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$38.95
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France
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Alsace
In stock, 12+ available
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Wine Enthusiast: "A soft, almond-flavored wine packed with sweet strawberries. There is good acidity balanced by some caramel and softness, which make this a good bet as an apéritif wine." From 100% Pinot Noir.
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$13.95
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WS 89
RP 88
France
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Bordeaux
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Red
In stock, 12+ available
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List $25.00
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89 points Wine Spectator: "Shows bright, lively red and black currant fruit, with racy spice and graphite notes. Fresh and open-knit on the finish, but keeps your interest. Drink now through 2015. (2012)"
88 points Robert Parker: "[$25 list] The basic cuvee, the 2009 Arnauton, is 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. It exhibits loads of crushed chalky minerality, some jammy berry fruit, good glycerin, medium body, and a clean, fresh, lively finish. It is a little less complex than I’d hoped, but still a fine effort. (Feb 2012)"
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$169.95
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France
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Rhone
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Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
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$585.00
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RP 98
WS 97
IWC 94
France
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Rhone
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Hermitage/Crozes-Hermitage
In stock,
3
available
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List $760.00
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98 points Robert Parker: "There are nearly 1,000 cases of the 2006 Ermitage l’Ermite, another candidate for perfection in a few years. It boasts an inky/ruby/purple color as well as a stunning bouquet reminiscent of a grand cru Musigny from Burgundy. Spring flower, crushed rock, black raspberry, and black currant scents dominate the aromatics of this incredibly pure, full-bodied wine. With laser-like precision and enormous extract and concentration, it comes across as remarkably elegant and fresh with crystal clear focus. A beautiful tour de force from the decomposed granitic soils of this site on the top of the Hermitage mountain, this amazing wine requires a decade of cellaring, and should last for 35 years. (Apr 2009)"
97 points Wine Spectator: "[$380/750ml list] This Northern Rhône red is tightly wound, but also supersleek and racy, with a terrific beam of blackberry and raspberry ganache pushed by graphite, iron and violet notes. Long and extremely precise, with a terrific mouthwatering undertow. Best from 2010 through 2026. 955 cases made. (6/15/09)"
94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Full ruby. A roomfilling bouquet of fresh red and dark berry scents, along with smoked meat, violet, incense and minerals. Wonderfully fresh in the mouth, with vibrant raspberry and black cherry flavors. Gentle tannins rein in the expansive fruit without standing in its way. The finish is all about fruit, with late-arriving notes of black olive and smoky minerals. Extremely sexy now but balanced to age." Organic/biodynamic since 1991 (certified by Biodyvin/Demeter).
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$24.95
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France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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Marsannay Rosé is unique in that Marsannay is the only village appellation in Burgundy that offers the full range of white, red and rosé wines. Bruno Clair's rosé is part of its family history since the owner's grandfather, after returning from the war in 1919, had the idea to vinify the grapes of Pinot Noir into rosé wine for the first time. The success of this original wine was such that it became a specialty of the commune and acquired a certain amount of fame, which spread across France. The characteristics of this rosé are its fruitiness and unique flavors of Pinot Noir.
