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2014, AOC La Tâche Grand Cru 4799"The 2014 La Tâche Grand Cru was picked on 17, 18 and 20 September at 32 hectoliters per hectare, bottled between 1 and 25 April 2016. It has a quite startlingbouquet: dark berry fruit, bay leaf, hints of jasmine tea and autumn leaves. It delivers multi-faceted aromatics, a mercurial bouquet, brown spices emerging withcontinued aeration in the glass. It is a tad more forward than I expected. The palate is medium-bodied with great structure and fine grip. This is a slightly moremasculine La Tâche and replicating its performance inbarrel, the fruit spectrum shimmies from red to black (incidentally, exactly as I observed when I tasted it inbarrel). There is a lovely lift on the finish that leaves you with a piquant kiss on the cheek. This is wonderful. 1,929 cases produced."-NM 97 Pts WA
204 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2010, AOC Richebourg Grand Cru 3178The 2010 Richebourg is a kaleidoscope of black fruit, graphite, mint, violets and spices. It is a towering, statuesque wine that completely saturates the palate in alldirections, seemingly at the same time. The 2010 stands out for its beguiling, totally exquisite aromatics. The trademark Richebourg structure is present, but thisseems to be a vintage where finesse takes precedence over sheer power."-AG 94-96 Pts - WA
216 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2011, AOC Richebourg Grand Cru 3178"It has a very pure bouquet, a mixture of blackberry, raspberry leaf, freshly tilled meadow and a touch of cold stone. It is not a powerful bouquet, but delineated andvery focused. The palate is not dissimilar to the Grands Echezeaux on the entry: linear and poised with crisp brambly red fruit. But it swerves another way mid-through, developing a wonderful candied core of strawberry and Morello and a caressing finish sending ripples of pleasure across the senses. In many ways it is a self-effacing Richebourg with charm and candour, but I Richebourg that I suspect may be deceptively long lived. The Richebourg 2011 is a fair prince rather than a grandking. 931 cases produced. Drink 2018-2035."-NM 94 Pts - WA
215 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2014, AOC Richebourg Grand Cru 3178"This has a gorgeous, flamboyant, vivacious bouquet with blossoming red cherries, crushed strawberry, less undergrowth scents compared to the showing in barrel,replaced by pressed rose petal notes. There is wonderful delineation and exuberance here. The palate is medium-bodied with a lively, spicy, white pepper-tinged entry,just a faint hint of black truffle tincturing the dark berry fruit. There is superb backbone and density here, a Richebourg delivering on its promise from barrel, plus itcomes armed with an extraordinarily long aftertaste that evokes marine-like images, something wild and estuarine. While not as flattering as the Romanée-Saint-Vivant at the moment, just wait ten years. ."-NM 96 Pts - WA
Domaine de la Romanée Conti201 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2009, AOC Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru 4034
"The 2009 Romanee St.Vivant is wonderfully complete. The combination of power and elegance is breathtaking as layers of fruit flow across the palate in stunningstyle. Hard candy, flowers, mint and dark red berries build to the dramatic, explosive finish. In 2009 the Romanee St. Vivant is a wine of considerable volume andtextural depth, but it will require a good many years for those qualities to come through fully. Anticipated maturity: 2024-2049."-AG 97 Pts - WA
204 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2010, AOC Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru 4034"Offers glorious aromas of rose, currant, strawberry, cherry and spice. Though filigreed and silky, this has a very solid, even strict, underpinning of acidity andtannins. This sings, and will become a superb bottle in time. Best from 2018 through 2040."–BS 97 Pts - WS
210 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2011, AOC Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru 4034"Now this has a very interesting bouquet, quite distinct from the Richebourg and the Grands Echezeaux. It is much more exuberant and lifted, very perfumed withfresh strawberry, red cherries, dried rose petals and a touch of quince. This is so lively and vivacious, as if it borrowed some of the succulence from the 2009 vintage.The palate is quite precocious on the entry, the mouth instantaneously tingling with glee. There is a beautiful crescendo before fanning out towards its silky caressingfinish. There is something playful and joyous about this Romanee-Saint-Vivant, carefree and alluring, a wine to be enjoyed as much as respected. 1,164 cases produced. Drink 2016-2035."-NM 94 Pts- WA
202 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2012, AOC Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru 4034"The 2012 Romanée St Vivant, incidentally served before Richebourg rather than afterwards unlike previous years, was picked on September 28 and 29 at 24hectoliters per hectare. There is a wondrous, ethereal purity to this 2012, a little more sumptuous than I recall it from barrel, with kirsch and freshly pickedstrawberries. As it opens, it gains more and more sensuality. The palate is rounded, almost curvaceous in the mouth, clearly more concentrated than the 2011 with asense of authority and purpose, a bit of daring-do on the long finish. It leaves a slightly ferrous residue on the aftertaste, completing what is a marvelous and sensualGrand Cru. 1,148 cases produced."-NM 96 Pts - WA
113 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2013, AOC Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru 4034"The 2013 Romanée St.-Vivant shows off all the signatures of this site, with soaring aromatics, bright, chiseled red-toned fruit and an understated expression ofintensity that is all about finesse. A model of precision and nuance, the RSV is one of my early favorites in the range. Clean, saline notes add to a feeling of refreshingvitality."-AG 94-97 Pts - vinousmedia.com
205 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2014, AOC Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru 4034"The 2014 Romanée-Saint-Vivant Grand Cru was picked on 21, 22 and 23 September cropped at 31.6 hectoliters per hectare. Now this has a distinctly earthy bouquet, one that leads you into the dark woods. Yes, there is plenty of vivacious red berry fruit, here augmented with something autumnal, brown leaves on an Octobermorning, moss and tree bark. Then with continued aeration, these shift away and are replaced by pure floral aromas. The palate is very precise on the entry with atouch of orange rind and mandarin complementing the crushed strawberry and raspberry fruit; there is a touch of spiciness towards the finish that exerts a gentle, yetinsistent grip à la Richebourg. The persistence here is very impressive and it just seems to blossom in the glass until you have utterly succumbed to its charms. 1,756cases produced. Tasted February 2017."-NM 95 Pts - WA
203 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2010, AOC Echezeaux Grand Cru 1594"The 2010 surprises for its size and sheer volume. It boasts phenomenal depth and richness in its intense dark red fruit. The sheer energy and vibrancy of the fruit isremarkable. A huge, explosive finish makes it impossible to resist a second taste. This is a great showing from the Echezeaux, even if the 2010 is notably bigger than istypical for this bottling. The Echezeaux was the last fruit to be picked in 2010."-AG 93-95 Pts - WA
216 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2011, AOC Echezeaux Grand Cru 1594"The Echezeaux Grand Cru has a delicate, quite feminine bouquet with scents of fresh strawberry, undergrowth and just a hint of dry tobacco. It opens nicely withaeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly brusque entry. The tannins are quite pointed here, creating a more angular Echezeaux compared to the 2011,whilst it needs to develop just a little more flesh and weight towards the back end that feels a little brittle and attenuated at the moment. Still, there is a fine saline,almost nori seaweed tang on the aftertaste – a nice twist in the tail. 1,030 cases produced. Drink now-2027"-NM 90 Pts - WA
Domaine de la Romanée Conti112 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2013, AOC Echezeaux Grand Cru 1594
"The 2013 Echézeaux Grand Cru was picked on October 12 and the following day (in the afternoon, if you want specifics!). Cropped at 15.5 hectoliters per hectare, thelowest of all the domaine's 2013s, it has a fragrant Morello cherry, crushed strawberry-scented bouquet that is precise and nicely focused, if lacking the horsepower of a more benevolent growing season. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp red cherry and strawberry fruit on the entry. Fresh and poised, I am impressed by the weightshown on themid-palate, so much so that you might be deceived into mistaking it for the Grands Echézeaux or even the Richebourg, albeit on a less scale. There is justa dash of spice towards the finish as it gently fans out and leaves you satisfied. "A quite ambitious Echézeaux in themaking," I remarked out of barrel. I would notalter that view now that this lovely Echézeaux is in bottle. Production is 715 cases. Tasted February 2016."-NM 92 Pts - WA
205 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2014, AOC Echezeaux Grand Cru 1594"The 2014 Echézeaux Grand Cru was picked on 24, 25 and 26 September at 27.8 hectoliters per hectare. It offers an expressive bouquet, more vivacious than the2012Echézeaux, with scents of black plum, raspberry preserve and subtle limestone aromas. It unfolds with confidence in the glass. The palate is surprisingly structured onthe entry, perhaps with ambitions towards its elder brother, the Grands Echézeaux. There is a gentle, slightly leafy quality to this Grand Cru, perhaps more masculineand reserved than other vintages tasted just after bottling. The aftertaste feels long with a cheeky pinch of black pepper. Probably one of the most approachable 2014sfrom the domaine, and just as likely to be drunk too young! 1,443 cases produced."-NM 92 Pts - WA
203 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2010, AOC Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru 2343"The 2010 Grands-Echezeaux is totally weightless and beautiful. Crushed flowers, mint and sweet tobacco waft from the glass. The Grands-Echezeaux shows offphenomenal inner perfume and sweetness in a deceptively understated style that is immensely appealing. A seriously long, intense finish rounds things out in style.The 2010 is notable for a level of finesse that isn’t always a signature of this wine."-AG 94-96 Pts - WA
210 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2011, AOC Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru 2343"There is certainly more intensity and fruitiness on the nose compared to the Echezeaux. The aromatics here feel fuller, rounder and more harmonious that its sibling.As the wine remains in the glass there are subtle cassis notes that begin to emerge accompanied by over-ripe oranges. The palate is well balanced and fresh on theentry, with slightly powdery tannins. It is very harmonious with well-judged acidity and compared to the Echezeaux there is more weight and corpulence tocounterbalance the strict structure. It gently builds, never losing its head mind you, towards a lightly spiced finish that fans out beautifully. This is a veryaccomplished rather than spectacular Grands Echezeaux. 923 cases produced. Drink 2017-2030"-NM 93 Pts - WA
202 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2012, AOC Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru 2343"The 2012 Grands Echézeaux was picked on September 22, 24 and 25, at 27 hectoliters per hectare. Compared to the Echézeaux the nose is more demure, perhaps morerefined, does not feel the urge to "put it all out" as it were. Reticent is the word - yet the precision and delineation is undeniable. The palate is medium-bodied withvery supple tannin, here a mixture of red and black fruit, a little broodier and more introspective than its "cousin" but with greater persistence in the mouth. Itunfurls on the finish: hints of dry tobacco and cedar, leaving you with the impression of a "masculine" Grands Echézeaux, one built for the long haul. 987 casesproduced."-NM 95 Pts - WA
113 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2013, AOC Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru 2343"Healthy dark red. An initial note of reduction dissipated to reveal sexy scents of raspberry, blueberry, smoky minerals and Oriental spices. Densely packed andvibrant, with concentrated berry fruit accented by pepper and spices from the stems. Firm tannins will support slow development in bottle. There's way more inner-mouth tension and éclat here than I found in the Echézeaux. An outstanding vintage for this bottling."-ST 94 Pts - vinousmedia.com
215 Domaine de la Romanée Conti 2014, AOC Grands Echezeaux Grand Cru 2343"The 2014 Grands Echézeaux Grand Cru was picked on 23 and 24 September at 32.5 hectoliters per hectare. Slightly deeper in color compared to the 2014 Echézeaux,it is undeniably a tangible step up in intensity and complexity, offering disarming raspberry, crushed strawberry, and crushed limestone that almost verges onflintiness. It has beguiling purity and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with a noticeably grippy entry. It has a strong saline seam, structured but not a denseGrands Echézeaux. It gently fans out on thefinish with pretty, mineral-soaked red fruit, although the aftertaste is not as prolonged as some of the greatest vintages Ihave tasted from this esteemed vineyard. Nevertheless, it remains a supremely gifted wine that will bestow two, possibly three decades of drinking pleasure. TastedFebruary 2017."-NM 94 Pts - WA
"Deep red. A bit disturbed and musky on the nose. Then sweet and creamy in the mouth; lower-pitched than the Taillepieds but with a suave, enveloping texture andsmooth tannins. Hard to taste now as it's not perfectly pure, but this is a wonderfully round and rich Volnay in the making." - 91-93 Pts - ST
405 Domaine Marquis d'Angerville "Fremiet" 2011, AOC Volnay 1er Cru 375614 Domaine Marquis d'Angerville "Fremiet" 2012, AOC Volnay 1er Cru 371211 Domaine de la Pousse d'Or "Clos d'Audignac" 2002, AOC Volnay 1er Cru 492209 Domaine de la Pousse d'Or "Clos d'Audignac" 2006, AOC Volnay 1er Cru 444201 Domaine de la Pousse d'Or "Clos d'Audignac" 2014, AOC Volnay 1er Cru 423217 Domaine de la Pousse d'Or "Clos de la Bousse d'Or" 2008, AOC Volnay 1er Cru 439
"The 2008 Volnay Clos de la Bousse d'Or is impeccable from start to finish. Elegant, refined aromatics weave into layers of fruit as this substantial Volnay shows offits class and purity. The finish is supple and delicate, with plenty of reserve. Anticipated maturity: 2023-2038."-AG 95 Pts - WA
