classics - Vintages

Transcription

classics - Vintages

VINTAGES
CLASSICS
COLLECTION
FINE WINE &
PREMIUM SPIRITS
MAY 2013
May 2013
CLASSICS
COLLECTION
IN THIS ISSUE
This edition of the Classics Collection reveals an
especially impressive lineup from Bordeaux.
Representatives of the magnificent 2009 and 2005
vintages take centre stage, along with multiple
vintages of the sweet gem d’Yquem, and top wines
from other vintages that are likewise sure
to captivate. Burgundy, and in particular our
assortment of Chablis and white Burgundies,
will demand considerable attention. Our examples
from Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s critically acclaimed
2010 vintage will also intrigue any collector. This
Classics Collection contains marvelous offerings
from Spain, Portugal, Germany and Italy, including
a prominent selection of Barolo.
The VINTAGES Classics Collection offers the highest
quality in fine wines and premium spirits from the best
producers and regions in the world. For each edition,
VINTAGES buyers seek out products that meet our rigorous
standards of excellence. Be they Grand Crus from
Burgundy or stellar vintages from the top châteaux of
Bordeaux, Italian masterpieces or the biggest and
boldest wines of California and Australia, you will find
variety, quality and excellence in the Classics Collection.
ON THE COVER: Hand-harvested Merlot
grapes. OPPOSITE: On the outskirts of St-Émilion,
vineyards dominate the landscape.
The New World boasts a directory of distinguished
names from California including Hess, Spottswoode
and Duckhorn. Australia puts its stamp on this
collection with powerhouse wines from the likes of
Grange, Henschke, and Clarendon’s superb Astralis.
Finally, our collection is rounded out with Single
Malt Scotches from Glenglassaugh and Bruichladdich,
along with two Bourbons from the Old Rip Van
Winkle Distillery, including their flagship Pappy Van
Winkle’s Family Reserve 20-year-old.
VINTAGES invites you to explore all the outstanding
discoveries in our latest Classics Collection.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BELOW: This hand-carved stone pillar marks
the entrance to Château d’Yquem.
OPPOSITE: Imposing barrels line the fermenting
cellar at Château Margaux.
TASTING NOTES
4
FRANCE
Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhône, Alsace,
Champagne, Loire, Midi
39
GERMANY
Mosel, Nahe
40
ITALY
Abruzzo, Piedmont, Tuscany, Veneto
50
PORTUGAL
50
SPAIN
52
CANADA
Ontario, Nova Scotia
54
AUSTRALIA
57
NEW ZEALAND
57
SOUTH AFRICA
58
ARGENTINA
58
CHILE
59
USA
California, Washington State
64
FORTIFIED WINE
Port
64
SPIRITS
Scotch Whisky, American Whiskey, Cognac
66
PRODUCT SUMMARY
78
ORDERING INFORMATION
ONLINE FORM AND PHONE
ORDERING DEADLINE
6:00 pm, Tuesday, May 7, 2013
VINTAGE CHART
The Vintage Chart is available on our website at
vintages.com/vintagechart
VINTAGES LOCATIONS
For a complete list of VINTAGES locations,
visit vintages.com/locations
IMPORTANT
For each Classics Collection, we do our best to
secure enough stock to satisfy all customer orders.
We regret that sometimes customer demand
may exceed supply. For opening quantities of
Classics Collection products, go to page 66 or
vintages.com/classics
2
VINTAGES
THE CLASSICS COLLECTION
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
CHÂTEAU CANON-LA-GAFFELIÈRE
2009
AC St-Émilion Grand Cru
This wine was rated #23 in Wine
Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2012.
RED WINE
CHÂTEAU BEYCHEVELLE 2009
AC St-Julien, 4e Cru
TASTING NOTE: Barrel sample. Great
swathes of blackcurrant fruits here,
the tannins ripe and complex, but well
integrated into the fresh fruits.
Fine balance. Score: 94 (Roger Voss,
Wine Enthusiast, Aug. 9, 2010)
201574 [XD] 750 mL
$109.85
MAY 2013
TASTING NOTE: This is well-cloaked
for now in roasted vanilla and espresso
notes, but there’s ample, fleshy fig sauce
and mulled blackberry fruit in reserve.
The long finish sports a melted licorice
snap feel. Dense, but beautifully
polished and pure. For the cellar. Merlot,
Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2015 through 2030.
Special Designation: Highly
Recommended. Score: 96 (James
Molesworth, winespectator.com,
March 31, 2012)
200196 [XD] 750 mL
CHÂTEAU BRANAIRE DUCRU
2009
TASTING NOTE: Haute couture
becomes a wine! This dense purple
wine has the tell-tale notes of flowers
and pencil shavings, and its broad
aromatics are intense and totally
captivating. Powerful, rich, and full,
but less tannic than the 2005
and more opulent, this is a dazzling
Branaire to drink between 20172035. Score: 96 (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
200493 [XD] 750 mL
$114.85
CHÂTEAU COS LABORY 2009
AC St-Estèphe, 5e Cru
TASTING NOTE: Barrel sample.
Tough tannins over juicy fruit. The
wine has great ripeness as well as
freshness. The intensity of the blackcurrant is considerable. Score: 91
(Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast,
Aug. 9, 2010)
197525 [XD] 750 mL
4
VINTAGES
$154.85
$61.85
CHÂTEAU DE PEZ 2009
AC St-Estèphe
TASTING NOTE: With layers of wood,
this is a structured wine, driven as
much by tannins as fruit. It will need
time for the dark plum fruit flavors to
come through – St.-Estèphe is always
likely to be firmly textured. Score: 93
Feb. 2012)
222554 [XD]1500 mL
$119.85
CHÂTEAU GAZIN 2009
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: A big, powerful,
masculine Pomerol with a style not
dissimilar from Le Gay, the dense
purple-colored 2009 Gazin exhibits
black currant, black cherry liqueur,
coffee, roasted herb, an exotic Asian
spice component, vanillin, creme
caramel and toasty oak in its aromatics
and flavors. From a vineyard near
Petrus, Le Gay and La Fleur Petrus, it
is full-bodied with licorice, earth,
truffle and creme de cassis in the mouth.
Give this powerful, backward 2009
an additional 6-8 years of cellaring
and drink it over the following three
decades. Drink: 2018-2048. Score: 96
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
165456 [XD] 750 mL
$154.85
CHÂTEAU GISCOURS 2009
AC Margaux
TASTING NOTE: Barrel sample. Full
of blackcurrant fruits, ripe and sweet
tannins and forward fruit. The wine
feels polished, ripe, smooth. Score: 95
Aug. 9, 2010)
CHÂTEAU KIRWAN 2009
AC Margaux, 3e Cru
TASTING NOTE: Barrel sample.
Compact wine, bringing in juicy fruits
and tannins into a complete, firm
whole. A good success. Score: 94
Aug. 9, 2010)
197319 [XD] 750 mL
201533 [XD] 750 mL
$99.85
CHÂTEAU GRAND-PUY-LACOSTE
2009
AC Pauillac, 5e Cru
TASTING NOTE: Performing better
from bottle than it did from cask (and
comparable to their wines 2005,
2000, 1990 and 1982), this is a great
classic from Xavier Borie’s estate
situated on the back roads west of
the town of Pauillac. Its dense
ruby/purple color is followed by hints
of spring flowers, crushed rocks,
black currants, cedar and earth/underbrush. Precise and elegant as well
as backward and foreboding, it should
put on weight in the bottle and
evolve for two decades. Very concentrated as well as velvety-textured, it
is a beauty of finesse, balance, purity
and nobility. It will benefit from 5-7
more years of bottle age. Score: 95
(Robert Parker Jr.,erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
199406 [XD] 750 mL
$94.85
CHÂTEAU LA COUSPAUDE 2009
AC St-Émilion Grand Cru Classé
TASTING NOTE: The best La
Couspaude I have ever tasted, the
opaque purple 2009 exhibits
nicely integrated toasty oak/pain
grille in addition to cassis, kirsch,
raspberries and earthy undertones.
Full-bodied, with beautiful integration of acidity, alcohol and tannin,
this is a robust, exuberant, somewhat flamboyant style of St.-Emilion
that is clearly modern, but quite
frankly, delicious. Drink it over the
next 12-15 years. Score: 93 (Robert
Parker Jr., erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
196436 [XD] 750 mL
•
MAY 2013
CHÂTEAU LA DOMINIQUE 2009
TASTING NOTE: Finally we have
returned to the great La Dominiques
made in 1989 and 1990. This has
much of the style of the 1990, with
supple tannin and loads of spicy
fruitcake, licorice, cassis and kirschlike notes that jump from this dense
ruby/purple wine. Fat, fleshy and fullbodied, with beautiful richness,
purity and length, this wine will be
approachable in its youth yet last
for two decades (just like the 1989 and
1990). Score: 93 (Robert Parker Jr.,
200758 [XD] 750 mL
$79.85
$88.85
$124.85
VINTAGES
5
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
CHÂTEAU LAGRANGE 2009
TASTING NOTE: Barrel sample. Tight
wine, the tannins firm, giving considerable dryness. With its dark texture, this
is solid, but finishing with the freshest
of blackcurrant juice. Score: 94 (Roger
Voss, Wine Enthusiast, Aug. 9, 2010)
RED WINE
CHÂTEAU LA GAFFELIÈRE 2009
AC St-Émilion 1er Grand Cru
TASTING NOTE: An absolutely spectacular effort, the 2009 is one of the
all-time great La Gaffelieres produced.
One would have to go back to the
2005, 1947 or 1961 to find this level
of quality from this ancient, historic
vineyard planted adjacent to the walls
of St.-Emilion, on the Cote Pavie.
Dating back to the 1400s, this estate
has been owned for over three
centuries by the Malet-Roquefort family.
Composed of 80% Merlot and 20%
Cabernet Franc (in the past it was
two-thirds Merlot and the rest split
between Cabernet Sauvignon and
Cabernet Franc), the 2009 reveals
compelling elegance, tremendous
intensity and opulence and more
viscosity than one normally sees. Lots
of kirsch, licorice, incense, truffle,
asphalt, blackberry and cassis notes
dominate the aromatics and flavors
of this full-bodied, viscous, fabulously
pure, flamboyant St.-Emilion.
Drinking it now may be considered
infanticide by some consumers,
but it is already attractive, and should
last for 3-4 decades. Score: 95+
(Robert Parker Jr.,erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
201020 [XD] 750 mL
6
VINTAGES
$139.85
MAY 2013
199372 [XD] 750 mL
$98.85
CHÂTEAU LES HAUTS DE
PONTET-CANET 2009
AC Pauillac,
2nd Wine of Château Pontet-Canet
TASTING NOTE: Fruit not fit for the
main Château Pontet-Canet blend
goes into this “second wine” at about
half the price. This is crafted in a
drink-now style, with luscious fruitforward cassis flavour, chocolate
and subtle herbs. Round, ripe and
very attractive. Score: 91 (Beppi
Crosariol, The Globe and Mail,
Oct. 23, 2012)
221242 [XD] 1500 mL $114.85
CHÂTEAU LARCIS DUCASSE 2009
TASTING NOTE: A complex set of
aromas ranging from coffee to forest
floor, herbs, licorice, blackberries,
cassis and cherries all seem to jump
from the glass, and then are joined
by a hint of charcoal as well camphor.
This is an impressive, full-bodied,
dense, concentrated wine that is more
up-front and approachable than the
2005 was at a similar stage, but it is
remarkably expressive, full-bodied,
dense and capable of lasting 20-25
years. Score: 96 (Robert Parker Jr.,
197277 [XD] 750 mL
$94.85
CHÂTEAU LYNCH BAGES 2009
AC Pauillac, 5e Cru
TASTING NOTE: Performing even
better from bottle than it did from
barrel, this appears to be the finest
Lynch Bages since the 2000, 1990
and 1989. According to the chateau,
the 2009 has the highest level of
polyphenols ever measured as well
as high alcohol (nearly 13.5%). A
blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon
and the rest largely Merlot with
touches of Cabernet Franc and Petit
Verdot, it is an expressive, voluptuously textured effort with unctuosity
and powerful, juicy, succulent
blackberry and black currant flavors,
low acids, a layered, massive
mouthfeel, but no sense of heaviness
or fatigue. This exquisite Lynch
Bages should drink well for 30+ years.
Score: 98 (Robert Parker Jr.,
274902 [XD] 750 mL
$278.85
CHÂTEAU MALARTIC-LAGRAVIERE
2009
AC Pessac-Léognan
TASTING NOTE: Barrel sample. Ripe
fruit, but with great packed spicy
wood, sweet tannins and black currant
fruit flavors. Score: 94 (Roger Voss,
201079 [XD] 750 mL
$118.85
CHÂTEAU PAVIE-MACQUIN 2009
TASTING NOTE: Hyperlush, with very
creamy fig, blackberry and boysenberry flavors that stay well-defined, as
charred apple wood, black tea
and singed vanilla bean notes stride
in behind. The long, authoritative
finish drips with fruit and toasted spice,
offering grip for balance. Very
impressive. Best from 2014 through
2030. Score: 95 (James Molesworth,
winespectator.com, March 31, 2012)
229260 [XD] 750 mL
$149.85
CHÂTEAU PETIT VILLAGE 2009
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: This darker, toastier
style delivers plush cocoa and plum
sauce aromas and flavors to lead the
way, liberally laced with notes of pain
d’épices, fig and blackberry confiture.
Fleshy edges build through the finish,
with impressive grip. A property steadily
on the rise. Best from 2014 through
2027. Tasted twice, with consistent
notes. Score: 93 (James Molesworth,
198622 [XD] 750 mL
•
MAY 2013
CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET 2009
AC Pauillac, 5e Cru
TASTING NOTE: An amazing wine in
every sense, this classic, full-bodied
Pauillac is the quintessential Pontet
Canet from proprietor Alfred Tesseron,
who continues to reduce yields and
farms his vineyards biodynamically –
a rarity in Bordeaux. Black as a moonless night, the 2009 Pontet Canet
offers up notes of incense, graphite,
smoke, licorice, creme de cassis
and blackberries. A wine of irrefutable
purity, laser-like precision, colossal
weight and richness, and sensational
freshness, this is a tour de force in
winemaking that is capable of lasting
50 or more years. The tannins are
elevated, but they are sweet and beautifully integrated as are the acidity,
wood and alcohol (which must be in
excess of 14%). This vineyard,
which is situated on the high plateau
of Pauillac adjacent to Mouton
Rothschild, appears to have done everything perfectly in 2009. This cuvee
should shut down in the cellar and
re-open in a decade or more.
Anticipated maturity: 2025-2075.
199588 [XD] 750 mL
$344.85
$94.85
VINTAGES
7
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
CHÂTEAU RAUZAN-SÉGLA 2009
AC Margaux, 2e Cru
TASTING NOTE: Barrel sample. Big
tannins here, very dry, but the fruit
seems rich enough to support it. It is
finely structured, very dense, made
for the long haul. Score: 95 (Roger Voss,
RED WINE
CHÂTEAU PRIEURÉ-LICHINE 2009
AC Margaux, 4e Cru
TASTING NOTE: The soft, sexy 2009
exhibits a dense plum/purple
color along with a big, sweet bouquet
of raspberries, black cherries,
black currants, smoke and forest
floor. Opulent and round with an
attractive viscosity as well as outstanding purity, depth and length,
it should drink well for two decades.
While not one of the longest lived
wines of the vintage, it is among the
most precocious, flattering and
charming at present. Score: 93 (Robert
Feb. 2012)
199414 [XD] 750 mL
$84.85
CHÂTEAU RAUZAN-GASSIES 2009
AC Margaux, 2e Cru
TASTING NOTE: Barrel sample. Tannin
dominated wine, very solid, chunky.
It has a very dry, firm core, with the
surrounding fruit extracted and tight,
just a final hint of juiciness. Score: 91
Aug. 9, 2010)
197699 [XD] 750 mL
8
VINTAGES
$68.85
MAY 2013
200634 [XD] 750 mL
$154.85
CHÂTEAU TALBOT 2009
TASTING NOTE: Barrel sample. A firm,
complex wine, solidly based on ripe
tannins, dark flavors. There is some
spice and juiciness to fit with the
dense tannins. Score: 94 (Roger Voss,
200717 [XD] 750 mL
$98.85
CHÂTEAU VRAY CROIX DE GAY
2009
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: This blend of 85%
Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc
displays loads of power, structure and
impressive density. The color is a
healthy dark ruby/purple, and the wine
offers up notes of black fruits,
charcoal and forest floor. It is fullbodied and moderately tannic, but
the low acidity and alcohol levels give
it a certain accessibility. This is a
sleeper of the vintage in Pomerol and
possibly the best wine I have tasted
from this estate. Give it several years
of bottle age and drink it over the
following 12-15 years. Score: 91+
(Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
194670 [XD] 750 mL
$93.85
CHAPELLE D’AUSONE 2008
AC St-Émilion,
2nd Wine of Château Ausone
TASTING NOTE: A beautiful perfume
of black raspberries, black cherries,
black currants, licorice, damp earth,
truffles and asphalt soars from this
deep, full-bodied 2008. The tannins
are sweet, the concentration level
impressive and the wine is round and
generous. It is ideal for drinking over
the next 15-20 years. Drink: 20112031. Score: 91 (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, May 2011)
138156 [XD] 750 mL
$199
CHÂTEAU BELLEVUE MONDOTTE
2008
AC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
TASTING NOTE: An extraordinary effort
in this vintage, this 2008 was made
from lower yields than the 2010 (the
2008’s equaled 20 hectoliters per
hectare) and is a blend of 90% Merlot
and equal parts Cabernet Franc and
Cabernet Sauvignon that came in at
14% natural alcohol. Michel Rolland
has been the consultant for all the Perse
estates since their acquisition, and
the 2008’s fruit was harvested very late,
October 20. The result is a backward,
dense purple-colored wine revealing a
crushed rock-like liqueur along with
highly extracted, massive flavors of black
currants, sweet cherries, licorice and
toast. This full-bodied effort requires
5-6 years of bottle age and should
last for 25-30 years. Score: 95+ (Robert
May 2011)
187245 [XD] 750 mL
CHÂTEAU CLOS DE SARPE 2008
AC St-Émilion
TASTING NOTE: A brilliant effort for
this vintage, yields were a mere 10
hectoliters per hectare in 2008 and
the result is only 8,000 bottles produced. Opulent, fleshy and full-bodied,
this wine has reigned in the excruciatingly high level of tannins, but
the 15% alcohol gives it loads of
glycerin as well as a chewy mouthfeel.
Inky/purple-colored and superconcentrated with relatively civilized
tannins, this stunning 2008 should
be accessible in 3-5 years (atypical
for Clos de Sarpe) and drink well
for 30+. Drink: 2014-2044. Score: 95
May 2011)
137836 [XD] 750 mL
$119
CHÂTEAU COS D’ESTOURNEL
2008
TASTING NOTE: This big, smoky wine
has great richness and a big, concentrated structure. The feel is dark,
solid, based on spice, new wood
and ripe black plums touched with
red berries, the tannins sheltering
beneath. Score: 95 (Roger Voss, Wine
Enthusiast, April 2011)
136564 [XD] 750 mL
•
MAY 2013
CHÂTEAU DUCRU-BEAUCAILLOU
2008
AC Saint-Julien, 2e Cru
TASTING NOTE: One of the stars of
the vintage, and a remarkable
achievement in 2008, with impressive
richness, this dense purple colored
wine is almost as opaque as the 2010.
Spring flowers, crushed rocks,
creme de cassis and some subtle oak
are followed by a full-bodied, concentrated wine that transcends the
vintage character in its power,
richness, and aging potential. It also
exhibits tremendous precision, purity,
and depth of character. It is more forward than the 2010 is likely to be,
but probably not as sumptuous as the
2009 will turn out to be. This is a
wine to buy. Anticipated maturity: 20162035. Score: 95+ (Robert Parker Jr.,
137638 [XD] 750 mL
$169
$179
$369
VINTAGES
9
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
CHÂTEAU LA FLEUR DE GAY 2008
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: Another outstanding
success in a vintage that was very
strong for Pomerol, the 2008 exhibits
notes of plum sauce, raspberries,
licorice and a hint of toasty oak. Surprisingly powerful for the vintage, the
wine is medium to full-bodied with sweet
tannin and a long finish. Drink it
over the next 10-12 years. Drink: 20112023. Score: 92 (Robert Parker Jr.,
RED WINE
CHÂTEAU GRACIA 2008
AC St-Émilion
TASTING NOTE: One of the most
remarkable St.-Emilions of the vintage,
the 2008 Gracia (13.5% alcohol) is a
candidate for “wine of the year.” Yields
were 18 hectoliters per hectare and
despite its aging in 100% new oak, the
wine shows no evidence of new wood.
The final blend was 80% Merlot and
the rest mostly Cabernet Franc and
a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon. The
full-bodied 2008 boasts an inky/
purple color along with an Ausonelike nose of licorice, truffles, camphor,
crushed rocks and blue as well as black
fruits. More supple and opulent than
the 2010, the 2008 is already beginning to round into shape and should
be at its finest in 4-5 years and keep
for two decades. Score: 95 (Robert
May 2011)
137539 [XD] 750 mL
$169
MAY 2013
136861 [XD] 750 mL
CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE-LAS CASES
2008
TASTING NOTE: A classic style of Las
Cases that is somewhat masculine
for the vintage, tannic and backward,
and less formidably concentrated
than the 2009 or 2010, the 2008 needs
7-8 years of cellaring. Dense purple,
the aromatics are closed, but with coaxing and aggressive swirling, notes
of crushed rock, black currants and
some forest floor notes emerge. Impressively built, medium to full-bodied,
layered and stunningly concentrated,
this is a sleeper vintage for Leoville Las
Cases that should improve considerably, given how closed it was the day
I tasted it. It is another 30+ year
wine from proprietor Jean-Hubert Delon.
Score: 93+ (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, May 2011)
137877 [XD] 750 mL
10
VINTAGES
$99
$219
CHÂTEAU MARGAUX 2008
AC Margaux, 1er Cru
TASTING NOTE: This is a stunning
Chateau Margaux, made in a sexy,
up-front, elegant style, with deep creme
de cassis fruit intermixed with spring
flowers, a solid inner core of richness
and depth, but again, very sweet
tannins as well as striking minerality and
elegance. One of the most seductive
Chateau Margauxs given its recent
bottling, this blend of 87% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and the rest
tiny quantities of Cabernet Franc and
Petit Verdot should drink beautifully for
the next 25-30 years. Remarkably,
a mere 36% of the entire production
was selected for the 2008 Chateau
Margaux. Score: 94 (Robert Parker Jr.,
185116 [XD] 750 mL
$795
CHÂTEAU PAPE CLÉMENT 2008
AC Pessac-Léognan, Cru Classé
TASTING NOTE: One of the top
successes of the vintage, this blend
of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45%
Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc
and Petit Verdot was harvested
between October 8 and 24. The late
harvest ensured perfect ripeness
as evidenced by the sweet bouquet of
black cherries, lead pencil shavings,
cassis and subtle barbecue smoke.
Well-balanced with good acidity, ripe
tannins, medium to full body and a
layered mouthfeel, this excellent
2008 can be drunk now and over the
next 15+ years. Score: 95 (Robert
May 2011)
185132 [XD] 750 mL
$189
•
MAY 2013
CHÂTEAU PICHON LONGUEVILLE
COMTESSE DE LALANDE 2008
AC Pauillac, 2e Cru
TASTING NOTE: Stylish wine, balanced,
intensely elegant. It has freshness
and also weight, encased in a structure
that is poised, beautifully integrating
black currant fruit and chocolate flavors.