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$79.89
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FWR 92–95
JG 93
WA 91–93
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
In stock, 12+ available
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List $110.00
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92-95 points Fine Wine Review: "Drouhin’s flagship Beaune-Clos des Mouches is round and powerful with incipient butter notes in the nose. The mouth shows good energy to go with minerality, lemon zest, and white pepper flavors. This wine, too, is very long. (Issue #137; 2013)"
b>93+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2010 Clos des Mouches is going to be a great wine in the fullness of time, and having just drunk the magical 1978 a few years ago, it certainly seems like the second coming of that wine is embodied in this beautiful 2010. The red fruity bouquet is deep, pure and very primary, offering up a classy mix of cherries, a bit of beetroot, woodsmoke, herbs, coffee, a very complex base of soil and a touch of new wood. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very pure on the attack, with a refined, but reserved style, a sappy core and outstanding length and grip on the focused and ripely tannic finish. A great Clos des Mouches in the making. 2018-2050+. (Nov/Dec 2011)"
91-93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "[$110 list] Drouhin's 2010 Beaune Clos des Mouches is a gorgeous wine endowed with considerable depth and richness. Suave tannins provide the backdrop for the fruit in this layered Clos des Mouches. Today the aromas and flavors are a bit reticent; instead it is the wine's texture than stands out most. I will not be surprised if the 2010 ends up considerably better than this note suggests. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. (Feb 2012)"
92 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Moderately saturated bright medium red. Pretty aromas of red raspberry, flowers and crushed stone. Juicy and very pure but youthfully imploded, with a penetrating minerality contributing to the impression of inner-mouth tension. Lovely delicacy and finesse here. The very long, sappy, echoing finish perks up the taste buds. Still a baby, and wonderfully light on its feet. (Mar/Apr 2013)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "Reductive aromas of smoke and earth give way to bright cherry and spice flavors in this red, with lovely texture. Though not powerful, there's a density and texture to the tannins that bodes well for the future. Best from 2016 through 2035. 500 cases imported. (6/15/13)"
92 points Wine & Spirits: "This 35-acre, mid-slope holding in the Clos des Mouches has been part of the Drouhin family domaine since the 1920s. Half pinot noir, it had been farmed organically since 1990, prior to being converted to biodynamics. The vineyard gave a deep, saturated red in 2010; its black cherry flavors have the meatiness of roast squab. Scents of kelp and crushed seashells brighten the wine, bringing out the spicy dynamism in its flavors. Built to cellar. (Oct 2012)"
91 points and 'Outstanding,' Allen Meadows (Burghound): "A ripe and highly complex nose of floral, earth, spice and discreet wood notes all add breadth to the very fresh dark berry fruit aromas. There is good volume to the lush, round and intense medium-bodied flavors that possess a moderately firm tannic spine as well as excellent depth and length. This should require 6 to 9 years of cellar time but be more than capable of holding for years to come. Drink: 2017+. (Apr 2012)"
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$18.95
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France
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Loire
In stock, 12+ available
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Importer notes: "100% Chenin Blanc. The terroir of Montlouis offers great advantages for producing fine, well-balanced, complex Chenin Blanc wine. Using only indigenous yeast, the wine is fermented in tank to accentuate freshness and then aged in 300L French oak barrels for around 12 months. This Montlouis expresses lovely notes of white fruits and white flowers that create a great sensation on the palate. The wine is dry but has a particular richness. Only truly great Loire wines are under FX Barc's selection and signature. Alcohol 13%."
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$119.95
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JG 93
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
Pre-arrival, 12+ available
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93 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2002 Corton 'Renardes' is a really superb example of this vintage and one of the best 2002s I have tasted of late. The wide open and very pure nose delivers a fine mix of red currants, strawberries, cherries, a touch of coriander, incipient notes of bonfire, orange zest and a great base of stony minerality. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, pure and rock solid at the core, with beautiful balance, tangy acids, moderate tannins and a very long, focused and complex finish. Admittedly, this is Corton, which is often one of the most transparent reds in the Côte de Beaune, but I get a strong signature of soil in the 2002 Gaunoux Renardes that is very exciting and often missing in many of the higher pedigree examples of this vintage that I have tasted in the last few years. A beautiful wine that is almost at its plateau of maturity. 2015-2050. (Sep/Oct 2011)"
