Robert Parker 92pts.: "The 2007 Chardonnay Private Reserve (always one of California's top Chardonnays) has toned down the toasty oak component, exhibiting excellent nutty, honeyed, buttery notes of orange marmalade, brioche, and spice. Full-bodied, rich, and pure, it reminds me of a Burgundian premier cru from Chassagne-Montrachet or Meursault. Beringer continues to turn out an impressive array of wines, proving that a gigantic global operation can be focused on quality and character...the Private Reserve final blend is always the finest wine of the group. This has been proven time and time again at these tastings." (12/08) 91 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Bright yellow. Sexy aromas of musky peach, lemon peel, brown spices and smoky oak. Rich, ripe and sweet, with lovely density and chewy depth to the creamy flavors of lemon peel, creme brulee and minerals. Finishes with a note of pineapple and firm minerality. This aged in two-thirds new oak, or a bit less than usual." (May/June '09) 91 points Wine Spectator: "Intense and vibrant, rich and full-bodied, with a complex mix of ripe pear, honeysuckle and honeydew melon. Gains depth and nuance, with a subtle mix of flavors on the finish. Drink now through 2012."
2005 Cinq Cépages Cabernet Sauvignon blend - $299.99 cs/6 ($49.99)
Gold Medal Winner - 2009 Sommelier Challenge International Wine + 92 Pts.! This classic Cinq Cépages opens with generous aromas of boysenberry, black cherry and violet. Deep, dense and highly extracted, this wine offers layers of black raspberry, mocha and hints of blueberry. and Wine News 92pts. & Wine Enthusiast 91pts.
2007 Columbia Crest Merlot H3 - $160.00 cs/12
Wine Spectator 91pts."Dark, supple and generous with its blackberry and black currant flavors, playing against superfine tannins on an open-textured finish. Floral, savory overtones add depth. Best from 2011 through 2017."
2007 Continuum Propritiery Napa Red - $160.00 bot.
WS 97pts. "A wonderful expression of Cabernet, sleek and polished, with a mix of rich, layered black cherry, currant, wild berry and plum fruit that’s intense, concentrated, focused and stylish, turning spicy, with cedar anise and sage notes on a long, persistent finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now - 2020.
Winemaker Notes - a richly aromatic wine showing great balance and finesse on the palate. A unique blend, Continuum expresses the nerve and power of the Cabernet Sauvignon, the structure and exotic aromas of the Cabernet Franc and the depth and density of color of the Petit Verdot. The 2007 blend manifests this in firm yet supple tannins, a generous mid-palate with a long, nuanced finish making for a very textural, silky wine. Aromas of black currant, mulberry, and rose petal lead to cardamom, truffle and graphite flavors. A wine of exquisite power and elegance, the harmonious integration and balance make it delicious now, while assuring tremendous agreeability."
2007 Cru by Vineyard 29 - $599.99 cs/12 ($49.99)
Stephen Tanzer 94-97 pts. -"Full ruby. The nose shows a medicinal reserve and good floral lift to the aromas of blackberry, black cherry, bitter chocolate and licorice. Extremely sweet and fine-grained, with a texture of liquid silk. This superbly concentrated wine builds slowly in the mouth and finishes with extremely suave tannins that reach the front teeth. This is even sweeter than the 2006 and promises to be one of the elite Napa cabernets of the 2007 vintage. (May/Jun 2009)" & Parker 92pts.Parker: "One of Napa’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines in the $50 range is Vineyard 29's 2007 Cru. Produced by owners Chuck and Ann McMinn and their consulting winemaker, Philippe Melka, there are 5,000 cases of this blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The grapes are all purchased, and the wine is made at their state-of-the-art facility just off Highway 29 north of St. Helena. This beautiful wine exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as pure black currant fruit aromas intermixed with notions of licorice, charcoal, subtle smoke, and high class unsmoked cigar tobacco. It is an elegant, stunningly concentrated, seductive, lush wine that should age nicely for a decade or more. (Dec 2009)"
Dominus Library Vertical 1996, 2001, 2003 - $950.00 assorted case of 6
"The 1996 Dominus, a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot, tips the scales at 14.2% alcohol. Although this offering lacks the power, intensity, and compelling characteristics of the 1991 and 1994, it is not far off the pace of those two monumental wines. A super nose of roasted coffee, chocolate, dried herbs, black fruits and kirsch is both intense and persuasive. The wine displays terrific richness, medium to full body, low acidity, a succulent, opulent texture, and superb purity. This beautifully made 1996 is one of the few wines that has successfully tamed the vintage's elevated tannin level. It should be relatively drinkable upon its release, yet evolve nicely for two decades. Impressive!"
"The impeccably made 2001 Dominus boasts a dense plum/purple color in addition to a fragrant, promising perfume of cocoa, cedar, coffee, roasted herbs, and copious quantities of black fruits. There are 7,000 cases of this 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot blend. Rich and medium to full-bodied, with sweet but noticeable tannin, a layered mid-palate, and a long finish with obvious tannin, it will require 3-4 years of cellaring. It should last for two decades."
"The 2003 Dominus has turned out even better than I thought from barrel. There are 4,800 cases of this 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot blend. A big, sweet nose of roasted coffee, Provencal herbs, black currants, cherry jam, plums, allspice, and forest floor is followed by a spicy, rich, full-bodied, fragrant, intense wine. The tannins are sweet, but noticeable in this beautifully complex, strikingly aromatic 2003. It has much more similarity to a great Bordeaux than anything from Napa Valley. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2025. The most European-styled of all the Napa Valley Bordeaux blends, Dominus is owned by Petrus winemaker Christian Moueix, who works from one of region’s most historic vineyards, the renowned Napanook site from which many of the famed Inglenook wines of the fifties and sixties were produced. Interestingly, I tasted both decanted and recently opened bottles of each of these wines, and the additional aeration unquestionably revealed more nuances and character. I wouldn't be surprised if 5-10 hours of decanting resulted in significant improvement for these young wines. P.S. When I asked Christian Moueix to briefly summarize the last three Dominus vintages, he called 2001 “classic and elegant,” 2002 “exuberant and rich in more of a California style,” and 2003 “extremely aromatic and supple.”