Score: 94 (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast,
April 2011)
CHÂTEAU L’ÉVANGILE 2007
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: Fresh tobacco and
blackberry aromas follow through to
a medium- to full-bodied palate, with
polished tannins and a pretty finish.
Caressing and attractive, with a lot of
new wood. Best after 2012. Score: 91
(James Suckling, winespectator.com,
March 31, 2010)
133504 [XD] 750 mL
98673
$125
AC Margaux, 2e Cru
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 RauzanSegla (62% Cabernet Sauvignon and
38% Merlot) was made from 45% of
the production. It is a beautiful wine
in this vintage, not nearly as powerful
and structured as the 2010, but
it has complex notes of sweet red and
black fruits, unsmoked cigar tobacco,
spice box and a hint of very subtle
wood. The complex perfume is
followed by a dark ruby/plum-colored
wine with beautifully sweet tannins,
a silky, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel,
and a long finish. This outstanding
Margaux should drink nicely for 1520 years. Score: 90+ (Robert Parker Jr.,
136671 [XD] 750 mL
[XD] 750 mL
$146
CHÂTEAU LA CONSEILLANTE
2007
AC Pomerol
(Héritiers Louis Nicolas, Prop.)
TASTING NOTE: Darker than the 2008
and very healthy-looking. Rather
luscious nose. Delightfully aromatic
even if not the densest. Lovely sweet
start to the palate with lushness, purple
velvet quality and very gulpable
Pomerol already. Long and complete.
Really juicy and well balanced. Very
much the sweet, plump side of Pomerol.
Drink 2012 to 2020. Score: 17 (out
of 20) (Jancis Robinson, MW, jancisrobinson.com, Feb. 14, 2011)
98517
[XD] 750 mL
$105
$105
VINTAGES
11
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
AC Pauillac, 2e Cru
TASTING NOTE: Soft wine, the Merlot
in the blend giving a round character
to the texture. It is juicy, fruity, a gentle,
mellow wine that seduces by its
delicious ripe berry fruits. Its aging
potential is there in the band of
Cabernet tannins, but it’s not a longterm wine. Score: 91 (Roger Voss,
Wine Enthusiast, April 2010)
RED WINE
CHÂTEAU LA PROVIDENCE 2007
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: There’s lots of milk
chocolate and light coffee on the
nose, as well as bright plum and blackberry. Full-bodied, with fine, slightly
chewy tannins and a long finish.
Best after 2013. Score: 90 (James
Suckling, winespectator.com,
March 31, 2010)
102699 [XD] 750 mL
$795
VINTAGES
$135
$139
CHÂTEAU TERTRE RÔTEBOEUF
2007
AC St-Émilion
TASTING NOTE: Blackish crimson
again and very sweet and smooth
and evolved. Lively on the palate –
sort of burgundy port, almost like an
old Australian. Bravo! Fresh. Treacly
but a tightrope well walked. Drink
2010 to 2019. Score: 17 (out of 20)
(Jancis Robinson, MW, jancisrobinson.com, May 15, 2009)
125104 [XD] 750 mL
12
CHÂTEAU TROTANOY 2007
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: Very aromatic, with
milk chocolate and red fruits. Fullbodied, with well-integrated tannins
and a pretty, fruity finish. Not a
big Trotanoy, but thoroughly enjoyable
already. Offers lovely fruit for the
vintage. Best after 2013. Score: 90
March 31, 2010)
102681 [XD] 750 mL
102129 [XD] 750 mL
$109
CHÂTEAU LAFLEUR 2007
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: A really complete
wine; elegant, harmonious with a
firm but fine tannic frame. The owners
feel the old vine Cabernet Franc
(43% of the blend) made the difference
this year. Doesn’t have the power of
2005 or persistence of 2006 but this
is a wine of great purity and charm
which will doubtless age well. Drink
2014-2030. Score: HHHHH
(James Lawther, MW, decanter.com)
102152 [XD] 750 mL
MAY 2013
$199
LA MONDOTTE 2007
AC St-Émilion,
1er Grand Cru Classé (B)
TASTING NOTE: Tiny yields of 15
hectoliters per hectare and a typical
blend of 80% Merlot and 20%
Cabernet Franc (14.5% natural alcohol)
have resulted in a soft, plump,
1997-ish (which is drinking brilliantly)
wine. It offers an inky/purple color,
plenty of sweet mulberry and boysenberry fruit intermixed with hints of
espresso and toast, and a textured, fullbodied, fleshy mouthfeel. There is
lots of succulence for a 2007, and this
soft, delicious St.-Emilion should
drink nicely for 15+ years. Drink: 20102025. Score: 91 (Robert Parker Jr.,
erobertparker.com, April 2010)
102475 [XD] 750 mL
$229
AC St-Émilion,
2nd Wine of Château Ausone
TASTING NOTE: There are only 6000
bottles (representing 25% of the
total production) of Ausone’s delicious
second wine, the 2006 La Chapelle
d’Ausone. Its dense ruby/purple hue is
followed by an extraordinary bouquet
of spring flowers, crushed rocks, creme
de cassis, and hints of boysenberries
as well as blueberries. With medium to
full body, and stunning concentration,
purity, and texture, it should drink well
in 3-5 years, and last for two decades.
As I wrote last year, today Ausone’s
second wine is dramatically better
than most first wines made in the 1950s,
1960s, and 1970s under the previous administration. Score: 91 (Robert
Feb. 2009)
566232 [XD] 750 mL
$189
CHÂTEAU AUSONE 2006
AC St-Émilion,
1er Grand Cru Classé (A)
TASTING NOTE: One of the handful of
candidates for wine of the vintage is
the 2006 Ausone. In fact, while tasting
it, I was thinking, is there any estate
in Bordeaux that, since 1998, has made
as many legendary wines as proprietor Alain Vauthier has at his beloved
Ausone? Boasting an inky/blue/
purple color as well as an extraordinary,
precise bouquet of minerals, flowers,
blueberry liqueur, and black currants,
this wine possesses fabulous fruit
and great intensity, but what makes it
so special is its precision, focus, and
almost ethereal lightness despite substantial flavor intensity and depth. It
is a ballerina with density and power.
The abundant noticeable tannin is
sweet and, not surprisingly, very finely
grained. It should be cellared for
a decade, and consumed over the
following half century. Score: 98
Feb. 2009)
566885 [XD] 750 mL
•
MAY 2013
CHÂTEAU CHEVAL BLANC 2006
AC St-Émilion,
1er Grand Cru Classé (A)
TASTING NOTE: The brilliant 2006
Cheval Blanc performed better from
bottle than from barrel. A blend of equal
parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot
grown in a superb vineyard site facing
La Conseillante and l’Evangile at the
very edge of the sandy, gravelly soils of
St.-Emilion, it boasts a dense ruby/
purple color as well as a sweet perfume
of menthol, charcoal, boysenberries,
black currants, and hints of cocoa and
caramel. Lush, textured, and opulent
with superb purity, medium to full body,
savory flavors, and sweet, sexy tannins, this stunning Cheval Blanc may
be even better than the 2005.
567289 [XD] 750 mL
$1099
$1299
VINTAGES
13
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION 2006
AC Pessac-Léognan, 1er Cru
TASTING NOTE: The 2006 Haut-Brion
performed even better from bottle
than it did from barrel. Sixty-four percent of the production went into this
wine, and while it displays the vintage’s
powerful tannins and structure, it
possesses superb concentration, and
the minerality/scorched earth notes
of a great Haut-Brion. Medium to fullbodied, with perhaps not quite the
fleshiness of the 2005 or 2000, it is
built more along the lines of the
1998 and 1996. It is a brilliant effort
displaying sensational purity, texture,
and length that should be exceptionally long-lived. Anticipated maturity:
2017-2035 . Score: 96 (Robert Parker
Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2009)
RED WINE
CHÂTEAU COS D’ESTOURNEL
2006
(J. Bueno, Prop.)
TASTING NOTE: The exceptional 2006
Cos d’Estournel is composed of 78%
Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and
2% Petit Verdot, 55% of the production was utilized. Revealing superb
intensity for a 2006 as well as an
inky/blue/purple color, and a sweet
bouquet of blue and black fruits,
licorice, graphite, and charcoal, this
full-bodied 2006 possesses high
levels of sweet tannin. This wine is
characterized by a freshness and
precision that give it a 1996-like affinity.
Enjoy this beautifully concentrated,
exceptionally pure, statuesque Cos
d’Estournel over the next 20-25 years.
By the way, it was bottled without any
fining or filtration. Score: 94 (Robert
Feb. 2009)
565598 [XD] 750 mL
$199
MAY 2013
567255 [XD] 750 mL
$799
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: The sexy, dark ruby/
purple-tinged 2006 l’Evangile
achieved 14% natural alcohol, as high
as any of the great vintages at
this estate. Abundant amounts of dark
raspberry and black cherry fruit
intertwined with sweet plums and hints
of figs as well as spring flowers
jump from the glass of this medium to
full-bodied, fleshy, supple-textured,
silky wine. Drink it now or cellar it
for 15-20 years. Score: 93 (Robert
Feb. 2009)
564666 [XD] 750 mL
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: With Alain Raynaud
taking more of an interest in this
estate, which is actually run by his
sister, it will be interesting to see if
they can push the quality of this fabulous terroir to the level of some
of the great estates on the plateau of
Pomerol, such as Petrus, VieuxChateau-Certan, and Lafleur. Certainly
the 2006 is an outstanding wine.
This 100% Merlot boasts a deep, saturated ruby/purple color followed by
sweet raspberry and blueberry notes
interwoven with hints of truffles and
charcoal. The wine possesses a fullbodied, luscious texture, admirable
purity, and impressive length. It should
be drinkable in 2-3 years, and evolve
for 15+. Score: 92 (Robert Parker Jr.,
565945 [XD] 750 mL
14
VINTAGES
$245
$124
CHÂTEAU LA GOMERIE 2006
TASTING NOTE: Blackberry and fresh
tobacco aromas lead to a full body,
with ripe tannins and a mineral, tobacco and berry character. Long and
caressing. This is really excellent for
the vintage. Best after 2012. Score: 92
March 31, 2009)
564807 [XD] 750 mL
$119
CHÂTEAU LA MISSION
HAUT-BRION 2006
(Famille Vauthier, Prop.)
TASTING NOTE: A somewhat underthe-radar La Mission, the 2006
was generally overlooked following the
brilliance of the 2005. A young,
dense purple-hued wine that is developing beautifully, it exhibits notes of
Asian plum sauce, charcoal, barbecue
smoke, roasted meats, graphite
and background oak. Full-bodied with
good acidity, moderate tannin and
a vigorous, powerful youthfulness, the
2006 will age more quickly than
the 2005, but it still requires another
5-8 years of cellaring. Anticipated
Maturity: 2014-2035. Score: 94 (Robert
Aug. 2012)
567123 [XD] 750 mL
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: The 2006 Lafleur,
which I had not tasted from bottle
prior to this visit, merits 95 points. One
of the vintate’s most brilliant wines,
this blend of 61% Merlot and 39%
Cabernet Franc is neither as dense
nor complete as the 2008, but it is
structured, closed, and austere (as
are many 2006s at present). It reveals
a plum/purple color along with a
beautifully sweet nose of black and red
fruits intermixed with incense as well
as a steely/iron-like smell. More open
on the palate than the 2008, with
more obvious spice and earthy undertones, this powerful Lafleur should
be drinkable in 5-7 years, and will last
for three decades. Score: 95 (Robert
April 2009)
566711 [XD] 750 mL
•
MAY 2013
CHÂTEAU LASCOMBES 2006
AC Margaux, 2e Cru
TASTING NOTE: One of the more
modern-styled wines from the
appellation of Margaux, always with
a prominent overlay of toasty new
oak, espresso roast, and sweet black
fruits, this wine seems more restrained and has backed off its concentration with the 2006. It is a
mid-weight, elegant wine with notes of
licorice and black currants as well
as a hint of tobacco leaf. The wine is
concentrated and obviously outstanding, but the moderate tannins
in the finish suggest cellaring it
for 2-3 years and drinking it over
the following 15-20. Score: 90
Feb. 2009)
565242 [XD] 750 mL
$109
$969
$799
VINTAGES
15
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
AC Margaux, 1er Cru
TASTING NOTE: It is worth noting that
when the bottled 2006 Chateau
Margaux, which appeared closed and
less impressive than I had predicted
from barrel, was retasted alongside
the remarkable 2008, I elevated
my score to 94+. It does not possess
the size or power of the 2008 or
2005, but the 2006 exhibits impressive
density, a deeper color, and the
beautifully textured, pure style that is
a hallmark of this estate. Moreover,
it is relatively precocious, and can be
drunk now or cellared for 25+ years.
Score: 94 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, April 2009)
RED WINE
2006
TASTING NOTE: Not surprisingly,
Leoville Las Cases has produced another classic, potentially long-lived
wine in 2006. Among the St.-Juliens,
it, Ducru Beaucaillou, and Leoville
Barton possess the potential for the
greatest longevity. Interestingly, when
I visited this chateau in January, proprietor Jean-Hubert Delon offered
me two samples, one where the cork
had been pulled immediately prior
to tasting, and another that had been
decanted four hours earlier. Both
were superb, but the wine that had had
extended aeration was clearly the
finer offering. The opaque purple-hued
2006- only 40% of the crop made
it into the final blend- exhibits a personality that mimics the superb
1996. Classic aromas of sweet black
raspberries, kirsch, cassis, and
subtle toasty oak are followed by a
full-bodied, concentrated wine
displaying moderately high tannin. This
cuvee can often resemble a Pauillac
wrapped in the St.-Julien appellation,
and the 2006 is no exception. A
blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon,
14.5% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet
Franc, it will require significant cellaring
before consumption. Anticipated
maturity: 2019-2035+. Score: 95
(Robert Parker Jr.,erobertparker.com, Feb. 2009)
566695 [XD] 750 mL
16
VINTAGES
$299
MAY 2013
566539 [XD] 750 mL
$799
CHÂTEAU MONTROSE 2006
TASTING NOTE: The first vintage under
new owner Martin Bouygues,who
convinced Jean-Bernard Delmas to
come out of retirement to produce
this wine, the 2006 Montrose is an
undeniable success. A blend of
approximately two-thirds Cabernet
Sauvignon, one-third Merlot, and a
tiny dollop of Petit Verdot, the most
dramatic difference between the
2006, and wines made by the previous administration is that Jean
Delmas produces wines with sweeter,
silkier tannins, although analytically,
they are as high as those found in the
great Montrose vintages of the past.
The 2006 is extraordinarily elegant and
finesse-styled, but it exhibits stunningly concentrated, sweet blackberry
and cassis fruit with hints of flowers
and minerals. Full-bodied with a savory,
expansive mid-palate as well as
sweet, noble tannins, this beauty will
benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age,
and should drink well for 20-25+ years.
Score: 94+ (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2009)
565283 [XD] 750 mL
$135
CHÂTEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD
2006
AC Pauillac, 1er Cru
TASTING NOTE: A sensational effort,
the 2006 Mouton Rothschild exhibits
an opaque purple color as well as a
classic Mouton perfume of creme de
cassis, flowers, blueberries, and only
a hint of oak. Dalhuin told me that in
whisky barrel-tasting vintages such as
1989 and 1990, Mouton was aged in
heavily-toasted barrels, and they have
backed off to a much lighter toast
for the barrels’ interior. I think this has
worked fabulously well with the cassis
quality fruit they get from their Cabernet
Sauvignon. The full-bodied, powerful
2006 possesses extraordinary purity
and clarity. A large-scaled, massive
Mouton Rothschild that ranks as one
of the top four or five wines of
the vintage, it may turn out to be the
longest-lived wine of the vintage by
a landslide. The label will undoubtedly
be controversial as a relative of
Sigmund Freud, Lucian Freud, has
painted a rather comical Zebra
staring aimlessly at what appears to
be a palm tree in the middle of a
stark courtyard. I suppose a psychiatrist
could figure out the relationship
between that artwork and wine, but
I couldn’t see one. This utterly profound Mouton will need to sleep for
15+ years before it will reveal any
secondary nuances, but it is a packed
and stacked first-growth Pauillac
of enormous potential. Anticipated
maturity: 2020-2060+. Score: 98+
Feb. 2009)
566950 [XD] 750 mL
CHÂTEAU PALMER 2006
AC Margaux, 3e Cru
TASTING NOTE: Tasted at the Grand
Vin Masterclass in January 2010.
Deep garnet-purple colour. Ripe plum,
cassia, cardamom and a whiff of
musk / animal on the nose with some
mocha and cigar boxes. Medium to
high acidity balances out the concentrated dark cherry richness. Medium
to firm level of fine tannins and a long
finish. Score: 94 (Lisa Perrotti-Brown,
MW, erobertparker.com, March 2010)
566281 [XD] 750 mL
$299
•
MAY 2013
CHÂTEAU PAVIE 2006
AC St-Émilion,
1er Grand Cru Classé (B)
TASTING NOTE: The 2006 Pavie, a
blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet
Franc, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon,
is cropped low as the viticultural
work is impeccable, the winemaking
is thoroughly Burgundian in style,
and bottling is accomplished with no
fining or filtration. With over 90 acres
in vine, this is one of the larger of the
premier grand cru classes in St.Emilion. A prodigious effort, the 2006
does not have the sucrosite of the
2005, 2003, or 2000, but it would not
be embarrassed if tasted side by side
with either of those two titans. A dense
purple color as well as an extraordinary perfume of crushed black currants,
licorice, wet stones, and subtle
background oak are found in this tannic,
dense, masculine-styled 2006.
Backward and extraordinarily pure, it
is built like a Manhattan skyscraper
with exceptional focus, depth, texture,
and length. It’s all here, but 5-10
years of patience will be warranted.
Score: 96 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2009)
567099 [XD] 750 mL
$399
$849
VINTAGES
17
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
CHÂTEAU PICHON-LONGUEVILLEBARON 2006
AC Pauillac, 2e Cru
TASTING NOTE: There’s an excellent
dark color to this, with blowsy, rich
aromas of crushed blackberry and currant. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins
and a long finish. The center palate
will fill in with time. This has lovely
balance. Best after 2014. Score: 92
March 31, 2009)
RED WINE
CHÂTEAU PAVIE-DECESSE 2006
AC St-Émilion, Grand Cru Classé
TASTING NOTE: Planted in pure
limestone above Gerard Perse’s other
famous vineyard/terroir, Chateau
Pavie, this 10-acre site’s vines average
47 years of age. Fashioned from
remarkably low yields, this blend of
90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet
Franc is a powerful, dense, tannic wine
that will require considerable time
to round into shape. It exhibits a dense
purple color along with sweet aromas
of mulberries, black currants, minerals,
cold steel, graphite, and background
spice. Full-bodied, highly-extracted,
dense, and made in an unfashionably tannic, broodingly backward style,
this is a wine for the ages. It requires
8-10 years of cellaring, and should
last for 25-30+. Score: 94+ (Robert
Feb. 2009)
566307 [XD] 750 mL
$279
MAY 2013
241703 [XD] 750 mL
VINTAGES
$179
566224 [XD] 750 mL
CHÂTEAU TERTRE RÔTEBOEUF
2006
TASTING NOTE: Dark red. Exotic dark
raspberry, chocolate liqueur and
smoky oak on the nose and palate.
Lush, sweet and slightly decadent
but not especially exotic for this wine.
Round, sexy and plump but with
no excess weight. In fact, this is rather
suave and smooth, with good innerpalate energy. Finishes with supple,
broad tannins and sneaky length.
Not quite as creamy or intense as it
appeared to be from barrel, but this
should give pleasure over the next 10
or 12 years. Score: 90 (Stephen
Tanzer, International Wine Cellar,
May/June 2009)
565994 [XD] 750 mL
18
CHÂTEAU TROPLONG MONDOT
2006
TASTING NOTE: A wine that succeeds
in combining great depth of flavor
and structure with an impressive array
of flavors. On top of the tannins is
juicy black fruit, cocoa, a welter of spice
and ripeness. The acidity and new
wood put the wine into a more modern
style. Wait for at least 5-7 years.
Score: 94 (Roger Voss,Wine Enthusiast,
March 2009)
$179
$179
LE PETIT CHEVAL 2006
AC St-Émilion Grand Cru,
2nd Wine of Château Cheval Blanc
TASTING NOTE: Looks quite evolved
at the rim. Interesting, well-balanced,
biscuity nose. Good freshness,
and very much more than a hint of
terroir here. Bravo! This is recognisably St-Émilion rather than being
an attempt at modern red wine.
Appetising and while dry on the end,
it’s not horribly drying! Really good
stuff. Superior. Drink: 2015-2030.
Score: 17.5 (out of 20) (Jancis
Robinson, MW, jancisrobinson.com,
Jan. 28, 2010)
567362 [XD] 750 mL
$199
CHÂTEAU LA CLÉMENCE 2005
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: Proprietor Christian
Dauriac’s tiny 7.5 acre Pomerol
estate is planted with 85% Merlot and
15% Cabernet Franc. These wines
have had a tendency to be overwhelmingly extracted and high in tannin
as well as oak, but the outstanding
2005, while clearly from the modern
school of winemaking, possesses a
well-integrated wood component.
Dense purple-colored, it offers scents
of espresso, chocolate, blackberries,
and kirsch along with a hint of caramelized fruit, medium to full body,
abundant amounts of sweet tannin, and
a muscular, concentrated, powerful
finish. Anticipated maturity: 20152030. Score: 92 (Robert Parker Jr.,
503045 [XD] 750 mL
$139
CHÂTEAU LA CONSEILLANTE
2005
AC Pomerol
TASTING NOTE: With the son of the
Nicolas family, Valmy, taking over and
ratcheting up the selection process as
well as the quality, La Conseillante
appears poised to challenge its closest
neighbor, l’Evangile, as the finest
estate on the border of the sector of
Pomerol facing Cheval Blanc in St.Emilion. The 2005 will challenge the
extraordinary 2000. Among the truly
fabulous wines made here (i.e., 2000,
1990, 1989, 1985, and 1982), its
deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied
by an exquisite bouquet of incense,
raspberry jam, kirsch, licorice, and hints
of black olives as well as flowers.
This broadly perfumed Pomerol exhibits
sensational purity, sweet tannin,
medium to full body, and outstanding
elegance and finesse. The fruit is
forward and precocious, but there is
enough stuffing, structure, and
density for the wine to evolve for 2025 years. Score: 96 (Robert Parker Jr.,
524652 [XD] 750 mL
$309
•
MAY 2013
TASTING NOTE: Very concentrated,
with blackberry, coffee bean and
vanilla. Full-bodied, with lots of pretty
fruit, velvety tannins and a long,
rich finish. Slightly pushed, but this
should come together with bottle
age. A powerful young red. Best after
2013. Score: 92 (James Suckling,
324434 [XD] 750 mL
$102
2005
TASTING NOTE: This is breathtaking.
Black in color, with incredible
aromas of crushed blackberry, mineral,
licorice and lead pencil. Full-bodied,
with a mind-blowing texture of seamless
tannins that coat every millimeter
of the palate. Goes on and on, with
licorice, currant and flowers. Time
will tell if it’s better than the 2000. Best
after 2017. Collectible. Score: 100
March 31, 2008)
506170 [XD] 750 mL
$495
VINTAGES
19
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
CHÂTEAU VALANDRAUD 2005
TASTING NOTE: This is one of the
most riveting examples of Valandraud
Jean-Luc Thunevin has made over the
last fifteen years. Thunevin and his
partner, Murielle Andraud (who has
much of the responsibility for their
brilliant Margaux, Marojallia), exhibit
impeccable attention to detail, resulting in an inky/blue/purple-colored 2005
Valandraud boasting a sweet nose
of melted chocolate, licorice, graphite,
espresso roast, and copious quantities of black cherries and blackberries.
