|
|
 |
|
|
$24.99
|
|
|
United States
-
Pinot Noir
-
California
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
The owners of Napa's legendary Screaming Eagle vineyard recently launched 101 Wine Company (dba Jonata), a new winery in the Santa Ynez Valley. The Paring wines are made from the younger vines that aren't quite ready for the Jonata label.
Robert Parker on Jonata: "This remarkable Santa Ynez estate is under the same ownership as Napa Valley’s Screaming Eagle winery. While well-known Bordeaux consultant, Michel Rolland, and Screaming Eagle’s winemaker, Andy Erickson, play important roles at Jonata, the people most responsible for the quality of the wines are owners Charles Banks, Stan Kroenke, and winemaker Matt Dees. Jonata’s debut vintage, the 2004s, were somewhat of a work in progress, but the 2005s convincingly established what compelling wines were about to emerge... this is one of California’s most exciting new wineries."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$24.99
|
|
|
United States
-
Cabernet & Blends
-
California
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
The owners of Napa's legendary Screaming Eagle vineyard recently launched 101 Wine Company (dba Jonata), a new winery in the Santa Ynez Valley. The Paring wines are made from the younger vines that aren't quite ready for the Jonata label.
Robert Parker on Jonata: "This remarkable Santa Ynez estate is under the same ownership as Napa Valley’s Screaming Eagle winery. While well-known Bordeaux consultant, Michel Rolland, and Screaming Eagle’s winemaker, Andy Erickson, play important roles at Jonata, the people most responsible for the quality of the wines are owners Charles Banks, Stan Kroenke, and winemaker Matt Dees. Jonata’s debut vintage, the 2004s, were somewhat of a work in progress, but the 2005s convincingly established what compelling wines were about to emerge... this is one of California’s most exciting new wineries. What they are accomplishing with Bordeaux varietals is mind-boggling."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$14.99
|
|
|
IWC 89
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
|
89 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Green-tinged gold. Impressively complex bouquet evokes pear, Meyer lemon, iodine, smoked meat and toasty lees; this has the nose of a much more expensive wine. Fleshy pear and floral honey flavors are deep and a touch warm, picking up refreshing lime and dusty minerals on the finish. An outstanding value. (Apr 2008)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$14.99
|
|
|
United States
-
Chardonnay
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
|
Producer notes: "The 2008 A to Z Oregon Chardonnay has an expansive aromatic profile of lime blossoms, wet stones, lemon honey, tangerine, guava, granny smith apple and brioche. In the mouth, the wine is bright and intense with good complexity and balance between acid and richness. Classic Oregon steely Chardonnay with a long, clean finish with lingering mineral and citrus notes."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$16.99
|
|
|
IWC 87
United States
-
Pinot Noir
-
Oregon
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $20.00
|
87 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "[$20 list] Bright red. Initially reduced nose opens to display red berry and cracked pepper scents, plus a subtle note of dried rose. Light-bodied, tangy raspberry and cherry skin flavors are firmed by bright acidity and offer good straightforward appeal. Finishes slightly tart, leaving white pepper and bitter cherry notes behind. (Jul/Aug 2010)"
Producer notes: "The 2008 A to Z Oregon Pinot Noir reveals all of the depth, concentration and beauty of the 2008 vintage. Deeply colored with aromas of minerals, red and black cherries, and spice, the wine opens in the mouth with rich, red and blue fruits, dark spice and dusty tannins. Great ripe acidity and tannic structure bring balance to this classic, succulent, intense wine, perhaps the most beautiful Pinot Noir we have made."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$12.99
|
|
|
Spain
-
Red
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
|
Producer notes: "Rivola is brilliant ruby in color with violet highlights. On the nose, the wine is fresh and generously fruity, with impressions of ripe raspberries, strawberries and wild cherries offset by notes of jasmine, spice and mint. The fragrance is confirmed on the palate, which is mellow, fresh and succulent, supported by clean, subtle, sweetly ripe tannins ending in a silky, elegant finish."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$22.99
|
|
|
Italy
-
Piedmont
-
Other
In stock,
5
available
|
|
|
70+ year old vineyard from the hills of Dogliani, south of Barolo. The quality of Dolcetto from this region has been skyrocketing in the last few years, and Anna Maria Abbona's work is a good example of this. Her oldest vines were planted by her grandfather in the thirties, and the vineyards are steep and perfectly exposed. More recently she has become a convert to the doctrine of low yields, and she has joined the elite of Dogliani. Producers in Dogliani take Dolcetto as seriously as producers in Barolo take Nebbiolo. Dolcetto is planted in all the best sites and vinified with great care, which is not always the case with Dolcetto d'Alba. Understand that Dolcetto is not the Beaujolais of Italy. The best modern Dolcettos have inky color, lashings of blueberry fruit, and tannins to match. In fact, the concentration of top Dogliani wines has reached a point where the tannins need to be carefully managed to be pleasant. There are three techniques that help with this -- picking for phenolic ripeness, micro-oxygenation, and oak; Anna Maria is using all three.