18/20 points Clive Coates (The Wines of Burgundy): "Good colour. Good stylish, fragrant fruit on the nose. Fullish bodied, rich and balanced, but a bit four-square on the palate. Yet rich and intense on the follow-through. Fine plus. Drink: 2010 to 2025. (Mar 2005)"
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$109.95
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AM 95
JG 94
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
Pre-arrival, 12+ available
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95 points Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from a .63 ha parcel). An overtly sauvage nose features game-inflected aromas of dark berries, plum, floral and earth nuances that also exhibit a hint of smoke. Somewhat unusually, this is also quite finely detailed and while this is openly powerful, it's not at all rustic or tough though it is exceptionally tight and backward at present on the impeccably well-balanced finish. This is even more restrained than the Rugiens and like its stable mate, it's pointless to acquire this without the express intension of forgetting it in your cellar. That said, this offers fantastic upside potential to those who have the patience. Drink: 2030+. (Apr 2012)"
94 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "The 2009 Corton 'Renardes' chez Gaunoux is truly stunning and is a step up from the excellent Grands Épenots in this vintage. The deep and utterly classic nose delivers an exciting blend of cherries, red currants, orange peel, a great base of stony minerality, coriander and other, more exotic spice tones. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very, very transparent, with a rock solid core of fruit, firm, but very refined tannins and stunning length and grip on the focused and very well-balanced finish. 2017-2050. (Nov/Dec 2012)"
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$114.95
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AM 95
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
Pre-arrival, 12+ available
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95 points and 'Outstanding,' Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from a .63 ha parcel). A perfumed and highly complex nose features the classic sauvage character of a fine Renardes with plenty of spice, earth and underbrush nuances present on the very fresh mix of red currant and plum aromas. There is outstanding intensity, richness and concentration to the big-bodied mineral-driven flavors that also display an abundance of palate coating dry extract on the tremendously long finish. This doesn't have the same underlying tension as the Rugiens but it's even longer. A qualitative choice but note that these are two very different wines. Drink: 2025+. (Apr 2012)"
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$99.95
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AM 93
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
Pre-arrival, 12+ available
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93 points and 'Outstanding,' Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from a large 1.74 ha parcel). A fresh, pure and very cool nose offers up aromas of a variety of red berries, earth and a hint of the sauvage that is also reflected by the delicious, intense and broad-shouldered flavors. There is excellent volume but also plenty of underlying tension that imparts a real sense of verve to the long, balanced and highly complex finish. Despite the admirable size and weight this is a bit more refined than usual thanks to the relatively fine-grained tannins. Lovely stuff and well worth considering. Drink: 2022+. (Apr 2012)"
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$109.95
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AM 95
France
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Burgundy
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Cote d'Or Red
Pre-arrival, 12+ available
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93 points and 'Outstanding,' Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from a .69 ha parcel in Rugiens-Bas). There are floral and smoked tea nuances present that add breadth to the beautifully complex earth, wet stone and pure red pinot fruit scents. There is superb intensity and strikingly good detail to the almost pungent mineral-inflected medium-bodied flavors that brim with structure-buffering dry extract, all wrapped in a hugely long and impeccably well-balanced finish. This is a classic Rugiens that combines overt power with refinement. In sum, this is seriously impressive. Drink: 2025+. (Apr 2012)"
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$299.95
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RP 100
JS 96
WE 96
France
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Bordeaux
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Red
In stock,
10
available
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100 points Robert Parker: "One of the more flamboyant and sumptuous wines of the vintage, this inky/purple-colored St.-Julien reveals thrilling levels of opulence, richness and aromatic pleasures. A soaring bouquet of creme de cassis, charcoal, graphite and spring flowers is followed by a super-concentrated wine with silky tannins, stunning amounts of glycerin, a voluptuous, multilayered mouthfeel and nearly 14% natural alcohol. Displaying fabulous definition for such a big, plump, massive, concentrated effort, I suspect the tannin levels are high even though they are largely concealed by lavish amounts of fruit, glycerin and extract. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040. (Feb 2012)"
96 points James Suckling: "Gorgeous aromas of blueberries and blackberries, with flowers and minerals. Full body, with silky tannins and a bright acidity on the finish. Tangy and chewy. Muscular. Try in 2018. (2/27/12)"