2007 Dominus Napa Red - $800.00 cs/6
Parker 98pts.""The soon-to-be-released 2007 Dominus is a 5,400-case blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. It is ironic that Christian Moueix, the practitioner of utterly profound Merlot-based wines from St.-Emilion and Pomerol, eschews Merlot from his Napa vineyard, recognizing that it is Cabernet Sauvignon, and to a lesser extent Cabernet Franc, that hits the high notes in Napa. A prodigious example of Dominus, the 2007 represents a hypothetical blend of a Pomerol, Pauillac, and a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep ruby/purple-colored with a sweet nose of incense, cedar wood, black currants, black cherries, licorice, and a subtle hint of roasted herbs, it is an expansive, savory, opulent wine with a full-bodied mouthfeel, silky tannins, and sensational concentration. A legend in the making, it should evolve for 25-30 years, possibly longer given the fact that his vintages from the early eighties are still going strong, and the wines today are better made given Moueix-s Napa experience and the estate winery he did not have 25 years ago. Perhaps the finest vintage at Dominus since their historic 1994s and 1991s is 2007, although I am also a big fan of what they achieved in 2001, 2002, and 2006. Lastly, when I visit this winery they always open a fresh bottle and also have a bottle that has been decanted for an hour or two. The decanted bottles definitely reveal more aromatic complexity and breadth of flavor, so readers may wish to aerate the wines prior to service."
2008 DuMol Chardonnay Russian River - $799.99 cs/12
Parker 93pts. "A blend of different vineyards, their 2007 Chardonnay Russian River might turn out to be one of the best Chardonnays they have made under this moniker. Crisp acids, beautiful lemon butter notes intermixed with brioche and orange/nectarine notes are all present in this full-bodied wine, with the oak pushed well into the background. This is a beauty that should drink nicely for 3-4 years."
2007 Landmark Pinot Noir Detour - Retail $40 - NWW SALE $360.00 cs/12 ($30)
Wine Advocate Review Rated 90pts. "The 2007 Pinot Noir Grand Detour exhibits a dark ruby color as well as a foresty, black cherry, and meaty-scented, Cote de Nuits-like nose. Spicy, round, and generously endowed with a velvety texture, a seductive style, enjoy over the next 3-4 yrs." Wine & Spirits 92pts."The delicate raspberry scent carries the coolness of the coast, then a richer, dark cherry flavor and luscious texture give this the buzz of a Russian River Valley wine. It's clean and fresh, with an exuberance one taster compared to a 'fat, floppy puppy.' A lovely pinot noir for prime rib." Tanzer 91ots."Bright red. Wild strawberry and raspberry on the nose, with suave floral and spice notes adding vivacity. Extremely fresh, nervy red berry flavors pack a serious punch but seem weightless and betray no edges or obvious tannins. This silky, seductive pinot finishes with mineral-laced red fruits and excellent clarity."
2007 Landmark Chardonnay Overlook - SALE $329.99 cs/12
Wine Spectator 92pts. “a blend of 22 separate vineyards from some of California's finest sites for this varietal. A few of the well know vineyards in this blend are Sangiacomo (Carneros), Sleepy Hollow (Monterey), Bien Nacido (Santa Barbara), and Beltane (Sonoma Valley). 2007 presented us with an ideal growing season and the result is agruably our finest Overlook Chardonnay to date. The balanced acidity and creamy fleshy texture suggest a wine that will continue to age beautifully. The concentrated flavors exhibit just enough minerality. A long secondary fermentation, the malo-lactic, throughout the spring of 2008.helped this wine to retain great freshness during its ten month elevage in select French Burgundian barrels. This chardonnay will pair nicely with seafood, cream-sauced pasta dishes, raclette, and Asian cuisine, where ginger, garlic, sweet basil, and coconut will complement the complex flavors in this wine.
Parker 90pts."A reliable winery with a realistic pricing policy, one of California?s finest Chardonnays for the money is Landmark?s Chardonnay Overlook. The 2005 (74% Sonoma, 16% Santa Barbara, and 10% Monterey fruit) exhibits a light green/straw color as well as attractive aromas of honeyed citrus, tropical fruits, and spices. Excellent acidity, a lovely texture and mouthfeel, and medium body suggest this complex Chardonnay will drink well for several years. It represents a hypothetical blend of a classic white Burgundy and a California Chardonnay."
2007 Morgan Pinot Noir Double L - $225.00 cs/6 ($37.50)
Connoisseur's Guide 95pts."Here is a brilliant combination of the deep character possible from the site together with the balance and proportion that derive both from the hand of Dan Lee and from the vintage. The result is a wine of substance, brightness, richness and the kind of layering that is only found in the most exceptional offerings. To be sure, the wine is full in body as one would expect of its Santa Lucia Highlands provenance, yet it is underlying fruit and impeccable balance that seize the day here and make it into one that will happily age into a polished maturity over some four to six years or more." Wine Enthusiast, Steve Heimoff 92 Pts. "A big, thick, heavy Pinot Noir, showing the ripe flavors that a good Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir usually has. Floods the mouth with raspberry and cherry pie filling, currants, red plums, cola and rhubarbs. Nothing shy about it. Good now with lamb chops or a nice steak, and should do interesting things over the next six years." International Wine Review 92 Pts. "This estate wine displays a medium dark ruby hue and aromas of black cherry, earth, and sweet toasted oak. It has a full lush attack with incredible depth of flavor. Dark cherry underlies notes of sweet oak and brown spice. Long, sweet finish."