Pure, layered, and full-bodied, with
gorgeous integration of acidity, tannin,
alcohol, and wood, this stunning
effort will be drinkable in 7-8 years,
and should keep for three decades.
(Drink: 2015-2038) Score: 95 (Robert
April 2008)
RED WINE
CHÂTEAU MAGREZ FOMBRAUGE
2005
TASTING NOTE: The quintessential
garagiste offering from proprietor
Bernard Magrez, this blend of 80%
Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc
receives such Burgundian treatments
as a cold pre-fermentation maceration, malolactic in barrel, aging on its
lees, and no fining or filtration.
Offering a dense purple color along
with huge creosote, smoke, melted
licorice, fudge, blueberry, graphite, and
coffee characteristics, it represents
full-throttle, modern winemaking at
its most intense, and is likely to
cause neo-traditionalists to suffer from
migraines. Expect this beauty to hit
full maturity around 2014, and keep
until 2030+. Score: 95 (Robert
April 2008)
504027 [XD] 750 mL
$348
AC Pauillac, 2e Cru
TASTING NOTE: In recent years,
Pichon Comtesse has developed an
elegance all its own, with great style,
smoothing out the real intensity of the
wine. This 2005 continues in that
tradition, a spice, fruity wine, which has
restraint as well as hidden power.
Score: 95 (Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast,
June 2008)
505875 [XD] 750 mL
20
VINTAGES
$215
MAY 2013
506287 [XD] 750 mL
$545
CHÂTEAU FLEUR CARDINALE
2004
TASTING NOTE: Proprietor Dominique
Decoster (of Havilland porcelain
fame) has fashioned an outstanding
2004 (a 5,800-case blend of 75%
Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc and
Cabernet Sauvignon). Made with
the assistance of notable winemaking
consultants Jean-Philippe Fort, from
Michel Rolland’s laboratory, and St.Emilion’s bad boy, Jean-Luc Thunevin,
it is a powerful (14.5% natural alcohol)
sleeper of the vintage. A dark ruby/
purple hue is followed by aromas of
crushed red and black fruits interwoven with notes of flowers, cedar, new
oak, and licorice. Possessing supple
tannin, an opulent, medium to fullbodied mouthfeel, and beautiful
purity, texture, and length, it can be
drunk now and over the next 15 years.
An estate on a roll! Drink: 2007-2022.
Score: 91 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, June 2007)
324467 [XD] 750 mL
$64
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BAILLY 2001
TASTING NOTE: The deep ruby/
purple-tinged 2001 Haut-Bailly reveals
sweet, pure, elegant aromas of
currants, toast, and cigar smoke. With
wonderful sweetness, fine tannins,
a delicate, nuanced personality, and
a long, persistent finish, this wellmade, impressive Pessac-Leognan will
provide plenty of pleasure over the
next 12-14 years. Drink: 2004-2018.
erobertparker.com, June 2004)
229963 [XD] 750 mL
AC Saint-Estèphe, 2e Cru
TASTING NOTE: The 1996 Montrose
reveals outstanding potential. It
boasts a saturated dark ruby/purple
color, and aromas of new oak,
jammy black currants, smoke, minerals,
and new saddle leather. This multilayered wine is rich and medium to
full-bodied, with sweet tannin, a
nicely-textured, concentrated midpalate, and an impressively long
finish. Anticipated maturity: 20092025. Score: 91 (Robert Parker Jr.,
$125
266411 [XD] 750 mL
$295
•
MAY 2013
WHITE WINE
CHÂTEAU LATOUR MARTILLAC
BLANC 2009
TASTING NOTE: Absolutely stunning
wine and a sleeper of the vintage for
this particular producer, this wine displays loads of waxy, melony, exotic
fruits as well as hints of figs, orange
and apricot marmalade and some
subtle oak in the background. With very
good acidity and a lusty, rich, fullbodied mouthfeel, it should continue
to drink well over the next 20+ years.
Score: 94 (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
197459 [D] 750 mL
$52.85
VINTAGES
21
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
CHÂTEAU PAPE CLÉMENT BLANC
2008
TASTING NOTE: Composed of 45%
Semillon, 43% Sauvignon Blanc, 8%
Sauvignon Gris and 4% Muscadelle
that hit 14.5% natural alcohol from
yields of 22 hectoliters per hectare, this
beauty offers up exotic notes of
orange marmalade, lemon custard and
citrus oil. Score: 93 (Robert Parker Jr.,
WHITE WINE
CHÂTEAU SMITH HAUT LAFITTE
BLANC 2009
AC Pessac-Léognan
TASTING NOTE: Smith-Haut-Lafitte
hit a home run with their red PessacLeognan and came very close to
perfection with their dry white Graves.
Possibly the best dry white the estate
has produced since the proprietors, the
Cathiards, acquired the property in
1990, this wine exhibits a sensational
fragrance of buttered citrus, honeyed
melons and a touch of grapefruit, lemon
zest and orange rind. It also displays
grapefruit on the attack and mid-palate
as well as real opulence, terrific
acidity and length. Drink it over the next
15-20 years. Astonishing! Score: 98
Feb. 2012)
201418 [XD] 750 mL
22
VINTAGES
$144.85
MAY 2013
229237 [XD] 750 mL
$269
CHÂTEAU LAVILLE HAUT BRION
BLANC 2007
Although he didn’t provide an
accompanying note, Robert Parker
gave this wine a score of 96
(erobertparker.com, April 2010).
TASTING NOTE: Rich, powerful,
perfumed aromas of lemon pie, cooked
apple and melon lead to a full body,
with a fabulous density that persists.
Gorgeous, with lovely richness and
balance. Best after 2011. Score: 93
March 31, 2012)
100842 [XD] 750 mL
$795
2007
Although he didn’t provide an
accompanying note, Robert Parker
gave this wine a score of 97.
(erobertparker.com, April 2010)
TASTING NOTE: Subtle, yet very rich,
with lemon peel, cooked apple, sliced
fennel and tropical fruit aromas. Fullbodied, offering ultraintense flavors
of cream, toasted coconut and honey.
A complex, lively wine that goes on
and on. An opulent style, almost New
World. This will age, but why wait?
Drink now. Score: 95 (James Suckling,
102780 [XD] 750 mL
$217
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION BLANC
2006
TASTING NOTE: It is always interesting
to taste this wine next to its stablemate, Laville Haut-Brion. While Laville
has 80% Semillon in it, giving it more
fat and concentration, Haut-Brion is
55% Sauvignon Blanc and 45%
Semillon. This is a crisp yet powerful
wine, full-bodied, with great minerality and a subtle smokiness intermixed
with hints of quince, white currant,
orange skin, and lemon custard. Long,
rich, and tightly knit, with good
acidity and no evidence of any oak
whatsoever despite the use of 100%
new French oak, this wine is set for a
long life as well. Anticipated maturity:
2014-2035. Score: 95 (Robert Parker
566372 [XD] 750 mL
$799
•
MAY 2013
2006
TASTING NOTE: Arguably the dry white
wine of the vintage along with Laville,
this is an extraordinary wine with the
texture of a grand cru white Burgundy,
the so-called gout de petrol that one
finds in Coche-Dury MeursaultPerrieres, or one of the top Montrachets
from the likes of Domaine Leflaive
or Romanee-Conti. Honeyed orange,
sweet melons, subtle smoke, stunning concentration, and a full-bodied
mouthfeel make for an extraordinary
expression of white Graves that should
age beautifully for 15-20 years. The
final blend from the tiny 7.5-acre parcel
of this historic vineyard was 50%
Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Semillon, 5%
each of Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle. Score: 98 (Robert Parker Jr.,
565796 [XD] 750 mL
$269
VINTAGES
23
•
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
CHÂTEAU SUDUIRAUT 2009
AC Sauternes
TASTING NOTE: One of the outstanding successes of the 2009 vintage,
this may surpass the superlative 2007.
It has a more understated nose at
the moment, but is very well defined
with honey, white peach, orange peel
and crushed stones. The palate has a
viscous entry, is very well balanced,
very powerful with great depth and
effervescent minerality. Layers of
botrytis layer across the mellifluous
finish that is beautifully defined
and sensuous. Fabulous. Score: 97-99
(Neal Martin, erobertparker.com,
April 2010)
SAUTERNES/BARSAC
CHÂTEAU COUTET 2009
AC Sauternes
TASTING NOTE: The Coutet 2009 is
a sensational effort from Philippe
Baly and his team. It has a fragrant
nose of honey, vervain tea, pineapple, frangipane and apple-blossom,
well defined if needing a little more
vigour at the moment. The palate is
vibrant on the entry, informed by
touches of apricot and orange peel,
very focused and tensile towards the
long, sensuous, viscous finish. It has
the same minerality exuded by DoisyDaene and reminds me of a stellar ’62
tasted just a few weeks previously.
A magnificent Coutet. Score: 96-98
April 2010)
198630
[S]
750 mL
$134.85
CHÂTEAU LAFAURIE-PEYRAGUEY
2009
AC Sauternes
TASTING NOTE: Barrel sample. Very
gold in color, this is a wine that
seems initially closed, tight, only slowly
showing its full panoply of richness,
density and sweet final acidity. Score: 96
Aug. 2010)
192021
[S]
375 mL
$43.85
MAY 2013
195982
VINTAGES
750 mL
$147.85
CHÂTEAU D’YQUEM 2008
AC Sauternes, 1er Cru Supérieur
TASTING NOTE: Tasted single blind
against its peers. The Yquem 2008
is easy to spot in a blind line-up: it is
(to quote Tina Turner) simply the
best. It has a subtle, delicate but very
pretty bouquet with fine definition
and astounding minerality. The palate
is beautifully poised, tense and tightly
coiled on the entry and then it just
explodes in the mouth with pure,
unbridled, joyous botrytized fruit struck
through with a silver thread of acidity.
It displays exemplary tension and freshness, along with great persistency
in the mouth. This is an outstanding
Sauternes 2008 and another impressive Yquem. Score: 96 (Neal Martin,
137356
24
[S]
[S]
750 mL
$399
CHÂTEAU CLIMENS 2006
AC Barsac, 1er Cru
TASTING NOTE: Proprietor Berenice
Lurton continues to turn out one of
the utterly profound wines from the
Barsac Sauternes region. The 2006
is not up there with their perfect 2001,
but it is a beautiful wine and stands
out as one of the top wines of 2006.
Medium gold, with a slightly more
advanced color than I am used to seeing in a young Climens, the wine
displays waxy honeyed pineapple and
delicate marmalade and citrus notes
with a restrained use of new oak. The
wine cuts a full-bodied swath across
the palate with terrific acidity, freshness,
and moderate sweetness. This is a
beauty, but perhaps on a much faster
evolutionary track than some of their
greatest vintages. Score: 94 (Robert
Feb. 2009)
565986
[S]
750 mL
$115
TASTING NOTE: This has lovely flavors
of apricot, dried tangerine, pineapple
and papaya rushing along, supported
by hazelnut, frangipane and coconut
notes. Despite the depth, it’s very, very
pure, with filigreed acidity carrying
the long, long finish. Drink now through
2037. Score: 96 (James Molesworth,
winespectator.com, Web Only, 2012)
567388
[S]
375 mL
$429
TASTING NOTE: This has a deliciously
pure feel, with juicy, inviting green
plum, ginger, heather, creamed pineapple and Jonagold apple flavors all
melded together and gliding through
the lengthy finish, which echoes with
lilting flowers and dried citrus notes.
Best from 2015 through 2045.
Score: 97 (James Molesworth, winespectator.com, Web Only, 2012)
506824
[S]
375 mL
$595
FRANCE – BURGUNDY
CÔTE DE NUITS
RED WINE
DOMAINE CONFURON-COTETIDOT
VOSNE-ROMANÉE LES SUCHOTS
1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Again, reduction is
present but not enough to totally
diminish the appeal of the spice notes
that continue onto the rich, intense
and remarkably vibrant flavors that also
possess excellent volume along with
an abundance of dry extract that confers
a velvety texture to the linear and
austere finish. It is a very good thing
that there is so much sap because
this is especially firmly structured and
will need every bit of 15 years or so
to fully resolved the underlying tannins.
Sweet spot [i.e., Excellent Value]. Outstanding. Drink: 2025+. Score: 91-94
(Allen Meadows, burghound.com,
Jan. 10, 2012)
325050 [XD] 750 mL
•
MAY 2013
DOMAINE DOMINIQUE GALLOIS
CHARMES-CHAMBERTIN
GRAND CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: A distinctly earthy
blend of pure red berry liqueur
aromas trimmed in discreet wood introduces rich and relatively full-bodied
flavors that possess excellent punch
and precision, all wrapped in a balanced and impressively persistent finish.
This is notably more concentrated
than the 1ers not to mention significantly more firmly structured plus
I like the sense of controlled power.
In sum, this is a classic Charmes.
Drink: 2022+. Score: 91-94 (Allen
Meadows, burghound.com,
Jan. 10, 2012)
318568 [XD] 750 mL
$136
$109
VINTAGES
25
•
FRANCE – BURGUNDY
DOMAINE DUJAC MOREY
SAINT-DENIS 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Reduction knocks
down the nose but there is really
lovely texture to the velvety middle
weight flavors that enjoy fine midpalate concentration, all wrapped in
a sappy and mouth coating finish.
This is an excellent villages that should
repay well 6 to 8 years of cellar time
and certainly merits a look. Outstanding.
Jan. 10, 2012)
CÔTE DE NUITS
RED WINE
DOMAINE DUJAC CLOS
SAINT-DENIS 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: The 2010 Clos St.
Denis is downright explosive from the
first taste. An exotic melange of dark
cherries, plums, minerals and cloves
are all supported by insistent underlying minerality. The wine continues
to grow in the glass, as layers of flavor
fill out its broad-shouldered frame
nicely. Blackberries, cassis, menthol
and licorice flow through to the
textured finish. This is a breathtaking
effort. It is also a wine for the very
patient. Anticipated maturity: 20252045. Score: 95-97 (Antonio Galloni,
713388 [XD] 750 mL
$235
MAY 2013
702696 [XD] 750 mL
$69
DOMAINE DUJAC VOSNEROMANÉE AUX MALCONSORTS
1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: The 2010 VosneRomanee Aux Malconsorts is much
more nuanced and detailed in its aromatics and flavors than the Beaux
Monts. The understated, refined side
of Vosne comes through beautifully
in this elegant, articulated Burgundy.
Over the last few years the Malconsorts
has typically been one of my favorite
wines in the Dujac lineup, but it needs
time. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2028.
Score: 92-94 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
162164 [XD] 750 mL
$209
DOMAINE D’ARDHUY CLOS
VOUGEOT GRAND CRU 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: A reticent, backward
and exceptionally earthy nose reluctantly displays the aromas of red pinot
fruit and crushed plums. The rich,
full-bodied and overtly muscular flavors
possess outstanding size and weight
before culminating in an extract-rich
finish where the tannins are buried
yet quite tactile. This offers simply
knockout depth and despite the
huge size, it is impeccably balanced
but this is in all likelihood a 20+ year
wine so if you buy it, be prepared to
forget it in the back of your cellar.
Drink: 2027+ Score: 94 (Allen Meadows,
burghound.com, Oct. 2011)
316166 [XD] 750 mL
LOUIS JADOT CLOS VOUGEOT
GRAND CRU 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: Displays enticing
aromas of flowers, cherry, strawberry
and spice, with a hint of leather and
licorice in reserve and a long, long
finish. A wall of tannins shuts this
down-at least for now. The aromas are
worth the price of admission. Best
from 2016 through 2035. Score: 96
(Bruce Sanderson, winespectator.com,
June 15, 2012)
946160 [XD] 750 mL
26
VINTAGES
$162
$159
PASCAL MARCHAND GEVREYCHAMBERTIN LES CAZETIERS
1er CRU 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: Good medium red.
Sexy, expressive aromas of redcurrant, tobacco and sweet oak, with some
very ripe notes. Lush and silky in
the mouth, with a pliant texture and a
musky saline quality to the flavors
of redcurrant, smoke and tobacco.
Nicely firmed on the long finish by
dusty tannins and subtle minerality.
Score: 91 (Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, March/April 2012)
255364 [XD] 750 mL
$87
FRANCE – BURGUNDY
CÔTE DE BEAUNE
RED WINE
CHANSON PÈRE & FILS BEAUNE
CLOS DES MOUCHES 1er CRU
2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: This is a very taut wine
from the poorest soil in the Clos des
Mouches Vineyard. This tastes of citrus
fruit, with a powerful, spicy, complex finish that promises good aging.
Score: 92 (Roger Voss, Wine
Enthusiast, Nov. 2012)
733212 [XD] 750 mL
$75
WHITE WINE
DOMAINE DUJAC MOREY
SAINT-DENIS BLANC 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: Lively, savoury and
racy. Quite delicate with both sweetness and light sulphides – an attractive
mixture. Distinguished. Drink: 20122017. Score: 16.5 (out of 20) (Jancis
Robinson, MW, jancisrobinson.com,
Jan. 27, 2011)
703470 [XD] 750 mL
$67
DOMAINE BOUCHARD
PÈRE & FILS POMMARD RUGIENS
1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: This also displays
soft if not invisible wood influence.
There is notably better complexity
than the Pézerolles to the layered
and expressive nose of wild cherries,
raspberries and wet stone. There
is excellent power to the impressively
delineated and voluminous flavors
that also brim with both a fine minerality
and plenty of palate coating dry
extract. I very much like the sense
of harmony and balance here on
the linear and driving finish. Sweet
spot [i.e., Excellent Value]. Outstanding. Drink: 2022+. Score: 92
April 2012)
206177 [XD] 750 mL
•
MAY 2013
DOMAINE BOUCHARD
PÈRE & FILS VOLNAY CLOS DES
CHÊNES 1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Noticeable but not
dominant wood influence fights a bit
with the otherwise fresh, cool, airy and
ripe raspberry liqueur, plum and
floral aromas. The reserved and moderately austere medium weight flavors
exude a fine minerality that continues
onto the powerful, linear and lingering finish. Like the Grèves, this is also
quite compact and not showing
much today yet it’s clear that there is
excellent underlying material and
the balance should enable this to age
exceptionally well. Sweet spot
[i.e., Excellent Value]. Outstanding.
Drink: 2022+. Score: 92 (Allen
Meadows, burghound.com, April 2012)
231951 [XD] 750 mL
$71
$90
VINTAGES
27
•
FRANCE – BURGUNDY
LOUIS JADOT BEAUNE CLOS DES
COUCHEREAUX 1er CRU 2007
AC
Stephen Tanzer of International Wine
Cellar was also impressed with this
wine, awarding it a score of 89-91
(March/April 2009).
CÔTE DE BEAUNE
RED WINE
LOUIS LATOUR CORTON CLOS DU
ROI GRAND CRU 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: This is a great wine.
But that’s what you’d expect from a
fabulous vintage, a superb locale (you
think the king gets the second best
plot in Corton?) and a conscientious
and talented producer. Although
Latour is one of the region’s most prominent négociants, this wine comes
exclusively from estate-owned plots
they purchased over 100 years ago.
Tightly wound at this stage, its succulence and richness takes time to
unfold in the glass. But succulent and
rich it is. It has a lovely firmness and
structure to support its generous core
of plump dark fruit. Those who
believe (mistakenly) that Latour’s reds
lack substance need only to sample
this wine.Expect on cellaring it for a
decade or so. Score: 95 (Michael
Apstein, winereviewonline.com,
July 5, 2011)
324509 [XD] 750 mL
28
VINTAGES
$120
MAY 2013
TASTING NOTE: A moderately pitched
and elegant nose of ripe but cool
raspberry and red pinot fruit trimmed
with a top note of cranberry leads
to delicious, ripe and lightly mineral
suffused middle weight flavors that
are reserved to the point of culminating
in mild austerity. This is really quite
pretty and while lighter in style, the
balance is impeccable and it should
reward 4 to 6 years of cellar time. Drink
[from] 2013+. Score: 89 (Allen
April 18, 2010)
77578
[XD] 750 mL
$50
WHITE WINE
DOMAINE BOUCHARD
PÈRE & FILS CHEVALIERMONTRACHET GRAND CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Very pure aromas
of lemon peel, flowers and nutty,
vanillin oak. At once juicy and supple,
with terrific energy to leaven the
wine’s atypical richness. Very tactile,
mouthfilling grand cru from a yield
of just 30 hectoliters per hectare.
Finishes stony and sweet, with
outstanding breadth and length. Should
age gracefully. Score: 94(+?)
(Stephen Tanzer, International Wine
Cellar, Sept. 2012)
88708
[XD] 750 mL
$323
DOMAINE BOUCHARD
PÈRE & FILS CORTONCHARLEMAGNE GRAND CRU
2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Good bright, pale
yellow. Very pure, reticent aromas
of lemon, lime and white flowers. Dry
and penetrating to the point of
painful, with pristine flavors of crushed
stone, lime, lemon and ripe but
lightly bitter pomelo. Pure energy: this
makes the Cabottes seem almost
creamy by comparison. Finishes with
intense crushed stone flavor and
outstanding cut and lift. For the cellar.
Score: 95+ (Stephen Tanzer,
International Wine Cellar, Sept. 2012)
DOMAINE BOUCHARD
PÈRE & FILS MEURSAULT
GENEVRIÈRES 1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Bright, pale yellow.
Lemon, spices and smoky minerality
on the nose. Silky on entry, then expands to fill the mouth with rich yet
brisk flavors of lemon, dusty stone and
vanillin oak. Good acidity gives the
wine excellent cut but there’s nothing
austere about this very nicely balanced premier cru. The captivating
rising finish shows a lightly smoky
quality and noteworthy finesse. Score: 92
Cellar, Sept. 2012)
46532
172460 [XD] 750 mL
[XD] 750 mL
$89
•
MAY 2013
DOMAINE DUBLÈRE CORTONCHARLEMAGNE GRAND CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Yet again the recent
sulfur additions render the nose
impossible to fairly evaluate though the
underlying fruit appears notably ripe.
This sense of ripeness is confirmed by
the rich and phenolically mature
moderately-scaled and mineral-driven
flavors that conclude in an explosive
and almost painfully intense finish. By
the standards of the appellation,
this is not really a big wine though it
is impeccably well-balanced which
will permit it to amply reward up to a
decade of cellar time. Drink: 2018+.
Score: 92-94 (Allen Meadows, burghound.com, June 2012)
$177
271189 [XD] 750 mL
$142
DOMAINE BOUCHARD
PÈRE & FILS MEURSAULT
PERRIÈRES 1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Pale, bright yellow.
Aromas and flavors of fresh peach
and apricot, lemon-lime and crushed
rock. Rich, dense, creamy and
seamless, but with firm acidity and
strong stony minerality leavening the
wine’s sweetness. Very complex and
intense Perrieres with superb energy
and length. Made from a blend of three
parcels. Score: 93 (Stephen Tanzer,
International Wine Cellar, Sept. 2012)
182311 [XD] 750 mL
$97
VINTAGES
29
•
FRANCE – BURGUNDY
DOMAINE JEAN-MARC MOREY
CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET
LES CHENEVOTTES 1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: This too manifests a
hint of the exotic with its ripe nose of
mostly dried yellow fruits that offer
glimpses of papaya and mango along
with citrus nuances. There is plenty
of mouth coating dry extract that really
fills out the mid-palate of the fullbodied flavors that possess both good
volume and ample power, all wrapped
in a textured, balanced and lingering
finish. This isn’t quite as dry as on
the finish as several of its stable
mates and as such will drink well
almost immediately yet should also be
capable of rewarding 6 to 9 years of
cellar time. Drink: 2017+. Score: 91
June 2012)
CÔTE DE BEAUNE
WHITE WINE
DOMAINE JEAN-MARC MOREY
CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET
LES CHAMPS-GAIN 1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Here the ripeness is
dialed back a bit as the aromas run
toward white flowers though there are
notes of orange peel and white peach.
