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$61.95
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WS 94
France
-
Rhone
-
Cote Rotie
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $70.00
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94 points Wine Spectator: "[$70 list] This has heft, but also superb definition, thanks to the mouthwatering cocoa and anise accents that line the layered flavors of crushed plum, braised fig and boysenberry fruit. The long finish courses with charcoal and alder wood notes. A great example of the more muscular style, this should age beautifully. Best from 2013 through 2025. 25 cases imported. (9/30/12)"
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$61.95
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WS 94
France
-
Rhone
-
Cote Rotie
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $70.00
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94 points Wine Spectator: "[$70 list] Gorgeous cocoa and bitter espresso aromas and flavors slowly give way to dark, steeped currant, plum and blackberry fruit notes, while the back end struts with ample charcoal and singed bay leaf accents. Riveting acidity runs underneath it all. Best from 2013 through 2025. 75 cases imported. (10/15/12)"
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$79.95
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WE 95
WS 94
RP 92
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock,
1
available
|
List $92.00
|
95 points Wine Enthusiast: "One of the big names of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and this wine justifies the fame of the Perrin family’s property. It is a rich style, but, more importantly, it is beautifully made, structured, dense, with red jelly fruits, a touch of vanilla and a fat, full-bodied, but firm aftertaste. This is a wine for aging...give it at least five years before touching it. (12/31/05)"
94 points Wine Spectator: "[$90 list] Young and tight, with garrigue and roasted game aromas peeking out from a core of ripe black currant, plum and fig fruit. Lots of toast tobacco and iron as well. The finish is well-endowed with tannins, but they are ripe and pure. Best from 2008 through 2025. Highly Recommended. (5/31/06)"
92+ points Robert Parker: "The 2003 Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape turned out as well as I could have hoped and is certainly an outstanding wine, deep ruby/purple with a tight but promising nose of black fruits, loamy, earthy notes intermixed with pepper, smoke, licorice, and dried herbs. The wine is somewhat closed in the mouth (but it had been bottled 30 days prior to my visit), has full bodied, moderately high, slightly rustic tannins, but big-impact flavors with plenty of texture, density, and purity. Give this wine 3-5 years of bottle age, and drink it over the following 20 years. (Feb 2006)"
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Dark red. Vibrant raspberry, blackberry, floral and spice aromas convey impressive purity and freshness. Supple and sweet, with deep red fruit flavors, hints of floral pastille and baking spices and gentle tannins. This wine has more grenache than usual for the property, which makes it one of the most graceful (despite the hot vintage) wines I've had from the Perrins. Clean and energetic on the finish, which echoes the red fruit and floral qualities. (Dec 2008)"
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$79.95
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WS 96
RR 96
RP 94
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $120.00
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96 points Wine Spectator: "[$120 list] One of the more endowed 2009s, this is packed with dark smoldering cocoa, mesquite, tobacco and roasted fig notes, all inlaid with pure cassis and plum preserves fruit flavors. Long and authoritative on the finish, with singed vanilla bean and tar notes adding length and dimension. Best from 2015 through 2026. (2/29/12)"
96 points Rhone Report: "The 2009 Chateau de Beaucastel Chateauneuf-du-Pape had just been bottled at the time of the tasting but you wouldn't know it by tasting it. A blend of 30% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, and 20% assorted varieties, the wine delivers a superb aromatic display of kirsch and black cherry-like fruits to go with a solid dose of underlying meat, truffle, earth, and leather. Full-bodied and gorgeously concentrated through the middle, with fleshy, ripe fruit, good acidity, and an abundance of structure, this will ideally be left alone for 7-8 years and then consumed over the following two decades. (Sep 2011)"
94 points Robert Parker: "The 2009 Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape is reminiscent of their brilliant 1985. It will be one of the rare Beaucastels that is drinkable upon release. Made from this estate’s classic blend, it possesses soft tannins as well as a silky, open-knit seductiveness, a dense plum/purple color and a beautiful perfume of smoky Provencal herbs intermixed with grilled steak juices, garrigue, kirsch and blue as well as black fruits. The wine is full-bodied, unctuously textured, and silky smooth (the latter characteristic being somewhat atypical for a young Beaucastel). If it performs like the 1985, it will drink well young and continue to do so for 25 or more years. (Oct 2011)"