325 Domaine de la Pousse d'Or "Clos de la Bousse d'Or" 2010, AOC Volnay 1er Cru 498"Bright, dark red. Very ripe, musky aromas of red berries, cherry, spices, mocha and underbrush. Sappy and supple, with harmonious acidity giving shape to theseamless red fruit flavors. Quite suave and rich but not at all thick or heavy. Finishes with very fine tannins and superb length and lift. Owner Patrick Landanger toldme that he has pulled out 40% of the old virused vines in this vineyard since the 2009 harvest, as they were yielding very little crop."-ST 93+ Pts - Vinous
813 Maison Roche de Bellene "Clos des Chênes" 2002, AOC Volnay 1er Cru 484773 Vincent Girardin "Les Vieilles Vignes" Volnay 2015, AOC Volnay 225
Pommard 761 Comte Armand "Clos des Epeneaux" 2009, AOC Pommard 1er Cru 487“This is also very fresh and bright with pure aromas of ripe red currant, warm earth, violets and subtle spice hints that are in keeping with the energetic, intense andadmirably rich full- bodied flavors that envelope the palate with velvety sap on thebeautifully balanced and impressively persistent finish. I very much like the sense ofunderlying tension because despite this being a big wine with plenty of concentration, the balance is impeccable and there is absolutely nothing ponderous about thiscomplete effort that is well-structured but not so much so that it is in the "buy and forget" category. In short, buy it.” -AM 92-95 Pts - Burghound
114 Comte Armand "Clos des Epeneaux" 2011, AOC Pommard 1er Cru 535“Not surprisingly, the nose is similar to that of the Pommard "1er" though it's more complex with a perfumed character to the distinctly earth-inflected red currant,blue berry and plum aromas. There is good power and plenty of punch to the broad-shouldered and muscular medium-bodied flavors that are shaped by relatively fine-grained tannins on the perfectly balanced and highly persistent finish. This is really very impressive and while it's not quite at the same level as the 2010 version, it'sa more than worthy successor.” -AM 92-94 Pts - Burghound
Vougeot 101 Domaine Méo-Camuzet 2013, AOC Clos de Vougeot 722
Chambolle-Musigny 706 Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé "Vieilles Vignes" 2011, AOC Chambolle-Musigny 535116 Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé "Vieilles Vignes" 2010, AOC Musigny Grand Cru 1659
"The 2010 Musigny Vieilles Vignes is incredibly long and silky on the palate. Saline notes add urgency and vibrancy to the expressive red fruit in this beautifullywoven, textured Musigny. Currently the Musigny appears to be revealing just a fraction of its potential. The sweet floral notes and super-refined red fruit that emergeover time are stunningly beautiful, though, and it is just a matter of time before the wine is fully formed. Today the 2010 is all about textural finesse, and there is noshortage of that in the glass. This is another stunningly beautiful wine from de Vogue. Anticipated maturity: 2025-2045. "-AG 94-97 Pts - WA
813 Domaine Lucien Jacob 2012, AOC Chambolle-Musigny 293734 Domaine Lucien Jacob 2013, AOC Chambolle-Musigny 282780 Maison Roche de Bellene "Vieilles Vignes" 2001, AOC Chambolle-Musigny 257
Morey-St-Denis 214 Domaine Bruno Clair 2008, AOC Bonnes Mares Grand Cru 693"The 2008 Bonnes Mares is dark, reticent and tightly wound. Still, with time in the glass, the tannins begin to soften just enough to get a glimpse of the wine’s fruit.This is a powerful Bonnes Mares, but there is more than enough quality and sheer pedigree to make me think the wine will develop fabulously over the coming years.The balance and sense of harmony are first-rate. Crushed rocks, red berries and sweet spices linger on the long, pointed finish. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038."-AG95 Pts - WA
"The 2014 Charmes Chambertin Grand Cru has an elegant red berry bouquet that could disarm you at a hundred paces. This has so much finesse and detail. Thepalate is taut and crisp, bright, almost lucid red cherry fruit laced with orange zest, leading to a very refined and sustained finish. This is a lovely wine -- sensual yetunderstated."-NM 93-95 Pts - WA
211 Domaine Armand Rousseau "Clos de la Roche" 2014, AOC Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 1049"The 2014 Clos de la Roche Grand Cru has a fragrant bouquet, coquettish at first, then opening with wet limestone, Morello and cassis scents; it is very defined andfocused though not powerful. The palate is silky smooth on the entry, beautifully poised with pure red cherries infused with orange sorbet and captivating mineralitéon the finish. This is one of the best Clos de la Roche that I have tasted from Rousseau in recent years. Drink Date: 2019-2040.-NM 94-96 Pts - WA
116 Domaine Armand Rousseau "Clos des Ruchottes" 2012, AOC Ruchottes-Chambertin Grand Cru 1659"The 2012 Ruchottes-Chambertin Clos des Ruchottes Grand Cru comes from the domain’s monopole: populated by one-third vines aged around 30-years and theremainder around 65-years old (see December issue for more details.) This year it sees 20% new oak. It has wonderful delineation on the nose with heightenedmineralite from the limestone soils. The palate is medium-bodied with a precise opening. There is a wave of pure, clinically defined fresh raspberry and wild strawberrynotes that dovetails into quite a stern, very linear finish. This is uncompromising at the moment, an aloof yet compelling Ruchottes-Chambertin that does not quitepossess the completeness of say, Mugneret-Gibourg’s, but clearly as the substance to age extremely well."-NM 94-96 Pts - WA
108 Domaine Bruno Clair "Clos St. Jacques" 2009, AOC Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru 589"The 2009 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St. Jacques is showing just a fraction of its true personality. Dark red fruit, minerals, and flowers come together in this textured,highly expressive Burgundy. There is an element of elusiveness that slowly gains clarity in the glass. The flavors build beautifully to the round, inviting finish. This istruly gorgeous juice. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024."-AG 94 Pts - WA
215 Domaine Bruno Clair 2009, AOC Chambertin-Clos de Beze Grand Cru 722"The 2009 Chambertin-Clos de Beze literally explodes on the palate with an array of dark fruit, roses, sweet spices and minerals. This is a deep, beautifully articulatedBeze with tons of structure and a magical weightlessness that is hard to describe with mere words. Simply put, this is a great wine in the making. Anticipatedmaturity: 2019-2029."-AG 94-96 Pts - WA
815 Domaine Faiveley 2008, AOC Latricières-Chambertin Grand Cru 428"Just a hint of chewiness marks this otherwise supple, cherry- and berry-infused red. Overall, there's a sense of restraint and elegance, with a lingering mineral finish.The tannins need time to be absorbed. Best from 2013 through 2025. 4 cases imported."–BS 91 Pts - WA
209 Domaine Louis Jadot "Clos St. Jacques" 2007, AOC Gevrey-Chambertin 1er Cru 465"Fresh cherry and red raspberry accented with tamarind, black pepper, and smoky black tea scent the Jadot 2007 Gevrey-Chambertin Clos St.-Jacques and inform apalate notable among fellow-2007s for its juicy generosity, obvious good health, and overall sense of vivacity. Underlying impressions of marrow-rich stock and dampstone lend intriguing depth, and this polished, seamless, satisfyingly persistent expression of a great site may well pick up additional complexity over the next severalyears and reward 4-6 years of attention."-DS 90 Pts - WA
"Looking at the 2012 Hermitage, which is still resting in barrels and getting ready to be bottled, it’s a much more classic, easy to read Hermitage that has lots of ripe,sweet fruit in its full-bodied, concentrated, textured profile. It has copious sweet blackberry and cassis fruit, violet and serious granite-like minerality, superb mid-palate depth and a focused, structured finish. It’s a beautiful, classy 2012 that will have 20-25+ years of longevity."-JD 94-97 Pts - WA
950 Domaine Jean-Louis Chave "Farconnet" 2011, AOC Hermitage 241"Brilliant ruby. Dark berries, cherry pit, licorice and smoky minerals on the seductively perfumed nose. Firm, sharply focused bitter cherry and cassis flavors areunderscored by a peppery nuance and put on weight with air. A sexy floral pastille note comes up with air and carries through a long, youthfully tannic finish. Themarriage of power and finesse here is pretty suave.."-JR 92 Pts - vinousmedia.com
971 E.Guigal 2010, AOC Hermitage 264"The 2010 Hermitage is another stunning wine from the 2010 vintage. A blend of 100% Syrah that spent 38 months in 50% new and 50% 1-year-old barrels, it isclassic Hermitage with its rich, layered array of blackberry, crushed rock, vanilla bean, bacon fat and leather. Full-bodied, structured and deeply concentrated, with aserious, age-worthy feel, it will benefit from short-term cellaring and have two decades or more of prime drinking."-JD 94 Pts - WA
109 E.Guigal "Ex Voto" 2006, AOC Hermitage 1081"The opaque purple-colored 2006 Hermitage Ex-Voto reveals notes of black fruits, graphite, ink and acacia flowers along with fabulous intensity, a full-bodiedmouthfeel, good acidity and high, but sweet tannins that caress the palate. Despite having spent 42 months in barrel, it remains a youthful wine that should ageeffortlessly for 30+ years."-RPJ 95+ Pts - WA
426 E.Guigal "Ex Voto" 2013, AOC Hermitage 1091"This is intense, as dense ganache, espresso, roasted juniper and alder notes form an impressive frame around an equally ornate core of steeped fig, blackberry andblack currant fruit flavors, all while maintaining terrific cut and drive despite the heft. A mouthwatering iron accent at the very end seals the deal. Best from 2020through 2040. " 97 Pts - WS
102 Paul Jaboulet Aîné "La Chapelle" 1996, AOC Hermitage 1097"The 1996 Hermitage La Chapelle is immensely impressive. The acidity is high. The color is black/purple, and the wine is extremely concentrated, but unevolved andimpossible to penetrate. It could turn out like the 1983 and never develop as well as its early promise suggests. Nevertheless, it is a massive effort with extraordinaryconcentration, but the high acidity requires a minimum of 10 years of cellaring. 2012-2025"-RPJ 92 Pts - WA
999 Paul Jaboulet Aîné "La Chapelle"2015, AOC Hermitage 744"The 2015 Hermitage La Chapelle is one of the estate’s finest recent efforts. It’s packed with firm tannins and will need to be lost in the cellar for a decade, but it willreward those with patience. Richly concentrated and full-bodied, it hits all the expected notes—cassis, black olive, smoke, crushed stone, pencil shavings andespresso—then finishes long, with an aristocratic sense of reserve and austerity. Winemaker Jacques Devernois compares it to a woman’s black dress, meaning it speaks of elegance and class."-RPJ 98 Pts - WA
Crozes-Hermitage 754 Domaine Entrefaux 2015, AOC Crozes-Hermitage 104733 Maxime Graillot "Domaine des Lises" 2015, AOC Crozes-Hermitage 135902 Nicolas Perrin 2013, AOC Crozes-Hermitage 114802 Yves Cuilleron "Laya" 2014, AOC Crozes-Hermitage 121
"A stunner, with captivating damson plum, bitter cherry, blood orange and blackberry fruit all melded together and lined with savory, black olive, rosemary andsaucisson sec notes. The finish delivers mouthwatering cut, with an iron frame that should carry this easily for two decades. A distinctive and singular expression ofold-school Côte-Rôtie. Best from 2017 through 2030. 170 cases imported."–JM 97 Pts - WS
802 Domaine Jamet 2010, AOC Côte Rôtie 389"Opaque purple. Heady aromas of red and dark berry preserves, potpourri, incense and Asian spices, with a bright mineral accent. Stains the palate with intense blackraspberry, blueberry and candied violet flavors and becomes sweeter with air. Rich but lively, with superb finishing clarity, fully integrated tannins and lingering spice and floral notes. This wine's blend of power and finesse is remarkable; it was still in barrel when I tasted it in early November, 2012."-ST 95-96 Pts - IWC
912 Domaine Rostaing "Ampodium" 2013, AOC Côte Rôtie 305"Bright purple. Intense floral pastille, dark berry and peppery spice scents on the highly perfumed nose. Juicy, incisive and pure, showing strong thrust and cut to thegently sweet black raspberry and cherry cola flavors. A smoky mineral quality adds lift to the floral-tinged finish, which lingers with excellent tenacity."-AG92 Pts - vinousmedia.com
971 Domaine Rostaing "La Landonne" 2011, AOC Côte Rôtie 495"More substantial, with a meaty, muscular feel, the 2011 Cote Rotie La Landonne exhibits lots of olive tapenade, underbrush, crushed rock and blackberry-styled fruiton the nose. Full-bodied, nicely concentrated (especially for a 2011) and yet voluptuously textured, with moderate, fine tannin, it will round into form relatively early,yet evolve gracefully for 15-20 years."-JD 94 Pts - WA
772 Domaine Rostaing "La Landonne" 2012, AOC Côte Rôtie 495"Getting a big "Wow" in the notes, the 2012 Cote Rotie la Landonne offers additional richness, concentration and depth, with notes of lots of floral and violet notesintermixed with cassis, cruhsed rock and pepper. Iit needs 4-5 years in the cellar and will keep for 20-25+."-JD 96 Pts - WA
411 Domaine Rostaing "La Landonne" 2013, AOC Côte Rôtie 589"Inky ruby. Vibrant blackberry, violet pastille, anise and smoky mineral aromas are complemented by a suave spicecake nuance. Concentrated, palate-staining blackand blue fruit flavors show excellent depth and focus, while hints of star anise and licorice build in the glass. Silky, smoky and seamless on the strikingly long andincisive finish, which is shaped by gentle tannins. Notes of licorice and candied flowers linger."-AG 94 Pts - vinousmedia.com
620 Domaine Rostaing "Côte Blonde" 2013, AOC Côte Rôtie 603"Brilliant ruby. An exotically perfumed bouquet evokes fresh raspberry and boysenberry, potpourri, floral oils and smoky minerals. Lively, palate-staining red anddark berry and floral pastille flavors are complicated by powerful spice and mineral notes that expand with air. Closes on a gently tannic note, showing outstandingclarity and excellent mineral-driven persistence and leaving sweet dark berry notes behind."-AG 95 Pts - vinousmedia.com
416 E. Guigal "Château d'Ampuis" 2013, AOC Côte Rôtie 426"Tasted as a final blend and scheduled to be bottled just after my visit, the 2013 Côte Rôtie Chateau d'Ampuis is a smokin' good wine in the vintage. Deep,concentrated and structured, with classic and masculine notes of graphite, smoked black fruits and crushed rocks, this full-bodied beauty has bright acidity, ripe tannin and beautiful length. It needs 7-8 years of cellaring to hit maturity and will have two to three decades of overall longevity."-JD 94+ Pts - WA
Cornas 615 Domaine Clape "Cuvée Renaissance" 2011, AOC Cornas 279"As with the 2012, the 2011 Cornas Renaissance (22 months in foudre) is more approachable than the straight Cornas. Inky purple in color, it exhibits gorgeous blackraspberry, cassis, ground herbs, spring flowers and underbrush to go with a rich, full-bodied, voluptuously textured profile on the palate. Still packing a wallop oftannin that emerges on the finish, it will benefit from a year or two in the cellar and cruise for 10-15 years."-JD 94 Pts - WA
515 Domaine Clape "Cuvée Renaissance" 2012, AOC Cornas 289"The entry level Cornas that gets some young vines, the 2012 Cornas Renaissance is just like the straight Cornas, only slightly softer and more approachable. Cassis,black raspberry, leather, crushed rock and liquid mineral-like qualities all give way to a full-bodied, concentrated, yet elegant and thrillingly pure Cornas that can beenjoyed anytime over the coming decade or more."-JD 95 Pts - WA