There is excellent richness to the plump
and generous flavors that possess both
good detail and a fine sense of vibrancy
before ending in a clean, dry, balanced
and solidly persistent finish. This is
lovely and I very much like the harmonious finale. Outstanding. Drink:
2016+. Score: 92 (Allen Meadows,
burghound.com, June 2012)
MAY 2013
205963 [XD] 750 mL
154393 [XD] 750 mL
DOMAINE MATROT
PULIGNY-MONTRACHET
LES CHALUMEAUX 1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Very pale, bright
lemon-yellow. Pure, high-pitched
aromas of citrus peel, crushed rock
and lavender. At once harmonious and
sharply chiseled, offering a seamless,
full texture to its mouth-saturating
floral, mineral and citrus fruit flavors.
From very ripe grapes, noted Matrot,
but the sound tartaric acidity gives
structure to the wine. Densely packed,
vibrant and very long, finishing with
noteworthy finesse. Score: 93 (Stephen
Sept. 2012)
959437 [XD] 750 mL
$72
$73
DOMAINE LATOUR-GIRAUD
MEURSAULT CHARMES
1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: A classic and exceptionally fresh Meursault nose offers up
notes of hazelnut, white orchard fruit,
acacia blossom and wet stone nuances
that can also be found on the textured
and seductively textured flavors. There
is a real sense of volume and verve to
the almost painfully intense finish that
is supported and shaped by the firm
acid spine. This is a seriously impressive Charmes. Outstanding. Drink:
2018+. Score: 92-94 (Allen Meadows,
burghound.com, June 2012)
OLIVIER LEFLAIVE
CORTON-CHARLEMAGNE
GRAND CRU 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: As always, CortonCharlemagne offers an opulent
Chardonnay. In this vintage, the wine
has intense tropical fruits, very ripe
although never losing sight of its
acidity. There is terrific concentration
here, giving a wine that is very
rich. Score: 95 (Roger Voss, Wine
Enthusiast, Dec. 31, 2011)
746735
111336 [XD] 750 mL
30
VINTAGES
$94
$80
[XD]
750 mL
$156
CHABLIS
WHITE WINE
DOMAINE PINSON FRÈRES
MONT DE MILIEU CHABLIS
1er CRU 2011
AC
TASTING NOTE: Here the nose is
quite reduced though it seems reasonably clear that the underlying fruit is
ripe. The bold, rich and robust medium
weight plus flavors ooze a mouth
coating dry extract that buffers well the
firm acid spine on the almost painfully intense and driving finish. This is
one concentrated but finely balanced
effort that delivers outstanding length.
I very much like this and Pinson’s
track record with this wine is nothing
short of outstanding. Sweet spot
[i.e., Excellent Value]. Outstanding.
Sept. 10, 2012)
700914 [XD] 750 mL
$38
DOMAINE LOUIS MICHEL & FILS
VAUDÉSIR CHABLIS
GRAND CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Readers will find an
open, seductive and totally beautiful
wine in the 2010 Chablis Vaudesir. An
endless array of aromas and flavors
emerges from the glass as this gorgeous
wine shows off its immense pedigree
and class. Nothing in particular stands
out; instead it is the wine’s sheer
pleasure that is most captivating. In
2010, the Vaudesir is pure sensuality.
Already alluring today, it also has
enough depth to drink well for a
number of years. Anticipated maturity:
2012+. Score: 94 (Antonio Galloni,
erobertparker.com, Aug. 2012)
MAY 2013
DOMAINE WILLIAM FÈVRE
BOUGROS CÔTE BOUGUEROTS
CHABLIS GRAND CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: The 2010 Chablis
Bougros Cote Bouguerots is impeccable. It is one of the more open and
radiant of the 2010s here, with great
balance between the richness of the
fruit, floral aromatics and minerality.
The Cote Bouguerots is utterly vivid
and compelling from the very first
taste. Layers of fruit build to the huge,
caressing finish. It is one of the stand
outs, not just at Fevre but among all
the 2010s I tasted. Anticipated maturity:
28860
172569 [XD] 750 mL
•
[XD] 750 mL
$85
$59
DOMAINE SERVIN CHABLIS
VAILLONS 1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Servin’s 2010
Chablis Vaillons comes across as rich,
round and impeccably polished. Juicy
apricots, flowers, orange blossoms,
tropical fruit and savory herbs meld
together in this beautifully delineated,
fleshy Chablis. The style is extroverted,
but all the elements are in wonderful
harmony. Anticipated maturity:
142778 [XD] 750 mL
$32
VINTAGES
31
•
FRANCE – BURGUNDY
LES LYS CHABLIS 1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: An airy, pure and
ultra-elegant nose offers up notes of
dried white flowers, citrus rind and
tidal pool where the latter also suffuses
the quite finely detailed middle weight
flavors that possess surprising richness
on the precise, bone dry and lingering
finish. I very much admire the exquisite
balance and as Les Lys always is, this
is a wine of finesse and subtlety. While
this will certainly improve over the
medium-term, there is enough midpalate fat to allow this to be enjoyed
young as well. Outstanding. Drink:
2016+. Score: 91 (Allen Meadows,
burghound.com, Sept. 10, 2012)
CHABLIS
WHITE WINE
LES CLOS CHABLIS
GRAND CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Bright, pale green.
Subtle, delicate aromas of white
peach, mint, crushed stone and
chlorophyll. Less complex today than
the Preuses but this is still an infant.
All about white peach lifted by white
pepper. Fine-grained, silky and utterly
vibrant wine, delivering outstanding
density and fullness without weight.
Great slowly mounting finish promises
much more to come. Score: 95+
Cellar, July 2012)
641381 [XD] 750 mL
$98
MAY 2013
76984
[XD] 750 mL
JEAN-MARC BROCARD
FOURCHAUME CHABLIS
1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: The 2010 Chablis
Fourchaume stands apart from most of
the 2010s in this lineup for its vibrant
minerality and focus. Flowers, mint,
crushed rocks and white peaches all
come to life in this vibrant, beautifully
delineated Chablis. The Fourchaume
is the most nuanced and complete
of the 2010s I tasted from Brocard. A
portion of the wine was aged in oak,
which works nicely here. Anticipated
maturity: 2013+. Score: 92 (Antonio
Galloni, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2012)
259812 [XD] 750 mL
$43
LOUIS MICHEL & FILS
MONTÉE DE TONNERRE CHABLIS
1er CRU 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: Simply put, the
2010 Chablis Montee de Tonnerre
is pure class. Gorgeous detail and
pure nuance are the hallmarks. White
peaches, lime, slate and crushed
rocks emerge from the glass, but
here, too, it is the wine’s textural
finesse that impresses above all else.
A long, polished finish rounds things
out beautifully. The Montee de
Tonnerre is utterly impeccable from
start to finish. Anticipated maturity:
717231 [XD] 750 mL
32
VINTAGES
$35
$41
LA CHABLISIENNE LES PREUSES
AC
TASTING NOTE: A reticent, indeed
almost mute nose requires aggressive
swirling to coax notes of green fruit,
lemon, tidal pool and white peach to
reveal themselves. The textured,
intense and mouth coating mediumbodied flavors offer superb depth and
outstanding intensity on the stony,
long, focused and palate staining
finish. This understated and Zen-like
effort is simply terrific; well worth your
attention. Drink: 2015+. Score: 94
Oct. 2011)
17459
[XD] 750 mL
$65
FRANCE – RHÔNE
NORTHERN RHÔNE
RED WINE
PAUL JABOULET AÎNÉ
DOMAINE DE THALABERT
CROZES-HERMITAGE 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: The 2010 CrozesHermitage Domaine de Thalabert,
which I raved about last year, is
slightly better than their brilliant
2009. It boasts a dense purple color
along with a beautiful perfume of
camphor, licorice, forest floor, black
currants and Christmas fruitcake.
With tremendous intensity, full body
and supple tannins, it should drink
well for 10-15 years, perhaps longer
where well-stored. This cuvee is
always one of the best buys in the
Northern Rhone. Score: 93 (Robert
Dec. 2012)
720466 [XD] 750 mL
•
MAY 2013
LA CHAPELLE HERMITAGE 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: It should be fascinating to compare the potentially
legendary 2010 Hermitage La
Chapelle with the prodigious 2009
La Chapelle over the next 30-40
years. About 20% new oak was used,
and, as were previous vintages, the
2010 was aged 15 months prior to
bottling. This black/purple-colored
beauty is revealing more weight and
richness than it did last year from
barrel, along with great precision,
stunning minerality and enormous
quantities of blackberry, cassis, beef
blood and smoked game intertwined
with hints of graphite and acacia
flowers. With good acidity and richness
as well as abundant, but ripe, wellintegrated tannin, this great wine
equals the titan produced in 2009.
Forget it for 7-10 years and drink it
over the following 30-50 years. Drink:
2019-2069. Score: 96+ (Robert Parker
Jr., erobertparker.com, Dec. 2012)
$47
973735 [XD] 750 mL
$249
VINTAGES
33
•
FRANCE – RHÔNE
CLOS SAINT JEAN
DEUS EX MACHINA
CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: A perfect wine (and
equal to the profound 2007), the
2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus-Ex
Machina was cropped at under 20
hectoliters per hectare. Extremely
full-bodied and dense purple-colored,
it exhibits notes of blueberries, blackberries, licorice, incense, camphor,
vanillin and chocolate-covered espresso
beans (no doubt from the new demimuids in which the Mourvedre
component was aged). The tannins
are noticeable, but relatively silky. The
most muscular and formidable 2010
in this portfolio, its expansiveness,
mind-boggling richness and intensity,
and 60-second finish are the stuff
of legends. Forget this remarkable
Chateauneuf du Pape for five years
and drink it over the following thirty
erobertparker.com, Oct. 2012)
SOUTHERN RHÔNE
RED WINE
CLOS DU CAILLOU RESERVE
AC
TASTING NOTE: The virtually perfect
(probably Domaine du Caillou’s greatest wine since their 2001 example)
2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve
Le Clos du Caillou is a blend of 60%
Grenache and 40% Mourvedre aged
completely in 600-liter demi-muids,
of which some are new. A dense
purple color is accompanied by a
stunning nose of lead pencil shavings,
barbecue smoke, black currant jam,
raspberries and blueberries. Fullbodied and exceptionally pure, powerful and elegant, this stunning wine
needs 2-4 years of cellaring and
should keep for 20-25. Drink: 20142039. Score: 99+ (Robert Parker Jr.,
MAY 2013
103036 [XD] 750 mL
320150 [XD] 750 mL
$149
$95
CLOS SAINT JEAN
LA COMBE DES FOUS
AC
TASTING NOTE: The limited production cuvee of 2010 Chateauneuf
du Pape La Combe des Fous (60%
Grenache, 20% Syrah, and the rest
Muscardin, Vaccarese and Cinsault)
is awesome. There have been many
great vintages of this wine (2005,
2007, 2009 and 2011), but the 2010
flirts with perfection. One of the most
complex aromatic expressions of
Chateauneuf du Pape, it offers up
notes of Christmas fruitcake, spring
flowers, mulberries, blueberries,
black raspberries, espresso beans
and spice box. Full-bodied, opulent
and voluptuously textured, its
luxurious, lavish fruit conceals
amazing levels of glycerin and alcohol.
This wine possesses prodigious
intensity, massive layers of fruit and
an incredible 45-50-second finish.
Forget it for 4-5 years, and drink it over
the following 20-25 years. Score: 98
Oct. 2012)
103028 [XD] 750 mL
34
VINTAGES
$95
CLOS SAINT JEAN TRADITION
AC
TASTING NOTE: The classic-styled
2010 Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits
plenty of kirsch, Christmas fruitcake,
pepper, spice box, smoked herbs and
loads of raspberry and black cherry
fruit. It is a full-bodied, slightly more
reserved and less exuberant effort than
the 2007 was at a similar age. It will
benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age,
and last for 10-15 years. Score: 93
Oct. 2012)
70888
[XD] 750 mL
MAS DE BOISLAUZON
AC
TASTING NOTE: This is dark but racy
and driven, with a gorgeous Turkish
coffee note giving way to flavors of
roasted fig, blackberry paste and
baker’s chocolate. Polished and seamless through the finish, with a tarry
echo adding grip and length. Best from
2014 through 2027. Score: 93 (James
Oct. 15, 2012)
244269 [XD] 750 mL
$59
$47
DOMAINE DE CRISTIA
RENAISSANCE CHÂTEAUNEUFDU-PAPE 2010
AC
TASTING NOTE: This has a lot going
on, with dark ganache and espresso
followed by roasted alder and juniper
notes, before the core of plum, blackberry and steeped black currant fruit
finally starts to assert itself. The long
finish lets bay and tobacco leaf notes
stride through, with a tarry edge as
well. Shows great character. Best from
2015 through 2030. Score: 96 (James
Oct. 31, 2012)
MAS DE BOISLAUZON LE QUET
AC
TASTING NOTE: The remarkable
2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee du
Quet boasts a dark ruby/purple color
along with a stunning bouquet of
spring flowers, cranberries, black
raspberries, blueberries, forest floor,
incense and bouquet garni. The wine
builds incrementally in the mouth,
and the finish lasts nearly a minute.
This amazingly full-bodied, gorgeously
pure Chateauneuf du Pape has everything one could desire in a dry red
wine. Enjoy it over the next 20+ years.
71399
320184 [XD] 750 mL
[XD] 750 mL
$79
•
MAY 2013
DOMAINE DE TERRE FERME
AC
TASTING NOTE: From the biodynamically farmed Domaine de Terre
Ferme, the 2010 Chateauneuf du
Pape exhibits lots of Mediterranean
sea breeze/seaweed, kirsch, fig, black
currant and cherry notes in its complex, heady, succulent personality.
With good acidity and ripe tannin,
this 80% Grenache/20% Mourvedre
blend is the finest offering from
Domaine de Terre Ferme in over two
decades. It should drink well for 15+
259911 [XD] 750 mL
$72
$129
VINTAGES
35
•
FRANCE – RHÔNE
CHÂTEAU CAPUCINE
AC
TASTING NOTE: A new entry in my
Chateauneuf du Pape tastings, this
impressive 2009 Chateauneuf du
Pape is a sleeper of the vintage that
is loaded with potential. Its deep
ruby/purple color is followed by a
layered, full-bodied wine displaying
abundant kirsch, licorice, garrigue
and spice box characteristics and
beautiful density, purity and overall
equilibrium. This big, rich Chateauneuf
was made from 100% Grenache
aged in 100% small oak barrels. It
comes from the sector of Chateauneuf
du Pape known as Gallimardes and
should drink well for a decade or
more. Score: 90-93 (Robert Parker Jr.,
SOUTHERN RHÔNE
RED WINE
TARDIEU-LAURENT
VIEILLES VIGNES
AC
TASTING NOTE: This is a bit of a
brute now, with roasted fig, espresso,
mocha and ganache notes leading
the way, but there’s a terrific core of
blackberry, plum and black currant
fruit in reserve and a gorgeous
graphite-filled finish that can easily
wait for everything to assimilate fully.
Captures the power and drive of the
vintage wonderfully. Best from 2015
through 2030. Score: 96 (James
Oct. 31, 2012)
739482 [XD] 750 mL
36
VINTAGES
$69
MAY 2013
324830 [XD] 750 mL
$59
CHÂTEAU SIMIAN
LES GRANDES GRENACHIÈRES
D’HIPPOLYTE
AC
TASTING NOTE: The 2009
Chateauneuf du Pape Les Grandes
Grenachieres d’Hippolyte (95%
Grenache and 5% miscellaneous
grapes, all aged one year in tank) is
a brilliant expression of Grenache.
Aromas of licorice, raspberries and
black cherries are followed by a fullbodied, opulently textured, complex,
generous wine that satisfies both the
hedonistic and intellectual senses.
It should drink well for at least a
decade. Score: 93 (Robert Parker Jr.,
328823 [XD] 750 mL
$88
FRANCE – ALSACE
WHITE WINE
DOMAINE WEINBACH
ALTENBOURG PINOT GRIS 2009
AC Alsace
TASTING NOTE: A silky, off-dry version,
with lush flavors of peach, mandarin
orange sorbet, almond, lemon curd and
papaya. Offers juicy acidity, creating
a mouthwatering impression, with an
undercurrent of smoky mineral and
spice. A candied note echoes on the
clean, minerally finish. Drink now
through 2025. Score: 92 (Alison Napjus,
winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2011)
270785 [XD] 750 mL
DOMAINE WEINBACH
CUVÉE STE. CATHERINE
PINOT GRIS 2009
AC Alsace
TASTING NOTE: Ripe fruit flavors
and floral notes of orchard blossoms
and honeysuckle run through this
finely tuned Pinot Gris, playing off the
salty mineral undercurrent, with white
peach, almond and candied lemon
zest character. A delicate wine overall,
with the pieces seamlessly integrated,
ending with a long, mouthwatering
finish. Drink now through 2029.
Score: 93 (Alison Napjus, winespectator.com, Oct. 31, 2011)
173070 [XD] 750 mL
$55
$60
DOMAINE ZIND HUMBRECHT
CLOS WINDSBUHL RIESLING 2009
AC Alsace
TASTING NOTE: This shows lots of
ripe yellow peach, papaya, tangerine
and candied pink grapefruit peel,
with a solid block of spicy minerality.
Concentrated layers of flavor are
brightened by the intense acidity, and
all the pieces find fine balance. The
result is a racehorse of a wine, where
power meets grace of form. Drink now
through 2030. Score: 94 (Alison Napjus,
winespectator.com, Oct. 15, 2011)
716068 [XD] 750 mL
•
MAY 2013
TRIMBACH CUVÉE FRÉDÉRIC
ÉMILE RIESLING 2006
AC Alsace
TASTING NOTE: The Trimbach 2006
Riesling Cuvee Frederic Emile displays
almost cinnamon-like as well as gingery
sweet spicy pungency, a legacy of
advanced ripeness and a touch of
botrytis. Ripe strawberry, blood orange,
and pink grapefruit add to the rather
decadent allure here, following on an
opulent palate, whose subtly oiliness of
texture and honeyed cast give further
testimony to noble rot. Yet for all of
its far-gone, exotic ripeness, there is
persistent refreshment here and a sense
of lift rather than weight. A strikingly
long, succulent finish is touched with
quinine and citrus rind bitterness. (The
alcohol here is only a bit over 13% in
alcohol, incidentally.) After the release
later this year I would start enjoying this
unforgettable if far from classic Frederic
Emile, and while it might well surprise
me and hold up well for longer than
another 3-5 years after that, I would
advise it me monitored closely, while
waiting on the more classic and in time
more impressive 2005. Drink: 20102015. Score: 93 (David Schildknecht,
728535 [D] 750 mL
$55
$69
VINTAGES
37
•
FRANCE – ALSACE
LÉON BEYER
CUVÉE DES COMTES D’EGUISHEIM
GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2005
AC Alsace
TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Gewurztraminer Comtes d’Eguisheim smells
of toasted pecans, honey, tangerine
rind and smoked meats. In the mouth
this exhibits unusual refreshment to
go with its richness and breadth, and
there is never a hint of heaviness,
ponderousness, or heat. The finish
here is a glorious display of what is
possible with this grape and in the
fantastic terroirs of Alsace: fully dry,
powerful, and intriguingly complex
along carnal, herbal, fruit and mineral
axes. Brown spices, sugar snap peas,
tangerine, peach, pralines, salts,
iodine, and honey are among a few
of the flavors that will be found in the
oceanic depths of this candidate for
two to three decades of cellar evolution. Score: 93 (David Schildknecht,
WHITE WINE
LÉON BEYER
CUVÉE DES COMTES D’EGUISHEIM
RIESLING 2005
AC Alsace
TASTING NOTE: (from Pfersigberg
fruit harvested very late) Spicy orange
and lemon peel aromas show a faint
botrytis tang. Dense, fat and thick, with
a touch of sweetness and a tropical
fruit character. A very ripe, rich riesling
with considerable power and terrific
depth of fruit. But this very long,
unevolved wine needs at least six
years of patience. Score: 91 (Stephen
July/Aug. 2007)
316174
750 mL
$50
MAY 2013
12542
750 mL
$50
FRANCE – CHAMPAGNE
SPARKLING WINE
LARMANDIER-BERNIER TERRES
DE VERTUS BRUT CHAMPAGNE
1er CRU 2007
AC, Non Dosé
TASTING NOTE: The NV (2007) Brut
Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Nature
Terre de Vertus is another fabulous
wine loaded with impeccable pedigree
and sheer class. It is a rich, vinous
Champagne that completely covers
the palate with layers of intense fruit.
This is a more linear, focused style
than the NV Premier Cru. White
peaches, flowers and chalk are some
of the notes that wrap around the
finish. The Terre de Vertus is 10%
Chardonnay from Les Barillers and
Les Faucherets, both naturally in
Vertus. The wine was vinified and
aged in neutral oak, and bottled with
no dosage. This is Lot # LTDV71210.
Disgorged December 2010. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. Score: 93
(Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com,
Nov. 2011)
308080 [XD] 750 mL
38
VINTAGES
$75
•
MAY 2013
FRANCE – LOIRE
FRANCE – MIDI
GERMANY – MOSEL
RED WINE
RED WINE
WHITE WINE
DOMAINE DE PALLUS
CHINON 2009
AC
TASTING NOTE: A frankly toasty,
modern style, with vanilla and coffee
notes up front. Yet they soon give
way, with ample cherry and currant
confiture flavors emerging, followed
by a graphite note that underlies the
finish for balance. Lengthy, with fine
definition and pure fruit in reserve.
Best from 2012 through 2015.
Score: 92 (James Molesworth,
winespectator.com, Dec. 31, 2011)
MAS AMIEL MILLÉSIME 1980
AC Maury
TASTING NOTE: The stunning 1980
Millesime is a compelling wine of
magnificent complexity and delicacy.
It reveals aromas and flavors of sweet
pipe tobacco, cedar, dried molasses,
as well as plums. It is pure, fresh,
smooth as silk, and possesses and an
extraordinarily long, voluptuous finish.
This great wine can be consumed
over the course of the next 12-15
years. Drink: 2002-2017. Score: 94
(Pierre Rovani, erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2002)
S.A. PRÜM
WEHLENER SONNENUHR
RIESLING AUSLËSE 2009
Prädikatswein
TASTING NOTE: Silky and refined,
with a rich, minerally essence to
the green peach and apple flavors.
Interesting notes of celery and braised
scallion add complexity and richness.
Finishes rich and well-spiced, with
plenty of stony notes. Best from 2014
through 2032. Score: 94 (Kim Marcus,
winespectator.com, April 30, 2011)
302737 [XD] 750 mL
320119 [D] 750 mL
$50
$46
324350 [S] 750 mL
$78
VINTAGES
39
•
GERMANY – NAHE
ITALY – ABRUZZO
ITALY – PIEDMONT
WHITE WINE
RED WINE
RED WINE
EMRICH-SCHÖNLEBER
MONZINGER
FRÜHLINGSPLÄTZCHEN
RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2011
Prädikatswein
Though this wine has not yet been
reviewed by the international wine
press, history is certainly on its side.
This superb wine, noted for its
precision, balance and ageability, has
consistently secured scores of
between 90 and 94 points from the
Wine Spectator, and scores of 92
to 95 points from Robert Parker’s
website. Such notable praise for
this noted estate is not unique to
wine critics, or even this century:
Monzinger wines were praised by
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
in 1815.
EMIDIO PEPE MONTEPULCIANO
D’ABRUZZO 2003
DOC
TASTING NOTE: Pepe’s 2003
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a bomb.