93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(30% each of grenache and mourvedre and 10% each of counoise and syrah, with the balance spread across the other nine permitted varieties): Bright ruby. Perfumed, expressive aromas of red and dark berry preserves, smoky herbs and lavender, with a touch of licorice adding depth. Fleshy and supple in texture, offering intense black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors lifted by a spicy quality. Shows the richness of the vintage but carries no excess fat. The finish lingers with impressive tenacity and echoes the floral and smoke notes. (Jan/Feb 2012)"
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$74.95
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RR 96
IWC 94
RP 92–94
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $120.00
|
5 stars, 19.5/20 points, Decanter: "A mix of 1989 and '90; a muscular wine with grip, will become gracious. Curvier than 2009. Drink: 2016-2039. (May 2012)"
96 points Rhone Report: "[$120 list] Showing consistently with the barrel review, the 2010 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape (30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, and the remainder an assortment of varieties) is a classic Beaucastel that has both richness and elegance. Showing loads of black cherry, new leather, licorice, pepper, and hints of flowers on the nose, this full-bodied, structured, yet surprisingly elegant and polished 2010 has fantastic purity of fruit, superb balance, and knockout length. Showing more and more structure with air, this needs 3-5 years of bottle age, and should evolve gracefully for upwards of two decades or more. (Sep 2012)"
94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "[$120 list] Bright ruby. Sexy, spice- and mineral-accented aromas of red and dark fruit preserves and garrigue. Juicy and expansive on the palate, offering vibrant black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors, a hint of smokiness and intense minerality. Tannins come on late and are quickly sucked up by this wine's intense fruit. Rich and lively, with excellent finishing clarity and length. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
92-94+ points Robert Parker: "The Chateau Beaucastel 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape is a classic blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise and the balance other permitted varietals. Surprisingly ripe and soft with a dense ruby/purple color as well as lots of blueberry, scorched earth and blackberry notes intermixed with hints of roast beef and bouquet garni, this wine has structure, but the fruit dominates at present. By the standards of most top vintages of Beaucastel, this cuvee will be drinkable earlier than the normal ten years. I suspect it will put on more weight, so give it 5-6 years of cellaring and drink it over the following three decades. (Oct 2011)"
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$63.95
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WS 94
RP 91
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock,
1
available
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|
94 points Wine Spectator: "Big wine, with a wall of structure around a core of black currant, blackberry and fig fruit. Plenty of exotic spice, dark chocolate, licorice and graphite notes skitter in the background, with a long finish that drips with fruit. Best from 2008 through 2025. (4/30/06)"
91 points Robert Parker: "A brilliant wine, the dark ruby/purple colored 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits a distinctive and possibly controversial nose of spearmint and eucalyptus intermixed with melted black chocolate, roasted meats, and plenty of herbs and black cherry liqueur. It is deep, fleshy, full-bodied, and savory. I would drink this wine over the next decade without hesitation. (Feb 2006)"
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$59.95
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WS 94
IWC 92
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock,
4
available
|
List $80.00
|
94 points Wine Spectator: "[$80 list] Dense and chewy, but with ripe, well-rounded tannins carry the black currant, fig paste, coffee and black licorice notes. The finish shows nicely buried acidity and a long mineral streak. Best from 2009 through 2025. 500 cases made. (4/30/08)"
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "($80 list) Deep ruby. Wildly aromatic, complex bouquet of fresh raspberry, cherry, garrigue and smoked meat. Deep and sweet, offering fleshy red and dark berry liqueur flavors along with candied licorice, beef blood and succulent herbs. This is extremely complex and finishes with outstanding clinging persistence. Put this one away to sleep."