426 Domaine Clape 2011, AOC Cornas 395"Moving to the current releases that are in bottle, the 2011 Cornas belies the vintage’s forward, mid-weight stereotype with its massive, deep and layer profile.Possessing brilliant minerality, as well as notions of dry aged beef, cracked pepper, forest floor and sweet black currants, this full-bodied beauty has a stacked mid-palate, big structure and masses of sweet tannin on the finish. The minerality is really something here and this is reminiscent of filling your mouth with granitepebbles. It’s a resounding success in the vintage and will deliver the goods for upwards of two decades." -JD 95 Pts - WA
115 Domaine Clape 2012, AOC Cornas 426"The Cornas of the vintage is Clape’s 2012 Cornas. An incredible effort, its inky purple/black color is followed by spectacular aromas and flavors of black raspberry,graphite, beef blood, iron, cedar and white pepper (among other things). This is Cornas at its finest, with insane aromatics, full-bodied richness and massiveconcentration, yet at the same time staying elegant, seamless and gorgeously pure. It’s more approachable than the 2010, but should still need 3-4 years of cellaringand have two decades of longevity."-JD 98 Pts - WA
833 Franck Balthazar "Chaillot" 2012, AOC Cornas 202"Emphatic, smoke-laced dark berry and cherry-cola aromas, with suggestions of smoky minerals, licorice pastille and cracked pepper. Supple, expansive dark berrycompote flavors are deep but lively and appealingly sweet. Velvety tannins come on late and fold smoothly into the ripe berry fruit on the strikingly long, mineral-driven finish."-JR 92-94 Pts - vinous.com
822 Jean-Luc Colombo "Terres Brulées" 2014, AOC Cornas 225"Inky ruby. Smoke-accented scents of blueberry, mocha and black olive are sharpened by a zesty mineral quality. Smooth, focused and gently warm, showing a lighttouch to the fresh dark berry, black pepper and violet pastille flavors. Silky, slow-building tannins add shape to the smoke-accented finish, which echoes the olive note.The fruit that would normally go into Colombo’s Marquee Vallon de Aigle bottling wound up in here this vintage."-JR 91 Pts - vinous.com
973 Jean-Luc Colombo "Les Ruchets" 2014, AOC Cornas 316"From the Chaillot lieu-dit and the most concentrated and rich in the lineup, the 2014 Cornas Les Ruchets was the tightest, most backward and reserved on thisoccasion. It slowly gave up notes of ripe dark fruits, lavender, hints of minerality and damp earth, as well as medium to full-bodied richness, a terrific mid-palate andripe, sweet tannin. It needs to be forgotten for a year or three, and like the cuvée La Louvée, will drink well for a decade."-JD 92 Pts - WA
Châteauneuf-du-Pape 420 Château Beaucastel 1995, AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape 433"Very youthful, with a ripe core of red currant and raspberry fruit and licorice flavor surrounded by creamy tannins. Plenty of smoke, mineral and tobacco noteschiming in, but this still has a ways to go, with plenty of grip still on the finish. Drink now through 2025."–JM 95 Pts - WS
896 Château Beaucastel 1998, AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape 428"That may explain the open-knit, complex notes of tree bark, black cherries, licorice, seaweed, pepper, and floral notes in the 1998 Beaucastel. The wine is medium tofull-bodied, has nice, sweet tannins, and is surprisingly open and approachable. This wine has reached the beginning of its plateau of maturity, where it should last forat least a decade or more."-RPJ 92 Pts - WA
760 Clos des Papes 2006, AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape 449"From the normal tiny yields of this estate (on the order of 22 hectoliters per hectare), the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape from Paul-Vincent has shed its baby fat and nowshows a supple, elegant, seamless profile that's hard to resist. Kirsch, licorice, garrigue and sweet spice all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced 2006. It benefits from a short decant, and while showing plenty of maturity, it will evolve gracefully for at least another decade."-JD 95 Pts - WA
960 Clos Saint-Jean "Deus Ex Machina" 2004, AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape 455"Like the 2006 (and 2003), the 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus ex Machina is drinking beautifully today and defies the vintage stereotype. Giving up awesome darkfruits, olive tapenade, licorice, earth, pepper and spice, it has a un-2004-like richness and texture, as well as beautiful underlying structure and balance. Sweetlyfruited, perfumed and complex, drink it over the coming 4-5 years."-JD 96 Pts - WA
886 Domaine de Fontavin "David & Goliath" 2015, AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape 180764 Domaine de Fontavin "Ad Vitam Aeternam" 2012, AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape 263608 Domaine de la Janasse "Vieilles Vignes " 2001, AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape 562
"The 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is still opaque and deeply colored, with killer blackcurrants, smoked meats, orange-tinged chocolate, roasted herbs andserious minerality all soaring from the glass. Just at the early stages of full maturity, this full-bodied, deep, rich and concentrated effort should be consumed over thecoming 4-6 years"-JD 97 Pts - WA
760 Domaine de la Janasse "Chaupin" 2007, AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape 482"The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin has off-the-hook levels of richness and depth. Spring flowers, blackberry, cassis, licorice, violets and white pepper areall present here, and it’s a massive wine on the palate, with big fruit, a voluptuous texture and a great finish."-JD 98 Pts - WA
613 Domaine du Pégaü "Cuvee Laurence" 2006, AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape 428"The late-released 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Laurence, which tips the scales at 15.2% alcohol, is a big, gamy, earthy, complex effort that is far superior to the2004 Cuvee Laurence. Deep and full-bodied with some amber at the edge of its color as this cuvee spends a much longer time in old barrels, it exhibits abundantamounts of garrigue, figs, cedar, licorice, black currants and black cherries. This fragrant, full-throttle wine should drink well for another 10-15 years. Readers shouldkeep in mind that this is always a more evolved style because of its elevage."-RPJ 95 Pts - WA
Other Rhône 802 Michelle Gassier "Halos of Jupiter" 2014, AOC Gigondas 125
Loire ValleyAnjou-Saumur 431 Château de Villeneuve 2015, AOC Saumur Champigny 96
322 Foucault Clos Rougeard "Le Bourg" 2009, AOC Saumur Champigny 1097"Luscious, powerful full-bodied red with loads of blackberry and dark plum flavors and layers of dark chocolate and spice notes. Balanced, though still muscular, with a long, long finish of smoke and meat elements."-JM 92 Pts - WS
South West 982 Château Montus "Prestige" 2009, AOC Madiran 215742 Château Montus "la Tyre" 2002, AOC Madiran 332
"Luscious, powerful full-bodied red with loads of blackberry and dark plum flavors and layers of dark chocolate and spice notes. Balanced, though still muscular, with a long, long finish of smoke and meat elements."-JM 92 Pts - WS
823 Château Montus "la Tyre" 2006, AOC Madiran 341993 Domaine Beausejour "Clos du Moulin" 2011, AOC Bergerac 71810 Domaine Mouréou 2013, AOC Madiran 74
Languedoc 812 Château Puech-Haut "Prestige" 2015, AOC Languedoc 104923 Clos de Bagatelle 2014, AOC Saint-Chinian 72732 Domaine Saint-Jacques d'Albas "Le Petit Saint-Jacques" 2015, IGP Coteaux de Peyriac 54880 Domaine Saint-Jacques d'Albas "Chappelle d'Albas" 2012, AOC Minervois 135999 Mas de Daumas Gassac 2013, IGP Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert Cité d'Aniane 263
Roussillon 916 Domaine Gardiés "Clos des Vignes" 2013, AOC Côtes du Roussillon Villages 143999 Domaine Gardiés "Les Falaises" 2013, AOC Côtes du Roussillon Villages 199855 Domaine Gardiés "Les Millères" 2014, AOC Côtes du Roussillon Villages 87
"It may be a so-called entry level Barolo, but the 2013 Barolo Bussia definitely delivers the goods. Fruit is sourced from three separate points within the larger Bussia cru. These sites are characterized by clay soils with southeast exposures and approximately 25-year-old vines. The quality of fruit is very intense and defined with dark cherry and dried blackberry. Yet the mouthfeel is ethereal, light and buoyant. Keeping in line with the vintage, the tannins are firm and slightly rigid. However, they are well absorbed by the exuberant nature of the fruit. The wine's personality is reminiscent of the Barolo Bussia Cicala."-ML 93 Pts - WA
409 Aldo Conterno "Cicala" 2008, DOCG Barolo 484"The 2008 Barolo Cicala is beautifully focused and vibrant from start to finish. It boasts fabulous energy and sheer tension in its ripe red berries, spices, crushed flowers and mint. All the elements come together beautifully in this pure, delineated Barolo. Huge, powerful tannins provide the backdrop for layers of cool, mineral-infused fruit. There is a pulsating energy to the Cicala that is absolutely irresistible. This is another fabulous showing. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028."-AG 95 Pts - WA
727 Aldo Conterno "Granbussia" Riserva 2005, DOCG Barolo 1034The 2005 Barolo Riserva Granbussia is shaping up to be one of the great wines of the vintage. The bouquet is classic Barolo to the core – pure rose petals, tar, licorice, orange peel and leather. The 2005 is a wine of contrasts. It is at once powerful yet delicate, rich yet weightless. In other words, it captures all of the elements that make Nebbiolo such a fascinating grape. Both bottles I tasted were spectacular. Within the context of Granbussia, the 2005 isn’t likely to be one of the longer-lived vintages, but it is stunning right now. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025."-AG 95+ Pts - WA
994 Domenico Clerico "Ciabot Mentin" 2010, DOCG Barolo 380"The 2010 Barolo Ciabot Mentin opens to a deep, dark color and tarry aromas of dark fruit and liquid smoke. The use of oak is bold but contained, adding extra layering to the supple finish. The power and elegance of the vintage comes though at this early stage although the wine clearly needs more time to evolve. Drink: 2017-2030."-ML 94 Pts - WA
783 E. Pira e Figli di Chiara Boschis "Cannubi" 2012, DOCG Barolo 395"Pure roses on the nose. Hints of raspberries and lemon rind. So pure. Full body and ultra-fine tannins. Powerful yet so ethereal and soul-touching. A fabulously crafted Cannubi. Better in 2020." 97 Pts - jamessuckling.com
515 Elio Grasso "Casa Mate Ginestra" 2010, DOCG Barolo 372"The 2010 Barolo Ginestra Casa Mate is a more muscular and layered expression with a softer quality of fruit and a good amount of power and muscle at the back. Its aromatic delivery is constant and steady with an ever-changing array of red fruit, dark spice, cola and anisette. The tannins are particularly well defined and silky. Drink: 2018-2038."-ML 95 Pts - WA
842 Elio Grasso "Casa Mate Ginestra" 2012, DOCG Barolo 293"The 2012 Barolo Ginestra Casa Mate ́ soars out of the glass with remarkable precision, tension and energy. A brilliant wine, the 2012 is translucent, powerful and super-expressive. Freshly cut flowers, sweet red berries, mint and pine give the 2012 its sensual, inviting personality. Today, it is the wine's pure nuance that truly stands out. This is a superb showing from the 2012. In this tasting, the Ginestra is much more expressive than the Gavarini. This is an especially precise style for the year. Drinking window: 2020-2037."-AG 96 Pts - vinous.com
314 Falletto di Bruno Giacosa "Le Rocche del Falletto" 2003, DOCG Barolo 642"The 2003 Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto is a fascinating wine. It is classic Giacosa, with a lovely core of sweet roses, raspberries, licorice and menthol that is currently hiding under an imposing wall of tannins. It is also a wine of contrasts, at times open and accessible, at others brooding and shut down. As it sits in the glass the fruit gradually emerges to fill out the wine’s structure. It had only improved when I re-tasted it several days after first opening the bottle. That said, it will require further cellaring to soften the tannins, as the wine has shut down considerably since bottling. Made from the heart of the Falletto vineyard, it clearly benefits from the age of the vines in these selected plots. Drink: 2010-2023."-AG 94 Pts - WA
Barolo 102 La Spinetta "Campè" 2000, DOCG Barolo 1177"This is wonderfully perfumed and classy with roses, berries and cherries. Full-bodied, with layers of fruit and tannins that unfold in your mouth, with a velvety texture and a wonderful length. If you missed the first release, get this. It's been aged an additional nine months in barrel. 1,500 magnums made. Best after 2010. 250 cases made."–JS 98 Pts - WS
860 La Spinetta "Campè" 2001, DOCG Barolo 92 Pts - WA 883213 La Spinetta "Campè" 2003, DOCG Barolo 642
"The 2003 Barolo Campe has developed beautifully and gained notable focus since I first tasted it from barrel a few years ago. It opens with a huge, overripe nose that leads to a powerful expression of earthiness, spices and sweet fruit, with mentholated, balsamic overtones. Made in dense, powerful style, it offers outstanding length and a long, building finish. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2018."-AG 92 Pts - WA
429 La Spinetta "Campè" 2004, DOCG Barolo 803"The 2004 Barolo Campe has put on quite a bit of weight since it was bottled. This massive, powerful Barolo flows from the glass with its signature over-ripe aromatics and masses of dark fruit, tobacco, leather and spices. The tannins build impressively on the long finish. Buckle your chinstraps, this is not a wine for the timid. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024."-AG 93 Pts - WA
"The 2011 Barolo Bussia is the most tannic of Parusso's 2011 Barolos. Firm tannins provide the backdrop for a huge, powerful wine build on serious depth. Sweet floral and savory notes from the whole clusters add aromatic lift and striking perfume, but the Bussia remains a decidedly vertical Barolo that enphasizes structure. Far from an easygoing wine, the 2011 Bussia is going to need time to fully blossom."-AG 94+ Pts - vinousmedia.com
994 Parusso "Bussia" 2012, DOCG Barolo 372"A dark, enveloping wine, the 2012 Barolo Bussia hits the palate with serious depth and intensity. It is also the darkest and most virile of Parusso's 2012s. Readers will have to be patient. These wines have a way of developing beautifully in bottle, but it will be at least a few years before the 2012 shows all of its cards."-AG 93 Pts - vinousmedia.com
855 Parusso "Bussia" Riserva Gold Label 2006, DOCG Barolo 589"The 2006 Barolo Bussia Riserva is developing nicely, but it is sill much too young to show the full breadth of its personality. Rose petal, lavender, mint, sweet spices and hard candy open up with time in the glass, but only with great reticence. The 2006 Riserva finishes with a classic sense of austerity that is one of the signatures of the year."-AG 95+ Pts - vinousmedia.com