96 points Wine Enthusiast: "An immensely structured wine, packed with dark tannins promising aging potential. It is complex, powerful, layered with new wood and concentration, finishing with dark plum fruits and acidity. (Feb 2012)"
95 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(a blend of 62.5% cabernet sauvignon, 29% merlot, 6% petit verdot and 2.5% cabernet franc): Bright medium ruby. Classic Saint-Julien aromas of cassis, licorice, tar, minerals and dark chocolate. Lush, sweet and powerful, with a superb glyceral texture to the dark berry and dark chocolate flavors. Huge wine but not at all heavy. The extremely long, echoing finish features utterly noble tannins that saturate the front teeth. Offers a show-stopping combination of sweetness and structure. Built for three decades of life in bottle. (Jul/Aug 2012)"
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$14.95
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WS 89
France
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Bordeaux
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Red
In stock, 12+ available
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List $30.00
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89 points Wine Spectator: "[$30 list] Very solid, with fresh red currant, plum and raspberry fruit stitched with lively iron and floral notes. A nice pebbly flash on the finish adds a mouthwatering hint. Drink now through 2015. 400 cases imported. (5/31/12)"
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$23.95
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France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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50% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, 15% Tibouren. This rosé is one of the finest wines of the Côtes de Provence appellation. With its magnificent location in the center of the Saint-Tropez peninsula, the Minuty Château was acquired by the Matton-Farnet family in 1936. This vineyard gained "Cru Classe" status in 1955 and has remained one of Provence's flagship estates ever since. Its 65 hectares are traditionally cultivated (no herbicides, no pesticides) to allow the full expression of traditional Provence varieties in the terroir of this exceptionally sunny region. Truly the taste of summer, this light, refreshing and versatile wine pairs well with light fare, from pastas, cheeses, grilled seafood, poultry and pork as well as seasonal vegetable dishes.
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$24.95
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WS 90
France
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South of France
In stock, 12+ available
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List $28.00
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90 points Wine Spectator: "[$28 list] Refined and elegant, offering pure and concentrated flavors of dried red berry, tangerine and melon. The focused finish features flint and spice notes, with a hint of cream. Drink now. (6/15/13)"
This wiine is the first release from Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's Provence estate, Château Miraval, and is possibly the most anticipated release of a rosé ever seen. Made in partnership with the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel and featuring a distinctive Champagne punt design, it comes from a blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah and Rolle (aka Vermentino). It was made using a combination of direct pressing and the saignée method and vinified primarily in stainless vats. Roughly 5% was fermented in oak barrels to give the wine added richness. All grapes for this wine are grown using organic techniques.
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$39.95
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WA 90
France
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Bordeaux
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Sweet
In stock, 12+ available
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List $50.00
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$24.95
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IWC 90
RR 89
France
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Rhone
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Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
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List $42.00
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90 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(75% grenache blanc and 25% clairette): Pale gold. Ripe pear and jasmine aromas are complicated by licorice and white pepper. Broad, fleshy and dry, with very good depth and grip to its orchard fruit and lemon rind flavors. Expands nicely on the finish, which features notes of honeysuckle and bitter quinine. This wine will be extremely flexible at the table. (Jan/Feb 2012)"
89 points Rhone Report: "A quality Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, the 2009 Perrin & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Les Sinards is a blend of 75% Grenache Blanc and 25% Clairette. It exhibits a light, yet classy bouquet of white peach, lemon rind, hay, subtle honey, and fennel that carry into medium-bodied, elegant white that has good richness, juicy acidity, and plenty of length on the finish. It can be consumed now, or cellared for 5-6 years. (Mar 2012)"
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$89.95
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WS 100
RP 99
BD 95
France
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Bordeaux