|
|
|
|
|
|
$19.99
|
|
|
Italy
-
Piedmont
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
If you want proof that Dolcetto is not 'the Beaujolais of Italy,' pour yourself a glass of Anna Maria Abbona's Maioli, which is 100% Dolcetto. The wine is violet-tinged deep purple, a very inviting color; it smells of violets, Assam tealeaves, and blueberries; and it is a mouth-filling, deep, substantial wine to drink. 'Una bomba,' as they say in Italy, and an excellent food wine; it goes with many red meat dishes, grilled sausages, cheese... The fruit comes from very old vines planted in the '30s by Anna Maria's uncle. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel.
Not yet reviewed; 2007 vintage rated 90 points by Wine Enthusiast: "ich, thick and impressive on all fronts, this Dolcetto from Piedmont offers a smooth texture, creamy consistency and loads of aromatic intensity. You’ll get black fruit, spice, chocolate, cola and cedar. Both complexity and elegance are at hand and the wine is dense, modern and long-lasting."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$42.99
|
|
|
WS 91
United States
-
Cabernet & Blends
-
Washington
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
91 points Wine Spectator: "Ripe, supple and expressive, offering a mouthful of tobacco-accented cherry, currant and floral aromas and flavors that sail effortlessly over modest tannins into the long, balanced finish. Drink now through 2014. 2,800 cases made. (6/15/09)"
San Francisco Chronicle: "A more toast-dominant profile right now than its 60 percent new oak would suggest. But there's cocoa and coffee nuance to it, and a suave kirsch tone amid lots of notably ripe blackberry. Very stylish, but well done. (8/9/09)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$339.99
|
|
|
RP 96
United States
-
Cabernet & Blends
-
California
In stock,
1
available
|
List $400.00
|
|
96+ points Robert Parker: "[$400 list] The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Madrona Ranch is an extraordinary wine that has a European structural profile imposed on the incredibly rich, pure fruit of Napa. Incense, creme de cassis, licorice, toasty oak, and spring flowers are all present in the complex aromatics. In the mouth, the wine is full-bodied, very rich in extract and depth of concentration, but there is a beautiful delineation because of the structural aspects and the sweet tannins, which are present but never aggressive. This is a beauty that should hit its stride in 5-7 years and last for three decades-plus. (Dec 2008)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$249.00
|
|
|
RP 97
United States
-
Cabernet & Blends
-
California
In stock,
1
available
|
|
|
97+ points Robert Parker (The World's Greatest Wine Estates): "The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Madrona Ranch is still an infant, but wow, what upside potential it possesses! A provocative inky/purple color is accompanied by a sumptuous perfume of flowers, wood smoke, licorice, tobacco, blackberries, and cassis. Full-bodied, with perfect harmony, extraordinary concentration, and a 60+ second finish, it should be at its peak between 2011-2030+. (2005)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$199.00
|
|
|
RP 92
United States
-
Cabernet & Blends
-
California
In stock,
1
available
|
|
|
92 points Robert Parker: "A candidate for wine of the vintage, the gorgeous 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Madrona Ranch (93% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) boasts an inky/purple color as well as a sumptuous perfume of violets, blackberries, blueberries, and coffee offered in a medium to full-bodied, supple-textured, accessible style. Unlike Abreu’s biggest vintages, the 2000 is already delicious, and promises to evolve for 12-15 years. (Dec 2003)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$199.00
|
|
|
RP 92
United States
-
Cabernet & Blends
-
California
In stock,
3
available
|
|
|
92 points Robert Parker: "The first release from the 20-acre Thorevilos Vineyard (co-owned by David Abreu and Ric Forman) is the 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Thorevilos, a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. It is a dense, sweet, black currant-flavored effort with hints of scorched earth, cedar, and flowers in the background. Fruit-driven (mostly blue and black fruits), with a Pomerol-like succulence/lushness, it should drink well young, and evolve for 15+ years. (Dec 2003)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$149.00
|
|
|
United States
-
Cabernet & Blends
-
California
In stock,
2
available
|
|
|