834 Parusso "Mariondino" 2012, DOCG Barolo 273"The 2012 Barolo Mariondino is incredibly powerful and dense, with darker tonalities of fruit than are usually found here. Menthol, pine, spice, French oak and a host of balsamic-inflected notes flesh out as the 2012 shows off its personality. Deep, powerful and juicy, the 2012 Mariondino is another winner from Marco and Tiziana Parusso. Readers will have to give the 2012 at least a few years to soften, as it needs time to settle down. Today, the 2012 is dense and explosive, with new oak that needs to integrate and tannins that need time to soften.."-AG 93 Pts - vinousmedia.com
832 Parusso "Mariondino" 2013, DOCG Barolo 289724 Parusso "Le Coste di Monforte" 2010, DOCG Barolo 297
"Marco Parusso's Barolo le Coste is a bit changed in this vintage, in that the new regulations forbid using the name of more than one vineyard on a label, so there is no more Mosconi fruit here. Dark red cherries, tobacco, savory herbs, menthos, smoke and incense are some of the many notes that blossom in the 2010 Barolo Le Coste. Here the aromas and flavors are slightly darker, but the savory notes typical of the vintage at Parusso are very much on display. Readers will need to give the 2010 at least a few years for the tannins to soften. Without the Mosconi fruit, the Le Coste remains a bit more structured and linear than in past."-AG 92 Pts -
702 Parusso "Le Coste di Monforte" 2011, DOCG Barolo 305"Dark red cherry, plum, mocha, cloves and leather meld together in the 2011 Barolo Le Coste di Monforte. Rich and ample in style, the 2011 is a great example of broad-shouldered Barolos that emerge from this site in Monforte. At the same time, the inclustion of stems gives the wine a gorgeous sense of freshess that serves to balance things out. Hints of mocha, espresso and spice add the final layers of nuance."-AG 93 Pts - vinousmedia.com
Barolo 700 Parusso "Le Coste di Monforte" 2012, DOCG Barolo 332"The 2012 Barolo Le Coste di Monforte shows the distinct influence of whole clusters in its decidedly lifted, savory profile. Sage, rosemary, lavender, mint and purplish hued fruits are some of the signatures. Lift, intensely aromatics and exotic, the 2012 is long on personality and class. This is one of the more unusual Barolos readers will come across. It will be interesting to see if the 2012 comes together a bit more fully over the coming years. At this stage the tannins are quite firm. Le Coste is a wine where the whole cluster and producer signatures speak more than site."-AG 91 Pts - vinousmedia.com
"The estate's 2004 Barolo is very elegant in this vintage. Although the wine is firm and quite primary, the tannins are sweet, silky and refined. Today the wine reveals just a glimpse of its potential but it should develop into a gem with time. While most of the attention at Pio Cesare goes to the Barolo Ornato, this is the hidden beauty in this lineup. This Barolo is a multi-commune blend. Most of the fruit (60%) comes from the less well-exposed portions of the family’s Ornato vineyard, while the rest of the fruit is sourced from plots in La Morra, Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga, Novello and Grinzane Cavour. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024."-AG 93 Pts - WA, 94 Pts - WS
924 Pio Cesare 2012, DOCG Barolo 234414 Pio Cesare "Ornato" 2003, DOCG Barolo 580
"Very beautiful aromas of berry, tar and rose follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a long finish of berry and vanilla. Very, very impressive. Polished and structured. Best after 2010. 1,000 cases made."–JS 94 Pts - WS
415 Pio Cesare "Ornato" 2013, DOCG Barolo 341"Extremely complex and showing the terroir of Serralunga with rose stems, wet earth, strawberries and mushrooms. Orange peel to boot. Full to medium body, ultra-fine tannins and bright acidity. Fascinating character that takes everything from the aromas. Light chewy on the finish. Expanding. Needs time to soften with bottle age. Better in 2021."–JS 98 Pts - jamessuckling.com
"The 2008 Barolo Brunate flows onto the palate with layers of dark fruit, spices, menthol and licorice. It is an unusually plush, generous wine for the year, endowed with tons of grace and sheer depth. This is a fabulous, layered Brunate that should drink well with a few more years in the bottle. Layers of sweet, perfumed fruit, rose petals and spices build effortlessly to the gracious, elegant finish. The Brunate is brooding and tannic, but the wine softens a bit with air."-AG 93 Pts - WA
976 Vietti "Brunate" 2009, DOCG Barolo 669"From one of the region’s most celebrated vineyards, the 2009 Barolo Brunate lavishes on smoky, granite and mineral notes that make this wine absolutely irresistible. This wine is built for longer cellar aging. Its rich texture, velvety feel and firm structure are guarantees that it will become increasingly elegant and finessed with time. Drink 2016-2030."-ML 95 Pts - WA
976 Vietti "Brunate" 2012, DOCG Barolo 615"A dark, powerful wine, the 2012 Barolo Brunate is the most brooding and inward of these wines. With time and a good bit of air, the Brunate becomes a bit more precise and nuanced, yet it remains a bit monolithic next to the other wines in the range. A host of savory herbs, licorice, tobacco and dark fruits meld into the huge, explosive finish. There is no shortage of depth or character, but increasingly the Brunate is being outclassed by some of its siblings. The competition is pretty tough at Vietti these days."-AG 94+ Pts - vinousmedia.com
Barolo 107 Vietti "Lazzarito" 2007, DOCG Barolo 696"The 2007 Barolo Lazzarito is a superb, plush wine loaded with dark fruit, flowers of all sorts, sweet menthol and minerals, all of which flow through to the long, powerful finish. The wine's inner perfume emerges over time, adding even more nuance and subtlety to this big Barolo. The 2007 Lazzarito is far from an open, easygoing wine, in fact it needs time, and lots of it. Anticipated maturity: 2022-2042." 96+ Pts - RPJ
712 Vietti "Lazzarito" 2008, DOCG Barolo 589"The 2008 Barolo Lazzarito comes across as remarkably primary. Dark red fruit, iron, tar, smoke, wild flowers and minerals are all wrapped aroud a serious intense, mid-palate and finish. Today the 2008 comes across as a bit tightly wound, but that is the personality of the year. The balance of fruit, structure and oak is superb. Layers of fruit flow through to the firm, authoritative finish. This is impressive juice. 2018-2028."-AG 93+ Pts - WA
986 Vietti "Lazzarito" 2009, DOCG Barolo 679"Luca recently purchased more land in the Lazzarito cru. The 2009 Barolo Lazzarito delivers subdued notes of red rose and violet that build in intensity as the wine takes on more air in the glass. Black fruit, plum, cassis, leather, tar and licorice soon follow suit. This wine is an absolute, drop-dead stunner. Its tannic crispness makes it feel lively and buoyant in the mouth. The wine shows heft and importance that become firmly etched in the mouth. Each time I went back to the glass, the wine told a new story. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2035."-ML 95+ Pts - WA
996 Vietti "Lazzarito" 2010, DOCG Barolo 690"With recently expanded acquisitions in this vineyard cru, the 2010 Barolo Lazzarito shows an expansive personality with pretty tones of crushed rose and red berry fruit that give the wine a delicate, feminine approach. Like the other wines in Luca’s portfolio of new releases, this Barolo is years away from its prime drinking potential. The next ten years should see a steady evolution of aromas stemming from the spice, tar and licorice layers already on display despite the wine’s young age. The mouthfeel is fine and polished with a great sense of purity and balanced freshness. Drink: 2018-2035."-ML 95+ Pts - WA
996 Vietti "Lazzarito" 2011, DOCG Barolo 701"The 2011 Barolo Lazzarito is a landmark wine and one of the best expressions made region-wide in this challenging vintage. The bouquet is gorgeous thanks to the never-ending aromas of dark fruit, licorice and balsam herb that peel off the top. The Lazzarito vineyard in Serralunga d'Alba is characterized by thick soils and deep shifts between daytime and nighttime temperatures. These are important factors that lead to quality fruit despite the summer heat."-ML 96 Pts - WA
996 Vietti "Lazzarito" 2012, DOCG Barolo 712"The 2012 Barolo Lazzarito impresses for its precision and class, two qualities that aren't easy to find in wines from this Serralunga site. Iron, smoke and white pepper lift from the glass in a vertical, structured Barolo endowed with real pedigree. A rush of pomegranate, red cherry jam, wild flowers and blood orange meld into the huge, bright finish. In 2012, the Lazzarito reconciles power and finesse like few vintages in the past. For the last few years, the Lazzarito has been knocking on the door of the big boys in this lineup, the Rocche and Ravera. Today, the Lazzarito makes a strong statement that it has arrived."-AG 96 Pts - vinousmedia.com
836 Vietti "Lazzarito" 2013, DOCG Barolo 722"This tasting of the 2013 Barolo Lazzarito confirms just how far the wine has come along in recent vintages. Creamy, ample and potent, the 2013 offers an intriguing interplay of aromatics, fruit and structural underpinnings. Gravel, smoke, tar and dark fruit - all signatures of this Serralunga site - are front and center, but it is the wine's overall balance that is most impressive. Scorched earth, leather, smoke and graphite are some of the many notes that reapper on the finish. The 2013 is a real stunner."-AG 96 Pts - vinousmedia.com
966 Vietti "Ravera" 2012, DOCG Barolo 603780 Vietti "Rocche" 2008, DOCG Barolo 679
"The 2008 Barolo Rocche shows the best balance of fruit and structure among the 2008 Baroli. Sweet,silky tannins frame expressive dark red fruit in the 2008 Rocche. This is an especially structured, powerful style for the Rocche, and a true testament to the level of conviction at Vietti. The Rocche turns sweeter and more sensual with time in the glass. The tannins possess remarkable finesse. It is dazzling from start to finish. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2033."-AG 95 Pts - WA
891 Vietti "Rocche" 2009, DOCG Barolo 701"The 2009 Barolo Rocche is a solid, unwavering expression that brings the intensity meter even higher. Sweet red fruit, licorice, leather and moist pipe tobacco are some of the many layers that peel back from the bouquet. The balance, structure and persistence of the wine are all superb. 2016-2036."-ML 96 Pts - WA
836 Vietti "Rocche" 2013, DOCG Barolo 722"The 2013 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is ample, generous and also surprisingly rich. The more intense, voluptuous side of Rocche comes through loud and clear. Even with all of its textural depth, the Rocche possesses superb aromatic intensity and nuance. The 2013 is an unusually rich, racy Rocche, with tons of mid-palate richness. In many vintages, the Rocche is open-knit and sensual, which gives it a certain amount of early accessibility. I don't see much of that in the 2013. Readers will have to be patient here.."-AG 97 Pts - vinousmedia.com
Barbaresco 508 Casa Vinicola di Bruno Giacosa "Santo Stefano" 2005, DOCG Barbaresco 514"The 2005 Barbaresco Santo Stefano is striking in its beauty. This firm, structured wine bursts from the glass with layers of dark red fruit, spices, flowers and menthol. Medium in body, the wine possesses notable inner beauty in a transparent, almost weightless style. There is superb pedigree here, not to mention tons of class. Once again the Santo Stefano bottling delivers the goods. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025."- AG 95 Pts - WA
427 Casa Vinicola di Bruno Giacosa "Santo Stefano" 2007, DOCG Barbaresco 514"The 2007 Barbaresco Santo Stefano is a gorgeous wine that combines element of ripeness, structure and the intense spiciness that makes the best wines from the Santo Stefano vineyard so compelling. Floral, high-toned notes appear on the silky finish, rounding out this highly promising wine. Gorgeous textural elegance and balance are the hallmarks of the 2007 Santo Stefano. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032."-AG 95 Pts - WA
992 Ceretto 2013, DOCG Barbaresco 177111 Falletto di Bruno Giacosa "Asili di Barbaresco" 2005, DOCG Barbaresco 546
"Giacosa's 2005 Barbaresco Asili is noticeably rounder, sweeter and denser than the Santo Stefano. It shows remarkable balance and harmony in an incredibly pure, graceful style. The tannins are so finessed and elegant it is hard to actually perceive them on the palate. Here too, the wine shows awesome inner balance and poise. Sweet raspberries, flowers, roses and spices are just some of the nuances that emerge from this incredibly delicious, promising Barbaresco. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2025"-RPJ 95 Pts - WA
743 Falletto di Bruno Giacosa "Asili di Barbaresco" 2007, DOCG Barbaresco 508796 Falletto di Bruno Giacosa "Asili di Barbaresco Riserva - Red Label" 2011, DOCG Barbaresco 1097
"The 2011 Barolo Falletto is a beautifully balanced and determined wine. It spends 30 months in oak and this warm vintage is already showing a quick bottle evolution. This was an early vintage: Fruit was harvested on September 23, which is ten days before average. It shows soft, luscious lines and ripe fruit favors that are both generous and opulent. Yet, there is a healthy crunchiness and crackle in the mouth that makes for a long aging future ahead. Barolo Falletto closes with pretty aromas of dark fruit, spice and shaved truffle."-RPJ 94 Pts - WA
414 Falletto di Bruno Giacosa "Rabaja' di Barbaresco" 2005, DOCG Barbaresco 546"There's wonderful perfumes in this young Barbaresco, with flowers and ripe berries, as well as strawberry. Full-bodied, chewy and long. Massive on the finish. A superb wine. Best after 2011."-JS 95 Pts - WS
606 Gaja 2013, DOCG Barbaresco 693992 Giuseppe Cortese "Rabajà" 2014, DOCG Barbaresco 199412 Pio Cesare "Il Bricco" 2004, DOCG Barbaresco 592
"This is wonderfully floral and fruity on the nose. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long, long finish. Chewy yet polished. Plenty of ripe blackberry, light toasty oak and vanilla on the finish. Best after 2011. 700 cases made."–JS 94 Pts - WS
846 Pio Cesare "Il Bricco" 2005, DOCG Barbaresco 534"Shows pure plum on the nose, with a combination of violet and smoke. Full-bodied, with layers of ultrafine tannins and a very long finish. Caresses the palate. A wine of strength and elegance. Best after 2012. 500 cases made."–JS 95 Pts - WS
"The 2006 Barbaresco Vigneto Gallina opens with sexy, super-ripe aromas that continue on to the palate, where the wine reveals a gorgeous core of ripe red fruit. This is an especially elegant Gallina with tons of length and a finessed close. The 2006 Gallina will be hard to resist in its youth, but in a few years’ time the tannins should soften a touch, bringing the wine into even better balance. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2021."-AG 91 Pts - WA