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Sweet
In stock,
6
available
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'Wine of the Year (2004)' and 100 points Wine Spectator: "Like lemon curd on the nose, turning to honey and caramel. Full-bodied and very sweet, with fantastic concentration of ripe and botrytized fruit, yet balanced and refined. Electric acidity. Lasts for minutes on the palate. This is absolutely mind-blowing. This is the greatest young Sauternes I have ever tasted. Best after 2010. (9/15/04)"
99 points Robert Parker: "A monumental effort, the 2001 Rieussec boasts a light to medium gold color in addition to a fabulous perfume of honeysuckle, smoky oak, caramelized tropical fruits, creme brulee, and Grand Marnier. The wine is massive and full-bodied yet neither over the top nor heavy because of good acidity. With intense botrytis as well as a 70-75-second finish, this amazing Sauternes will be its apogee between 2010-2035. (Jun 2004)"
95 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "This has a monumental body matched in rich sweetness. Enormous length, considerable promise. Drink: 2011 up to 2030. (2011)"
19/20 points Margaret Rand (The World of Fine Wine): "(13.5%) Concentrated roasted fruit, a real gravestones (sun on granite) botrytis flavor--very pure, intense. Will last for years. Classic stuff. Very rich but balanced; mineral, with great finesse balancing the weight and concentration. (Issue 34; 2011)"
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$89.95
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WS 98
RP 98
BT 96
France
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Bordeaux
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Sweet
In stock,
6
available
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'Top 100 Wine of 2004 (#9)' and 98 points Wine Spectator: "Gorgeous aromas of honey, passion fruit, mango and candied lemon rind. Full-bodied and ultraconcentrated, yet balanced and refined. It lasts for minutes on the palate. This has just about everything in the right place. Stunning. Best after 2009. (9/15/04)"
98 points Robert Parker: "A prodigious effort, possibly the finest Suduiraut since 1959, the medium gold-colored 2001 offers notes of creme brulee, caramelized citrus, Grand Marnier, honeysuckle, and other exotic fruits as well as a pleasant touch of oak. With terrific acidity, a voluptuous/unctuous palate, and sweet, powerful flavors buttressed by crisp acidity, it is a phenomenal Sauternes. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2040. (Jun 2004)"
96 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "Eye-catching bright golden -yelow color. Well constructed, with exceptional balance between richness and freshness and a noble and complex finish. A very beautiful 2000. Drink: 2011 up to 2030. (2011)"
95 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Medium yellow-gold. Flamboyantly ripe, complex nose combines pineapple, apricot, toffee, clove and vanilla. Hugely sweet and rich, with deep, powerful flavors of honey, marzipan and toffee. A major mouthful of wine, with great lingering sweetness. Today, this makes the Rieussec seem almost polite by comparison. (Jul/Aug 2004)"
93 points Wine & Spirits: "The brilliance of the 2001 vintage in Sauternes is apparent from the color and the classical scent of sweet William in this youthful wine. It matches the smokiness of botrytis to the nerve of acidity, in combination, they feel like an electric current running through the round, supple, honeyed nectarine flavors. Castelnau comes mainly from one sector of the estate, a different selection from Suduiraut. The finesse of the wine is already apparent, but it will need years to mellow and fulfill its potential. (Oct 2006)"
19/20 points La Revue du Vin de France: "Biggest accomplishment of the vintage. Lots of finesse and elegance, with aromas of fresh fruit, lightly exotic, and without any premature evolution. Generous in the mouth, fat, and sweet, it keep its freshness and airy lightness. (Jan 2011)" 'Wine of the Year (2004)' and 100 points Wine Spectator: "Like lemon curd on the nose, turning to honey and caramel. Full-bodied and very sweet, with fantastic concentration of ripe and botrytized fruit, yet balanced and refined. Electric acidity. Lasts for minutes on the palate. This is absolutely mind-blowing. This is the greatest young Sauternes I have ever tasted. Best after 2010. (9/15/04)"
99 points Robert Parker: "A monumental effort, the 2001 Rieussec boasts a light to medium gold color in addition to a fabulous perfume of honeysuckle, smoky oak, caramelized tropical fruits, creme brulee, and Grand Marnier. The wine is massive and full-bodied yet neither over the top nor heavy because of good acidity. With intense botrytis as well as a 70-75-second finish, this amazing Sauternes will be its apogee between 2010-2035. (Jun 2004)"
95 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "This has a monumental body matched in rich sweetness. Enormous length, considerable promise. Drink: 2011 up to 2030. (2011)"
19/20 points Margaret Rand (The World of Fine Wine): "(14%) Very concentrated, intense, burned, and slightly hot. A very intense wine--one for sipping rather than for drinking. Rich and enormous and very powerful. Very, very good, though its size slightly masks how good it is; perhaps it will need another 10-15 years to really show its quality. (Issue 34; 2011)"
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$17.95
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France
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Loire
In stock, 12+ available
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