2006 Mount Eden Estate Chardonnay - $549.99 cs/12
Wine Spectator 96pts. "Simply delicious, a rich, buttery style, with ripe, vivid and delicate peach, pear and honeydew melon fruit that's complex, concentrated and full-bodied, offering excellent length and depth. Creamy oaky adds a touch of smoke and vanilla. The texture is silky. Drink now through 2016."
Stephen Tanzer 94pts."Bright yellow-gold. Fresh orange, fig and pear skin aromas are complemented by tarragon and cinnamon, with a suave note of marzipan coming up with air. Juicy and fresh, with sweet citrus and orchard fruit flavors and a stony underpinning. Gains flesh and richness on the strikingly long finish while maintaining vivacity. This is delicious now but is balanced to repay at least six to eight years of patience."
2007 Mumm Napa Chardonnay - $150.00 cs/6
"Usually only sold at the winery. Aromas of ripe golden delicious apples, citrus, pear, peach, white plums and apricot with only hints of tropical fruits. A powerful and crisp structure with mineral and citrus flavors. A long lush finish."
2007 Mumm Napa Pinot Noir - $185.00 cs/6
"Usually only sold at the winery, this has complex and balanced aroma of cranberry, red plum, black truffle, and cedar."
2006 NorthStar Merlot Columbia Valley - Retail $54 - SALE $180.00 cs/6
Parker 91pts."76% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It was aged in French and American oak, 65% new, for 18 months. The fruit was sourced from 14 different vineyards making the wine a testament to the art of blending. Dark crimson-colored, it displays an alluring bouquet of cigar box, sage, clove, cinnamon, black cherry, and a hint of chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, round and elegant on the palate, it has solid depth and enough ripe tannin to support 2-3 years of additional cellaring. Drink this intensely flavored effort from 2011 to 2021. "
Wine Spectator 91pts. "Firm in texture, with sandy tannins around a ripe core of currant and berry flavors, the fruit winning easily on the finish. Needs time, but this will be elegant. Best from 2012 through 2016. "
2007 Penner-Ash Willamette Pinot Noir - Retail $60 - SALE $199.99 cs/6
Wine Spectator 89pts. "Light and beautifully focused, with a delicate mineral note weaving through the cherry and currant fruit, all of it lingering effortlessly. Drink now through 2012." Winemaker's Notes "Red raspberry, baking spice and sweet dried fruit aromas compliment a vibrant palate of red cherry, chocolate and cinnamon. A purity of red fruit combined with a lush texture and refined tannins compliment a nuanced finish of strawberry and vanilla. 10 months in 35% new French oak, 25% one year-old French oak and 40% in two year-old French oak."
2006 Ridge Santa Cruz Cabernet Blend - $299.99 cs/12 Robert Parker 91pts "A blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2006 Santa Cruz Mountains Estate exhibits a similar deep ruby/purple color as well as less complex aromatics, an attractive, round, rich, full-bodied mouthfeel, sweet tannin, and a long finish. This successful 2006 should drink well for 15 years. " (02/10) Ridge's Santa Cruz Mountains Red is a blend of Cab and Merlot and a perennial favorite from the winery. Aged for 20 months in in American oak, this is a bit softer and more accessible than the Monte Bello, but still definitively Santa Crus Mountains wine. A flinty minerality complements the flinty, cola and spice aromas that carry the wine's fruit nose. In the mouth, coffee, licorice, blackberry, raspberry flavors coat your mouth."
2007 Ridge Sonoma 3 Valleys Zinfandel $250.00 cs/12 ($20.84)Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine 90pts. "When measured against its far riper cousins, this very well-balanced wine may seem a bit light on muscle, but what is really missing is fat, and, instead, it turns out to be both deep and quite long on bona fide fruity substance. Its careful composition and keen, claret-like structure mark it indelibly as an eminently food-worthy Zin for now and the next few years." Wine Spectator's Tasting Highlights: "Zesty and appealingly eccentric, with wild berry and exotic Asian spice aromas and layered baked cherry, anise and walnut flavors. Drink now through 2013." Three Valleys blend since 2001. The 2007 vintage is comprised of 76% zinfandel, 8% petite sirah, 7% syrah, 6% grenache and 3% carignane sourced from 10 individual Sonoma vineyards. Different than the winery's single vineyard wines showcase terroir - this blend showcases craft of winemaking, balancing aromas, flavors, textures. Rich, up front fruit make this appealing, but there's plenty of spice and earthy intrigue to keep evolving over the next 5yrs."
2008 Ridge Zinfandel Paso Robles - $299.99 cs/12
NOT YET RATED: "Deep garnet. Concentrated plum, black cherry. Gravelly earth, rich chocolate. Dark, juicy bramble fruit on palate; cardamom, crushed pepper, sweet oak. Round tannins; fresh, lively acidity." WINERY.
"This is an approachable wine with a long finish. This vineyard's forward fruit and soft tannins have often dictated early bottling. In this vintage, however, our blind tastings confirmed the need for a full thirteen months of barrel age. Rich fruit and the spice of barrel aging are beautifully balanced in this accessible zinfandel. It will be at its best over the next five years."
2007 Rodnay Strong Reserve Pinot Noir - $275.00 cs/6 ($45.84)
2007 Sequana Dutton Pinot Noir- $225.00 cs/6
Wine Enthusiast 92pts. “Crisp acidity and minty quality...wealth of roasted cherries, along with rich smoky cedar, and the mouth feel is silky and refined. Should develop over the next six years.”
Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine 92pts." ...cherry-and-strawberry aromas that take a moment before beginning to unfold...are graced by handsomely layered highlights of cocoa, sweet smoke and dried flowers...richness and depth as it crosses the palate en route to a long, very well-balanced finish.”
2008 The Prisoner by Orin Swift - $399.99 cs/12($33.34)
Wine Spectator 92pts. "Offers both style and structure, with lively aromas of black raspberry, cracked pepper and mocha, with plush and layered flavors of wild berry, fresh sage and licorice. Ripe tannins sneak in on the finish. Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Charbono and Grenache. Drink now through 2014. Yet another beautiful vintage of the prisoner from Orin Swift. This is not a wine to put in your cellar. Big, bright and all about immediate drinking. With vineyards sources such as Duarte, Toffanelli and David Fulton, there is no wonder why this wine is so beautiful and powerful. 50% Zinfandel, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Syrah, 9% Petite Sirah, 2% Charbono and 1% Grenache."
2006 Trivium Cabernet Napa Ivrettes Single Vineyard - $375.00 cs/6
"316 cases produced. The wine itself is brilliant deep ruby, with pungent ripe berry fruit aromas, rich espresso crema, hints of roasted chesnuts, Les Ivrettes’ typical stony terroir, and grace notes of nutmeg and cinnamon, bayleaf and thyme. In your mouth the wine is dense but balanced, with firm structure disguised by suppleness and an edge to hold it all together. The finish is long and chocolatey, with a refreshing snap. The 2006 Trivium will grow nicely in the bottle for years.
AUSTRALIA-ARGENTINA-CHILE-NEW ZELAND:
2007 Chacra Pinot Noir Barda - $199.99 cs/6 ($33.34)
Stephen Tanzer "Deep red, with an unfiltered appearance. Pungent aromas of floral red fruits, spices, herbs, blood orange and smoked meat. Not thick but penetrating and vibrant, conveying intense, high-pitched flavors of cherry, raspberry and rose petal. No shortage of density here, but this wine is impressive for its sheer juiciness and flavor intensity. Finishes very long and lively, with terrific grip. Without question the finest bottle of pinot noir I've tasted to date from Argentina. This held up very well with extended time in the recorked bottle. "Aerate this one for even more bliss. But fresh out of the bottle, there is joy aplenty. The nose of wild, spicy strawberries, raspberries, cherry cola and cocoa leads to a palate just as rich. Sweet spicy fruit (peppered mixed berries) surmounted by appropriate acidity keeps the balance firm; the force is strong is this one. Impeccably poised, this wine knows where it’s from and is comfortable with that. We came back to this after trying a number of other wines and it just developed further; the nose took on an old-growth forest charm that was exceedingly attractive to go along with the myriad of fruit scents and flavors; definitely a silky, Vosne Romanée feel to this one."
2007 Chacra 55 Pinot Noir - $375.00 cs/3
Wine Spectator Review:"Very perfumy up front, with lilting rose petal, crushed cherry and sandalwood aromas that lead the way for supple, stylish cherry and red currant fruit. Puts on weight through the finish, with a nice lingering hint of plum sauce. Drink now through 2013. 774 cases made. other Notes: "From vines planted in 1955, this is a rose-tinted Pinot with a woven, integrated bouquet of toast, mineral and berry fruits. There's more Burgundian character here than New World, so it pours on the cerebral scents and flavors of tea, rose hip, strawberry and raspberry. Reserved in style, but good to drink now and over the next few years. If $100 seems like a lot to spend on Argentinean Pinot, you should try to give this a taste at some point you may be convinced otherwise. (Editors' Choice) May, 2009 - 93 pts - Wine Enthusiast
2008 Layer Cake Malbec Mendoza Argentina - $180.00 cs/12
Parker 91pts. "Dense purple-colored with notes of blackberry, earth, roasted meats, and a hint of barbecue spice, this wine exhibits great fruit, delicious, full-bodied texture, silky tannins, and a long finish. It does taste more like a $30-50 bottle of Malbec than one that can be purchased for $15. It should drink nicely for at least 2-3 years.
2008 Layer Cake Barossa Shiraz - $18.00*bot.
90pts. and TOP 100 BEST BUYS, WINE ENTHUSIAST! "Dark, inky color with aromas of spice, anise, tobacco and mocha. The flavor is an explosion of dark berry, black cherry, exotic spices and chocolate." Winemaker Notes - "Layer Cake is an ode to Jayson Woodbridge's grandfather who always told him that the soil where wine is grown is like a Layer Cake, layered with mocha, chocolate, hints of spice and rich, always rich.' He's brought to market a wine of value' with exceptional quality through hand crafting and cutting yields per acre by half if not more. Always the Maverick, it appears, once again, that Woodbridge has raised the bar by raising the standards for a wine priced under $20. To know the man means the price of the wine will never dictate his passion. Jayson was not pleased with the quality of the 2007 vintage, so made the decision not to tarnish the reputation of the brand and skipped making the wine in 2007. According to Jayson, the 2008 vintage is Unmistakably Shiraz; the nose is best described as pure, unobstructed by excessive oak. Dark, dense and creamy, aromas of anise, tobacco, and mocha emerge from the glass. An explosion of dark berry, black cherry, exotic spices and chocolate fill the mouth."
2008 Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc - $135.00 cs/12
winemaker's notes: "Light green in color. The nose shows tropical and citrus fruits along with herbaceous varietal characters. The palate is generous and fruit driven with classical Marlborough acidity giving structure and length. A fresh and fruit driven Sauvignon Blanc perfect for drinking now."