Barbaresco 860 La Spinetta "Vigneto Starderi" 2005, DOCG Barbaresco 610"The 2005 Barbaresco Vigneto Starderi offers up an attractive core of bright, candied red fruit, roses and spices. Today it comes across as quite vibrant and fresh, suggesting a minimum of several years of cellaring are needed before the wine starts drinking at its finest. The tannins build on the long finish, but they are also beautifully balanced. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025.."-AG 93 Pts - WA
974 La Spinetta "Vigneto Starderi" 2006, DOCG Barbaresco 610"The 2006 Barbaresco Starderi is easily the best of these three offerings, as the wine’s balance is exceptional. Aromatics, fruit and structure are all woven together in an impressive display of power and elegance. The fruit retains the house’s characteristic super-ripe style, but that element is more finely tuned here than in the estate’s other Barbarescos. Simply put, the 2006 is another terrific Starderi from proprietor Giorgio Rivetti and his team. Drink 2011-2024."-AG 93 Pts - WA
860 La Spinetta "Vigneto Starderi" 2007, DOCG Barbaresco 610"The 2007 Barbaresco Vigneto Starderi bursts from the glass with red berries, sweet spices, roses and mint, all of which come together on a powerful, richly structured frame that is the hallmark of Barbareschi from Neive. The Starderi is the most tannic of the estate’s 2007s but it is a wine with significant promise and a long road ahead of very fine drinking. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027."-AG 94 Pts - WA
860 La Spinetta "Vigneto Starderi" 2009, DOCG Barbaresco 610"La Spinetta’s 2009 Barbaresco Vigneto Starderi is bursting with energy, even if it doesn’t quite have the sheer richness or pure depth of the very best vintages. Still, the Starderi is a hugely appealing wine that only needs time to shed some tannin. Raspberry jam, flowers, mint and cloves are followed by darker, more brooding aromas and flavors. As always, the Starderi is the richest and most imposing of the Spinetta Barbareschi. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027."-AG 94 Pts - WA
602 Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Gresy "Camp Gros - Martinenga" 2010, DOCG Barbaresco Riserva 457"The 2010 Barbaresco Riserva Camp Gros Martinenga is the first “Riserva” wine made by this historic estate. Since only Tenute Cisa Asinari has access to fruit from this vineyard, the words “Monopole since 1797” were added to the label. I tasted bottle number 0164. This is a gorgeous expression of Nebbiolo that delivers impressive elegance, complexity and intensity. It has all the hallmarks of a great Barbaresco. Soft layers of wild berry and spice peel back to reveal ethereal balsam herb and licorice. The finish is silky, smooth and polished. Put this bottle at the back of your cellar. Drink: 2017-2035"-ML 96 Pts - WA
"The 2007 Langhe Sori San Lorenzo is perhaps the most massive, virile wine in this lineup, and accordingly it will require the most time. Tannic and austere at the outset, the wine gradually opens to reveal staggering richness and depth in its dark fruit. The wine turns more elegant in the glass, revealing a myriad of black fruit, tar, licorice, spices and scorched earth in a dazzling display of class and elegance. This is one for the ages. Anticipated maturity: 2027-2047."-AG 98 Pts - WA
209 Gaja "Sorì Tildìn" 2007, DOC Langhe Nebbiolo 963"The 2007 Langhe Sori Tildin opens with a huge, kaleidoscopic bouquet that immediately draws me in. A remarkably vivid wine, the sensual Sori Tildin caresses the palate with silky, textured fruit, showing incredible power, length and class. There is a transparency to the wine that is beguiling. Once again, the finish is eternal. Sori Tildin is one of Gaja’s more nuanced wines, and in 2007 it is breathtakingly beautiful. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2037."-AG 97 Pts - WA
305 Gaja "Sperss" 2011, DOC Langhe Nebbiolo 770"The first thing I noticed about the 2006 Langhe Sperss is the finish, which literally lasts an eternity. It, too, is more overtly structured, powerful and less fruit-forward than the 2007, but its focus and drive are commendable. The wine seems to hover on the palate with an ethereal expression of dark fruit, smoke, licorice, tar and menthol, all of which are backed up with substantial heft and sheer muscle. This is a marvelous effort from Gaja and will appeal most to readers with a preference for sturdy, age-worthy wines. Anticipated maturity: 2021-2041."-AG 97 Pts - WA
VenetoValpolicella 825 Romano dal Forno 2013, DOC Valpolicella Superiore 363
Amarone 892 Allegrini 2013, DOCG Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 284943 Fidora "Monte Tabor" 2010, DOCG Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 257814 Masi "Campolongo di Torbe" 2011, DOCG Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 338813 Masi Serego Aligheri "Vaio Armaron" 2012, DOCG Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 273993 Massimago 2011, DOCG Amarone della Valpolicella 341116 Quintarelli 2003, DOC Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 920317 Romano dal Forno 2006, DOC Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 1017
"Polished and expressive, this shows a smoky baseline of graphite-laced minerality, with fine-grained tannins and mouthwatering acidity focusing the flavors of date, kirsch, ground anise and clove, with a touch of cocoa powder. Drink now through 2022. 1,000 cases imported."–AN 94 Pts - WS
108 Romano dal Forno 2009, DOC Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 1070"Rich, with aromatic herb and tarry smoke notes, this silky, supple red is framed by mouthwatering acidity and dusty tannins. Shows ripe and concentrated flavors of date, sun-dried cherry, forest floor and ground spice, displaying a sense of harmony and density that suggests a long future. The finish echoes the spice and sweet fruit character. Drink now through 2029. 1,830 cases made."-AN 94 Pts - WS
730 Il Roverone 2010, DOC Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva 395891 Le Vigne di San Pietro 2008, DOC Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 241504 Zýme "La Mattonara" 2004, DOP Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva 1070
"A blend of 40% Cabernet Franc, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, the 2007 Alzero is an Amarone-inspired red blend. The two Cabernet varieties undergo a three-month appassimento process and the Merlot is added at the last minute before bottling. This last grape adds a very evident layer of cherry sweetness and softness that goes a long way in defining this wine. Alzero has been in production since 1983 and no vintage has ever been skipped. This is a dark and brooding expression with a playful mix of sweet fruit intensity and dark tannic background shading. Drink Date: 2018-2035. ."-ML 95 Pts - WA
844 Maculan "Palazzotto" Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, DOC Breganze 128811 Serafini & Vidotto "Phigaia After the Red" 2013, DOC Montello e Colli Asolini 125944 Serafini & Vidotto "Il Rosso dell'Abazia" 2012, DOC Montello e Colli Asolini 209956 Zýme "Harlequin" 2007, IGT Veneto 918
"Zyme’s flagship wine is the 2007 Harlequin. Representing the best selection of the same 15 grape varieties used in the Kairos, Harlequin is a seriously big wine no matter how you approach it. Inky dark in appearance, it oozes forth over the senses with dark fruit, pungent Indian spice, cinnamon snap, cherry liqueur, dried herbs, tobacco, resin and tar. The idea here is to present massive oneness of vinous intensity and momentum, rather than highlight the characteristics of any single grape variety. The wine is so huge, I’m not sure what foods would pair here other than grilled T-bone steak. Give it at least five years to find balance before popping the cork. Drink 2017-2027."-ML 95 Pts - WA
ToscanaBrunello di Montalcino 410 Altesino "Montosoli" 2011, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino 289
954 Baricci 2012, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino 262502 Biondi-Santi "Tenuta Greppo" 2012, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino 629
"Bright red. Fresh, complex aromas of sweet red berries, pomegranate, sour red cherry, orange peel, violet and brown spices. Bright and juicy, with building densityand multilayered flavors of sour red cherries and raspberry, complicated by a hint of peach. Finishes long and clean with strong mineral and floral nuances. This is anextremely fruity and remarkably ready to drink Brunello for this property, known for tough as nails wines when young that normally require lots of patience. Still,despite its obvious upfront charm, this has real structure and depth and will age well.Easily one of the top three Brunellos of the vintage."-AG94 Pts - vinousmedia.com
982 Castello Banfi "Poggio all'Oro" 1995, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 93 Pts - WS, 92 Pts WE 556973 Fanti 2012, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino 225994 Fanti Riserva 2009, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino 419327 Fanti Riserva 2010, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino 419319 Fattoria dei Barbi 2006, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 242943 Gianni Brunelli 2010, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 428
"The 2010 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is just as impressive as it was last year. Explosive, intense and beautifully delineated, the Riserva deftly balances finesseand power. Sweet dark cherry, plum, mint, spice and new leather meld together in a sumptuous, layered Brunello built on class."-AG 95+ Pts - vinousmedia.com
993 La Fiorita 2008, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 299705 La Magia 2012, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino 96 Pts - JS 210796 La Magia "Ciliegio" 2011, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino 428703 Le Chiuse 2007, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 380
"A virile, imposing wine, the 2007 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva offers up sweet black cherries, spices, cloves, melted road tar, menthol and dried flowers, all in therich, textured style of the year. The 2007 possesses gorgeous freshness and impeccable overall balance from start to finish. It can be enjoyed today or cellared for at leasta handful of years. A textured, authoritative finish rounds things out nicely. This is very well done. The 2007 spent 48 months in cask, all of which it handled withgrace. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2022."-AG 90 Pts - WA
800 Pian dell'Orino 2003, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino 310964 Valdicava 2010, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino 407
Super Tuscans 985 Andrea Poaletti "Rancore" 2009, IGT Toscana 257309 Antinori "Solaia" 2005, IGT Toscana 920
"The 2005 Solaia is elegant and refined, yet it remains incredibly primary. Still, it is hard not to admire the wine’s layered expression of blue and black fruits. The oakremains prominent, but I am confident the wine will come together with bottle age. The Solaia vineyard is one of the most unique terroirs in Italy, and the wine has atrack record of developing beautifully in bottle, even in smaller vintages. It will be fascinating to follow this Solaia as it matures."-AG 93 Pts - WA
954 Antinori "Solaia" 2006, IGT Toscana 920"The estate’s 2006 Solaia is a big, powerful offering loaded with ripe blackberry jam, herbs, minerals and French oak. Like all of the 2006s from Antinori, the Solaiaremains extraordinarily dense and primary. Readers will have to be patient with this wine and give it plenty of bottle age before the full range of its aromas andnuances blossom fully. Solaia is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026."-ML 94 Pts - WA
319 Antinori "Solaia" 2010, IGT Toscana 722"The 2010 Solaia puts on an incredible show that hits all the senses and keeps your unyielding attention for as long as there is wine in the bottle. There are variousways to describe the bouquet. First, is the wine’s sweet side, as this beautiful 75-20-5 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc delivers ripecherry, black currant, baking spice and dark chocolate. After that, thewine becomes redolent of tobacco, balsam, bay leaf, rum cake and dark licorice. The bouquet is allencompassing and complete. A firmly structured backbone is padded generously by the fleshy richness of its consistency. This is a gorgeous wine that will age fordecades. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2040."-ML 97 Pts - WA
Super Tuscans 715 Antinori "Solaia" 2013, IGT Toscana 603"The best vintages of Solaia are 1990, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2010 and now 2013. Marchesi Antinori's 2013 Solaia is a profound and meaningful winethat is based mostly on Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc in supporting roles. It sports a dark and thick texture with plump fruit and spice,grilled herb and black pepper. The bouquet is intense and layered with the kind of complexity that is best admired as the wine shifts and evolves in the glass. Thetextual impact is also impressive—you feel the inherent power and the structure, but these elements are never overdone. The best is yet to come; this Solaia is built forlong cellar aging."-ML 97+ Pts - WA
407 Antinori "Tignanello" 1990, IGT Toscana 963"Antinori's 1990 Tignanello (a blend of primarily Sangiovese with some Cabernet Sauvignon) is the best example I have tasted of this wine since the marvelouslyopulent, rich 1985. Rich yet supple and expansive enough to be consumed with great pleasure, it offers a dark ruby/purple color, and a big, smoky, earthy nose ofnearly over-ripe cherry and currant-like fruit. Full-bodied, with exceptional concentration and purity, this distinctive, spicy wine should drink well for 10-15 years. "-RPJ 93 Pts - WA
208 Antinori "Tignanello" 1998, IGT Toscana 963"There are 30,000 cases of this well-known Tuscan proprietary red made from a blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. The1998 offers a classic bouquet of berry fruit, new saddle leather, underbrush, earth, and toast from its new barrique aging. Medium to full-bodied, good delineation, anda firm, classic style, it requires 2-3 years of cellaring, and should drink well for 15-16."-RPJ 91 Pts - WA
923 Antinori "Tignanello" 2004, IGT Toscana 936"The estate's 2004 Tignanello is a modern-day classic. Suggestions of macerated cherries, menthol, sweet spices, licorice and French oak meld seamlessly into aperfumed silky-textured core of ripe fruit. The tannins remain incredibly fine throughout. The wine's vibrant color and fresh flavors suggest it will age gracefully overthe next decade. This is a remarkably refined Tignanello."-AG 94 Pts - vinousmedia.com
823 Antinori "Tignanello" 2013, IGT Toscana 342"The 2013 Tignanello represents the beginning of a new chapter for Italy's ultimate game-changer wine. The blend remains 80% Sangiovese with 15% CabernetSauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc but Renzo Cotarella tells me "stylistically-speaking, this is what we wanted to achieve." The winemaking formula remains thesame, but one of the major differences and benefits to this wine is vineyard age. The celebrated Tignanello single vineyard is now reaching 15 years old. In other words,it is in its production prime. This is a harmonious and beautifully integrated wine that reveals black fruit and baking spice. I'm told the 2014 Tignanello will have agreater percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon and the 2015 vintage will have more Sangiovese."-ML 96 Pts - WA