Robert Parker (Parker's Wine Buyer's Guide, 7th ed.): "David Abreu is the world-class viticulturist for many of Napa Valley's best-run vineyards, and is an uncompromising perfectionist whose 'take no prisoners' policy and demanding formula for producing top-quality fruit does not always sit well with some people. However, for those seeking great wines, Abreu is the real deal. These are as good as Napa Cabernet Sauvignons can be...monumental examples of wines that will last 25 to 30 or more years. (2008)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$59.99
|
|
|
WS 92
WA 90
Italy
-
Veneto
-
Amarone
In stock,
11
available
|
|
92 points Wine Spectator: "Blackberry jam on the nose, with hints of Indian spices. Full-bodied, with big, chewy tannins, loads of fruit and a long finish. This is rich and wonderful. So hard not to drink now, but will satisfy you more in two or three years. Best after 2012. 1,500 cases made. (7/31/10)"
90 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "Accordini’s 2005 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Acinatico emerges from the glass with generous dark cherries, chocolate, spices, leather and French oak. This is an especially opulent and dense Amarone that should drink nicely upon release. It is a strong effort in a challenging year. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2015. (Oct 2009)"
Bastianich & Lynch (Vino Italiano): "A boutique Amarone producer run by brothers Tiziano and Daniele Accordini. Their 'Acinatico' and 'Il Fornetto' Amarones are examples of the more elegant, more readily drinkable, less extracted style of Amarone. Small production."
|
|
|
|
|
|
$19.99
|
|
|
WS 91
WA 91
Argentina
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $28.00
|
91 points Wine Spectator: "[$28 list] Really vivid, with plum and fig notes laced with a bright violet hint. The lingering finish lets raspberry and pastis notes chime in. Fleshy and concentrated, but pure, with mouthwatering acidity. Drink now through 2010. (7/31/09)"
91 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "The 2008 Malbec spent 9 months in French oak before bottling without fining or filtration. It is a glass-coating opaque purple with a bouquet of toast, violets, spice box, black cherry, and plum. Smooth-textured and sweetly fruited, it has excellent depth, savory flavors, and a lengthy finish. In our current economy, this is an ideal steak house wine. (Aug 2009)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$34.99
|
|
|
WA 92
WS 91
IWC 90
Argentina
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $50.00
|
92 points Jay Miller (Wine Advocate): "The 2007 Quimera is a multi-regional blend of 38% Malbec, 24% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 14% Cabernet Franc aged for 12 months in 40% new French oak before bottling without fining or filtration (as were all of these wines). Purple-colored, it displays an expressive perfume of cedar, scorched earth, violets, black cherry, and black raspberry. Medium- to full-bodied, this mouth-filling blend is sweetly fruited, complex, layered, and rich. It will continue to blossom for another 2-3 years and drink well through 2022. (Aug 2009)"
91 points Wine Spectator: " Racy and pure, with creamy raspberry and boysenberry fruit that's nicely driven from behind by graphite and spice notes. The long, lingering finish lets a black tea note chime in. Delicious. Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2011. (7/31/09)"
90 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "($50 list; 38% malbec, 24% merlot, 24% cabernet sauvignon and 14% cab franc) Full medium ruby. Aromas of crushed blackberry, licorice, chocolatey oak and clove oil. Supple, sweet and full, but with lively acidity giving excellent delineation to the fresh blackberry and spice flavors. With its polished tannins and note of fruity peppercorn, the finish shows excellent lift. (Jan/Feb 2010)"
90 points Wine Enthusiast: "Big, chunky and dark on the bouquet, but not overly fruity and definitely not sweet and raisiny smelling. The palate on this four-grape, Malbec-led blend is robust and forward in acidity, thus the fruit flavors run fast and fresh, with a toasty, lively finish. Juicy, tight and doesn’t wobble. Structured. (12/31/09)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$21.99
|
|
|
United States
-
Cabernet & Blends
-
California
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
|
50% Merlot, 37% Petit Verdot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Sirah, 1% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Franc. Rich in color with beautiful floral aromas on the nose and supple, plummy fruit on the palate. 1,816 cases produced.