2007 Veramonte Pinot Noir (Paul Hobbs Chile) - $150.00 cs/12 ($12.50)
Wine Spectator 88pts."Open-knit and forward, with tasty dark cherry, cola, bramble and spice notes that all linger nicely on the fleshy finish. Tasty. Drink now. " Stephen Tanzer 88pts. "Bright red. Youthful red and dark berry skin aromas are slow to open, with cracked pepper and pungent herbal notes adding complexity. More expressive on the palate, which offers raspberry and bitter cherry fruit flavors and a silky texture. Gains flesh with air and finishes with good breadth and persistence. This one grew on me, and I'd suggest giving it some air or a year in the cellar.."
Stephen Tanzer 88pts. "Bright red. Youthful red and dark berry skin aromas are slow to open, with cracked pepper and pungent herbal notes adding complexity. More expressive on the palate, which offers raspberry and bitter cherry fruit flavors and a silky texture. Gains flesh with air and finishes with good breadth and persistence. This one grew on me, and I'd suggest giving it some air or a year in the cellar.."
2005 Yacochuya $350.00 cs/6 ($58.34)
Parker 95 Pts."The Malbec grape was largely a failure in France because vintners could never coax a rich wine from it. But malbec flourishes in Mendoza, a region of Argentina adjacent to the Andes. Characterized by a spicy, dark fruit, these malbec wines can be complex, intense, and worthy of aging. In fact, they can compete with Bordeaux several times the price. Here are some favorites. Made from Frenchman, MICHEL Rolland's vineyard which is located 6,700 feet above sea level, this wine has a big, juicy, corpulent style with enormous amounts of flavor and richness. It’s the perfect grilled-meat sort of wine that just sings, and it should age beautifully for 10 to 15 or more years."
FRANCE:
2007 Beaucastel Blanc - $599.99 cs/6
Parker 95pts."Meriting the same rating as I gave it last year, it is a delicious, beautifully textured, light gold-colored white revealing plenty of white peach, apricot, nectarine, and honeysuckle notes as well as a distinctive florality and minerality. More honeyed and fuller-bodied than its 2008 counterpart, it should drink beautifully for 7-8 years, then go into an oxidative state. It is somewhat of a gamble as to what will happen thereafter. Beaucastel’s limited production luxury cuvee first produced in 1986 is their 100% Roussanne Vieilles Vignes offering. Fifty percent is barrel-fermented in one-year-old barrels, but no new oak is utilized."
2007 Beaucastel Rouge - $599.99 cs/6
Parker 96pts."turned out even better out of bottle than I predicted. An inky/ruby/purple color is followed by a glorious nose of blue and black fruits, truffles, pen ink, licorice, and meat juices as well as glorious levels of acidity and sweet tannin, buttressing the fruit’s fabulous freshness and vibrancy. This full-bodied effort still displays considerable tannin, no doubt because of the relatively high Mourvedre content. It should resolve its tannins in 2-4 years, and last for 25 or more."
n.v. Blason Rose Champagne Perrier Jouet - Retail $80 - SALE $299.99 cs/6
"pale pink with subtly perfumed nose of red currants, strawberry, and pear. This is a very suave red fruit flavored Rose Champagne with a gentle texture and lengthy and lingering finish reminiscent of blood orange leaving a mouth watering impression." WS 92pts., Parker and Tanzer 90pts.
2007 CAHORS Clos la Coutale - $199.99 cs/12 ($16.67)
90 Wine Spectator "There's a good sense of elegance to the well-defined, concentrated flavors of dark cherry, blackberry and plum, followed by notes of sage, dark chocolate and tobacco leaf on the long, powerful finish. Drink now. 5,000 cases imported. by Kim Marcus, August 2009.
2007 Cote du Rhone Chateau du Trignon - $150.00 cs/12
" is a directly appealing, lot of fun to drink, noticeably fruity red. In fact the fresh fruit and intense color of this wine, indicates to me that at least part of it was fermented by carbonic maceration, which is the same technique used to make most Beaujolais, of which this wine has a kissing-cousin relationship in its aroma and flavors. Prior to fermentation, the grapes macerated for three days while the fermentation lasted for 8 to 12 days. I found in this oh-so-charming picnic, informal dinner and lunch wine an intense ruby color and flavors of ripe strawberries, plums and redcurrants. The charm of this wine is in its youthful fruitiness so drink now and over the next couple of years. This 25-acre vineyard and its Chateau belong to the well-known and prestigious Quiot family of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This terraced estate is located on two types of soil (stony alluvial clay and limestone), planted chiefly in Grenache with the addition of Syrah and Mourvedre. The presence of Mourvedre is rare for just a Cotes-du-Rhone and may be one of the reasons for the wines quality.
2007 Cotes du Rhone JABOLUET45 Parallel - $119.99 cs/12
Wine Spectator 87pts."The 2006 red wines have been marked by powerful, ripe tannins; rich colors and aromas; noticeable minerality; excellent balance enhanced by prominent acidity; and great overall depth and complexity on the palate. For both reds and whites, 2006 produced a clear and well-balanced vintage at Jaboulet. Very pure and fresh, with purple and blue fruits leading the way, followed by notes of tar, violets and mineral. Solid, with fresh plum, violet and grilled herb notes, all backed by an iron-tinged finish. Drink now." -James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, Mar. 31, 2008
2008 Domaine Ott de Selle Rose Claire Noir $199.99 cs/6
2005 Domaine de Valensac Triade - $199.99 cs/6 ($16.67)
"Deep ruby. Sweet minty nose. Minty chewy cabernet fruit. Blackcurrent, sweet ripeness. Ripe tannins."