921 Antinori "Tignanello" 2014, IGT Toscana 289"Tignanello has this amazing ability of always being, well, Tignanello. Its very DNA makes it among the most distinctive and recognizable wines in the world. I'mhappy to report that this is also the case for the 2014 Tignanello that faced very different growing conditions compared to most. The wine is beautiful and balancedwith sweet tannins and a supporting oak texture that is neatly folded at the back. The wine is all about measure and proportion, and it aspires to these goals with animpressive sense of natural harmony. This is not an overtly powerful or muscular expression. Instead, it shows a tasty, almost savory form of elegance. This vintagewas made with 75% Sangiovese, which means that the Cabernet presence is a tad bigger than normal. Ultimately, this wine is more finessed and delicate, and Iappreciate the careful tannic management on display here."-ML 93 Pts - WA
"Very aromatic and exciting with citrus rind, plums, cedar and rose petals. Full body, fine and silky tannins and a long and beautiful finish. Love the persistence andintensity. Salty undertone at the end. Needs two to three years to open."-JS 97 Pts - jamessuckling.com
305 Bibi Graetz "Colore" 2011, IGT Toscana Rosso 1785"This is opulent and fresh with cedar, berry, tobacco and orange-peel aromas and flavors. Medium body, firm tannins and a flavorful finish. Precise and powerfulcenter palate. Fabulous length. A blend of sangiovese, canaiolo and colorino. Better in 2019."-JS 98 Pts - jamessuckling.com
Super Tuscans 894 Carobbio "Leone" 2013, IGT Toscana 95Pts - Decanter Magazine, Platinum Medal "Best IGT Tuscan Red" Decanter World Wine Awards 306854 Fontodi "Flaccianello delle Pieve" 2013, IGT Colli Toscana Centrale 357
"The 2013 Flaccianello della Pieve is a powerhouse. In this vintage, Flaccianello has all of its typical richness but also a good deal of freshness that will help it age.Interestingly, the stylistic difference between Flaccianello and Vigna del Sorbo is more accentuated in 2013 than in 2012. Deep, layered and unctuous, the 2013 offersplenty of blue and purplish-hued fruits, clove, lavender and new leather nuances, all supported by big, searing tannins that will require the better part of a decade tosettle down. The 2013 is a magnificent Flaccianello with a bright, bright future."-AG 97+ Pts - vinousmedia.com
309 Frescobaldi "Luce della Vite La Vite Lucente" 2014, IGT Toscana 103872 Isole e Olena "Cepparello" 2012, IGT Toscana 353713 Isole e Olena "Cepparello" 2013, IGT Toscana 321
"Hands down beautiful, The 2013 Cepparello is a creation of stunning elegance and balance. A pure expression of Sangiovese, this wine undergoes a sophisticated oakregime that sees ageing in various barrel sizes and barrique of various ages. It lives 18 months of its life in French and 3% American oak before being released. Thisvintage (that is cooler compared to 2012 and 2011) delivers an exceptionally soft and mellow bouquet with slightly sweet sensations of ripe cherry and fragrant blueflower. Soft tones of spice and cinnamon bring up the rear. The 2013 Cepparello is one of my favorite wines of the vintage."-ML 97 Pts - WA
820 Isole e Olena "Collezione Privata" Syrah 2009, IGT Toscana 230"The 2009 Syrah Collezione Privata is round, supple and nicely layered in the glass, with scents of plum, black pepper, lavender and mint. As with all the Isole wines,the 2009 Syrah is marked by its extraordinary purity of fruit."-AG 93+ Pts - vinousmedia.com
734 La Querce 2012, IGT Toscana 128734 Mazzei "Philip" Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, IGT Toscana 170109 Montevertine "Le Pergole Torte" 1997, Vino da Tavola di Toscana 722424 Montevertine "Le Pergole Torte" 2014, IGT Toscana 428
"This is an elegantly etched red wine that opens to a dark ruby color and intense aromas of bright cherry, violets and balsam herb. At this young age, the wine has avery distinctively perfumed quality that resembles spring flowers or tropical fruit. I feel certain that these aromas will fade as the wine takes on more volume and aging evolution. Give it a few more years of cellar aging. Drink Date: 2019-2030."-ML 92-92 Pts - WA
894 Monte Bernardi "Tzingana" 2013, IGT Colli Toscana Centrale 225BTG Monte Bernardi "Tzingarella" 2015, IGT Colli Toscana Centrale 102745 Petra "Potenti" Cabernet Sauvinon 2013, IGT Toscana 135951 Piaggia "Pietranera" 2016, IGT Toscana 108970 Querciabella "Mongrana" 2013, IGT Toscana 118964 Querciabella "Turpino" 2010, IGT Toscana 92 Pts - jamessuckling.com 247824 San Polo "Rubio" 2013, IGT Toscana 91910 Tenuta Belguardo 2013, IGT Maremma Toscana 241
"The 2011 Belguardo fleshes out with dark red cherry, plum, mocha, smoke, grilled herbs, tobacco and leather. The ripe, extroverted personality of the vintage is on fulldisplay. This resonant, generous Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc blend is an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years. This is a greatexample of the resonant warmth that makes Maremma so appealing."-AG 93 Pts - vinousmedia.com
105 Tenuta dell'Ornellaia "Masseto" 2012, IGT Toscana 1174"Once again, Masseto shows why it is one of the world's truly great wines. Vibrant and nuanced in the glass, the 2012 possesses magnificent complexity to match itstextured, inviting personality. Black cherry, espresso, smoke and licorice meld into the creamy, resonant finish. The 2012 is not a huge Masseto, but rather a wine thatconvinces with its exceptional balance. In 2012, I give Masseto a slight edge over Ornellaia. Conversely, in 2011, it was the opposite.."-AG96 Pts - vinousmedia.com
Bolgheri 800 Antinori "Guado al Tasso" 2011, DOC Bolgheri Superiore 372"Forever the superstar, the 2011 Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso is a delicious wine that never holds back in terms of intensity and seamless integration. Everydetail has been finessed. The blend is 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Each vineyard parcel is fermented separatelyto maintain varietal identity. The wine’s appearance is dark and luscious with thick extraction and a vibrant dark garnet hue. Generous aromas of dark fruit, tobaccoand chocolate lift steadily from the glass. The mouthfeel is soft and yielding with a great sense of tannic persistency that holds up the finish, which can be counted inmany long minutes. Give this wine five years or more to fully evolve."-ML 95 Pts - WA
885 Michele Satta "I Castagni" 2012, DOC Bolgheri Superiore 244923 Poggio al Tessoro "Dedicato a Walter" 2012, DOC Bolgheri Superiore 257893 Poggio al Tessoro "Sondraia" 2012, DOC Bolgheri Superiore 170101 Tenuta San Guido "Sassicaia" 1995, DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia 1092
"The 1995 Bolgheri Sassicaia still holds court, thank you very much. It reminds me of a grande dame, or a woman of influence and sophistication who lights up theroom thanks to her expertly delivered, albeit antiquated charm. The wine's aged evolution is evident as the bouquet releases sure aromas of dried fruit, old spice, saffron and cola. I can't say the aromas reach perfect equilibrium, because they don't. There is a muddled fruit note in there too that subtracts from its purity. The mouthfeel issvelte and lean with finely polished and silky tannins. In fact, the wine's texture shows precision and elegance. Pretty menthol notes appear on the long finish.Anticipated maturity: 2017-2025."-ML 91 Pts - WA
204 Tenuta San Guido "Sassicaia" 1996, DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia 1079"Here's a little gem from Tenuta San Guido that has never been reviewed in Robert Parker Wine Advocate (except informally by me one year ago in a Hedonist'sGazette). I have consistently found the 1996 Bolgheri Sassicaia to be an impressive wine on the few occasions I have had to taste it. This is one of those rare underratedvintages that bring so much delight and surprise in an important retrospective such as this. As I recall from my informal tasting, this Sassicaia shows a heavy dose ofCabernet Sauvignon typicity but without the astringent medicinal tone or unripe greenness you might expect. Instead, it delivers a bright but balanced, tonic vervethat is driven by the wine's natural acidity. I had previously paired this wine with an oversized bistecca alla fiorentina t-bone steak and the marriage was perfect. Thiswas a difficult vintage in Bolgheri, but the results in the bottle suggest otherwise. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2028."-AG 92 Pts - WA
116 Tenuta San Guido "Sassicaia" 1997, DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia 1011203 Tenuta San Guido "Sassicaia" 1998, DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia 1034
"The 1998 Bolgheri Sassicaia presents an interesting challenge and counter position. It feels like it is traveling at two speeds. On first nose, you are reminded of its agethanks to oxidized tones of dried spice, cumin, cured meat and bresaola. Despite the wine's clearly evolved state, it also bursts forth with an impressivecharge of darkfruit integrity, fullness and freshness. Lingering mineral tones add polished elegance and a sense of delineated grace that is memorable and ultimately very beautiful.Those marine tones appear throughout the texture of this wine like a delicate embroidery. If the wine appears huddled and hunched down on first approach, you findthat it suddenly stands tall and glorious after a few quick swirls of the glass."-AG 91 Pts - WA
208 Tenuta San Guido "Sassicaia" 1999, DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia 1034"Saturated dark ruby. Sultry aroma of crushed blackberry complicated by a whiff of cinnamon. Layers of earthy, mouthfilling blackberry flavor are supported by gauzytannins and a welcome core of acidity, followed by white pepper and graphite on the pliant finish. Supple and elegant."-EB 91 Pts - vinousmedia.com
Bolgheri 114 Tenuta San Guido "Sassicaia" 2000, DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia 1012"Intense dark ruby. Dark berry fruit and exotic spice scents fill the high-toned, penetrating nose. Offers a deep core of beautifully delineated blackberry andblackcurrant flavours layered with bell pepper, dark chocolate and minerals. Smooth tannins frame the very long finish, leaving one with the impression of persistenceand balance."-AG 93 Pts - vinousmedia.com
216 Tenuta San Guido "Sassicaia" 2001, DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia 1012111 Tenuta San Guido "Sassicaia" 2003, DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia 984
"(80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% cabernet franc) Dark ruby-red. Appealing smoky, minerally aromas of red cherry, blackcurrant and plum, with a hint of truffle.Quite suave on entry, then smooth and fine-grained, with good mineral lift to the decidedly sweet red fruit flavors. This broad, rich and supple wine boasts tremendouslength and silky-sweet tannins. A great Sassicaia that falls roughly between the '88 and the '85 in style at the similar stage of development, although I'm not sure thenew vintage will attain the heights reached by those earlier wines. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023"-ID 93 Pts - vinousmedia.com
428 Tenuta San Guido "Sassicaia" 2004, DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia 1017"A wine with beautiful aromas of currants and light chocolate with hints of sweet tobacco. It's full-bodied and very refined with integrated tannins. It still needs timeto give its full potential, but it's a beautiful wine with excellent length and class. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2022"-JS 94 Pts - jamessuckling.com
109 Tenuta San Guido "Sassicaia" 2006, DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia 944"(85% cabernet sauvignon and 15% cabernet franc) Bright red-ruby. Complex nose melds red cherry, blackcurrant, minerals, dried herbs and a delicate oaky vanillinnuance; the fruit aromas show an almost roasted quality without going over the top. Sweet, concentrated and nicely fresh, with an impression of strong extract and ahint of exotic fruits to the flavors of ripe red and dark berries, chocolate, plum and wild herbs. The candied fruit quality carries through on the long, smooth finish,where there's a trace of heat and hints of menthol and minerals. A very successful Sassicaia but, in my notebook, just a little below the lofty heights of the 2001 or2004. But given the quality of this wine, that's quibbling."-ID 95 Pts - vinousmedia.com
601 Tenuta San Guido "Sassicaia" 2013, DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia 749"Fabulous structure for a Sassicaia with powerful, polished, chewy tannins and ripe, subtle fruit. Aromas of blueberries, blackcurrants, rosemary, and lavender. Fullbody, bright acidity and a savory finish. Juicy and lively. Better to drink this beginning in 2020 but so impressive now."-JS 98 Pts - jamessuckling.com
410 Tenuta San Guido "Sassicaia" 2014, DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia 684"This is my official review of the 2014 Bolgheri Sassicaia after having been graciously invited to the estate for various barrel samples spanning back several years. I have watched the evolution of this wine with a close eye and am impressed by how its real quality is diametrically opposed to the poor expectations of this difficult vintage. The nose is redolent of bright fruit and blackberry. Spice, tar and leather appear subtly at the back. The wine took on considerable weight each year I came back to taste it and this vintage was bottled earlier than average, precisely to give it more time to unwind and relax in the small confines of the bottle. This is a solid effort for sure and the wine is a stunning example of what it takes to make great wine, even when weather conditions are not in your favor."-ML 93 Pts - WA
Carmignano 910 Piaggia "Il Sasso" 2015, DOCG Carmignano 161
Chianti Classico 832 Antinori "Badia a Passignano" 2003, DOCG Chianti Classico Riserva 272711 Antinori "Badia a Passignano" 2004, DOCG Chianti Classico Riserva 205854 Carobbio 2011, DOCG Chianti Classico Riserva 90 Pts - WE, 90 Pts - WA 161313 Castello di Ama "Vignetto la Casuccia" 2007, DOCG Chianti Classico 474
"The estate’s 2007 Chianti Classico Vigneto La Casuccia is deep, dark and sensual with a warm core of fruit that radiates from its poised frame. This shows superb density, richness and finesse from start to finish, with exceptional depth and fabulous overall balance. It is without question a wine for the future, but the richness of the fruit and the extraordinary silkiness of the tannins bode for an immensely rewarding life ahead. Sweet floral notes add freshness and lift to the finish. What a wine! Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032."-AG 96 Pts - WA