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$53.95
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IWC 93
WS 93
France
-
Rhone
-
Cote Rotie
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $70.00
|
93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "[$70 list] Inky purple. Intense aromas of blackberry, licorice, violet and bitter chocolate, with a bright mineral overtone. Dense, sappy and vibrant, with impressive energy to its black fruit compote, licorice and violet pastille flavors. Finishes with lively acidity, insinuating spiciness and broad, youthfully chewy tannins. This is definitely built for the long haul. (Mar/Apr 2013)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "[$70 list] A textbook version, displaying a slightly gutsy feel to the full-bodied currant, blackberry and dark cherry fruit laced with tangy iron, singed bay leaf and dark olive notes. The taut, minerally finish will need some time to round into form. Rock-solid and worth cellaring. Best from 2013 through 2024. 100 cases imported. (9/30/12)"
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$54.95
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IWC 93
RR 93
RP 92
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $70.00
|
93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Vivid ruby. Aromas of cherry and boysenberry are complemented by notes of lavender and violet and lifted by a spicy topnote. At once rich and energetic, with very good depth to its sappy black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors. An intense spicy quality builds with air and carries through a very long, seductively sweet finish. (Jan/Feb 2012)"
93 points Rhone Report: "Coming all from the sandy soils in the La Guigasse lieu-dit and fermented with 100% whole-cluster, the 2009 Chapelle St. Theodoric Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Guigasse is a gorgeous Chateauneuf-du-Pape that is only a slight notch below the le Grand Pin. Taking the full evening to open up and show at its best, it delivers a perfumed, complex bouquet of kirsch, dried licorice, roasted garrigue, mineral, and lavender that flows to a full-bodied, seamlessly constructed wine. More elegant and finesse-driven than powerful, this nevertheless doesn.t lack for intensity and has superb concentration, excellent focus, and silky, lengthy finish. While showing well now, this should be even better with 3-4 years of bottle age and have upwards of two decades of overall longevity. (Jun 2012)"
92+ points Robert Parker: "[$70 list] The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Guigasse exhibits a dark ruby color along with a distinctive nose of roast meat, kirsch, black raspberries, lavender and licorice. Fuller-bodied, denser and firmer than Les Sablons, it represents a more virile, masculine style of wine. Layered and full, it needs 2-3 years of cellaring, and should age well for 15 years. (Oct 2011)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "A very perfumy, enticing style, with toasted anise, cardamom and black tea notes up front, followed by silky blackberry and raspberry fruit and a long, graphite-filled finish. Latent grip at the very end bodes well for the cellar. A new project from Baptiste Grangeon of Domaine de Cristia. Best from 2013 through 2022. 100 cases imported. (2/29/12)"
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$63.95
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RP 95
RR 95
IWC 93
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
95+ points Robert Parker: "The most backward and meaty of this trio is the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape La Guigasse. Another 'locked and loaded,' potentially legendary Chateauneuf du Pape from this lieu-dit, it possesses the highest level of tannins and more acidity than its siblings. Aromas of beef blood, smoked meats, charcuterie, raspberries and black cherries soar from this full-bodied, superb effort. While nearly too exotic and kinky, its length, richness, full-bodied mouthfeel and multidimensional personality result in a sensational Chateauneuf du Pape that I adored. Forget it for 3-5 years and drink it over the following two decades. (Oct 2012)"
95 points Rhone Report: "More rich and backwards than the Les Sablons, with an age-worthy feel, the 2010 Chapelle St. Theodoric Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Guigasse (100% Grenache from the La Guigasse lieu-dit) has a blackberry and cassis slant to its fruit, with additional minerality, pepper, and licorice qualities developing with air. Similarly styled on the palate, with a full-bodied, concentrated texture, upfront structure, and no shortage of length, this impressive Grenache needs 4-5 years of bottle age to fully flesh out, and should age effortlessly. (Sep 2012)"
93 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Vivid ruby-red. A wild, intensely perfumed bouquet displays scents of red fruit liqueur, garrigue, floral oils and smoky minerals. Sappy and penetrating, with intense red fruit and lavender pastille flavors and a hint of licorice. Shows a musky, herbal touch on the gently tannic finish, whiche leaves sweet raspberry and cherry notes behind. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