2007 Fevre Chablis Vaillons Premier Cru - $500.00 cs/12 ($41.67)
Parker 90pts."crushed stone from nose to finish as well as salinity, but not the savory mineral nuances that make the best wines in this collection so appealing. There is admirable concentration and purity here, but in a compact form whose sense of austerity fruit pit notes only serve to accentuate. Yet, there is a sense of delicacy to the finish. This will need time (even short term) to unclench somewhat, but precisely its underlying density should then contribute to greater textural allure and help insure a 5-7 year future. Didier Seguier and his team have managed to follow up their amazing 2006s with an equally remarkable collection of 2007s (though he insists that 6 to 9 months after bottling – when I tasted them – “is the worst time for expressing the purity of fruit”!). Harvesting here began early, on September 6 – the earliest start on record save for 2003 – but without feeling any compunction about taking one’s time, Seguier emphasized. Even so, the task was completed in 11 days, harvesting fruit of impeccable ripeness and harmonious though prominent acidity at a time when many growers were wise not to have begun yet. Without question, the rigorous sorting that all of the grapes undergo here is among the keys to the purity and the transparency to nuance of these wines. As usual at this address, even when one reaches the roughly 80% level of barriques (none, new, though) a smell or taste of wood is the farthest thing from one’s mind."
N.V. Henri Abele Champagne Brut Champagne - Retail $39.99 - SALE $180.00 cs/6 (30.00)
Wine Spectator 90pts. "A medium-weight style, with an elegant mousse and a crisp structure. Mineral, lemon and apple notes interplay, and the mineral theme echoes on the finish. Subtle but persistent. Drink now through 2010. 855 cases imported."
Established in Reims in 1757, Henri Abelé is the region’s fifth oldest Champagne house. Following time-honored tradition, we harvest grapes for our cuvée from each of the prime grape growing areas of the Marne Valley, including Villers-Marmery, Vaudemange, Bisseuil, Bouzy, Villedommange, Charmery and Noget l’Abbesse. Henri Abelé cuvée is 90 and 100 percent cru, as classified by the Committee Interprofessional du Vin du Champagne.
Tasting notes
Bright golden in hue, delicate aromas of citrus andbaked bread precede focused flavors of green apple, strawberry and toasted almonds. Graceful with a crisp, youthful edge and a lingering close, a glass of Henri Abelé complements any occasion.
Technical notes
Blend 34% Chardonnay 33% Pinot Noir 33% Pinot Meunieur Analysis Cru Selection: 90-100% Alcohol: 12.4% Total Acidity: .765 grams/ 100ml Dosage: 14 grams/liter Time on yeast: 4 years minimum
2007 Macon Villages Faiviley - Retail $25 - SALE $195.00 cs/12($16.25)
"Pale, limpid yellow color, nose is fresh and open, with golden fruit scents. This wine is round and voluptuous in the mouth."
Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut N/V - Retail $39.99 - SALE $175.00 cs/6
An OLD name with a NEW TASTE, mostly from Cramant vineyard grapes which is the richest cru in the Cote de Blancs on the mountain of Reims. The blend is 60% Pinot Noir, with 30% Chardonnay, and 10% Pinot Meunier. These grapes come from vineyards with a 98 out of 100 rating which is even higher than many GRAND MARQUE Champagnes."
2007 Puligny Montrachet Olivier Leflaive - Retail $69.99 - SALE $599.99 cs/12($49.99)
"A subtle touch of reduction knocks down the white flower and pear-infused nose at present though no such effect occurs for the delicious, sweet and intense flavors underpinned by an attractive touch of minerality on the stylish and persistent finish. A lovely villages and worth a look." Burghound.com 89pts.
2008 Sancerre Belle Vignes Dom.Fournier - $240.00 cs/12
"Produced from 100% Sauvignon Blanc of 15-25 years of age. Grown on chalk and flint laden hills side vineyards. A touch of salt in the bouquet with clean, rich, dry, flinty elegance which finishes with soft citrus flavors." Wine Spectator 88pts.
2007 Sancerre Grand Cuvee Dom.Fournier - $320.00 cs/12
"Produced from 100% Sauvignon Blanc of 30-50 years of age. Grown on chalk laden hills side vineyards. This special cuvee utilizes a process to chill the must before fermentation, and allowing it to rest on the lees for up to 12 hours which contributes to a rich and elegant depth of flavor in the wine." Wine Spectator 91pts.
2008 Whispering Angel Rose Ch.d'Esclans - $250.00 cs/12
"Very light pastel-pink reflections of rose pedal turning lighter near the edge of the glass. Bright, shiny and highly attractive while the nose translates into a delicate and subtle aromatics of fresh peach flowers. In the mouth, dry but not austere, notes of ripe wild strawberries, peach, and a touch of raspberries, roses, and white flowers. Pure finesse would best describe this impressive round and supple rose." OUTSTANDING WINE! "Grown on chalky-clay soils with a gentle slope and south exposure for optimum sun. A blend of Consult (50%), Grenache (34%), Rolle and Syrah grapes. The grapes are harvested in small crates in the morning to avoid high temperatures and sorted twice, before being destemmed and again before being crushed. Their temperature is then brought down to 10-12 Centigrade to extract the aromas from the Grenaches and Syrahs, while the Cinsaults and Rolles are directly pressed. This blending was made only from unwooded wines to the freshness and all the fruity flavors." Sacha Lichine, proprietor and Patrick Leon (previously at Mouton-Rothschild) winemaker.
ITALY:
2001 Barbera BRAIDA Bricco dell Uccellone - $69.99* bot. - Gambero Rosso 3 Glass Award and Parker 91pts. "seductive nose of spicy, grilled bread, infused with espresso, roasted meats, black cherries, and raspberries. Dense, full-bodied, luxurious texture, super intense, plush, to enjoy over next 8 yrs."