Tar, leather, scorched earth and black
fruit emerge from this dark, imposing
Montepulciano. The wine comes
together beautifully in the glass, as the
aromas and flavors gain breadth and
dimension. Despite the rich style, there
is nothing excessive or over-ripe here,
just exceptional balance of ripe fruit as
captured by a traditional approach to
vinification. A final blast of tar informs
the long finish. Pepe fans will flip
over the 2003, but readers who prefer
subtlety over power will want to cellar
this for a few years to allow for some of
the baby fat to melt away. Anticipated
maturity: 2013-2028. Score: 94
June 2010)
BREZZA BRICCO SARMASSA
BAROLO 2008
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Barolo
Bricco Sarmassa is fabulous. It boasts
gorgeous inner sweetness, cool
minerality and fabulous perfume. Dark
cherries, mint, flowers and spices
wrap around the gorgeous, chiseled
finish. The Bricco Sarmassa is one of
the Barolo’s most under-the-radar
wines. This is a prototypical 2008 that
captures the very best qualities of the
year. Layers of fruit build to the long,
vibrant finish. Enzo Brezza did a
great job with his Bricco Saramassa
in 2008. Anticipated maturity: 20182033. Score: 95 (Antonio Galloni,
185769 [MS] 750 mL
$45
EMRICH-SCHÖNLEBER
MONZINGER HALENBERG
RIESLING TROCKEN 2010
Qualitätswein
TASTING NOTE: Hazelnut, grapefruit,
and white peach inform the fetching
nose and lush yet enervating palate
of Schonlebers’ 2010 Monzinger
Halenberg Riesling trocken, with a
vivid sense of wet stone serving as
a sort of cantus firmus through its
long finish. Complex in a more plastic
sense when compared with the
musicality of the corresponding
Fruhlingsplatzchen, this beauty ought
to be worth following for the better
part of a decade. Score: 92 (David
Schildknecht, erobertparker.com,
Dec. 2011)
308783 [XD] 750 mL
40
VINTAGES
$45
MAY 2013
105221 [XD] 750 mL
$79
720128 [XD] 750 mL
$61
BROVIA GARBLÈT SUE’
BAROLO 2008
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: Brovia’s 2008 Barolo
Garblet Sue’ bursts from the glass with
a heady array of black fruit, smoke,
incense and licorice. The Garblet Sue’,
from the Bricco Fiasco vineyard in
Castiglione, is usually a much more
linear, tense Barolo, but in 2008 the
wine has gorgeous inner perfume
allied to a level of pure juiciness that
rounds out some of the rough edges
that are at times present in this
bottling. A huge finish laced with iron,
asphalt and crushed rocks rounds
things out in style. This is a superclassic Barolo from Brovia. Anticipated
Oct. 2012)
105569 [XD] 750 mL
$70
CERETTO BRICCO ASILI
BARBARESCO 2008
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The estate’s 2008
Barbaresco Bricco Asili is a pretty,
understated wine laced with sweet
berries, crushed rose petals and
spices. Sweet silky tannins frame
the expressive red fruit through to
the detailed finish. The 2008 is a
relatively small-scaled Bricco Asili,
yet the wine shows lovely balance
and classiness. Anticipated maturity:
2013-2026. Score: 92 (Antonio Galloni,
•
MAY 2013
PARUSSO BUSSIA BAROLO 2008
DOCG
Bussia is striking. Layers of super-ripe
dark fruit, violets, minerals, menthol
and spices flow from the glass. The
Bussia is deep, textured and dazzling.
Spiced, mentholated notes develop in
the glass, lending a distinctly balsamic
air to the Bussia. The 2008 boasts
superb depth through to the dazzling
finish. Anticipated maturity: 20182028. Score: 95 (Antonio Galloni,
105130 [XD] 750 mL
726158 [XD] 750 mL
$85
$139
CERETTO BRICCO ROCCHE
BAROLO 2008
DOCG
Bricco Rocche is one of the very finest
wines I have tasted from Ceretto in a
long time. Layers of fruit flow effortlessly from this classy, elegant Barolo.
All of the elements are in place in this
superb, polished effort. Sweet dark
cherries, roses, spices and licorice
are woven into the textured, generous
finish. I can only hope the 2008 Bricco
Rocche is a sign of what we can
expect from Ceretto in the coming
years. Anticipated maturity: 20182028. Score: 96 (Antonio Galloni,
103101 [XD] 750 mL
$220
VINTAGES
41
•
ITALY – PIEDMONT
PODERI LUIGI EINAUDI TERLO
BAROLO 2008
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Barolo Terlo
flows from the glass with freshly cut
flowers, spices and sweet red cherries.
The Terlo stands out for its juicy,
Pinot-like fruit and fleshy, expressive
personality. This is one of the more
attractive, early appealing Baroli I
tasted. The 2008 has enough richness
to be delicious today, although there
is little question it will be even better
in a few years time. It is sophisticated,
sleek and impeccably refined from
the very first taste. Anticipated maturity:
2013-2020. Score: 92+ (Antonio
Galloni, erobertparker.com, April 2012)
SOTTIMANO COTTÁ
BARBARESCO 2008
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: There is nothing
subtle about the 2008 Barbaresco
Cotta. Waves of fruit hit the palate in
this rich, juicy Barbaresco. Forward
fruit is one of the hallmarks of Cotta,
and there is no shortage of it in the
2008. Sweet dark plums, cherries,
mint and licorice are some of the notes
that flesh out in the glass. The midweight style of the vintage nevertheless
comes through. With some air, the
Cotta is enjoyable even at this early
stage. Anticipated maturity: 20132028. Score: 92 (Antonio Galloni,
222828 [XD] 750 mL
115857 [D] 750 mL
RED WINE
PARUSSO LE COSTE MOSCONI
BAROLO 2008
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: Parusso’s 2008
Barolo Le Coste-Mosconi bursts from
the glass with an exotic melange of
raspberries, plums, violets, mocha,
espresso and tar. The Le Coste-Mosconi
is one of the more muscular, fruitdriven wines in the lineup. It shows a
little more French oak influence, but
that isn’t terribly distracting given the
style of the wine, as the flavors marry
quite well. Layers of fruit build towards
a huge, sweeping finish supported
by insistent underlying minerality. This
broad, sweeping Barolo is flat-out
stunning. Anticipated maturity: 20182028. Score: 95 (Antonio Galloni,
105122 [XD] 750 mL
42
VINTAGES
$79
MAY 2013
$60
$66
VIETTI CASTIGLIONE
BAROLO 2008
DOCG
Castiglione is striking. Sweet red
berries, freshly cut flowers, spices and
mint are some of the many nuances
that flow from this impeccable, midweight Barolo. The 2008 Castiglione
impresses for its exceptional balance,
polished finish and sheer beauty. This
is a feminine Castiglione graced with
exquisite class. With time in the glass,
the wine fleshes out beautifully.
Once again, the Castiglione delivers
incredible value. In 2008 Vietti did
not make their Villero Riserva, instead
that juice went into the Castiglione.
Score: 92 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, April 2012)
703744 [XD] 750 mL
$68
BRUNA GRIMALDI BADARINA
BAROLO 2007
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: Barolo Badarina
deserves praise for the intensity of
its aromas and the fine quality of its
mouthfeel. Bold oak tones of spice
and toasted hazelnut will soon fall to
the back of the wine’s bright fruit
and cola flavors. Give it time, patience
and drink after 2018. Score: 94
(Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast,
Sept. 2011)
118224 [XD] 750 mL
MAY 2013
FONTANAFREDDA LA ROSA
BAROLO 2007
DOCG
This wine was awarded BBB in 2012
by the prestigious Gambero Rosso
Italian Wines Guide, denoting a rating
of “Excellent.”
TASTING NOTE: Dense roasted figs
and chocolate nose with plums and
redcurrants on palate. Grippy fine
tannins with long dry finish. Score:
Gold Medal (International Wine
Challenge, 2012)
$57
40105
DAMILANO CANNUBI
BAROLO 2007
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: Sweet berries and
flowers and citrus undertones. Full
bodied, with chewy tannins and
a coffee and chocolate undertone.
Delicious already. Structured. Best
after 2014. Score: 95 (James Suckling,
jamessuckling.com, May 9, 2011)
267872 [XD] 750 mL
•
$89
[XD] 750 mL
$66
ROCCHE DEI MANZONI
CAPPELLA DI S. STEFANO
BAROLO 2007
DOCG
Vigna Cappella di S. Stefano is another
huge wine. It combines the power of
the Roul with the delineation of the
Big. The wine fleshes out beautifully on
the mid-palate and through to the
finish, showing off a dramatic, sweeping
expression of Nebbiolo that is breathtaking. The wine continues to gain
volume in the glass. The French oak
is present, but there is more than
enough fruit to provide balance. The
S. Stefano is a dark, brooding Barolo
that begs for cellaring. Anticipated
maturity: 2017-2032. Score: 95+
Oct. 2011)
156406 [XD] 750 mL
$105
VINTAGES
43
•
ITALY – PIEDMONT
CAVALLOTTO BRICCO BOSCHIS
SAN GIUSEPPE RISERVA
BAROLO 2006
DOCG
Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San
Giuseppe is a cool, inward wine. It
boasts striking power and masses of
fruit in an implosive style that will
require many years to show at its best.
The 2006 is all about sheer energy,
power and muscle. Layers of fruit
begin to flesh out on the muscular
finish, but the 2006 San Giuseppe
remains in an embryonic stage of its
development. Readers will need to
be patient. This is another totally
impeccable wine from the Cavallotto
brothers. Anticipated maturity: 20162036. Score: 94-96 (Antonio Galloni,
RED WINE
ROCCHE DEI MANZONI VIGNA
D’LA ROUL BAROLO 2007
DOCG
Vigna d’la Roul explodes onto the
palate with masses of dark fruit,
mocha, spices, licorice and tar,
showing considerable muscle. Despite
its size, the wine possesses tons of
textural finesse in the expansive style
of the year. I loved it. Anticipated
Oct. 2011)
264606 [XD] 750 mL
$89
MAY 2013
317909 [XD] 750 mL
44
VINTAGES
$117
CAVALLOTTO VIGNOLO RISERVA
BAROLO 2006
DOCG
Riserva Vignolo literally sparkles on
the palate with layers of brilliant dark
red fruit, flowers, mint and spices. It
shows striking inner sweetness and
perfume, with big yet well-integrated
tannins and breathtaking balance.
This is a great 2006 Barolo in the
making. The tannins are huge, but so
is the fruit. The 2006 Vignolo is going
to be a fascinating wine to follow over
the next few decades. Anticipated
maturity: 2016-2036. Score: 95-97
April 2012)
317958 [XD] 750 mL
$107
ELIO GRASSO RUNCOT RESERVE
BAROLO 2006
DOCG
Riserva Runcot is a huge, structured
wine bursting at the seams with
fruit. The French oak (100% new) is
beautifully integrated. Today the wine
is understandably quite reticent but
its pedigree is hard to miss. Flowers,
licorice and minerals linger on the
finish. The 2006 Runcot needs time,
most likely lots of it. Let me just say
I can’t wait to taste this powerhouse
once it has had more time in bottle.
It is a dazzling effort. Anticipated
Oct. 2011)
316588 [XD] 750 mL
ITALY – TUSCANY
RED WINE
IL CABERLOT 2009
IGT Toscana
(Podere Il Carnasciale)
TASTING NOTE: This is fabulous as
always. Gorgeous aromas and flavors
of blackberries and mint. Full-bodied.
Seamless tannins flow over your palate
and caress every bit. Wonderful length.
One of Tuscany’s cult wines. Better
in 2015. Score: 96 (James Suckling,
jamessuckling.com, Aug. 29, 2012)
167296 [XD] 1500 mL
$329
•
MAY 2013
MONTEPELOSO ENEO 2009
IGT Toscana
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Eneo is
impressive for its sensual personality
and overall finesse. Dark red cherries,
flowers, licorice, tobacco and flowers
all come together beautifully in the
glass as this refined, elegant wine
shows off its pedigree. Layers of flavor
build to the textured, suave finish.
This Sangiovese-based red has maintained considerable freshness and
vibrancy. Sweet floral and spiced
notes linger on the understated finish.
The blend is 45% Sangiovese, 35%
Montepulciano, 15% Marselan and
5% Alicante Bouschet. Anticipated
June 2012)
$143
324376 [D] 750 mL
$59
PAOLO SCAVINO CAROBRIC
BAROLO 2003
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: Offers loads of plum,
fresh basil and flowers on the nose.
Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a
long, long finish. Very rich and layered.
Fabulous. This is a selection from
three vineyards, Rocche di Castiglione,
Cannubi and Bric dël Fiasc, which
gives balance and complexity to the
wine. Best after 2011. Score: 95
Oct. 15, 2007)
182337 [XD] 750 mL
$75
VINTAGES
45
•
ITALY – TUSCANY
MAZZEI CASTELLO DI
FONTERUTOLI MIX 36 2008
IGT Toscana
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Mix 36
Toscana is a blend of the 36 different
Sangiovese clones planted on the
property. Layers of ripe red fruit, flowers, spices and licorice caress the
palate as this silky, totally refined wine
opens up in the glass. The 2008
impresses for its elegant personality
and sense of refinement. Although the
wine is delicious today, I am curious
to see how it develops in bottle, as the
fruit is still very primary. This is an
impressive showing from Fonterutoli.
The Mix 36 spent 18 months in 500
liter barrels. Anticipated maturity:
RED WINE
LA PORTA DI VERTINE
CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2008
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Chianti
Classico Riserva is a pretty wine laced
with dark red cherries, flowers, mint
and spices. Firm yet well-integrated
tannins frame the long, beautifully
delineated finish. I especially like the
sense of energy in the 2008. This is
a wine of true character. Anticipated
June 2012)
251678 [XD] 750 mL
MAY 2013
$49
320226 [XD] 750 mL
LE CINCIOLE PETRESCO
CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2008
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Chianti
Classico Riserva Petresco is striking.
Dark cherries, tar, licorice and underbrush are some of the many notes
that emerge from this fleshy, dynamic
Riserva. The 2008 impresses for
its density and juiciness, all while
maintaining plenty of vintage 2008
focus. This is a hugely impressive
showing. The Petresco spent 18 months
in French oak barrels, all of which
it handled beautifully. Anticipated
June 2012)
190835 [XD] 750 mL
46
VINTAGES
$44
$76
ALTESINO MONTOSOLI
BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Brunello di
Montalcino Montosoli shows fabulous
depth and richness from start to finish.
Tobacco, cedar, licorice, new leather
and spices add complexity to the fruit
in this beautifully textured, expressive
Montosoli. Waves of fruit build through
to the finish as this intense, rich Brunello
shows off its pedigree. Anticipated
maturity: 2015-2027. Score: 94 (Antonio
Galloni, erobertparker.com, April 2012)
92247
[XD] 750 mL
$99
CASTELLO DI BOSSI
CORBAIA 2007
IGT Toscana
TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Corbaia is
70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet
Sauvignon aged in new French oak.
It is once again a very serious wine.
The floral, expressive aromatics of
Sangiovese are backed up by the
tannic heft and sheer richness of the
Cabernet. This is a big, yet sensual,
wine that will require considerable
patience for the tannins to soften,
despite the early appeal of the vintage
elsewhere. The sheer purity and depth
of the fruit are breathtaking in this
stunning Tuscan red. Anticipated
Aug. 2011)
265553 [XD] 750 mL
$63
CASTELLO DI QUERCETO
CIGNALE 2007
IGT Colli della Toscana Centrale
TASTING NOTE: Fabulous aromas of
crushed berries and black currants.
Full body, with polished, round tannins
and a wonderful chocolate, berry
and spice aftertaste. From Cabernet
Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after
2012. Score: 95 (James Suckling,
jamessuckling.com, Sept. 12, 2011)
110726 [XD] 750 mL
$70
CONTI COSTANTI
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Brunello
di Montalcino is a model of grace and
elegance. This isn’t a huge, powerful
wine like the 2006, but rather a
Brunello that impresses for its total
finesse. Sweet floral notes lead to
hints of tobacco, wild herbs and
spices on the refined finish. Layers of
fruit flesh out beautifully in a radiant,
expressive wine that captures the
essence of the vintage. Costanti gave
the 2007 Brunello 36 months in oak,
18 months in medium-sized barrels
followed by 18 months in cask. This
is a fabulous showing from Andrea
Costanti. Anticipated maturity: 20172027. Score: 95 (Antonio Galloni,
105460 [XD] 750 mL
•
MAY 2013
IL MARRONETO
MADONNA DELLE GRAZIE
DOCG
di Montalcino Selezione Madonna
delle Grazie is a huge, explosive wine
endowed with fabulous aromatics,
beautifully delineated fruit and plenty
of supporting structure. Violets, mint,
licorice and black cherries develop
in the glass, adding further layers of
complexity and nuance. The 2007
Madonna delle Grazie possesses stunning richness and power. Today the
tannins are firm, but they will soften
with further time in the bottle. This is
another beautifully balanced, first-class
effort from Il Marroneto. Anticipated
April 2012)
$81
149559 [XD] 750 mL
$84
COL D’ORCIA
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: Here is a particularly impressive wine from one of
Montalcino’s top estates. The wine
opens with ethereal balsam notes of
eucalyptus, humus, dried fruit and
dried mint. Beyond those elegant
tones are sturdier layers of cured
meat and savory spice. It shows
bold concentration, thick power and
firmness on the close, with a drying
mineral finish. Let it age five more
years. Score: 94 (Monica Larner, Wine
Enthusiast, May 2012)
110916 [XD] 375 mL
306852 [XD] 750 mL
$28
$47
VINTAGES
47
•
ITALY – TUSCANY
VALDICAVA
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: Very decadent and
rich. This is long and powerful wine.
The finish lasts for minutes on the
palate with decadent fruit, spices,
and hints of meat. I love this and it is
only a barrel sample. I can’t wait to
taste it out of a bottle. Score: 96+
(James Suckling, jamessuckling.com,
Jan. 9, 2011)
RED WINE
PIAN DELL’ORINO
DOCG
di Montalcino is more than a worthy
follow up to the spectacular 2006.
Freshly cut flowers, violets, licorice,
leather and tar meld into layers
of dark fruit in a dazzling display of
elegance and power. Silky tannins
and expressive perfumed notes both
add further refinement on the huge,
explosive finish. The combination of
ripeness of the year allied to a classic
sense of structure is immensely
appealing. This is one of the few
2007s I tasted that still needs time in
the cellar, even though today it is
flat-out stunning. Anticipated maturity:
308098 [XD] 750 mL
$79
MAY 2013
309351 [XD] 750 mL
$125
COL D’ORCIA RISERVA
DOCG
di Montalcino Riserva is typical
Sangiovese from the southern part of
the zone in a cool year. A gorgeous,
translucent red, the Riserva offers up
a classic profile of red fruit, tobacco,
underbrush, mint and crushed flowers.
The 2005 naturally has quite a bit of
primary fruit left, but the real joy will
come in another 5-10 years when the
full range of tertiatry aromas is fully
developed. This understated beauty
is not an immediate wine, but in time
it will thrill those who can look beyond
instant gratification. An impeccably
long, mineral-laced finish points to a
bright future. Anticipated maturity:
306951 [XD] 750 mL
$80
COL D’ORCIA
POGGIO VENTO RISERVA
DOCG
di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento
is developing beautifully. This is a
decidedly feminine, graceful style of
Poggio al Vento. The wine literally
floats on the palate with gracious
layers of fruit. Silky tannins support
sweet red berries, flowers and spices
on the mouthwatering finish. The
2004 is flat-out beautiful. This was
a relatively generous harvest, and
that comes through in the wine’s
medium-bodied structure. Anticipated
May 2012)
316158 [XD] 750 mL
PALAZZO RISERVA
DOCG
TASTING NOTE: Violet and dried dark
fruits on the nose. Full-bodied, with
chewy tannins and a meat, toasty oak
and sultana aftertaste. There’s lots of
dark chocolate. An opulent Brunello.
Best after 2010. Score: 94 (James
Suckling, winespectator.com,
June 15, 2010)
206375 [D] 750 mL
48
VINTAGES
$111
$81
ITALY – VENETO
RED WINE
SPERI VIGNETO MONTE
SANT’URBANO AMARONE DELLA
VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2008
DOC
#87 on Wine Enthusiast’s list of Top
100 Cellar Selections.
TASTING NOTE: From one of the
Valpolicella’s best producers, this
vineyard-designate Amarone is amazingly soft and velvety, with aromas of
softly worn leather, moist chewing
tobacco, ripe black cherry and barbecue
smoke. It’s an elegant but modern
rendition, showing power, intensity
and impressive length. Best yet, the
fruit is young enough to promise
more years of graceful aging. Special
Designation: Cellar Selection. Score: 94
(Monica Larner, Wine Enthusiast,
Nov. 2012)
205294 [D] 750 mL
$66
G. CAMPAGNOLA CATERINA
ZARDINI RISERVA AMARONE
DELLA VALPOLICELLA
CLASSICO 2006
DOC
TASTING NOTE: Here’s a Riserva
expression of Amarone that shows
beautiful intensity and velvety softness
in the mouth. The wine is redolent of
Indian spice, dark chocolate, mature
blackberry and toasted almond. Pair
it with succulent steak or aged cheese.
Score: 93 (Monica Larner, Wine
Enthusiast, Feb. 2011)
MAY 2013
VILLA RINALDI CORPUS
AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA
2000
DOC
Founded at the end of the 19th century
by Marcello Rinaldi, and still under
the stewardship of the Rinaldi family,
the winery has accumulated a considerable array of awards, including a
Grand Gold Medal at the 2012
VinItaly International Wine Competition
for this 2000 Corpus Amarone
della Valpolicella.
98244
265819 [D] 750 mL
•
[D] 750 mL
$225
$65
QUINTARELLI ALZERO 2001
IGT Veneto
The wines of Quintarelli are considered
to be among the finest ever created,
anywhere. Produced in limited quantity,
and only in years that meet the
exacting standards set by Quintarelli,
the wines are aged to perfection in
small barrels before release. The Alzero
is produced in the Amarone style
with the grapes being dried for months
prior to vinification. The 2001 Alzero
has not yet been reviewed, but the
2000 earned a score of 96 from
Antonio Galloni (erobertparker.com).
With the strict limitations placed
on the release of these wines, there
is understandably considerable
excitement surrounding the arrival of
the 2001.
716423 [XD] 750 mL
$559
VINTAGES
49
•
PORTUGAL
CASA FERREIRINHA
BARCA-VELHA 2004
DOC
TASTING NOTE: The Barca Velha
2004 was aged in casks of 225
litres, 75% of which were of new
oak. The grapes which compose it
came mostly from Quinta da Leda
(90%), to which were added fruits
from other locations of the Douro
Superior. The grape varieties of the
blending are Touriga Nacional
(40%), Touriga Franca (30%), Tinta
Roriz (20%) and Tinto Cão (10%).
On the nose it displays complexity,
with red fruits, dry grasses, toasted
almonds, spices, with a filament of
clove and mint, floral notes of lavender, violets and even orange tree.
In the mouth it impresses for its
tannins, for the remarkable acidity,
for the prolonged ending. (João
Barbosa, portugaldailyview.com,
June 12, 2012)
RED WINE
FITAPRETA PALPITE
RESERVA 2008
Alentejo
(David J. Booth & Antonio Macanita)
TASTING NOTE: Concentrated and
impressive, this has dark fruit and
layers of wood, with a dense texture.