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$79.95
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RR 96
RP 95
IWC 94
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock,
4
available
|
List $90.00
|
96 points Rhone Report: "[$90 list] A spectacular Châteauneuf-du-Pape and easily my favorite of the bunch, the 100% Grenache 2009 Chapelle St. Theodoric le Grand Pin comes all from the sandy soils of the le Grand Pin parcel (borders the Rayas lieu-dit) and is aged in larger, 600-Liter demi-muids. A joint venture with importer Peter Weygandt and vinified by Baptiste Grangeon of Domaine du Cristia, it displays a transparent ruby color that leads to an ethereal array of kirsch liqueur, white pepper, melted licorice, and sappy, floral aromas on the nose. Grenache at its finest, this full-bodied beauty is pure silk on the palate, showing an elegant, seamless, and yet weightless texture, perfect balance, and fine-grained, polished tannin that frames the lengthy, heady finish. It will drink well for upwards of two-decades and Grenache lovers should not miss this! (Jun 2012)"
95 points Robert Parker: "[$90 list] My highest score goes to the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Grand Pin. This impressive, deep ruby-colored, broad wine offers oodles of kirsch liqueur, black raspberry, sweet herb and meat broth-like characteristics, impressively sweet tannin, a full-bodied mouthfeel and stunning purity as well as length. Enjoy this 100% Grenache over the next 15+ years. This is a joint project between importer Peter Weygandt and Baptiste Grangeon of Domaine du Cristia. In essence, its aim is to showcase three totally different terroirs in Chateauneuf du Pape. The wines are made from biodynamically farmed parcels of sandy-based vineyards (Guigasse, Le Grand Pin and Les Sablons) and are bottled without fining or filtration. Les Sablons is aged in old, small oak barrels and the Guigasse and Grand Pin in larger 600-liter demi-muids. Yields for all three terroirs came in at an amazingly low 14 hectoliters per hectare (because of the drought in 2009 and the flowering problems with the Grenache in 2010). These are all remarkable efforts of extraordinary elegance and finesse that, stylistically, come closer to the styles one sees from nearby Chateau Rayas and further north, Domaine Charvin. (Oct 2011)"
94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Full, bright ruby. Explosive, seductively perfumed scents of fresh red berries, incense and Asian spices. Sappy, palate-staining raspberry and cherry flavors show both power and vivacity, with notes of star anise and candied lavender coming up with air. Finishes silky, sweet and impressively long, the floral and cherry notes echoing. I underrated this wine last year. (Jan/Feb 2012)"
94 points Wine Spectator: "Very dark and lush, with loads of blueberry compote, açaí berry, Black Forest cake and mulled spice flavors all framed by roasted vanilla bean and melted licorice snap notes. Polished and dense through the finish, with nice latent grip for the cellar. A great combination of power and finesse. A new project from Baptiste Grangeon of Domaine de Cristia. Best from 2013 through 2024. 100 cases imported. (2/29/12)"
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$99.95
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RP 97
RR 97
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock,
3
available
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|
97 points Robert Parker: "The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Grand Pin is prodigious. It is somewhat reminiscent of the 1990 Rayas, and, as I said last year, 'It’s a Rock and Rhone legend' as well as 'locked and loaded.' Now that it’s in bottle, it seems to have put on even more weight and richness. The lavender, kirsch, raspberry, pepper and garrigue aromatics offer considerable fireworks. This full-bodied, brilliantly concentrated 2010 is a lesson in how to produce high alcohol, strikingly powerful wines with elegance, freshness and precision. Another tour de force, it admirably demonstrates the extraordinary ability of Grenache to deliver levels of complexity and richness that are largely unequaled in the wine world. Le Grand Pin has more structure than Les Sablons, and will benefit from several more years of bottle age. It should age effortlessly for 15-20 years. (Oct 2012)"
97 points Rhone Report: "Absolutely brilliant and my favorite of the lineup, the 2010 Chapelle St. Theodoric Châteauneuf-du-Pape le Grand Pin comes from a single plot of old Grenache vines located next to the Rayas lieu-dit. From sandy soils and aged all in neutral demi-muids, it gets a 'Wow' in my notes and boasts fabulous aromas and flavors of kirsch liqueur, crushed flowers, stems, pepper, and an almost gunpowder-like minerality. Every bit as good on the palate, with a seamless, powerful, and concentrated feel, this full-bodied Châteauneuf-du-Pape firms up beautifully on the finish and has masses of finely polished tannin adding length. Count me impressed and this is singing now, but it needs 4-5 years to hit its stride, and will drink well for two decades or more. (Sep 2012)"
