CALIFORNIA , CHILE, OREGON & WASHINGTON Reds
September 2011
CABERNET
2007 Dominus Napa Red - $850.00 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." Wine Advocate # 186 Dec 2009
2004 Vina Almavina - $399.99 cs/6(66.67) - Winery joint venture of Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Viña Concha y Toro. "Delicate aromas of forest strawberries, raspberries, cocoa and wildflowers with overtones of honey and incense characterize the subtle nose. Very precisely fresh, pure and creamy with persistent and tannins. Flavors of peach pips, almonds and smoky mesquite blend together with vanilla and bright, fresh red and black fruit aromas throughout the exceptionally elegant finish. A remarkably graceful and pure wine. 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Carmenère aged 17 months in new French oak." WS 95pts. (Highly Recommended) - "Very dense, with loads of raspberry ganache, black currant and fig fruit layered with loam, tobacco, mineral and cedar notes. Lots of grip on the finish." Wine Spectator 95pts. "This brick house of a wine shows plenty of Pauillac-like hints of iron, dried currant and cigar smoke, but also has layers of Chilean loam, blackberry, plum, spice and minerals. A powerful performance in a powerful vintage. Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2005 through 2012. 15,000 cases made."
2006 White Oak Cabernet Sauvignon - $300.00 cs/12(25.00) "96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc - Volcanic soils, strong gravel outcroppings and shale, at 1400 feet. The wine is minimally handled and processed. Bottled with light filtration allowing it to fully express the fruity character of the grapes. Tasting Notes: Dark, rich and concentrated, with earthy currant and dusty berry flavors that are tight, plush and complex, picking up a vanilla-mocha edge from oak. Long, concentrated aftertaste, echoing anise and coffee."
MERITAGE
MERLOT
2006 White Oak Merlot Napa - $260.00cs/12
PETIT SYRAH & SYRAH
PINOT NOIR
ZINFANDEL
2008 Ridge Zinfandel Paso Robles - $29.99*bottle - 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."
* = Deduct 5% on 12 bottled assorted purchase
OUR SATISFACTION GUARANTEE:When you purchase any FULL CASE from our inventory, you may return unused bottles for refund, NO QUESTIONS ASKED, valid for 60 days from purchase!