Dominated by its opulent black fruits,
this full-bodied wine is sustained by
its tannins and acids. It should age
for many years. Score: 93 (Roger
Voss, Wine Enthusiast, Aug. 2012)
326645 [XD] 750 mL
$36
MAY 2013
509794 [XD] 750 mL
SPAIN
RED WINE
CLOS MOGADOR 2010
DOCa Priorat
(René Barbier)
TASTING NOTE: Rene Barbier (Junior)
kindly put together a blend of the
five barrels that will go to constitute
the 2010 Clos Mogador. It has a
stricter, fresher bouquet than the
2009, with great minerality and
sparkling precision. The palate is
medium-bodied with very fine tannins
and wonderful purity. It exhibits
notes of dark cherries, crushed stone,
slate and touches of thyme and white
pepper towards the finish, which
has immense precision and focus.
This is going to be a razor-sharp Clos
Mogador – do not wait to place your
order! Score: 94-96 (Neal Martin,
$295
308825 [XD]1500 mL
QUINTA DA ROMANEIRA
RESERVA RED 2008
DOC Douro
TASTING NOTE: A dense, powerful
red from Portugal, offering a smoky
nature to the ripe flavors of blackberry,
dark plum pudding and fig. There’s
plenty of mincemeat in this as well,
with a muscular finish of mocha and
spice. Needs time in the cellar. Best
from 2012 through 2018. Score: 94
(Kim Marcus, winespectator.com,
Feb. 28, 2011)
307470 [XD] 750 mL
50
VINTAGES
$65
v
$229
CLOS D’AGON TINTO 2009
DO Catalunya
(Mas Gil)
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Tinto delivers greater richness and complexity.
It will also evolve for at least 3-4 years
and offer a drinking window extending
from 2015 to 2024. Score: 94-97 (Jay
Miller, erobertparker.com, May 2011)
329847 [XD] 750 mL
$63
CONVENTO SAN FRANCISCO 2005
DO Ribera Del Duero
TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Covento
San Francisco is 90% Tempranillo
and 10% Merlot with 50% of the
Tempranillo vineyards dating from
pre-phylloxera times. The wine was
sourced from 46 different sites.
Opaque purple-colored, it offers a
superb bouquet of pain grille, pencil
lead, spice box, saddle leather, and
blackberry. Opulent, full-bodied,
rich, and concentrated, the wine has
terrific depth and enough structure
to evolve for at least 6-8 years.
This lengthy wine will come into
its own by 2018 and drink well
through 2035. Score: 93 (Jay Miller,
206409 [XD] 750 mL
LAN EDICIÓN LIMITADA 2008
DOCa Rioja
TASTING NOTE: This bold red delivers
expressive flavors of black cherry,
raspberry, chocolate, licorice and
mineral, backed by firm tannins under
a dense, plush texture. Fruit-forward
and modern in style, yet the leafy and
spicy notes keep this rooted. Drink
now through 2020. Score: 93 (Thomas
Matthews, winespectator.com,
Aug. 31, 2012)
581652 [XD] 750 mL
$29
•
MAY 2013
LEALTANZA ARTISTAS ESPAÑOLES
GAUDÍ RESERVA 2005
DOCa Rioja
(Bodegas Altanza)
This is Bodegas Altanza’s Artist Series,
whose labels feature the creative
genius of a different artist every year.
The 2005 vintage pays homage
to one of Spain’s most celebrated
architects, Antoni Gaudí, whose
rule-bending artistry imbued every one
of his strikingly original designs.
The artistry continues in the bottle,
making this Spanish Reserva a
pleasure both to look at and to drink.
TASTING NOTE: The 2005 Lealtanza
Reserva Spanish Artist Collection (Gaudi
in this vintage) is 100% Tempranillo
sourced from 75+-year-old vines and
aged for 18 months in new French
oak. Purple/black in color, it proffers a
complex perfume of lavender, incense,
Asian spices, leather, black cherry,
and blackberry. Full-bodied, dense,
and mouth-filling, it is loaded with ripe
fruit, notes of terroir and spice, and
enough tannin to blossom for another
3-4 years. This lengthy effort will offer
a drinking window extending from
2013 to 2025. Score: 93+ (Jay Miller,
122622 [XD] 750 mL
$72
$54
VINTAGES
51
•
SPAIN
ROTLLAN TORRA TIRANT 2001
DOCa Priorat
TASTING NOTE: A prodigious effort,
the 2001 Tirant is a 9,000-bottle
cuvee made from 30% Grenache
(90-100 years old), 25% Carignan
(90-100 years old), 25% young vine
Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, and
10% Merlot. Fermented in large oak
foudres and aged 12 months in new
French oak, it will be bottled with
neither fining nor filtration. Inky/
purple-colored to the rim, it boasts a
spectacular bouquet of blueberries,
blackberries, and the region’s classic
crushed stone minerality. This fullthrottle yet remarkably elegant 2001
possesses tremendous intensity and
texture as well as layers of flavor,
but comes across as not over the
top, overripe, or overly heavy. The
60-second finish reveals more noticeable tannin than the other cuvees.
Give it 1-2 years of cellaring and
drink it over the following 10-15. The
2001 Tirant is indeed a special wine.
Drink: 2005-2020. Score: 96-98
April 2004)
RED WINE
VINICOLA REAL RESERVA 200
MONGES 2005
DOCa Rioja
TASTING NOTE: The 2005 200
Monges Reserva is a blend of 85%
Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and
5% Mazuelo that spent 20 months
in French and American oak before
bottling without filtration. A glasscoating opaque purple color, it reveals
a brooding bouquet of earthy minerals,
exotic spices, lavender, licorice, black
cherry, and blackberry. Dense, layered,
and powerful in the style of the outstanding 2005 vintage, it will reward
another 6-8 years of cellaring and
provide a drinking window extending
through 2030. Score: 94 (Jay Miller,
308775 [XD] 750 mL
$58
BALBAS ALITUS RESERVA 2001
DO Ribera del Duero
TASTING NOTE: This red is dense,
but on first sip the flavors seem muted.
With air, though, complex notes of
cherry, fig, mandarin orange, tobacco
and mineral emerge, harmonious
and long. Not showy, but deep and
distinctive. Drink now through 2016.
Score: 93 (Thomas Matthews,
winespectator.com, Sept. 30, 2009)
331744 [XD] 750 mL
52
VINTAGES
$42
MAY 2013
306977 [XD] 750 mL
$109
CANADA – ONTARIO
RED WINE
NORMAN HARDIE CUVEE L
PINOT NOIR 2009
VQA Ontario
TASTING NOTE: Bright ruby-red.
Knockout aromas of red cherry,
raspberry jelly, smoke and mocha.
Enters the mouth rich and pure, then
turns chewy and sweet, with ripe
red berry and cherry flavors lifted by
harmonious acidity. Finishes with a
creamy mouth feel and a lingering red
cherry quality. Made from a blend of
60% Niagara and 40% Prince Edward
County fruit; interestingly, about
half of the Niagara fruit grows in the
warmer terroir of the St. David’s
Bench sub-appellation. Outstanding
pinot noir, and very typical of Ontario:
graceful, fresh and very minerally,
altogether different from those of
New Zealand and Oregon. The average
vine age is 12 years and the crop
level is the equivalent of a little more
than 1 kilogram of grapes per plant
(Niagara plantings are not as dense
as the County ones). Score: 91(+?)
(Ian D’Agata, International Wine
Cellar, Feb. 2012)
266858 [D] 750 mL
$69
KACABA RESERVE
CABERNET FRANC 2007
VQA Niagara Escarpment
TASTING NOTE: This multi-award
winning Cab Franc from Kacaba
(All Canadian Wine Championships,
Ontario Wine Awards, Cuvee, Wine
Access Canadian Wine Awards), is
a wine of depth with a multitude of
flavours: cocoa, ripe cherry, oak
spice, mint, and coffee, all balanced
wonderfully together with a mouth
feel you won’t forget. (Suresh Doss,
spotlighttoronto.com, Sept. 13, 2012)
264127 [D] 750 mL
$44.95
THE FOREIGN AFFAIR
CABERNET FRANC 2007
VQA Niagara Peninsula
TASTING NOTE: This flagship wine is
most closely associated with the
Amarone style with 100% of the fruit
dried for 103 days and then aged
in oak for 24 months in 100% new
French barrels. It’s a knockout from
sniff to swallow. The nose delivers
concentrated cherry-kirsch, saddle
leather, Espresso, raisins, cassis, lavish
sweet spices and cocoa. It is thick
and powerful on the palate, showing
Port-like texture and grip, rich, ripe
red fruits, compoted blueberry and
black currant-cassis flavours all
wrapped in toasty oak and soft tannins.
It’s a heady wine at 16% alcohol
but doesn’t at all feel hot in the mouth.
Just a wonderful treat of a wine.
Score: 93 (Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com, May 15, 2012)
330795 [XD] 750 mL
•
MAY 2013
WHITE WINE
TAWSE ROBYN’S BLOCK
CHARDONNAY 2010
VQA Twenty Mile Bench,
Niagara Peninsula
TASTING NOTE: This has always been
my favorite Chardonnay from Tawse.
The ’10 vintage, with all its heat, has
produced a fuller and rounder wine,
than recent vintages. Medium to full
bodied, it is the oak which dominates
at this early stage: vanilla, smoke,
caramel, spice and cream meshes
with apple/ pear purée and pineapple.
The mouth is creamy and round with
excellent length and a long, smokey
aftertaste. Score: 92 (Evan Saviolidis,
evanwinesavvy.com, Aug. 2012)
662841 [D] 750 mL
$45.95
$110
VINTAGES
53
•
CANADA – NOVA SCOTIA
AUSTRALIA
SPARKLING WINE
RED WINE
BENJAMIN BRIDGE LD
MÉTHODE CLASSIQUE RESERVE
BRUT SPARKLING WINE 2005
Nova Scotia
TASTING NOTE: Elegant bouquet proffers citrus and red fruit with floral notes
and toasty, spicy and light caramel
overtones. Brightly focused citrus
flavour hits the palate initially with Pinot
red fruit providing a secondary kick.
Typical Nova Scotia incisive acidity and
mineral character contrast with fine
creamy texture. Finishes with lingering
fruitiness and yeasty biscuit notes.
Affirms Benjamin Bridge’s growing
credentials as a world leader in this
style. Score: 94 (Sean Wood, Tidings
Magazine, Feb./March 2013)
ST. HALLETT MATTSCHOSS
SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2010
Eden Valley, South Australia
TASTING NOTE: Medium crimson,
the lightest colour of the three Single
Vineyard Shirazs; the vineyard high
in the Eden Valley produces a wine of
great elegance, with perfumed red
fruits punctuated by spicy notes on the
palate, the tannins fine and long. In
a category all of its own. Drink [until]:
2025. Score: 95 (James Halliday,
winecompanion.com.au, July 17, 2012)
CLARENDON HILLS ASTRALIS
SYRAH 2009
McLaren Vale, South Australia
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Astralis
Vineyard Syrah has a very deep purpleblack color and aromas of creme de
cassis, mulberries and dried plums
with nuances of cloves, fruit cake,
peppered salami and mace plus a
whiff of mocha. The full bodied palate
is already harmonious with a generous
amount of warm berry and fruit cake
flavors supported by medium-firm
grainy tannins, lively acid and finishing
long and savory. Approachable now,
it should drink best 2014 to 2024+.
Score: 97+ (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW,
303388 [D] 750 mL
15842
275396 [D] 750 mL
$78
MAY 2013
CHATEAU TANUNDA
TERROIRS OF THE BAROSSA
LYNDOCH SHIRAZ 2009
Barossa Valley, South Australia
TASTING NOTE: Deep purple-black
colored, the 2009 Terroirs of the
Barossa Lyndoch Shiraz is scented of
warm plums, mulberries, spice box
and chocolate with nuances of duck
breast and damp loam. Full bodied
with generous, mouth-filling fruit,
it’s well structured with a medium
to firm level of grainy tannins and
refreshing acid, finishing long and
spicy. Drink this one 2013 to 2022+.
304030 [XD] 750 mL
54
VINTAGES
$54
$58
[XD] 750 mL
$599
CLONAKILLA
SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER 2009
Canberra District
TASTING NOTE: Co-fermented with
6% Viognier, the 2009 Shiraz Viognier
is deep garnet-purple in color with
pronounced aromas of warm blackberries, blackcurrant, white pepper,
chocolate, licorice, grilled duck and a
whiff of tarry reduction poking through.
The reduction easily gives way to the
slightest suggestion of peachy Viognier
with some swirling. Medium-bodied,
elegant though with a pleasant richness
from flavor concentration, this wine
has a solid structure of crisp acid and
medium-firm fine-grained tannins,
finishing long and purely fruited.
Approachable now, it should drink best
2014-2024. Score: 95+ (Lisa PerrottiBrown, MW, erobertparker.com,
May 2011)
27367
[D] 750 mL
$107
KILIKANOON ORACLE
SHIRAZ 2009
Clare Valley, South Australia
TASTING NOTE: Very deep garnetpurple colored, the 2009 Oracle
Shiraz gives complex notes of creme
de cassis, coffee, grilled duck skin
and soy over mace, licorice and tree
bark. Full bodied and packed with
flavor, it offers a solid backbone of
crisp acid and firm, rounded tannins
in the mouth, going long and spicy in
the finish. Though approachable now,
it should drink best 2013 to 2020+.
926816 [D] 750 mL
•
MAY 2013
PETER LEHMANN VSV 1885
SHIRAZ 2009
TASTING NOTE: VSV denotes a very
special vintage from a special vineyard.
This is a 4-acre block (1.8 ha) planted
in 1885 by the Schrapel family (now six
generations of residence), matured for
18 months in French oak hogsheads;
700 dozen bottles produced, which
(mathematically) equals 7.95 tonnes
per acre. Hmmm. It has very good
colour, and delicious dark berry and
plum fruit, fine tannins and obvious
oak; the last will soon integrate. Drink
until 2034. Score: 94 (James Halliday,
winecompanion.com.au, July 17, 2012)
$75
303263 [D] 750 mL
$65
HENSCHKE
TAPPA PASS VINEYARD
SELECTION SHIRAZ 2008
Barossa, South Australia
TASTING NOTE: Deep purple-crimson;
the Henschke shiraz wines seldom
venture beyond medium-bodied, but
this wine breaks the pattern, moving
into full-bodied territory with its deepthroated black fruits, licorice and dark
chocolate, the tannins round and full,
oak somewhere in the mix. From soils
542 million years old. Drink [until]
2040. Score: 94 (James Halliday,
winecompanion.com.au, Aug 11, 2011)
303354 [XD] 750 mL
$112
VINTAGES
55
•
AUSTRALIA
CHARLES MELTON SHIRAZ 2001
TASTING NOTE: The dense ruby/
purple-colored 2001 Shiraz is a fullthrottle, classic South Australian
Shiraz possessing abundant aromas
of new saddle leather, creme de
cassis, smoke, earth, and licorice.
Full-bodied, powerful, and potent,
with surprising purity as well as overall symmetry for a wine of its size, it
will age for 5-10 years. Drink: 20042014. Score: 91 (Robert Parker Jr.,
RED WINE
PENFOLDS GRANGE 2007
South Australia
TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Penfolds
Grange is comprised of 97% Shiraz
and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon coming
predominately from Barossa vineyards
with smaller proportions from Magill
Estate and McLaren Vale. It was
matured for 21 months in 100% new
American oak hogsheads. Very deep
garnet-purple in color, the nose is
intensely scented of vibrant blueberry
preserve, mulberry and kirsch aromas
over hints of cedar, mocha, vanilla
and anise. The full bodied palate is
richly fruited with pure black berry
and baking spice flavors offset by
crisp acidity and a firm level of velvety
tannins, finishing long. This is quite
an opulent, forward Grange, which is
very tempting to drink now, though of
course will reward at least 5-10 years
of cellaring and should keep to 2030+.
Score: 95 (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW,
336388 [XD] 750 mL
56
VINTAGES
$499
MAY 2013
951905 [D] 750 mL
$63
WHITE WINE
GIACONDA AEOLIA 2009
Victoria
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Aeolia
Roussanne was a great vintage for this
unique style. The wine is 100% barrel
fermented in 15% new oak spending
a total of 10 months in wood, going
through full malo-lactic. Pale to medium
straw in color, it gives wonderful aromas
of spiced apricots, ripe pear, cinnamondusted apple slices plus pinches of
coriander seed and freshly chopped
ginger. The medium to full-bodied,
concentrated, spicy palate has medium
acid and commendable richness that
grows in the mouth and lingers into
the very long finish. This makes an
incredible glass now, though this
Roussanne can age very well. I tried
the 2000 vintage during my visit that
is developing just beautifully, so as
irresistible as it is now, it’s worth
keeping a few bottles in the cellar to
enjoy over the next 8 to 10 years.
Score: 95 (Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW,
305201 [D] 750 mL
$129
NEW ZEALAND
RED WINE
CHURTON PINOT NOIR 2009
Marlborough, South Island
TASTING NOTE: Aged 14 months in
100% French oak barrels, 18% new,
the 2009 Pinot Noir has a medium
ruby-purple color and expressive notes
of black cherries, black raspberries
and mulberries over allspice, cinnamon
stick and milk chocolate. Full bodied
with a medium level of finely grained
tannins, it has a generous amount of
berry and spice flavors in the mouth
nicely offset by crisp acid. It finishes
long with lingering baking spice and
mulberry notes. Drinking now, it should
cellar to 2016+. Score: 91+ (Lisa
Perrotti-Brown, MW, erobertparker.com,
Oct. 2011)
237164 [D] 750 mL
$39
ELEPHANT HILL RESERVE
SYRAH 2009
Hawkes Bay, North Island
TASTING NOTE: This highly aromatic
red boasts freshly cracked black
pepper and white pepper notes that
melt into ripe blackberry and plum
flavors. As the finish wears on, the
muscular tannins provide terrific
traction, with details of bay leaf,
licorice and clove on the finish.
Drink now through 2022. Score: 92
(MaryAnn Worobiec, winespectator.com, June 15, 2012)
309690 [D] 750 mL
$45
•
MAY 2013
SOUTH AFRICA
WHITE WINE
KEN FORRESTER THE FMC
CHENIN BLANC 2010
WO Stellenbosch
TASTING NOTE: The 2010 The FMC is
aged in new 400-liter French barrels
and is touched by a little botrytized
fruit. It has a quality nose with lemon
curd, beeswax and dried pineapple
with great focus and poise. The
palate is imbued with a sense of
exuberance and poise, the acidity
counterpoising the apricot, passion
fruit and pineapple notes with style.
It is very complex and finely tuned,
a worthy follow-up to the fabulous
2009. Drink now-2020+ Score: 92
Dec. 2012)
37291
[D] 750 mL
$59
VINTAGES
57
•
ARGENTINA
CHILE
RED WINE
RED WINE
VIÑA ALICIA CUARZO
PETIT VERDOT 2007
Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza
TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Cuarzo, a
blend of 95% Petit Verdot with the
balance equal parts Grenache Noir and
Carignan, spent 16 months in a mix
of new and used French oak. A glasscoating opaque purple color, it offers
up a brooding bouquet of pencil lead,
espresso, mineral, earth notes, underbrush, and blackberry. This is a dense
effort that manages to be relatively
light on its feet. There is plenty of
structure under the layers of fruit and
a minimum of 5-7 years of cellaring is
advised. It will be fascinating to retry
this beast in another 8-10 years. Drink:
2015-2025. Score: 93 (Jay Miller,
erobertparker.com, Dec. 2010)
MONTES ALPHA M 2009
Apalta Single Estate, Santa Cruz,
Colchagua Valley
TASTING NOTE: A dark, ripe red,
offering a rich core of plum sauce,
cassis and kirsch notes offset by fine
tannins and a focused line of savory
tobacco, olive paste and spice box
hints that lead to a long, smoky finish.
Drink now through 2018. Score: 94
(Nathan Wesley, winespectator.com,
Dec. 15, 2012)
305169 [XD] 750 mL
58
VINTAGES
$75
MAY 2013
914580 [XD] 750 mL
$89
CONCHA Y TORO
CARMÍN DE PEUMO
CARMENERE 2008
Peumo, Cachapoal Valley
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Terrunyo
Carmin de Peumo Carmenere contains
7.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2.5%
Cabernet Franc in its blend while
receiving the same elevage as the
2007 cuvee. As deeply colored as the
2007 with a similar density and richness, it does not quite possess that
wine’s body and power but that is a
minor quibble. It too will evolve for
5-6 years and will offer prime drinking
from 2017 to 2028. Both wines are
benchmarks for what can be achieved
with the Carmenere grape. Score: 95
(Jay Miller, erobertparker.com,
Feb. 2012)
52209
[XD] 750 mL
$119
COUSINO-MACUL LOTA 2007
Maipo Valley
TASTING NOTE: Complex and classy
Cabernet Sauvignon (with 15% Merlot)
that sets a new high point for Lota.
Sous-bois, cigar box, fine leather and
dry cassis and cherry aromas precede
a layered, smooth palate with sweet,
toasted berry, currant, mocha and
vanilla flavors. Finishes with obvious
but restrained oak and spice. Drink
now through 2014. Score: 92
(Michael Schachner, Wine Enthusiast,
Dec. 31, 2011)
309732 [XD] 750 mL
$87
MONTES FOLLY 2010
Apalta Valley
TASTING NOTE: This dense red
delivers cream-tinged layers of
blackberry coulis, cassis and plum
sauce backed by well-integrated
tannins and fresh acidity. Compact
now, with fine spice, smoke and
licorice notes gracing the long finish. Syrah. Best from 2014 through
2020. Score: 95 (Nathan Wesley,
winespectator.com, Dec. 15, 2012)
62356
[XD] 750 mL
$82
USA – CALIFORNIA
RED WINE
L’AVENTURE ESTATE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010
Paso Robles
TASTING NOTE: Dark and complex
on the nose, this wine swells with
notes of chocolate and blackberries.
Smoky tones of roasted coffee, firm
mineral notes of crushed black stone,
and a hint of blackcurrants also
appear. In its youth this wine seems
aromatically tightly wound up, but it
clearly will unveil more with time in
the cellar. Dense, weighty, and bold
on the palate, this wine is rich and
complex with bold dark berry tones
showing at the forefront, fragrant
hints of potpourri, firm notes of
stone giving it structure, and dusty
tannic elements reminiscent of cacao
powder, vineyard dust, and leather
adding depth. Concentrated, juicy, and
firm with tannins, this is an incredible
Cabernet that shows the best of
the wine maker’s French heritage
and the estate’s fruit. Score: 94 (Tyler
Worth, whatsworthdrinking.com,
Nov. 5, 2012)
253336 [D] 750 mL
•
MAY 2013
DOMINUS 2009
Napa Valley
TASTING NOTE: The 2009 Dominus
has closed down quite a bit since I
last tasted it. Today, all of the glorious
fruit of the vintage is hiding behind a
serious wall of tannin. The 2009 still
possesses gorgeous inner perfume
and plenty of sweetness, but little
of the sexiness that will emerge over
time. From time to time, the utter
genius of the 2009 shows a glimpse
of its potential. There is little doubt
the 2009 will be a jewel once it
awakens from what might very well
be a long slumber. This is another
wine that begs for patience. The
2009 is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon,
10% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit
Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 20192039. Score: 97+ (Antonio Galloni,
63487
63479
63917
[D] 1500 mL
[D] 3000 mL
[D] 6000 mL
$339
$815
$1745
$94
VINTAGES
59
•
USA – CALIFORNIA
DUCKHORN THREE PALMS
VINEYARD MERLOT 2009
Napa Valley
TASTING NOTE: This is classic Three
Palms Merlot – as excellent as anything
Duckhorn has ever produced. It shows
the hard tannins that always mark the
winery’s Bordeaux-style red wines, but
it’s luscious and deep in berry fruit,
licorice, grilled meat and cola. It should
have no difficulty negotiating the years.