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$58.95
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RP 95
WS 94
IWC 94
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $75.00
|
95 points Robert Parker: "[$75 list] The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape (which tips the scales around 15% natural alcohol) is a great example of traditional Chateauneuf du Pape winemaking. A dense dark ruby color is followed by a sexy nose of raspberries, ground pepper, spice box, damp earth, kirsch and dark currants. Full-bodied, complex, elegant and already irresistible as the tannins have completely melted away, it can be drunk now and over the next 15+ years. (Oct 2011)"
94 points Wine Spectator: "This is very well-built, with a range of apple wood and toasted spice notes framing the core of crushed plum, blackberry and cassis. Dusty structure give a long and grippy feel through the finish, while a tarry edge emerges on the back end. More oomph than usual for this estate, but it's all inlaid with fresh acidity and minerality for balance. Best from 2014 through 2025. 500 cases imported. (2/29/12)"
94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Ruby-red. Highly perfumed bouquet evokes candied red fruits, potpourri and allspice, with notes of licorice and white pepper adding complexity. Shows excellent clarity and power on the palate, offering juicy raspberry and cherry flavors and a sexy touch of candied flowers. The very pure, incisive finish lingers with impressive tenacity. (Jan/Feb 2012)"
94 points Rhone Report: "A great vintage for Laurent and showing beautifully from bottle, the 2009 Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape is an energetic, lively red that possesses edgy minerality and rolled stone-like notes to go with licorice, garrigue, flowers, and a core of raspberry and blackberry fruit. Medium to full-bodied and beautifully balanced on the palate, this shows beautiful richness but stays remarkably light and airy without ever being heavy. Loads of fine tannin kicks in on the finish and it should be given 1-3 years of bottle age, and then consumed over the following decade or longer. (Sep 2011)"
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$69.95
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RR 97
RP 95
IWC 95
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
|
|
97 points Rhone Report: "My favorite vintage of this wine to date, the absolutely brilliant 2010 Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape exudes class and purity on both the nose and palate. It has knockout aromatics of sweet red and black fruits, lavender, wild herbs, and searing minerality that flow to a full-bodied, powerful, and concentrated 2010 that has awesome density and richness, yet also stays fresh, ethereal, and light on the palate. It.s winner, yet it needs 4-6 years of bottle age to integrate its tannin; It will thrill for over two decades! (Sep 2012)"
95+ points Robert Parker: "More backward and concentrated, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits a dark ruby/purple color as well as dense, black raspberry, black currant, garrigue, licorice and lavender characteristics. Full-bodied with undeniable elegance, minerality and precision, it needs 2-3 years of cellaring and should keep well for 15-20. (Oct 2012)"
95 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(85% grenache and 5% each of syrah, mourvedre and vaccarese, aged in concrete): Bright purple. Heady red and dark berry preserve and floral aromas, with bright spice and mineral nuances adding vivacity. Concentrated but impressively energetic, offering sappy black raspberry and blueberry flavors that are firmed by zesty minerality. Smoothly plays richness off finesse, finishing on a resonating note of candied flowers. (Jan/Feb 2013)"
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$94.95
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France
-
Rhone
-
Hermitage/Crozes-Hermitage
In stock,
7
available
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$78.95
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WS 93
IWC 92
France
-
Rhone
-
Other
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $98.00
|
93 points Wine Spectator: "[$98 list] Dense, with a impressive tannic coating to the chestnut, tobacco, pastis, mulled currant and blackberry fruit flavors. There's a smoldering charcoal note on the finish, with the grip nicely integrated. You'd never guess this as a 2008. A terrific effort for the vintage. Best from 2012 through 2022. 163 cases imported. (10/15/11)"
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "[$98 list] Deep ruby. A complex bouquet offers raspberry, cherry pit, violet and spice cake, with an intense mineral quality. Deeper, darker fruits on the palate, along with suggestions of allspice and licorice pastille. Shows fine-grained tannins and tangy mineral spine, with a suave blend of richness and vivacity. The very persistent finish is taut and focused, with lingering licorice and spice nuances. (Jan/Feb 2011)"