306 Castello di Ama "Vignetto Bellavista" 2007, DOCG Chianti Classico 474"The 2007 Chianti Classico Vigneto Bellavista is a knock out. Rose petals, flowers, all sorts of red berries and mint are some of the nuances that emerge from the 2007. Striking inner perfume, ripe tannins and phenomenal overall balance are the calling cards. Today the 2007 comes across as a modern-day version of the 1990 or, to use a more contemporary comparison, the 2004, but with more weight and also greater sweetness in the tannin. Either way, it is flat-out stunning and a must-have. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2037."-AG 97 Pts - WA
Sardinia 874 Argiolas "Korem" 2012, IGT Isola dei Nuraghi 161954 Sella e Mosca "Marchese di Villamarina" Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, DOC Alghero 148
"Deep ruby with inky tinges: this is amazingly dark and impenetrable for a 2010 wine. Ripe black cherry, cassis, balsamic notes, herbs and cedar on the nose. Rich and dense with mouthcoating tannins that frame the ripe red and aromatic herb flavors. Fresh, saline and rather refined on the long finish. Very interesting wine. While I think when people speak of “Italian” Cabernet Sauvignon wines and a supposed “somewhereness” of that Cabernet, they’re just grasping at straws (most of the time, at least), I admit the Marchese di Villamarina wine (in this vintage, at least) really does pass for a Cabernet Sauvignon with a Mediterranean soul."-ID 91 Pts - vinousmedia.com
Sicilia 753 Benanti "Rossodiverzella" 2013, DOC Etna Rosso 97"Bright red. Aromas of fresh red berries and pungent herbs are complicated by mineral and floral nuances. Dense, juicy and bright in the mouth, with sweet, floral red berry flavors lifted by lively acidity. Multilayered but youthfully discreet. The red berry flavors linger long on the vibrant finish. This superb wine is quite Pinot Noir-like."-Ian d'Agata 92 Pts - vinousmedia.com
952 Benanti Nerello Mascalese 2012, DOC Etna Rosso 128"Dark ruby-red. Spicy red cherry and aromatic herbs on the bright nose. Deep, dense and suave on entry, then increasingly austere on the back half due to very high acidity and youthfully tough tannins. The flavors of red berries, herbs and flowers linger impressively on the bright finish. Still very young: I would cellar this wine for at least another 3 years and enjoy it for another 15 after that. A lovely wine but it’s actually darker than the Nerello Cappuccio, which makes no sense if you know even a little about these grape varieties."-IA 91+ Pts - vinousmedia.com
830 Benanti "Rovittello" 2011, DOC Etna Rosso 185"I like the tar, plum and candied-lemon aromas that follow through to a full body with soft, silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Structured and rich now, but better in 2017"-JS 92 Pts - jamessuckling.com
845 Benanti "Rovittello" 2012, DOC Etna Rosso 177"Moderately saturated red. Cherry, cinnamon and savory earthy aromas are lifted by a very intense floral topnote. Graceful and juicy; lively, harmonious acidity lifts the red fruit and strong floral elements. Finishes long and with noteworthy refinement."-ID 91 Pts - vinousmedia.com
781 Benanti "Serre della Contessa" 2011, DOC Etna Rosso 185"Deep red. Brooding nose hints at red cherry, potpourri, mint and minerals. Fresh, juicy and penetrating, showing bright saline lift to the red berry and underbrush notes. Finishes long and bright, with repeating herbal and saline notes."-ID 91+ Pts - vinousmedia.com
913 Benanti "Serre della Contessa" 2012, DOC Etna Rosso 177"Bright red. Ripe red cherry, licorice and botanical herbs, lifted by a note of blood orange and vanillin oak. Sweet and concentrated; harmonious acidity gives shape and grip to the flavors of red cherry and minty herbs. Carries its herb and blood orange nuances straight through to the juicy, long, tannic finish."-ID 92 Pts - vinousmedia.com
843 Cos "Pithos Rosso" 2014, DOC Vittoria Rosso 179953 Marco de Bartoli "Rosso di Marco" Pignatello 2014, IGP Terre Siciliane 128407 Tasca d'Almerita Cabernet Sauvignon 1995, Vino da Tavola di Sicilia 310
963 Artadi "Valdegines" 2013, DOCa Rioja 218"The valley of Ginés names the 2013 Valdeginés, a single plot of Tempranillo vines from a cold terroir (the sun leaves at mid-day) in a cold vintage. This is an austere red, serious, quite different from previous vintages. There was some 630 liters of rain in the growing season and the vintage was challenging, but has often resulted in less ripe wines with more freshness. The tannins are a little more severe than the 2014, a wine that should age nicely in bottle, with the freshness of the cold years. Spicy, cold, austere and long. The wood is remarkably well integrated. This is a very good showing for Valdeginés; it really impressed me. ."-LG 93 Pts - WA
725 Bodegas Casa Primicia "Julian Madrid" 2011, DOCa Rioja Reserva 110991 Bodegas Casa Primicia 2007, DOCa Rioja Gran Reserva 112783 Faustino I 2004, DOCa Rioja Gran Riserva 104812 La Sorda Graciano 2011, DOCa Rioja 115964 Marqués de Murrieta 2011, DOCa Rioja Gran Reserva 225438 Marqués de Murrieta "Castillo Ygay" 2007, DOCa Rioja Gran Reserva 395769 Marqués de Riscal "Baron de Chirel" 2010, DOCa Rioja Reserva 351923 Rioja Vega 2012, DOCa Rioja Riserva 85982 Roda I 1994, DOCa Rioja Reserva 454743 Roda I 2004, DOCa Rioja Reserva 404893 Roda I 2009, DOCa Rioja Reserva 354436 Torre Muga 2011, DOCa Rioja 278
"The Mugas are happy with the 2011 harvest. The 2011 Torre Muga is a dark-colored, almost opaque, ripe and concentrated effort. (It contains the Tempranillo that would normally be part of the Aro, and was not produced because they didn't get the Graciano they needed.) They are selling this very young (but still, it will not be released until around September 2015). It is quite heady with aromas of ripe plums, spices, lead pencil, ink and well-integrated oak. The palate is full-bodied, round and lush with plenty of dense and concentrated tannins that feel very young. If you have in mind the Torre Muga from the beginning, this has a lot less oak and is less extracted; it has much better balance. As usual, it's a blend of Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo and others, from a very cold zone close to the Oja-Tirón rivers, which might explain why this wine is so fresh in such warm vintage. There will be no Torre Muga in 2012 or 2013, and possibly very little 2014. So stock up on this if you want a wine like it, because it will keep and develop well in bottle. 32,000 bottles produced."-LG 95Pts - WA
993 Valenciso 2009, DOCa Rioja Reserva 183"The 2009 Reserva from Valenciso is a classic Rioja produced with grapes from Rioja Alta in search of the classical profile combining freshness, elegance and power. The destemmed but uncrushed grapes fermented in cement tanks where it underwent malolactic. It matured in one-third new French oak barrels for some 17 months. There are some notes of leather, licorice and fountain pen ink, over a core of ripe berry fruit, with some spicy notes from the oak and a faint animal character. The palate is medium-bodied with some dusty, slightly rustic tannins and a dry finish."-LG 91 Pts - WA
Ribera del Duero 317 Bodegas Vega-Sicilia "Valbuena 5" 2011, DO Ribera del Duero 534"The 2011 Valbuena was fermented plot by plot, something they started after a deep soil study in the 2010 vintage. 2011 was a very warm and ripe vintage in the zone, and the challenge was to keep the freshness. There are more black fruit aromas, subtle spices and hints of complexity, as well as tertiary aromas that are quite classic and turn more balsamic with time in the glass. Again, this is very different form the 2012 Alión, rounder, riper, richer, more polished, mellow, soft, quite exuberant and hedonistic. 170,000 bottles produced."-LG 94 Pts - WA
103 Bodegas Vega-Sicilia "Unico" 2002, DO Ribera del Duero 919"Having skipped over releasing a 2001 due to frost damage, the 2002 Unico is a result of a severe selection as attested by the label which shows that just 42,932 bottles were produced instead of 108,536 in 2000. It has an incredibly intense nose, much more linear and focused than the more flamboyant 2000, with scents of dark cherry, creme de cassis and a touch of honey and melted dark chocolate. The palate is medium-bodied with a slight grainy texture on the entry, a hint of cooked meat inflecting the layers of toasty dark berry fruit. It is very harmonious and perhaps at this juncture, edgier and grittier than the millennial Unico."-NM 95 Pts - WA
766 Dominio de Pingus "Pingus" 2012, DO Ribera del Duero 2403"There are plenty of floral notes, violets, even lilies; it's extremely aromatic, subtle and precise with just some Indian spices in the background to give it an exotic character. With time in the glass, there are some earthy, mineral (even diesel-like?) aromas. It has a rare combination of power and finesse, concentrated but delicate, with buttery, ultra-refined tannins, great balance, acidity, length and a silky texture, not easy to find in Ribera del Duero. This could very well be the best Pingus ever, in the style of 1996, a year of elegance and good acidity, more Burgundian/Atlantic (Peter Sisseck does not agree with the term Burgundian applied to Ribera del Duero) than the average. This wine has the conjunction of their knowledge and the improvements in the vineyards. This is stunning, simply perfect. It has all the components to age for 20+ years."-LG 100 Pts - WA
Other Spanish Reds 714 Bodegas Iturria 2015, DO Toro 91790 Bodegas Mauro "VS" 2011, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León 351
"The 2011 VS was produced with the same grapes in 2010, but the differences of the growing season makes this 2011 more exuberant, showing upfront fruit with very polished tannins and a little riper. There are aromas of Mediterranean herbs, and it is soft and accessible, with good balance and length."-LG 94 Pts - WA
750 Bodegas Matarredonda "Libranza" 2002, DO Toro 202"The 2002 Libranza is a 4,000-case, deep ruby/purple-colored cuvee offering a gorgeously sweet raspberry, black cherry, cassis, licorice, and smoky oak-scented bouquet. Good sweetness (from high glycerin and lofty alcohol) provides a fleshy fatness to accompany the wine’s purity and ripe tannin."-RPJ 91 Pts - WA
850 Genium Cellar "Ecologic" Garnatxa/Merlot/Syrah 2010, DOQ Priorat 91 Pts - vinousmedia 184994 Genium Cellar "Excellent" 2007, DOQ Priorat 254753 Genium Cellar "Excellent" 2012, DOQ Priorat 240896 Jiménez-Landi "Sotorrondero" Garnacha/Syrah 2015, DO Méntrida 90 Pts - jamessuckling.com 101744 Joan d'Angruera "Planella" Carignan/Syrah/Garnatxa 2014, DO Montsant 96784 Maguila "Cachito Mio" Tempranillo 2014, DO Toro 66972 Martinet Bru Garnatxa/Sirà 2015, DOQ Priorat 135746 Pago del Ama Syrah 2005, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León 332430 Pago del Ama Syrah 2006, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León 321766 Pago del Ama Syrah 2010, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León 321715 Pares Balta "Mas Irene" Cabernet Franc/Merlot 2013, DO Penedès 112724 Quinta del Obispo Mencia 2016, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León 73731 Solar de Urbezo "Vendimia Seleccionada" Garnacha/Carignan/Syrah 2010, DO Méntrida 90 Pts - WA 94831 Tinto Iturria Tempranillo 2011, DO Toro 75
Large Format White WineFranceBurgundy 607 Domaine Faiveley 2010, AOC Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru (1.5L) 1546
608 Domaine Faiveley 2010, AOC Bienvenues Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru (1.5L) 1316Loire Valley 1-2 Domaine de l'Ecu "Granite" 2014, AOC Muscadet Sèvre et Maine (1.5L) 193
ItalySicilia 306 COS "Rami" (1.5L) 2014, IGP Terre Siciliane 272
CanadaOntario 4-1 Huff Estates Brut 2011, VQA Prince Edward County (1.5L) 192
4-4 Norman Hardie "County Unfiltered" Chardonnay 2014, VQA Prince Edward County (1.5L) 263
Large Format Red WineCaliforniaCabernet Sauvignon 999 Dominus 2008, Napa Valley AVA (6L) 99 Pts - WA 5136
416 Dominus 2009, Napa Valley AVA (1.5L) 97+ Pts - WA 1498999 Dominus 2009, Napa Valley AVA (6L) 97+ Pts - WA 5136403 Dominus 2010, Napa Valley AVA (1.5L) 100 Pts - WA 1498301 Dominus 2011, Napa Valley AVA (1.5L) 94 Pts - vinousmedia.com 963302 Dominus 2012, Napa Valley AVA (1.5L) 99 Pts - WA 1605100 Dominus 2012, Napa Valley AVA (3L) 99 Pts - WA 3210403 Dominus 2013, Napa Valley AVA (1.5L) 100 Pts - WA 1883321 O'Shaughnessy "Mount Veeder" 2013, Mount Veeder AVA (1.5L) 96 Pts - WA 1124112 Shafer "Hillside Select" 2007, Stags Leap AVA (3L) 98+ Pts - WA 3745306 Shafer "Hillside Select" 2013, Stags Leap AVA (1.5L) 98+ Pts - WA, 99 Pts - JS 1878112 Shafer "One Point Five" 2012, Stags Leap AVA (3L) 94 Pts - WA 2360403 Shafer "One Point Five" 2013, Stags Leap AVA (3L) 94+ Pts - WA 2360403 Shafer "One Point Five" 2014, Stags Leap AVA (3L) 94 Pts - WE 2360419 Truchard 2013, Napa Valley AVA (1.5L) 321100 Ulysses 2012, Napa Valley AVA (1.5L) 97 Pts - jamessuckling.com 1284403 Ulysses 2012, Napa Valley AVA (3L) 97 Pts - jamessuckling.com 2568403 Ulysses 2012, Napa Valley AVA (6L) 97 Pts - jamessuckling.com 5136
Merlot 436 Duckhorn 2013, Napa Valley AVA (1.5L) 482
France Bordeaux 321 Château Barreyre 1994, AOC Bordeaux Supérieur (1.5L) 214
503 Château Calon Sègur 1982, AOC Saint-Estèphe (3L) 3ème Cru Classé 4387"A dense, opaque garnet color is followed by notes of roasted meats, herbs, black currants, incense, and damp earth. Full-bodied, still extremely tannic (sweet butnoticeable tannins), rich, and backward, where perfectly stored, this 1982 will last for another 50 years. The estate has always compared it to their 1947, which is still a vibrant wine, and the 1982 should be just as profound. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2040."-RPJ 94+ Pts - WA
429 Château Léoville-Las-Cases 2005, AOC Saint-Julien (1.5L) 2ème Cru Classé 3210"This is a prodigious effort. A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Merlot and Cabernet Franc (only 37% of the crop qualified for Las Cases), this denseruby/purple wine has a stunningly pure bouquet of dark fruit, wet rocks, graphite, and subtle background toast/vanillin. Full-bodied, masculine, and very deep andconcentrated, this titanic effort is at least 8-10 years away from its plateau of maturity. The Delon family have produced another legend."-RPJ 97+ Pts - WA
437 Château Léoville Poyferré 1995, AOC Saint-Julien (1.5L) 2ème Cru Classé 1552"Deep ruby-red. Bright, enticing aromas of redcurrant, minerals and tobacco; not quite as ripe as the '96. Lovely sweetness and clarity of flavor in the mouth. Moresupple than the '96, and likely to be approachable much earlier. Finishes with substantial, tongue-coating tannins.."-ST 90 Pts - vinousmedia.com
437 Château Léoville Poyferré 2000, AOC Saint-Julien (1.5L) 2ème Cru Classé 2461"The plushest, most ostentatious anddramatic of all the Leovilles in 2000, this wine is already sumptuous, displaying some nuances in its huge nose of vanilla bean,black chocolate, jammy black cherries, cassis, and graphite in a flamboyant style. Opulent, savory, rich, and full-bodied, it is a head-turning, prodigious wine and acomplete contrast to the extracted behemoth of Leoville Barton and the backward, classic Leoville Las Cases. The Poyferre’s low acidity, sweet tannin and an alreadygorgeous mouthfeel make it a wine to drink now as well as over the next 25 or more years."-RPJ 97 Pts - WA