Give it until around 2015, but if you
can’t wait, at least decant it for a few
hours. Score: 95 (Steve Heimoff,
Wine Enthusiast, Oct. 2012)
RED WINE
DUCKHORN MONITOR LEDGE
Napa Valley
The aptly named Monitor Ledge Vineyard is located in one of the warmer
parts of the valley, and is often the first
vineyard harvested by Duckhorn. As
a result, the fruit of this vineyard can
often provide insight into the quality
of the overall vintage. The soil of the
Monitor Ledge Vineyard is primarily
cobblestone and gravelled-sandy loam
that drains very quickly. These conditions impose significant stress upon
the vines, bringing about particularly
intense fruit and infusing the wines
with unique character and quality,
even within the lofty context of
Duckhorn’s iconic wines.
273946 [D] 750 mL
$95
MAY 2013
34785
[D] 750 mL
SEQUANA PINOT NOIR 2009
Russian River Valley,
Sonoma County
TASTING NOTE: Medium-light to
medium ruby; attractive, earthy, toasty,
cranberry and black cherry aroma
with notes of charred oak and a hint
of roasted coffee beans; medium-full
to full body; rich, textured, cedary,
slightly stemmy, ripe black cherry fruit
flavors; medium-full tannin; lingering
aftertaste. Very highly recommended.
Score: 90 (Nicholas Ponomareff,
California Grapevine, Aug./Sept. 2011)
309708 [D] 750 mL
60
VINTAGES
$85
$49
SPOTTSWOODE ESTATE
Napa Valley
TASTING NOTE: Another superimpressive effort, the 2009 Cabernet
Sauvignon boasts stunning depth and
sheer power. Black currants, pencil
shavings, mocha, incense and melted
road tar are all woven together gracefully in this powerful, opulent wine.
The tannins remain firm, so another
few years of cellaring is a must. There
is serious density and sheer power to
burn. Today the 2009 is a touch less
vibrant than the 2010, but more overt
and voluptuous. A brooding, muscular
finish rounds things out beautifully.
The 2009 is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon,
4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit
Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 20192034. Score: 97 (Antonio Galloni,
41335
[D] 1500 mL
$310
STAGLIN FAMILY SALUS
Napa Valley
Named for Salus, the Roman goddess
of well-being, health and prosperity,
this exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon
elegantly supports the Staglin Family
motto: “Great wines for great causes.”
Since 1985, the family has raised
and donated nearly $725 million in
support of many charities, including
their main cause, the Music Festival
for Mental Health. No less than
100% of the proceeds from the sale
of the Salus line are donated in
support of mental health research
initiatives. This remarkable commitment goes a long way to express the
quality of the Staglin Family’s Salus
wines. Each bottle not only carries the
responsibility for maintaining the
reputation of their winery but also
of providing support to thousands
of people.
302661 [D] 750 mL
$110
ANAKOTA HELENA MONTANA
Knights Valley
TASTING NOTE: Deep ruby. Explosive,
high-pitched aromas of blackberry,
blueberry and licorice. Densely packed
and sweet, with terrific inner-palate
energy and violety perfume to the
black fruit and mint flavors. Fruitdriven, high-pitched and quite long.
Seems suaver and more energetic
than the Helena Dakota. Score: 91-94
Cellar, May/June 2010)
•
MAY 2013
STAGLIN CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2008
Rutherford, Napa Valley
TASTING NOTE: This gorgeous,
enticing, richly flavored wine is remarkable for its understated elegance
and finesse, with subtle touches of
green and black olive, dried currant,
sage, cedar and dusty, loamy earth.
Wows you with delicacy. Very typical
of Rutherford. Drink now through
2022. Score: 94 (James Laube,
winespectator.com, Nov. 15, 2011)
716258 [D] 750 mL
181131 [XD] 750 mL
$222
$85
KULETO SYRAH 2008
Napa Valley
TASTING NOTE: Big, ripe and grapey,
yet polished and elegant, delivering
tiers of full-bodied blackberry and
wild berry flavors up front. Yet this
is a graceful wine, pushing out rich
berry character, with mocha and
savory herb notes. Drink now through
2018. Score: 93 (James Laube,
winespectator.com, July 31, 2011)
309724 [D] 750 mL
$53
VINTAGES
61
•
USA – CALIFORNIA
ARROWOOD RÉSERVE SPÉCIALE
Sonoma Valley,
Unfined and Unfiltered
TASTING NOTE: The two big Cabernets
(meant to age for 2-3 decades) include
the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Monte
Rosso and the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Speciale. These two
offerings will improve in the cellar, and
may well outpace my conservative
ratings. The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Reserve Speciale is another brilliant
effort. One only has to go back to older
vintages to see how well this wine ages.
It is often a candidate for one of the
top three or four Cabernet Sauvignons
made on the Sonoma side of the
Mayacamas Mountains. A dense ruby
/purple color is followed by aromas of
creme de cassis, cedar, licorice, tobacco
leaf, and spice box. The wine is fullbodied, rich, and heady with superb
concentration and depth as well as
moderately high tannins in the long,
40+ second finish. Give it 2-3 years of
bottle age and drink it over the following 25 years. Score: 93 (Robert Parker
RED WINE
TERRA VALENTINE
MARRIAGE 2008
Spring Mountain District,
Napa Valley
TASTING NOTE: A best-of-barrels
blend from the classic Bordeaux
varieties, this wine is delicious. It’s
not hard for Napa to ripen fruit to
blackberry and cherry perfection, or
for the winemaker to age the wine
in the best oak. What’s difficult is
to house all this richness in such
smooth tannins, with such depth and
such a pure finish. A spectacularly
good wine to drink now, and it
should develop for at least a decade.
Score: 95 (Steve Heimoff, Wine
Enthusiast, Dec. 2011)
315978 [D] 750 mL
$95
THE HESS COLLECTION
Mount Veeder, Napa Valley
TASTING NOTE: Sturdy, intense,
extracted and complex, with dense
earthy currant, sage, cedar and mint
flavors. Mount Veeder reds can be
rugged, and even with an added year
in bottle this is open-throttle. Very
nicely done in a classic Mount Veeder
style. Begs for more time. Best from
2014 through 2028. Score: 92
(James Laube, winespectator.com,
Oct. 15, 2012)
662015 [D] 750 mL
62
VINTAGES
$59
MAY 2013
64568
[D] 750 mL
$99
WHITE WINE
LITTORAI MAYS CANYON
CHARDONNAY 2010
Russian River Valley,
Sonoma County
TASTING NOTE: The 2010 Chardonnay Mays Canyon boasts incredible
richness, power and concentration,
all with remarkable polish. In 2010
the Mays Canyon is a big, broadshouldered wine bursting with crushed
rocks, grapefruit and slate. Today the
Mays Canyon comes across as a bit
rustic, but if it softens it will merit a
higher score. The wine’s length and
concentration makes me think the
future is bright. Anticipated maturity:
2012-2020. Score: 92-94 (Antonio
Galloni, erobertparker.com, Feb. 2012)
276725 [D] 750 mL
$75
STAGLIN FAMILY
CHARDONNAY 2010
Napa Valley
TASTING NOTE: The 2010 Chardonnay is a pretty, generous white laced
with expressive tropical fruit supported
by clean veins of minerality. The
Chardonnay doesn’t get a whole lot
of attention, but it is consistently
terrific and loaded with personality.
Score: 92 (Antonio Galloni, erobertparker.com, Dec. 2011)
302653 [D] 750 mL
$95
ARROWOOD RÉSERVE SPÉCIALE
CHARDONNAY 2008
Sonoma County, Unfined
TASTING NOTE: The 2008 Chardonnay Reserve Speciale, which comes
from five vineyards, was 100% barrelfermented and put through 100%
malolactic. Always one of California’s
top Chardonnays, it is a blend of
51% Russian River and 49% Carneros
fruit. This light straw/gold-colored
Chardonnay offers up notes of peach,
honeysuckle, popcorn and brioche
in a rich, concentrated, pure format
with good underlying acidity as well
as a generous mouthfeel. This 2008
should continue to drink well for
5-6 years. Score: 93 (Robert Parker Jr.,
USA – WASHINGTON STATE
RED WINE
LEONETTI CELLAR MERLOT 2010
Walla Walla Valley
TASTING NOTE: A classic take on
Merlot – this is 100% varietal, and
was aged for 15 months in new and
neutral French oak barrels and botti.
The flavors move through strawberry,
raspberry and Bing cherry, with great
breadth of flavor and texture throughout. The midpalate is concentrated
and full, with a fine, lingering, superclean finish. Score: 95 (Paul Gregutt,
Wine Enthusiast, Sept. 2012)
298067 [D] 750 mL
64543
[D] 750 mL
$49
$99
•
MAY 2013
LEONETTI CELLAR RESERVE 2009
Walla Walla Valley
TASTING NOTE: The wine known
simply as Leonetti 2009 Reserve is, in
fact, 92% Cabernet Sauvignon (the
rest Merlot), a major departure from
the norm of two-thirds to three quarters established in its previous eleven
vintages (other exceptions being 2000
and 2001 when the Cabernet share
dipped to less than half). Interestingly,
too, Petit Verdot vines have contributed
a significant share of each earlier
Reserve bottling since their first crop,
2000, but this year dropped out on
account of having been hit by the late
frost. While at 14.7% virtually identical
in alcohol to the corresponding Cabernet Sauvignon bottling, this 2009
Reserve comes off as significantly
fuller-bodied. It also misses the vibrancy of its ostensibly lesser sibling. “For
the reserve,” notes Chris Figgins, “we
look for lots that are more backward
and brooding,” and he certainly was
rewarded this year. Ripe, lightly-confitured cassis and mulberry are mingled
with toasted nuts, peat, and dark
Burley tobacco. High-toned suggestions
of camphor, mint, and gentian distillate
emerge with aeration. The amplitude
and sheer fruit intensity here comes
along with a palpable if well-coated
tannic undergirding; and the finish
splendidly soothes and sustains. The
longer this was open to the air, the
greater its appeal; and I’m only sorry
I could not follow it for a second day.
Look for at least 15 years of profound
pleasure not to mention persistent
contrast with the corresponding
Cabernet bottling. Score: 95 (David
Schildknecht, erobertparker.com,
Dec. 2012)
298075 [D] 750 mL
$189
VINTAGES
63
•
FORTIFIED WINE
FONSECA GUIMARAENS
VINTAGE PORT 1995
DOC Douro
TASTING NOTE: Sweeter fruit, ripe
and more youthful than the ’91.
Coffee again but also dark choc/cocoa.
Pronounced and tightly woven fruit
character – more red than black with
distinctive sweet spice character on
the lengthy finish. Needs a while yet
before opening to its full potential. Distinguished. Drink 2013-2033.
Score: 16.5 (out of 20) (Richard
Hemming, jancisrobinson.com,
June 29, 2009)
PORT
DELAFORCE VINTAGE PORT 1994
DOC Douro
TASTING NOTE: Big and brooding:
cruisin for a bruising! Love it: rich
aromas of blackberry and preserves
and dark fruitcake. Long finish.
Score: 93 (Natalie MacLean, nataliemaclean.com, Nov. 27, 2010)
TASTING NOTE: Most of the fruit for
this wine came from 1994’s lowyielding vines at Quinta do Corte which
is one of the very fine yet little known
gems in the Douro. Purplish-ruby and
just less than opaque. Aggressive
dried rose petals, raisinous and possessing black olive aromas. Still very
young and in need of LOTS of time to
enjoy this infant. Chunky fruit that
tends toward rich, ripe blackberry with
light mocha and a hint of vanilla
extract. Big tannins await you and this
‘tooth stainer’ just might be the best
Delaforce since 1963 ... Score: 91
(Roy Hersh, fortheloveofport.com,
June 4, 2002)
163063
[S]
750 mL
$70
MAY 2013
326736
[S]
750 mL
$81
SPIRITS
SCOTCH WHISKY
BRUICHLADDICH 1989
21 YEAR OLD BLACK ART
The greatest Scotches are encapsulated
Time, speaking not only for the long
years of ageing but also the patient
precision required at every step of
the distillation process. Jim McEwan,
who began his whisky journey working for the Bowmore Distillery at age
15, understands this as few others
do. Under his guidance Bruichladdich
has come to stand for the many
unique now lost-to-progress distilleries
that were unable to withstand the
relentless march of large corporations
that closed them one after another,
something that Jim says, “Just broke
my heart.” His determination and
non-conformist approach has earned
his whiskies iconic status and him
international renown. The Black Art
series playfully touches upon his
hands-on traditional methods by
aligning his approach with alchemy,
for surely nothing this good could be
created by man alone. If Jim McEwan
did not actually sell his soul to make
this dram, you can be certain that
he put it wholeheartedly into every
aspect of its creation.
260786
64
VINTAGES
700 mL
$221
GLENGLASSAUGH 26 YEAR OLD
HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT
SCOTCH WHISKY 1985
TASTING NOTE: A polished whisky,
light-medium in body with wellrounded flavors. Fruity (ripe orange,
lemon gumdrops, candy apple), with
creamy vanilla and a honeyed, toasted malt foundation. Soft, gentle oak
throughout. What a lovely, gentlenatured whisky, straight down the
middle! Bonus points for versatility.
Score: 90 (John Hansell, whiskyadvocate.com, Spring 2011)
306225
700 mL
$335
•
MAY 2013
AMERICAN WHISKEY
COGNAC
PAPPY VAN WINKLE’S
23-YEAR-OLD KENTUCKY
STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY
Kentucky
TASTING NOTE: Those who know
overaged bourbons will appreciate
this statement: Pappy 23-Year-Old
tastes its age yet still tastes great – a
difficult feat. Deep char with some
soot, old leather, pipe tobacco, cured
meat, dark fruit, molasses, anise,
clove, and wintergreen. (Charles K.
Cowdery, 1001 Whiskies You Must
Taste Before You Die, 2012)
HENNESSY PRIVÉ
TASTING NOTE: (Translated from the
French) About a hundred eaux-de-vies,
15 to 35 years, different wines and
various aromatic characteristics were
selected to create Hennessy Privé.
Aged in new oak barrels, it exudes
power, immediately offset by elegant
roundness and notes of dried fruit and
spices ... (alambic-magazine.com,
May 7, 2009)
314336
750 mL
312918
700 mL
$445
$255
PAPPY VAN WINKLE’S FAMILY
RESERVE 20-YEAR-OLD
KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON
WHISKEY
Kentucky
TASTING NOTE: This retains wheated
bourbon character that is lost to the
wood in older expressions. The flavors
are outsized: plenty of wood, but also
rich caramel and vanilla. (Charles K.
Cowdery, 1001 Whiskies You Must
Taste Before You Die, 2012)
923367
750 mL
$155
VINTAGES
65
PRODUCT SUMMARY
SIZE
(mL)
PRODUCT
NUMBER
PRICE
(per btl.)
SCORE
CHÂTEAU BEYCHEVELLE 2009
750
201574
$109.85
WE 94
65
CHÂTEAU BRANAIRE DUCRU 2009
750
200493
$114.85
RP 96
86
CHÂTEAU CANON-LA-GAFFELIERE 2009
750
200196
$154.85
WS 96
251
CHÂTEAU COS LABORY 2009
750
197525
$61.85
WE 91
239
CHÂTEAU DE PEZ 2009
1500
222554
$119.85
WE 93
153
PRODUCT
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
OPENING
INVENTORY (btls.)
RED WINE
CHÂTEAU GAZIN 2009
750
165456
$154.85
RP 96
12
CHÂTEAU GISCOURS 2009
750
197319
$99.85
WE 95
212
CHÂTEAU GRAND-PUY-LACOSTE 2009
750
199406
$124.85
RP 95
211
CHÂTEAU KIRWAN 2009
750
201533
$94.85
WE 94
259
750
196436
$88.85
RP 93
104
750
200758
$79.85
RP 93
28
750
200485
$79.85
RP 93
20
CHÂTEAU LA GAFFELIERE 2009
750
201020
$139.85
RP 95+
149
CHÂTEAU LAGRANGE 2009
750
199372
$98.85
WE 94
296
CHÂTEAU LARCIS DUCASSE 2009
750
197277
$94.85
RP 96
179
CHÂTEAU LES HAUTS DE PONTET-CANET 2009
1500
221242
$114.85
CHÂTEAU LYNCH BAGES 2009
750
274902
$278.85
RP 98
47
CHÂTEAU MALARTIC-LAGRAVIERE 2009
750
201079
$118.85
WE 94
71
CHÂTEAU PAVIE-MACQUIN 2009
750
229260
$149.85
WS 95
14
CHÂTEAU PETIT VILLAGE 2009
750
198622
$94.85
WS 93
230
190
CHÂTEAU PONTET-CANET 2009
750
199588
$344.85
RP 100
45
CHÂTEAU PRIEURÉ-LICHINE 2009
750
199414
$84.85
RP 93
209
CHÂTEAU RAUZAN-GASSIES 2009
750
197699
$68.85
WE 91
203
750
200634
$154.85
WE 95
251
CHÂTEAU TALBOT 2009
750
200717
$98.85
WE 94
296
CHÂTEAU VRAY CROIX DE GAY 2009
750
194670
$93.85
RP 91+
221
750
138156
$199
RP 91
20
CHÂTEAU BELLEVUE MONDOTTE 2008
750
187245
$369
RP 95+
81
SCORES We have included scores from the following sources:
AWC
BH
DEC
ES
IWC
JH
Australian Wine Companion, winecompanion.com.au
burghound.com
decanter.com
Evan Saviolidis, evanwinesavvy.com
International Wine Cellar
John Hansell, whiskyadvocate.com
JR
RH
RP
TM
WE
WN
WS
jancisrobinson.com
Roy Hersh, fortheloveofport.com
erobertparker.com
Tidings Magazine
Wine Enthusiast
Rick VanSickle, winesinniagara.com
winespectator.com
Due to circumstances beyond our control, opening inventory quantities are subject to change without notice.
66
VINTAGES
•
MAY 2013
SIZE
(mL)
PRODUCT
NUMBER
PRICE
(per btl.)
CHÂTEAU CLOS DE SARPE 2008
750
137836
$119
RP 95
14
CHÂTEAU COS D’ESTOURNEL 2008
750
136564
$179
WE 95
64
CHÂTEAU DUCRU-BEAUCAILLOU 2008
750
137638
$169
RP 95+
326
CHÂTEAU GRACIA 2008
750
137539
$169
RP 95
76
750
136861
$99
RP 92
133
CHÂTEAU LÉOVILLE-LAS CASES 2008
750
137877
$219
RP 93+
23
750
185116
$795
RP 94
51
PRODUCT
SCORE
OPENING
INVENTORY (btls.)
CHÂTEAU PAPE CLÉMENT 2008
750
185132
$189
RP 95
38
CHÂTEAU PICHON LONGUEVILLE COMTESSE DE LALANDE 2008
750
133504
$125
WE 94
47
750
136671
$105
RP 90+
272
CHÂTEAU LA CONSEILLANTE 2007
750
98517
$105
JR 17 (out of 20)
92
CHÂTEAU LA PROVIDENCE 2007
750
102699
$109
WS 90
325
750
102152
$795
HHHHH
88
750
98673
$146
WS 91
82
750
102129
$139
WE 91
96
CHÂTEAU TERTRE RÔTEBOEUF 2007
750
125104
$199
JR 17 (out of 20)
54
CHÂTEAU TROTANOY 2007
750
102681
$135
WS 90
130
LA MONDOTTE 2007
750
102475
$229
RP 91
20
750
566232
$189
RP 91
30
CHÂTEAU AUSONE 2006
750
566885
$1299
RP 98
60
CHÂTEAU CHEVAL BLANC 2006
750
567289
$1099
RP 95
32
CHÂTEAU COS D’ESTOURNEL 2006
750
565598
$199
RP 94
281
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION 2006
750
567255
$799
RP 96
24
750
565945
$124
RP 92
65
CHÂTEAU LA GOMERIE 2006
750
564807
$119
WS 92
172
CHÂTEAU LA MISSION HAUT-BRION 2006
750
567123
$799
RP 94
33
750
566711
$969
RP 95
25
CHÂTEAU LASCOMBES 2006
750
565242
$109
RP 90
188
750
566695
$299
RP 95
252
750
564666
$245
RP 93
77
750
566539
$799
RP 94
23
750
565283
$135
RP 94+
83
CHÂTEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD 2006
750
566950
$849
RP 98+
92
CHÂTEAU PALMER 2006
750
566281
$299
RP 94
365
CHÂTEAU PAVIE 2006
750
567099
$399
RP 96
43
CHÂTEAU PAVIE-DECESSE 2006
750
566307
$279
RP 94+
19
CHÂTEAU PICHON-LONGUEVILLE-BARON 2006
750
241703
$179
WS 92
8
CHÂTEAU TERTRE RÔTEBOEUF 2006
750
565994
$179
IWC 90
66
CHÂTEAU TROPLONG MONDOT 2006
750
566224
$179
WE 94
459
LE PETIT CHEVAL 2006
750
567362
$199
JR 17.5
156
CHÂTEAU LA CLÉMENCE 2005
750
503045
$139
RP 92
185
CHÂTEAU LA CONSEILLANTE 2005
750
524652
$309
RP 96
23
VINTAGES
67
PRODUCT SUMMARY
SIZE
(mL)
PRODUCT
FRANCE – BORDEAUX
PRODUCT
NUMBER
PRICE
(per btl.)
SCORE
OPENING
INVENTORY (btls.)
RED WINE (CONT’D)
750
324434
$102
WS 92
120
750
506170
$495
WS 100
6
CHÂTEAU MAGREZ FOMBRAUGE 2005
750
504027
$348
RP 95
54
750
505875
$215
WE 95
201
CHÂTEAU VALANDRAUD 2005
750
506287
$545
RP 95
69
CHÂTEAU FLEUR CARDINALE 2004
750
324467
$64
RP 91
240
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BAILLY 2001
750
229963
$125
RP 90
21
750
266411
$295
RP 91
15
FRANCE – BORDEAUX WHITE WINE
CHÂTEAU LATOUR MARTILLAC BLANC 2009
750
197459
$52.85
RP 94
242
CHÂTEAU SMITH HAUT LAFITTE BLANC 2009
750
201418
$144.85
RP 98
87
CHÂTEAU PAPE CLÉMENT BLANC 2008
750
229237
$269
RP 93
17
CHÂTEAU LAVILLE HAUT BRION BLANC 2007
750
100842
$795
WS 93
40
750
102780
$217
WS 95
30
CHÂTEAU HAUT-BRION BLANC 2006
750
566372
$799
RP 95
27
750
565796
$269
RP 98
16
170
FRANCE – BORDEAUX – SAUTERNES/BARSAC WHITE WINE
CHÂTEAU COUTET 2009
750
198630
$134.85
RP 96-98
CHÂTEAU LAFAURIE-PEYRAGUEY 2009
375
192021
$43.85
WE 96
95
CHÂTEAU SUDUIRAUT 2009
750
195982
$147.85
RP 97-99
119
750
137356
$399
RP 96
29
CHÂTEAU CLIMENS 2006
750
565986
$115
RP 94
173
375
567388
$429
WS 96
212
375
506824
$595
WS 97
119
750
325050
$109
BH 91-94
120
FRANCE – BURGUNDY – CÔTE DE NUITS RED WINE
DOMAINE CONFURON-COTETIDOT VOSNE-ROMANÉE
LES SUCHOTS 1er CRU 2010
DOMAINE DOMINIQUE GALLOIS CHARMES-CHAMBERTIN
GRAND CRU 2010
750
318568
$136
BH 91-94
120
DOMAINE DUJAC CLOS SAINT-DENIS 2010
750
713388
$235
RP 95-97
96
DOMAINE DUJAC MOREY SAINT-DENIS 2010
750
702696
$69
BH 89-91
180
DOMAINE DUJAC VOSNE-ROMANÉE AUX MALCONSORTS 1er CRU 2010
750
162164
$209
RP 92-94
144
DOMAINE D’ARDHUY CLOS VOUGEOT GRAND CRU 2009
750
316166
$162
BH 94
60
LOUIS JADOT CLOS VOUGEOT GRAND CRU 2009
750
946160
$159
WS 96
119
PASCAL MARCHAND GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN LES CAZETIERS 1er CRU 2009
750
255364
$87
IWC 91
119
68
VINTAGES
PRODUCT
SIZE
(mL)
PRODUCT
NUMBER
PRICE
(per btl.)