2006 Chianti Classico Brancaia - Retail $39.99 - NWW SALE $175.00 cs/6 ($29.17)
WineSpectator 91pts. and Parker 89pts."is a stylish expression of Chianti. This plump, supple wine exudes the essence of ripe dark fruit intermingled with sweet toasted oak, showing a full-bodied, generous personality. A small percentage of Merlot adds volume and gives the wine a contemporary feel although some of the Sangiovese character seems suppressed. This is a beautiful wine to enjoy over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2011."
2006 Cusumano Nero d'Avola Sagana- $360.00 cs/12 ($30) - Gambero Rosso 3 glass award "surprising richness and concentration with its purple dark ruby color, fascinating elegant nose full of ripe red and black fruits, led by plum and blueberry, interweaved with spices and an elegant balsamic aroma. Consentrated powerfull in the mouth with smooth tannins which produce a long fruit filled finish."
2005 Gaja Costa Russi - Sori Tilten - San Lorenzo - $495.00*bot.
Wine Spectator 96pts."There's fabulous fruit on the nose, which is very pure, with crushed blackberry and blueberry. Full-bodied, with superrefined tannins and a long, caressing finish. A very classy wine. This is so long and beautiful. Lasts for minutes on the palate. Best after 2014. 800 cases made." plus Stephen Tanzer 90-93pts. "Full ruby-red. Dark raspberry, minerals, rose petal and a whiff of tar on the nose, along with a chocolatey impression of ripeness. Dense, suave and youthfully closed, with the flavors of violet, minerals and chocolatey oak displaying increasing definition with aeration. Showing its oaky side today and tannic on the back end."
2006 Il Blue Brancaia 6pk $59.99 bot.
Parker 95pts."(50% Sangiovese, 45% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) is a striking wine loaded with vibrant dark cherries, violets, sweet spices and French oak in a powerful, structured style. Naturally the Blu doesn’t show the warmth of the Ilatraia but it does possess a touch more freshness and finesse, attributes which will allow the wine to age gracefully over the coming years. Once again, Brancaia has produced a gem in the Blu. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026." Antonio Galloni, August 2009.
2005 Masseto Tenuta dell'Ornellaia - $999.99cs/3($333.33). Wine Spectator 96pts."Smells like chocolate mousse, with crushed raspberry and hints of flowers. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a rich, fruity finish. This is powerful and structured Merlot, with layers and layers of everything. Needs time to come around. Best after 2014. 2,660 cases made." Robert Parker 94pts."The 2005 Masseto (Merlot) is simply gorgeous. A wine of extraordinary class and personality, it remains very primary in its dark fruit, licorice, cassis and toasted oak. It offers notable concentration and well-integrated tannins, all of which convey an impression of awesome harmony, finesse and balance. The tricky growing season seems to have been less of an issue for the Merlot, particularly in the old-vine Masseto Centrale vineyard. The 2005 Masseto has been superb every time I have tasted it thus far. As is often the case, the wine requires at least a few years of bottle age before it becomes approachable.
2005 Ornellaia 3 liter - $995.00 NET
Parker 93pts. tasted in 2010 from Magnum: "a lovely, silky wine graced with expressive, perfumed fruit and terrific overall harmony. This is a decidedly lithe, feminine Ornellaia, but the wine has more than enough freshness to develop beautifully over the coming years. The estate coped quite well with repeated spells of rain during the harvest. Simply put, the 2005 Ornellaia is a gorgeous wine from a challenging year (56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot). The wine spent 18 months in French oak, 70% new. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025." and tasted prior in 2008 "shows plenty of delineation in its dark cherries, blueberries, spices, minerals and crushed rocks. The 2005 doesn't have the detail of the 2004 or the richness of the 2006, but it does offer notable finesse and clarity in an understated style for this wine. My impression is that this will be a relatively early-maturing vintage of Ornellaia, which is not a bad thing, considering the age-worthiness of the two vintages which surround it. In 2005 Ornellaia is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. It is a big success in this vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020.
It is impossible not to be impressed by the consistent results Ornellaia achieves year after year. This is a gorgeous set of wines from oenologist Axel Heinz and agronomist/General Manager Leonardo Raspini. In general, the estate’s 2005s are smaller-scaled wines than is often the case, but they offer remarkable balance and plenty of style. As outstanding as the 2005s are, the 2006s are simply off the charts. They are thrilling wines that have tons of everything; fruit, acidity and structure to burn. Even though 2005 was a fresher vintage than 2006, Heinz reported that the 2006s have higher acidities that developed as a result of the unique qualities of the growing season."
2007 Ornellaia 3 liter - $1,080.00 NET
Parker 93pts."The 2007 Ornellaia is remarkably open and accessible, very much in keeping with the personality of the vintage. Clean, minerally notes frame a core of silky, perfumed dark fruit, mocha, spices, licorice, grilled herbs and leather that impresses for its exceptional length. Tasted next to the 2007 Le Serre Nuove, the 2007 Ornellaia shows more muscle (from the higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon), but in terms of pure quality the wines are very close. The 2007 is not a big, massive Ornellaia, but rather a wine built on elegance and finesse, both of which are on full display. The 2007 should drink well with a minimum of cellaring, but whether it will make old bones remains a question mark at this point. The 2007 Ornellaia is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022." (05/10) "
2006 Ornellaia 750mls. - $200.00*bot.
Parker 97pts."flows from the glass in a profound expression of ripe, dark fruit. With time in the glass layers of minerals, cassis, tar, sweet herbs and French oak emerge, adding further complexity. This harmonious Ornellaia combines the richness of the vintage with superb freshness and awesome balance. Today the wine’s sheer density almost manages to hide the tannins, but they are there, and the wine will ultimately benefit from a few years in the cellar. The 2006 Ornellaia is one of the highlights of this sensational Tuscan vintage. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026.