|
|
|
|
|
|
$59.00
|
|
|
Italy
-
Piedmont
-
Barolo
In stock,
3
available
|
|
|
Wine Spectator: "Racy, fragrant young wine. Aromas of raspberries, with subtle, smoky and mineral undertones. Full-bodied, yet tight and reserved, with racy tannins and a tart, lively acid backbone. Best after 2003. 330 cases made. (2001)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$17.99
|
|
|
WS 90
RP 89
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock,
10
available
|
List $20.00
|
90 points Wine Spectator: "[$20 list] Ripe and lush, with gorgeous mouthfeel to the pure, racy beam of raspberry ganache, black cherry and blackberry fruit. The finish lets melted licorice, roasted apple wood and spice bread notes flitter on. There's solid depth and length to this. Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. Drink now through 2010. 2,080 cases made. (9/30/09)"
89+ points Robert Parker: "[$20 list] The 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne is a powerhouse. Earthy with a hint of weedy tobacco interwoven with creme de cassis and kirsch, lots of body, and remarkable freshness as well as exuberance, this is a full-bodied red with considerable power (14.5% alcohol), layers, and richness. It will be even better in 1-2 years, and should keep for a decade or more. (Jun 2009)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$23.99
|
|
|
WE 92
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock,
3
available
|
List $35.00
|
|
92 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$35 list] This is still very youthful and primary, with just hints of complexity. Plum and licorice shine brightly in this mouthfilling wine that somehow manages to be muscular yet silky at the same time. Roughly 60% Syrah, 40% Grenache, from vines 35-45 years old. Drink now-2015. (12/15/09)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$23.99
|
|
|
RP 93
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock,
2
available
|
|
|
93 points Robert Parker: "A brilliant blockbuster is the 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne Font d’Estevanas. Composed of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, all from a vineyard planted in 1961, this amazing wine possesses an inky/ruby/purple color in addition to a sweet perfume of black and blue fruits, kirsch, lavender, licorice, spice box, and earth. Transcending its appellation and price point, this is a superb wine that should drink beautifully for 10-15+ years. (Jun 2009)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$13.99
|
|
|
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
|
Denis Alary, according to La Revue du Vin de France's "Le Classement des Meilleurs Vins de France," "produces serious and solid wines...possessing an undeniable charm." The La Gerbaude, from an eponymous parcel within the Cairanne AOC, is a ripe, round, plummy affair made from 75% Grenache, 15% Carignan and 15% Syrah. This is one of those terrific Southern Rhônes you can quaff all day long, with or without food, while wallowing in its seductive, lavender-inflected perfume and lush, opulent texture.
|
|
|
|
|
|
$22.99
|
|
|
France
-
Alsace
In stock,
3
available
|
|
|
Not yet reviewed. 2007 vintage was Los Angeles Times 'Wine of the Week': "A beautiful floral Alsatian Gewürztraminer like this one can hold its own with the myriad flavors... Spicy and a touch sweet, the 2007 Albert Mann Gewürztraminer has a lithe acidity and a fresh, delightful finish. This inexpensive beauty comes from one of Alsace's top estates and a family of winegrowers whose history goes back to the 17th century. (11/25/09)"
|
|
|
|
|
|
$16.99
|
|
|
France
-
Alsace
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
|
Pale straw in color. Floral fruit aromas with notes of pear, melon and green apple. Medium- to full-bodied with a nice balance between refreshment and creaminess of texture.
|
|