750
703470
$67
•
SCORE
MAY 2013
OPENING
INVENTORY (btls.)
FRANCE – BURGUNDY – CÔTE DE NUITS WHITE WINE
DOMAINE DUJAC MOREY SAINT-DENIS BLANC 2009
JR 16.5 (out of 20)
179
FRANCE – BURGUNDY – CÔTE DE BEAUNE RED WINE
CHANSON PÈRE & FILS BEAUNE CLOS DES MOUCHES 1er CRU 2010
750
733212
$75
WE 92
179
DOMAINE BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS POMMARD RUGIENS 1er CRU 2010
750
206177
$90
BH 92
53
BH 92
119
DOMAINE BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS VOLNAY
CLOS DES CHÊNES 1er CRU 2010
750
231951
$71
LOUIS LATOUR CORTON CLOS DU ROI GRAND CRU 2009
750
324509
$120
750
77578
$50
BH 89
239
DOMAINE BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS CHEVALIER-MONTRACHET
GRAND CRU 2010
750
88708
$323
IWC 94(+?)
23
DOMAINE BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS CORTON-CHARLEMAGNE
GRAND CRU 2010
750
172460
$177
IWC 95+
83
DOMAINE BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS MEURSAULT
GENEVRIÈRES 1er CRU 2010
750
46532
$89
IWC 92
155
DOMAINE BOUCHARD PÈRE & FILS MEURSAULT
PERRIÈRES 1er CRU 2010
750
182311
$97
IWC 93
17
LOUIS JADOT BEAUNE CLOS DES COUCHEREAUX
1er
CRU 2007
59
FRANCE – BURGUNDY – CÔTE DE BEAUNE WHITE WINE
DOMAINE DUBLÈRE CORTON-CHARLEMAGNE GRAND CRU 2010
750
271189
$142
BH 92-94
59
DOMAINE JEAN-MARC MOREY CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET
LES CHAMPS-GAIN 1er CRU 2010
750
154393
$73
BH 92
119
DOMAINE JEAN-MARC MOREY CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET
LES CHENEVOTTES 1er CRU 2010
750
205963
$72
BH 91
119
750
111336
$80
BH 92-94
119
DOMAINE LATOUR-GIRAUD MEURSAULT CHARMES
1er
CRU 2010
DOMAINE MATROT PULIGNY-MONTRACHET
LES CHALUMEAUX 1er CRU 2010
750
959437
$94
IWC 93
179
OLIVIER LEFLAIVE CORTON-CHARLEMAGNE GRAND CRU 2009
750
746735
$156
WE 95
59
VINTAGES
69
PRODUCT SUMMARY
SIZE
(mL)
PRODUCT
PRODUCT
NUMBER
PRICE
(per btl.)
SCORE
OPENING
INVENTORY (btls.)
FRANCE – BURGUNDY – CHABLIS WHITE WINE
DOMAINE PINSON FRÈRES MONT DE MILIEU CHABLIS 1er CRU 2011
750
700914
$38
BH 91-93
299
DOMAINE LOUIS MICHEL & FILS VAUDÉSIR CHABLIS GRAND CRU 2010
750
172569
$59
RP 94
119
DOMAINE SERVIN CHABLIS VAILLONS PREMIER CRU 2010
750
142778
$32
RP 92
179
DOMAINE WILLIAM FÈVRE BOUGROTS CÔTE BOUGUEROTS
750
28860
$85
RP 96
191
DOMAINE WILLIAM FÈVRE LES CLOS CHABLIS GRAND CRU 2010
750
641381
$98
IWC 95+
119
DOMAINE WILLIAM FÈVRE LES LYS CHABLIS 1er CRU 2010
750
76984
$43
BH 91
239
JEAN-MARC BROCARD FOURCHAUME CHABLIS
1er
750
259812
$35
RP 92
419
LOUIS MICHEL & FILS MONTÉE DE TONNERRE CHABLIS 1er CRU 2010
CRU 2010
750
717231
$41
RP 94
299
LA CHABLISIÈNNE LES PREUSES CHABLIS GRAND CRU 2009
750
17459
$65
BH 94
299
PAUL JABOULET AÎNÉ DOMAINE DE THALABERT CROZES-HERMITAGE 2010
750
720466
$47
RP 93
59
PAUL JABOULET AÎNÉ LA CHAPELLE HERMITAGE 2010
750
973735
$249
RP 96+
59
FRANCE – RHÔNE – NORTHERN RHÔNE RED WINE
FRANCE – RHÔNE – SOUTHERN RHÔNE RED WINE
CLOS DU CAILLOU RESERVE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2010
750
320150
$149
RP 99+
239
CLOS SAINT JEAN DEUS EX MACHINA CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2010
750
103036
$95
RP 100
119
CLOS SAINT JEAN LA COMBE DES FOUS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2010
750
103028
$95
RP 98
119
CLOS SAINT JEAN TRADITION CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2010
750
70888
$47
RP 93
599
DOMAINE DE CRISTIA RENAISSANCE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2010
750
71399
$79
WS 96
419
MAS DE BOISLAUZON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2010
750
244269
$59
WS 93
479
MAS DE BOISLAUZON LE QUET CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2010
750
320184
$129
RP 100
59
PAUL JABOULET AÎNÉ DOMAINE DE TERRE FERME
750
259911
$72
RP 94
239
TARDIEU-LAURENT VIEILLES VIGNES CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2010
750
739482
$69
WS 96
179
CHÂTEAU CAPUCINE CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2009
750
324830
$59
RP 90-93
359
CHÂTEAU SIMIAN LES GRANDES GRENACHIÈRES D’HIPPOLYTE
750
328823
$88
RP 93
179
FRANCE – ALSACE WHITE WINE
DOMAINE WEINBACH ALTENBOURG PINOT GRIS 2009
750
270785
$60
WS 92
119
DOMAINE WEINBACH CUVÉE STE. CATHERINE PINOT GRIS 2009
750
173070
$55
WS 93
179
DOMAINE ZIND HUMBRECHT CLOS WINDSBUHL RIESLING 2009
750
716068
$69
WS 94
95
TRIMBACH CUVÉE FRÉDÉRIC ÉMILE RIESLING 2006
750
728535
$55
RP 93
119
LÉON BEYER CUVÉE DES COMTES D’EGUISHEIM RIESLING 2005
750
316174
$50
IWC 91
119
LÉON BEYER CUVÉE DES COMTES D’EGUISHEM GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2005
750
12542
$50
RP 93
119
70
VINTAGES
•
MAY 2013
SIZE
(mL)
PRODUCT
NUMBER
PRICE
(per btl.)
SCORE
750
308080
$75
RP 93
149
750
302737
$46
WS 92
299
750
324350
$78
RP 94
119
750
320119
$50
WS 94
179
EMRICH-SCHÖNLEBER MONZINGER FRÜHLINGSPLÄTZCHEN
RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2011
750
185769
$45
EMRICH-SCHÖNLEBER MONZINGER HALENBERG
RIESLING TROCKEN 2010
750
308783
$45
RP 92
179
750
105221
$79
RP 94
59
BREZZA BRICCO SARMASSA BAROLO 2008
750
720128
$61
RP 95
179
BROVIA GARBLÈT SUE BAROLO 2008
750
105569
$70
RP 96
119
CERETTO BRICCO ASILI BARBARESCO 2008
750
726158
$139
RP 92
119
CERETTO BRICCO ROCCHE BAROLO 2008
750
103101
$220
RP 96
89
PARUSSO BUSSIA BAROLO 2008
750
105130
$85
RP 95
209
PRODUCT
OPENING
INVENTORY (btls.)
FRANCE – CHAMPAGNE SPARKLING WINE
LARMANDIER-BERNIER TERRES DE VERTUS BRUT CHAMPAGNE
1er CRU 2007
FRANCE – LOIRE RED WINE
DOMAINE DE PALLUS CHINON 2009
FRANCE – MIDI RED WINE
MAS AMIEL MILLÉSIME 1980
GERMANY – MOSEL WHITE WINE
S.A. PRÜM WEHLENER SONNENUHR RIESLING AUSLËSE 2009
GERMANY – NAHE WHITE WINE
179
ITALY – ABRUZZO RED WINE
EMIDIO PEPE MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO 2003
ITALY – PIEDMONT RED WINE
PARUSSO LE COSTE MOSCONI BAROLO 2008
750
105122
$79
RP 95
359
PODERI LUIGI EINAUDI TERLO BAROLO 2008
750
222828
$60
RP 92+
179
SOTTIMANO COTTÁ BARBARESCO 2008
750
115857
$66
RP 92
239
VIETTI CASTIGLIONE BAROLO 2008
750
703744
$68
RP 92
239
BRUNA GRIMALDI BADARINA BAROLO 2007
750
118224
$57
WE 94
359
DAMILANO CANNUBI BAROLO 2007
750
267872
$89
89
FONTANAFREDDA LA ROSA BAROLO 2007
750
40105
$66
209
ROCCHE DEI MANZONI CAPPELLA DI S. STEFANO BAROLO 2007
750
156406
$105
RP 95+
179
ROCCHE DEI MANZONI VIGNA D’LA ROUL BAROLO 2007
750
264606
$89
RP 94
149
CAVALLOTTO BRICCO BOSCHIS SAN GIUSEPPE RISERVA BAROLO 2006
750
317909
$117
RP 94-96
119
CAVALLOTTO VIGNOLO RISERVA BAROLO 2006
750
317958
$107
RP 95-97
119
ELIO GRASSO RUNCOT RESERVE BAROLO 2006
750
316588
$143
RP 96+
89
PAOLO SCAVINO CAROBRIC BAROLO 2003
750
182337
$75
WS 95
299
VINTAGES
71
PRODUCT SUMMARY
PRODUCT
SIZE
(mL)
PRODUCT
NUMBER
PRICE
(per btl.)
SCORE
OPENING
INVENTORY (btls.)
ITALY – TUSCANY RED WINE
IL CABERLOT 2009
1500
167296
$329
MONTEPELOSO ENEO 2009
750
324376
$59
59
RP 95
359
LA PORTA DI VERTINE CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2008
750
251678
$49
RP 92
359
LE CINCIOLE PETRESCO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2008
750
190835
$44
RP 93+
239
MAZZEI CASTELLO DI FONTERUTOLI MIX 36 2008
750
320226
$76
RP 94
119
ALTESINO MONTOSOLI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007
750
92247
$99
RP 94
149
CASTELLO DI BOSSI CORBAIA 2007
750
265553
$63
RP 95
419
CASTELLO DI QUERCETO CIGNALE 2007
750
110726
$70
COL D’ORCIA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007
375
110916
$28
WE 94
359
COL D’ORCIA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007
750
306852
$47
WE 94
299
119
CONTI COSTANTI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007
750
105460
$81
RP 95
239
IL MARRONETO MADONNA DELLE GRAZIE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007
750
149559
$84
RP 96
719
PIAN DELL’ORINO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007
750
308098
$79
RP 97
479
VALDICAVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2006
750
309351
$125
COL D’ORCIA RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2005
750
306951
$80
RP 93
119
COL D’ORCIA POGGIO VENTO RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2004
750
316158
$111
RP 95+
119
PALAZZO RISERVA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2004
750
206375
$81
WS 94
179
SPERI VIGNETO MONTE SANT’URBANO
AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2008
750
205294
$66
WE 94
179
G. CAMPAGNOLA CATERINA ZARDINI RISERVA
AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2006
750
265819
$65
WE 93
119
QUINTARELLI ALZERO 2001
750
716423
$559
239
VILLA RINALDI CORPUS AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA 2000
750
98244
$225
59
119
ITALY – VENETO RED WINE
PORTUGAL RED WINE
FITAPRETA PALPITE RESERVA 2008
750
326645
$36
WE 93
263
QUINTA DA ROMANEIRA RESERVA RED 2008
750
307470
$65
WS 94
119
CASA FERREIRINHA BARCA-VELHA 2004
750
509794
$295
72
VINTAGES
59
PRODUCT
SIZE
(mL)
PRODUCT
NUMBER
PRICE
(per btl.)
•
SCORE
MAY 2013
OPENING
INVENTORY (btls.)
SPAIN RED WINE
CLOS MOGADOR 2010
1500
308825
$229
RP 94-96
24
CLOS D’AGON TINTO 2009
750
329847
$63
RP 94-97
179
209
LAN EDICIÓN LIMITADA 2008
750
581652
$54
WS 93
CONVENTO SAN FRANCISCO 2005
750
206409
$29
RP 93
399
LEALTANZA ARTISTAS ESPAÑOLES GAUDÍ RESERVA 2005
750
122622
$72
RP 93+
149
VINICOLA REAL RESERVA 200 MONGES 2005
750
308775
$58
RP 94
179
BALBAS ALITUS RESERVA 2001
750
331744
$42
WS 93
239
ROTLLAN TORRA TIRANT 2001
750
306977
$109
RP 96-98
119
NORMAN HARDIE CUVEE L PINOT NOIR 2009
750
266858
$69
IWC 91(+?)
119
KACABA RESERVE CABERNET FRANC 2007
750
264127
$44.95
THE FOREIGN AFFAIR CABERNET FRANC 2007
750
330795
$110
WN 93
11
750
662841
$45.95
ES 92
179
750
275396
$78
TM 94
119
ST. HALLETT MATTSCHOSS SINGLE VINEYARD SHIRAZ 2010
750
303388
$54
AWC 95
53
CHATEAU TANUNDA TERROIRS OF THE BAROSSA LYNDOCH SHIRAZ 2009
750
304030
$58
RP 92+
55
CLARENDON HILLS ASTRALIS SYRAH 2009
750
15842
$599
RP 97+
47
CLONAKILLA SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER 2009
750
27367
$107
RP 95+
26
CANADA – ONTARIO RED WINE
119
CANADA – ONTARIO WHITE WINE
TAWSE ROBYN’S BLOCK CHARDONNAY 2010
CANADA – NOVA SCOTIA SPARKLING WINE
BENJAMIN BRIDGE LD MÉTHODE CLASSIQUE RESERVE BRUT
SPARKLING WINE 2005
AUSTRALIA RED WINE
KILIKANOON ORACLE SHIRAZ 2009
750
926816
$75
RP 93+
149
PETER LEHMANN VSV 1885 SHIRAZ 2009
750
303263
$65
AWC 94
44
HENSCHKE TAPPA PASS VINEYARD SELECTION SHIRAZ 2008
750
303354
$112
AWC 94
46
PENFOLDS GRANGE 2007
750
336388
$499
RP 95
149
CHARLES MELTON SHIRAZ 2001
750
951905
$63
RP 91
54
750
305201
$129
RP 95
59
AUSTRALIA WHITE WINE
GIACONDA AEOLIA 2009
VINTAGES
73
PRODUCT SUMMARY
SIZE
(mL)
PRODUCT
NUMBER
PRICE
(per btl.)
SCORE
CHURTON PINOT NOIR 2009
750
ELEPHANT HILL RESERVE SYRAH 2009
750
237164
$39
RP 91+
30960
$45
WS 92
750
37291
$59
RP 92
119
750
305169
$75
RP 93
119
MONTES ALPHA M 2009
750
914580
$89
WS 94
149
CONCHA Y TORO CARMÍN DE PEUMO CARMENERE 2008
750
52209
$119
RP 95
89
COUSINO-MACUL LOTA 2007
750
309732
$87
WE 92
89
MONTES FOLLY 2007
750
62356
$82
RP 95
119
L’AVENTURE ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010
750
253336
$94
DOMINUS 2009
1500
063487
$339
RP 97+
75
DOMINUS 2009
3000
063479
$815
RP 97+
4
DOMINUS 2009
6000
063917
$1745
RP 97+
DUCKHORN MONITOR LEDGE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009
750
273946
$95
DUCKHORN THREE PALMS VINEYARD MERLOT 2009
750
34785
$85
SEQUANA PINOT NOIR 2009
750
309708
$49
SPOTTSWOODE ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009
1500
41335
$310
PRODUCT
OPENING
INVENTORY (btls.)
NEW ZEALAND RED WINE
299
SOUTH AFRICA WHITE WINE
KEN FORRESTER THE FMC CHENIN BLANC 2010
ARGENTINA RED WINE
VIÑA ALICIA CUARZO PETIT VERDOT 2007
CHILE RED WINE
USA – CALIFORNIA RED WINE
STAGLIN FAMILY SALUS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2009
750
302661
$110
ANAKOTA HELENA MONTANA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008
750
181131
$85
179
2
209
WE 95
209
149
RP 97
11
IWC 91-94
359
95
KULETO SYRAH 2008
750
309724
$53
WS 93
119
STAGLIN CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008
750
716258
$222
WS 94
119
TERRA VALENTINE MARRIAGE 2008
750
315978
$95
WE 95
239
THE HESS COLLECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008
750
662015
$59
WS 92
179
ARROWOOD RÉSERVE SPÉCIALE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006
750
64568
$99
RP 93
119
LITTORAI MAYS CANYON CHARDONNAY 2010
750
276725
$75
RP 92-94
119
STAGLIN FAMILY CHARDONNAY 2010
750
302653
$95
RP 92
71
ARROWOOD RÉSERVE SPÉCIALE CHARDONNAY 2008
750
64543
$49
RP 93
113
LEONETTI CELLAR MERLOT 2010
750
298067
$99
WE 95
59
LEONETTI CELLAR RESERVE 2009
750
298075
$189
RP 95
59
USA – CALIFORNIA WHITE WINE
USA – WASHINGTON STATE RED WINE
74
VINTAGES
PRODUCT
SIZE
(mL)
PRODUCT
NUMBER
PRICE
(per btl.)
SCORE
•
MAY 2013
OPENING
INVENTORY (btls.)
FORTIFIED WINE PORT
DELAFORCE VINTAGE PORT 1994
750
163063
$70
RH 91
209
FONSECA GUIMARAENS VINTAGE PORT 1995
750
326736
$81
JR 16.5 (out of 20)
239
BRUICHLADDICH 1989 21 YEAR OLD BLACK ART
700
260786
$221
GLENGLASSAUGH 26 YEAR OLD HIGHLAND
SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY 1985
700
306225
$335
PAPPY VAN WINKLE’S 23-YEAR-OLD KENTUCKY
750
314336
$255
8
PAPPY VAN WINKLE’S FAMILY RESERVE 20-YEAR-OLD KENTUCKY
750
923367
$155
8
700
312918
$445
59
SPIRITS SCOTCH WHISKY
299
JH 90
35
SPIRITS AMERICAN WHISKEY
SPIRITS COGNAC
HENNESSY PRIVÉ
VINTAGES
75
Calling all
consigners
It’s that time of
year again.
Time to consider the gems in your cellar
and decide what you’d like to sell at auction.
In 2011-12, VINTAGES realized over
$3.1 million in auction sales, with increased
participation from overseas buyers and
interest in our online option.
We will be hosting online auctions this
year in late summer and winter.
Our live auction will take place again
in the fall. Consignments from the public
will be accepted until June 3rd, 2013.
For more information please contact
[email protected]
Or visit us online vintages.com/auction
16656
V I N TA G E S a u c t i o n
...there are plenty of
VINTAGES hosts many exciting events throughout the
year, ranging from small structured tastings and
intimate dinners to large-scale, walk-around tastings.
successful wines,
among the
top producers
as well as petit châteaux.
— Shari Mogk-Edwards, Vice President,
Merchandising & VINTAGES
Igor Ryjenkov, MW, Product Manager,
VINTAGES European Wines
Best Selection in North America! Order today.
First Growths and Super Seconds available. Look for these
insider’s tips to help make your selections: Buyers’ Choice
and Smart Buys.
For full product list, visit us at vintages.com/bf2011
Order by phone now! Call 416-365-5767 or 1-800-266-4764. First-come, first-served.
VINTAGES Events
ORDER
TICKETS
TODAY
VINTAGES hosts many exciting events throughout the
year, ranging from small structured tastings and
intimate dinners to large-scale, walk-around tastings.
Gambero Rosso
Tre Bicchieri
Walk-around Tasting
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex
25 British Columbia Rd., Exhibition Place, Toronto
Pre-tasting Seminar: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
RSVP: [email protected]
Walk-around Tasting: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
$95 per person
Call 416-365-5767 or 1-800-266-4764
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (excluding holidays)
Visit vintages.com/events for more about our exciting tasting events, or sign up for
VINTAGES Latest e-newsletter for notification of upcoming events. Due to the printing
lead-time for this booklet, we cannot guarantee that tickets will still be available.
•
MAY 2013
ORDERING INFORMATION
ONLINE AND PHONE ORDERING DEADLINE
6:00 pm, Tuesday, May 7, 2013
ORDERING DETAILS
Orders received any time before Tuesday, May 7,
6:00 pm EST will be processed by random selection.
We will confirm your order by phone or email before
post-deadline ordering begins on May 17.
DIRECT SALES ONLINE FORM
Submit your order and make payments online using our
VINTAGES Direct Sales Online form. Sign up for your
Direct Sales Online account at vintagesshoponline.com.
You will need to provide your customer number
(printed on the back cover of your mailed Classics
Collection catalogue, or call 416-365-5767, or
toll-free 1-800-266-4764).
PHONE
Submit your order before the deadline by calling
416-365-5767 or toll free 1-800-266-4764,
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
PER-CUSTOMER LIMITS
We strive to secure enough stock to satisfy all customer orders,
but regret that sometimes customer demand may exceed
supply and products may sell out. In order to distribute products
equitably among customer orders, any over-sold products in
this offer are subject to per-customer limits.
PAYMENT NOTE
To ensure adherence to per-customer limits and maximize
distribution of limited products to our customers, individual
credit cards may only be applied to one order.
Prices are subject to change without notice.
DELIVERY
Upon confirmation and payment of your order, please allow up
to 4-6 weeks for delivery to the LCBO store of your choice.
A store representative will contact you when your order is ready
for pick-up. Please provide your mailed final receipt as proof
of purchase at pick-up. Orders not picked up within 30 days of
notification are subject to cancellation.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE
Please note, we are no longer accepting faxes for Classics orders.
POST-DEADLINE TELEPHONE ORDERING
Starting 8:30 am, Friday, May 17, 2013
After initial processing of online form and phone
orders, general telephone ordering begins at 8:30 a.m.,
Friday, May 17, 2013.
Call VINTAGES at 416-365-5767 or toll-free at
1-800-266-4764 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Remember, not all products will be available by the time
general telephone ordering begins. All phone orders are filled
on a first-come, first-served basis.
Attention CLASSICS Customers
We will be moving soon to a new online format for our Classics Collection.
Once that happens, we will no longer produce printed catalogues. Look for
updates at vintages.com/classics.
78
VINTAGES
Harvesting Sémillon grapes for Sauternes
at Château Suduiraut. Château d’Yquem
sits just beyond. ON THE BACK COVER: The
adornment on this tower at Cos d’Estournel
is as intricate and refined as the wines the
château produces.
Please enjoy responsibly.
3096149
00000
CLASSICS COLLECTION
Department #907
55 Lake Shore Blvd. East
Toronto, Ontario
M5E 1A4

classics - Vintages

Transcription

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