437 Château Léoville Poyferré 2003, AOC Saint-Julien (1.5L) 2ème Cru Classé 2301"The spectacular 2003 Leoville Poyferre exhibits a dense purple color with a touch of lightening at the edge as well as notes of creosote, barbecue smoke, jammy blackcurrants, licorice and spice box. This intense, voluptuously textured, full-bodied St.-Julien possesses low acidity and ripe tannin. Still fresh and exuberant, it is justentering its plateau of full maturity where it should remain for 10-15+ years."-RPJ 96 Pts - WA
437 Château Léoville Poyferré 2005, AOC Saint-Julien (1.5L) 2ème Cru Classé 1980"Lots of sexy, exotic aromas to this wine in addition to flamboyant floral undertones. It's full-bodied with a cold tannic texture and flavor that gives the wine a verygraphite-like undertone. Drinkable now but better in 2018."-JS 94 Pts - jamessuckling.com
609 Pontet-Canet 2010, AOC Paulliac (1.5L) 5ème Cru Classé 1498. An astounding, compelling wine with the classic Pauillac nose more often associated with its cross-street neighbor, Mouton-Rothschild, creme de cassis, there are also some violets and other assorted floral notes. The wine has off-the-charts massiveness and intensity but never comes across as heavy, overbearing or astringent. Thefreshness, laser-like precision, and full-bodied, massive richness and extract are simply remarkable to behold and experience. This is a 50- to 75-year wine from one ofthe half-dozen or so most compulsive and obsessive proprietors in all of Bordeaux."-RPJ 100 Pts - WS
BourgogneCôte d'Or 511 Domaine Comte Armand "Clos des Épeneaux" 2012, AOC Pommard 1er Cru (1.5L) 94-96 Pts - WA 1338
323 Domaine Faiveley "Clos des Cortons" 2008, AOC Corton Grand Cru (1.5L) 668"Very focused and juicy, with pretty raspberry, currant, violet and stone aromas and flavors that meld nicely with the firm structure and sleek profile. Elegant overall,with beautifully defined fruit and nice length. Best from 2013 through 2028." 94 Pts - WS
Beaujolais 413 Jean-Claude Chamudet "La Cuvée du Chat" Gamay 2015, Vin du France 188
Rhone Valley 304 Maison Nicolas Perrin 2013, AOC Crozes-Hermitage (1.5L) 209
"Terrific aromas of pure strawberries and orange peel. Spanish-cedar undertones. Full body and a perfect balance of ripe fruit, hints of lemon and orange peel. Undertones of milk chocolate. Vibrant finish. This will be fabulous in three or four years, but difficult not to drink it now."–JS 99 Pts - vinous.com
318 La Spinetta "Campè Riserva" 2000, DOCG Barolo (1.5L) 98 Pts - WS 2087"This is wonderfully perfumed and classy with roses, berries and cherries. Full-bodied, with layers of fruit and tannins that unfold in your mouth, with a velvety texture and a wonderful length. If you missed the first release, get this. It's been aged an additional nine months in barrel. 1,500 magnums made. Best after 2010. 250 cases made."–JS 98 Pts - WS
323 La Spinetta "Campè" 2004, DOCG Barolo (1.5L) 93 Pts - AG 1825"The 2004 Barolo Campe has put on quite a bit of weight since it was bottled. This massive, powerful Barolo flows from the glass with its signature over-ripe aromatics and masses of dark fruit, tobacco, leather and spices. The tannins build impressively on the long finish. Buckle your chinstraps, this is not a wine for the timid. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024."-AG 93 Pts - WA
318 Vietti "Castaligione" 2010, DOCG Barolo (1.5L) 94 Pts - AG 562
Barbaresco 516 Falletto di Bruno Giacosa "Asili di Barbaresco" Riserva-Red Label 2007, DOCG Barbaresco (1.5L) 1766"The 2007 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is sweet, perfumed and totally gorgeous in its round, sensual fruit. Silky, elegant tannins frame the long, harmonious finish. Stylistically the 2007 is most similar to the 2004, although it seems to have more exuberant, opulent fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2037."-AG 97 Pts - WA
100 Falletto di Bruno Giacosa "Asili di Barbaresco" Riserva-Red Label 2007, DOCG Barbaresco (3L) 97 Pts - WA 3424505 Pio Cesare "Bricco" 2004, DOCG Barbaresco (1.5L) 94 Pts - WS 1044518 Pio Cesare "Bricco" 2008, DOCG Barbaresco (1.5L) 94 Pts - WS 693100 La Spinetta "Vignetto Bordini" 2006, DOCG Barbaresco (3L) 93 Pts - WS 1070100 La Spinetta "Vignetto Gallina" 2005, DOCG Barbaresco (3L) 1926
"Complex aromas of plum, citrus fruit and dried mushroom follow through to a full body, with ripe, velvety tannins and a long, fruity finish. This is tannic as well. So give it some bottle age. Has impressive concentration. Best after 2012. 950 cases made." –JS 94 Pts - WS
Montferrato 437 La Spinetta "Pin" 2001, DOC Monferrato Rosso (1.5L) 674311 La Spinetta "Pin" 2005, DOC Monferrato Rosso (1.5L) 530
Veneto 427 Nicolis "Ambrosian" 2000 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (1.5L) 975"Exotic and dense, with tar, tree bark, leather and a sweet blast of cola all making for an alluring, magnetic bouquet. Racy and snappy in the mouth, but rich andrelaxed enough. And the flavors of black cherry, vanilla and spice sing in perfect harmony. Deep and on the mark." 93 Pts - WE
509 Quintarelli "Alzero" 1997, IGT Veneto (1.5L) 2506"Quintarelli's 1997 Alzero is a masterpiece. Blessed with extraordinary, captivating aromatics, it reveals new layers of spice, licorice, coffee, chocolate, cassis, minerals and sweet dark fruit with each successive taste. What I find most remarkable about this wine is that, despite being packed with jammy, concentrated fruit, it is remarkably light on its feet. It is a wine I never tire of tasting and is not to be missed.: 2007-2017."-AG 97 Pts - WA
TuscanyBrunello di Montalcino 403 Altesino 2004, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino (5L) 1605
"Shows bright berry, earth, mushroom and leather on the nose. Full-bodied, with very ripe, almost raisiny fruit. Tight and lean now, but the rich fruit comes throughon the finish. Give this time. Best after 2011. 10,000 cases made." –JS 92 Pts - WS
303 Altesino 2012, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino (1.5L) 450"Shows bright berry, earth, mushroom and leather on the nose. Full-bodied, with very ripe, almost raisiny fruit. Tight and lean now, but the rich fruit comes throughon the finish. Give this time. Best after 2011. 10,000 cases made." –JS 92 Pts - WS
100 La Gerla "Riserva gli Angeli" 2010, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino (3L) 1712"Pure cherry, rose and raspberry aromas and flavors are expressive in this complex, ripe Brunello. Hints of leather, tobacco, mineral and spice lay in wait, but this isall about the fresh fruit at this stage. Very harmonious, yet with plenty of structure. Long on the finish. Best from 2017 through 2032."-BS 95 Pts - WS
106 Fanti 2004, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino (3L) 910413 Fanti 2007, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino (1.5L) 93 Pts - WA 413417 Frescobaldi "Luce delle Vite", IGT Toscana (1.5L) 783326 Le Macioche 2008, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino (1.5L) 550513 La Maggia 2008, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino (1.5L) 899433 Poggio Antico 2004, DOCG Brunello di Montalcino Riserva (1.5L) 2408
Super Tuscans 511 Antinori "Tignanello" 2001, IGT Toscana (3L) 3734"The 2001 Tignanello is an object lesson in how to make Cabernet work with Sangiovese, the two varieties balancing and enhancing one another in admirablesymbiosis. (The percentage of Cabernet, in fact, was reduced from the previous 20% to 15% in this vintage, an important sign - I hope - of how the wind is blowing.) A blackish ruby, its perfectly focused plum and cassis fruit, given an additional complexity by notes of sweet herbs and saddle leather, is fully and completely shaped inflavors of impeccable volume, roundness, and depth, caressing and powerful and with an additional power on the close."-DT 93 Pts - WA
307 Antinori "Tignanello" 2004, IGT Toscana (1.5L) 1840"The estate's 2004 Tignanello is a modern-day classic. Suggestions of macerated cherries, menthol, sweet spices, licorice and French oak meld seamlessly into aperfumed silky-textured core of ripe fruit. The tannins remain incredibly fine throughout. The wine's vibrant color and fresh flavors suggest it will age gracefully overthe next decade. This is a remarkably refined Tignanello."-AG 94 Pts - WA
322 Antinori "Tignanello" 2010, IGT Toscana (1.5L) 1070"Antinori's 2010 Tignanello is stunning, as it has been since I started tasting the component wines in 2011. Firm yet sweet, silky tannins form thebackbone for thisgorgeous, vivid wine. Dark red cherries, plums, cloves, mint and sage inform a Tignanello that impresses for its delineation, nuance and power. Clean, saline notessupport the mineral-drenched finish. The 2010 isn't huge, but rather is a vertical wine endowed with tremendous energy and vibrancy. I can't remember a Tignanellowith this much crystalline tension and pure energy. Simply put, the 2010 Tignanello is a magnificent, towering wine from Antinori."-AG 96 Pts - WA
"Soft contours, silky tannins and textural volume are the hallmarks of the 2007 Solaia. A riper, denser version of the 2004 with the richness of the 1997, the 2007 willplease readers with a long drinking window of pure pleasure. The style is intense and bold. Readers who prefer more subtlety will find that in other vintages, as the2007 is a voluptuous, racy, turn-on with tons of immediacy but less in the way of detail or nuance."-AG 97 Pts - WA
609 Il Carnasciale di Bettina Schnabel Rogosky "Il Caberlot" 2006, IGT Toscana (1.5L) 95 Pts - WA 910"The 2006 Il Caberlot comes across as very shut down and intensely tannic at this early stage. With some coaxing the fruit gradually emerges, and sweet,mentholated, balsamic notes appear, yet this remains a reticent wine. Today there is little aromatic development, but that will come with time. Underneath the tanninslurks a wine of exceptional balance. Like a shy teenager, the 2006 Caberlot needs some time to overcome its awkwardness. The wine’s length and polish are superb. Isampled the 2006 Caberlot from a 750ml tasting bottle, but the wine is commercially only available in magnums, and in that format is likely to be even more backwardthan this tasting note suggests! Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026."-AG 95 Pts - WA
319 Il Carnasciale di Bettina Schnabel Rogosky "Il Caberlot" 2009, IGT Toscana (1.5L) 985306 Il Carnasciale di Bettina Schnabel Rogosky "Il Caberlot" 2012, IGT Toscana (1.5L) 964514 Isole e Olena "Cepparello" 2000, IGT Toscana (3L) 2354999 Podere Poggio Scalette "Il Carbonaione" 2009, IGT Alta Valle della Greve (6L) 94+ Pts - WA 1926990 Querciabella "Mongrana" 2013, IGT Toscana (1.5L) 343300 Querciabella "Turpino" 2010, IGT Toscana (1.5L) 636717 Tenuta Belguardo 2013, IGT Maremma Toscana (1.5L) 546
"The 2011 Belguardo fleshes out with dark red cherry, plum, mocha, smoke, grilled herbs, tobacco and leather. The ripe, extroverted personality of the vintage is on fulldisplay. This resonant, generous Cabernet Sauvignon/Cabernet Franc blend is an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next handful of years. This is a greatexample of the resonant warmth that makes Maremma so appealing."-AG 93 Pts - vinousmedia.com
Rosso di Montalcino 408 Le Macioche 2009, DOC Rosso di Montalcino (1.5L) 338"Light and transparent ruby red. Piquant and fresh bouquet with notes of pomegranate, raspberries, flowers, medicinal herbs, cardamoms and liquorice. Slender andtaut. A charming finish with chalky notes, astringent but not overwhelming tannins." 4/5 - Bibenda Wine
Bolgheri 518 Antinori "Guado al Tasso" 2003, DOC Bolgheri Superiore (3L) 2570"Medium-dark ruby. Inky aromas of raspberry and dark chocolate, complicated by truffle, black pepper and rosemary and lifted by a floral nuance. Opulent, dense andsweet, with rich, broad, liqueur-like red berry and spicecake flavors complicated by mocha and leather. Very smooth wine, with suave, ripe tannins and a rich, longfinish. No 2002 was made, which might be a shame since in the past lesser vintages gave wonderful results here."-ID 92 Pts - vinousmedia.com
"This is my official review of the 2014 Bolgheri Sassicaia after having been graciously invited to the estate for various barrel samples spanning back several years. I have watched the evolution of this wine with a close eye and am impressed by how its real quality is diametrically opposed to the poor expectations of this difficult vintage. The nose is redolent of bright fruit and blackberry. Spice, tar and leather appear subtly at the back. The wine took on considerable weight each year I came back to taste it and this vintage was bottled earlier than average, precisely to give it more time to unwind and relax in the small confines of the bottle. This is a solid effort for sure and the wine is a stunning example of what it takes to make great wine, even when weather conditions are not in your favor."-ML 93 Pts - WA
"Redolent of peaches and cream, this offers plenty of pastry notes as well. Luscious midpalate, with passion fruit and dried mango details. Features an open-texturedfinish, accented by freesia hints. Drink now through 2042."-KM 92 Pts - WS
SpainCatalonia 109 De Muller "Aureo Dulce Añejo" NV, DO Tarragona (500 mL) 156
"The NV Avreo Dulce Anejo Solera 1954 is taken from a solera started in 1954, which is fed with Macabeo and Garnacha Blanca, fortified to 20% alcohol with 150grams of residual sugar. It has a dark amber color, slightly darker than the dry version of it, and the nose has an extra dimension of sweetness addedto the aromas of dried nuts, olives, aromatic herbs, sweet spices, curry and varnished wood. The palate is full and unctuous, with perceptible sweetness and a pleasantbitter note at the end of the palate. Drink now-2028."-LG 94 Pts - WA
3-4 Miguel Torres "Florialis" Moscatel Oro NV, DO (500 mL) 65
Jerez/San Lucar 2-1 Bodegas Barbadilla Manzania Pasada "En Rama" NV, DO San Lucar de Barrameda (375 mL) 652-1 Bodegas El Maestro Sierra Amontillado "12 Years Old" NV, DO Jerez (375 mL) 832-1 Bodegas El Maestro Sierra Oloroso "15 Years Old" NV, DO Jerez (375 mL) 482-1 Bodegas Hildalgo " La Gitana" NV, DO Manzanilla, San Lucar de Barrameda (375 mL) 702-1 Bodegas "La Guita" NV, DO Manzanilla, San Lucar de Barrameda (375 mL) 702-1 Bodegas Tradicion "30 Years VORS" Amontiillado NV, DO Jerez 3212-1 Bodegas Tradicion "30 Years VORS" Palo Cortado NV, DO Jerez 3212-2 Bodegas Valdespino Deliciosa Manzanilla "En Rama" NV, DO Manzanilla, San Lucar de Barrameda (375mL) 732-1 Equipo Navazos La Bota de Fino No. 68, DO Jerez 1652-1 Equipo Navazos "Bota Punta" La Bota de Manzanilla Pasada No. 40, DO San Lucar de Barrimeda (500 mL) 268961 Equipo Navazos La Bota de Manzanilla No. 71, DO Jerez 158
Montilla-Moriles 2-2 Bodeagas Toro Albalá "Eléctrico" Fino del Lagar NV, DO Montilla-Moriles (500 mL) 48503 Bodeagas Toro Albalá "Convento Seleción" Don PX 1929, DO Montilla-Moriles 895503 Bodeagas Toro Albalá "Convento Seleción" Don PX 1987, DO Montilla-Moriles 221
PortugalDouro 211 Burmester Colheita Port 1989 279
205 Fonseca "Guimaraens" Vintage Port 1995 (375 mL) 142BTG Grahams LBV Port 8 64BTG Grahams 10 Year Tawny Port 12 96BTG Grahams 20 Year Tawny Port 16 118314 Grahams Vintage Port 1994 341315 Grahams Vintage Port 1997 334103 Gould Campbell Vintage Port 1983 317604 Gould Campbell Vintage Port 1994 285604 Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port 1994 356514 Quinta do Vesuvio Vintage Port 1995 353604 Warres Colheita Port 2000 268