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$54.95
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IWC 91
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock,
3
available
|
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91 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Medium red. Exotic aromas of red berries, sandalwood, pepper and garrigue Dense, supple and chewy but also impressively vibrant and perfumed in the mouth, with sharply delineated flavors of pepper and spice. Almost shockingly showy and aromatic today. But the wine's slightly edgy tannins suggest that it needs at least a few years of additional bottle aging. (Jan/Feb 2004)"
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$86.95
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RP 94
RR 93
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $105.00
|
94 points Robert Parker: "Another shocker in the best sense is the 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape La Combe des Fous. As I wrote last year, this is one of the most complex and concentrated wines of the vintage. An extraordinary perfume of white chocolate, roasted Provencal herbs, lavender, licorice, black cherries and sweet black currants is followed by a broad, expansively flavored wine with a superb full-bodied texture, terrific purity and a 40+ second finish. In fact, the tannins are such that 1-2 years of bottle age may be beneficial. This 2008 should evolve for 15 years. It is almost impossible to believe that something like this could have been achieved in this vintage. (Oct 2010)"
93 points Rhone Report: "[$105 list] A blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, and 10% Vaccarese, the 2008 Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Combe des Fous is silky and elegant, especially when compared to the Deus-Ex Machina.s brawny profile. Subtle licorice, meat, and underbrush notes follow deep red and black fruits on the nose. These lead to a structured, medium to full bodied wine that.s beautifully balanced, textured and long. This is drinkable now but given the balance and solid underlying structure, should easily last for 10 to 12 years. Note, this bottle had been open for a day prior to tasting. (Aug 2010)"
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$54.95
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IWC 90
France
-
Rhone
-
Cote Rotie
In stock,
10
available
|
|
|
90 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "Bright red. Spicy blackcurrant and licorice aromas are complemented by potpourri and smoky minerals and perked up by a hint of black pepper. Deep in dark fruit flavor but in no way heavy, with silky tannins adding support. Gains power on the back end and finishes with lingering notes of kirsch and dark berries. (Jan/Feb 2010)"
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$59.95
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WS 92
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock,
10
available
|
List $76.00
|
|
92 points Wine Spectator: "[$76 list] Beautiful. Thick-textured, ripe, full-bodied, black-colored wine with, a smooth coating of tannins. Delivers mineral, black fruit, mocha, espresso, some smoke, all displayed in a modern package but without overt toasted oak accents. The balance between terroir and ripe fruit is really impressive. So refined, drink it now or hold for a couple of decades. Drink now through 2024. 1,025 cases made. (8/31/03)"
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$59.95
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WS 93
RR 93
IWC 92
France
-
Rhone
-
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
In stock, 12+ available
|
List $76.00
|
93 points Wine Spectator: "[$76 list] This is a stunner, with all the dense, rich layers of raspberry, blackberry and boysenberry fruit the vintage typically delivers, laced with apple wood and licorice, but backed by extra graphite, black tea and ganache notes that sail through the superlong finish. Shows great density and balance. Best from 2015 through 2030. 265 cases made. (6/15/12)"
93 points Rhone Report: "Just bottled at the time of this tasting and much more serious and impressive is the 2009 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Barberini. A blend of mainly Grenache but with a dash of Syrah, all aged in 45% new barrels, it is beautifully fruited and pure on the nose, showing copious blackberry and raspberry-like fruit characteristics to go with meat, saddle leather, spice, and licorice aromas. Just as good on the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied and brilliantly textured, with excellent balance, silky tannin, and a long classically styled, dry finish. It should continue to impress over the coming 12-15 years. (Sep 2011)"
92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(60% grenache, 30% syrah and 10% mourvedre): Brilliant ruby. Pungent, expressive bouquet displays blackberry, boysenberry, cracked pepper and smoky mineral scents, with nuances of vanilla and licorice adding complexity. Broad and sweet but also spicy, with sappy dark berry preserve flavors and a sexy suggestion of candied flowers. Finishes sweet and smooth, with the spice and pepper notes repeating. (Jan/Feb 2012)"