This set of new 2006s from Tenuta dell’Ornellaia leaves me looking for words that can adequately capture the pure magic and sheer profoundness the property has achieved in this important, hallmark vintage. I will try with one word: Monumental. The Ornellaia team led by Oenologist Axel Heinz and Agronomist/General Manager Leonardo Raspini has done a fabulous job with these wines, which have never failed to literally send shivers down my spine on the multiple occasions I have tasted them. At this stage the 2007 Serre Nuove, Ornellaia and Masseto are shaping up to be ripe, relatively early-drinking wines without the stuffing or sheer vibrancy of the 2006s. I recently had the privilege of revisiting 17 vintages of Ornellaia (all from magnum) spanning vintages 1985-2006 at an incredible tasting that will be covered in an in-depth article on www.erobertparker.com in the coming months."
2007 Sant'Elena Sauvignon Blanc - $240.00 cs/12
"the Sant'Elena estate was founded in the Friuli region of Italy in the late 19th century by the Klodic family. In the mid 1990s, Sant'Elena was acquired by Dominic Nocerino, a leading importer of Italian wines into the United States. His aim to this day is simple: to promote the extraordinary potential of this zone and to bring out the characteristics of the terroir. Backed by the talents of winemaker Maurice Drascek, and internationally renowned winemaker and consultant Carlo Ferrini, Sant’Elena has clearly reached this goal. The estate covers 30 hectares of planted vines along the Isonzo River, which imparts a unique minerality to all of Sant’Elena’s wines. Painstaking attention in the vineyard, meticulous hand-harvesting of only the best fruit, and scrupulous care in the cellar, all result in wines that are both top quality and beautiful expressions of the region. The Sant’Elena Sauvignon Blanc 2007 is a perfect example of this careful approach to winemaking. Luscious, richly perfumed and succulent in the mouth, the wine jumps out of the glass with huge aromas of honeysuckle, juicy pear and citrus. The Sant’Elena Sauvignon Blanc boasts extraordinary depth and balance, with a mouth-watering freshness that complements its silky mouthfeel. It is a stunning example of Sauvignon Blanc, possessing a character that is unmistakably Friulian. This wine pairs well with a wide range of seafood dishes, but is also capable of standing up to richer, more complex flavors. Citrus-based sauces, fruit salsas or ingredients like ginger and lemongrass would all play nicely off of the heady aromatics of the wine."
2008 Santa Marghrerita Pinot Grigio - $225.00 cs/12 BEST PRICE in NAPLES !
2006 Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri - $240.00*bot. & Magnums $525
Parker 97pts. "The 2006 Sassicaia may very well go down as one of the all-time great recent vintages for this Tuscan thoroughbred. The year started off very warm but by August evening temperatures had moderated, leaving the fruit with a stunning combination of ripeness, perfume, acidity and tannin. The wine is simply glorious, that’s all there is to it. Layers of dark fruit meld into smoke, leather, violets, menthol, earthiness and tar as this profound wine opens up in the glass. The creamy, silky finish lasts an eternity, as waves of fruit caress the tannins with breathtaking elegance. Everything is in the right place in this magical Sassicaia. This is one for the ages. In a word: Awesome. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2031. "
2001 Taurasi Piano di Montevergine Riserva – Retail $69.99*bottle. Parker 94pts."Off the charts! Dense wine exudes the essence of jammy blueberries, blackberries, tar and smoke. Still incredibly primary and loaded with fruit. It appears to be destined for a very long life. Tannins are well integrated and it has phenomenal balance to allow it to improve with more bottle aging (written 2/08). Maturity 2010-2026.
2007 Vermentino Solosole Poggio al Tesoro - $240.00 cs/12 ($20) - Parker 88pts."a silky, generous white loaded with expressive, perfumed fruit supported by an underlying vein of acidity that provides balance and length. For its Vermentino the estate chose a clone originally from Corsica that allows for a late harvest without sacrificing acidity. This unoaked Vermentino offers uncommon richness and depth. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2010." Wine Spectator 87pts."Apples and cream on the nose, with hints of lime. Medium-bodied, with plenty of flavor and a lively finish. A delicious and vivid white. Drink now. 4,000 cases made.–JS"
2008 Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG Geografico - $119.99 cs/12
"The bouquet is fresh, with pleasing honeysuckle mingled with some brambly accents and almond, with underlying hints of tropical fruit, in particular honeydew melon. Welcoming on the palate, medium bodied, with fairly rich mineral laced citrus fruit supported by acidity." 2 stars.
SPAIN-SOUTH AFRICA:
2008 Alidis Roble Bodega Vina Mambrilla - $199.99 cs/12 ($16.67) - "100% Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero with only 6 months in oak this wines fresh rich fruit is lightly "kissed" by the wood and with velvety tannins is immensely drinkable now !"
2004 Alidis Reserva Bodega Vina Mambrilla - $250.00 cs/6 ($41.67) - Parker 93pts." spent 20 months in French oak. It delivers a sexy aromatic array of mineral, meat, wood smoke, pencil lead, and black cherry. Layered, dense, complex, and full-flavored, the wine has outstanding depth, impeccable balance, and a fruit-filled finish. It will evolve for 3-4 years and drink well from 2012 to 2024."
2005 Vilafonet Series "C" - $350.00 cs/6
John Platter 5 Star "Reserved at first, yet the dark fig, licorice, briar and cocoa powder flavors work their way out with air. Muscular but polished, with a rich, dark finish. This is the more structured and dense of the Vilafonte wines. The sophisticated, complex nose shows blackcurrant fruit with a herby, spicy, earthy sort of personality. The palate is strongly savoury with spice, earth and medicinal hints to the dense, structured fruit. A bold, tannic wine with a good future ahead of it."