91+ points Robert Parker: "The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Barberini is composed of 60% tank-aged Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre, the latter two components aged in new oak barrels. This is a more modern-styled, backward Chateauneuf with some vanillin poking through. The wine’s dense purple color resembles a Bordeaux more than a southern Rhone. It is a 'love it or leave it' effort with completely different aromatic and flavor profiles than its siblings. With medium to full body, abundant tannin and impressive concentration, it will benefit from 2-4 years of cellaring and should keep for two decades. (Oct 2011)"
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$53.95
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WS 94
RP 94
France
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Rhone
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Other
In stock,
5
available
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List $75.00
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94 points Wine Spectator: "[$75 list] Sleek and tightly wound for now, with a bundle of red licorice, cassis, damson plum and spice notes at the core, pushed by brisk acidity and a lively, chalky edge on the finish. Packed and powerful, but very pure. Best from 2012 through 2020. 100 cases made. (10/15/11)"
94 points Robert Parker: "Even richer, the 2009 Cornas Confidence is a kick-ass wine of huge proportions. Its opaque purple color is followed by sumptuous aromas of ink, blueberries, blackberries and subtle smoke, and it hits the palate with resounding power and flavor authority. In the finish, tannins kick in, and this 2009 needs 7-10 years of cellaring. It will age effortlessly for a quarter of a century or longer. (Dec 2011)"
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$54.95
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RP 96
RR 96
WS 93
France
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Rhone
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Other
In stock,
2
available
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List $69.00
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96 points Robert Parker: "Another gorgeous offering is the 2010 Cornas Confidence. Last year I wrote that this was a 'Cornas on steroids,' and I haven’t changed my mind. This opaque purple-colored 2010 is a massive, rich wine revealing abundant notes of flowers, graphite, blackberry liqueur, creme de cassis, charcoal and forest floor. Layered with a full-bodied mouthfeel, sweet tannin and marvelous richness as well as intensity, this is a stunning Cornas to drink over the next two decades. (Dec 2012)"
96 points Rhone Report: "Just spectacular, the 2010 Domaine Durand Cornas Confidence got a big 'Wow!' in my notes. Locked and loaded with mineral-drenched black raspberries, smoked meats, spice, and licorice-like aromas and flavors, it flows onto the palate with a full-bodied, concentrated, and seamless profile that has no hard edges, brilliant purity, and a blockbuster finish. Count me impressed and this awesome Cornas has the polish to be enjoyable now, yet will easily evolve for 15-20 years. (Mar 2013)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "[$69 list] Engaging, with lively green olive and tobacco aromas, followed by vivacious blackberry, loganberry and plum fruit flavors. A briary frame surrounds the finish, with a chalky hint adding grip and length. Best from 2013 through 2023. 110 cases made. (11/15/12)"
Importer notes: "100% Syrah. Highly complex nose of stone fruits and spices. The mouth is very powerful. The tannins are robust but elegant. This is a wine for cellaring but it can be enjoyed young because of its great delicacy. Accompaniment advise: Red meat, meat casseroles, grilled meat, game, cheeses."
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$84.95
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France
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Rhone
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Hermitage/Crozes-Hermitage
In stock,
4
available
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100% Marsanne from 40 year old vines.
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$84.95
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IWC 91
France
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Rhone
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Hermitage/Crozes-Hermitage
In stock,
4
available
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91 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(100% marsanne) Suave aromas of melon, peach, wet stone and white flowers. Very fresh flavors of spicy pit and soft citrus fruits. Becomes spicier with air, picking up cinnamon and cardamom qualities on the impressively persistent finish. This is balanced for the long haul. (Jan/Feb 2009)"
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